Coupled Side-by-side Patents (Class 297/248)
  • Patent number: 7377586
    Abstract: A modular seat back assembly includes first and second seat backs adjacent each other. The seat backs are selectively positionable relative to each other in a first and a second seating arrangement. A coupling member extends from the first seat back to the second seat back and is mounted to the first and second seat backs. The first and second seat backs each present one of a first pair of coupling bases and one of a second pair of coupling bases. The first pair is configured such that the coupling member is mountable to both of the first pair in the first seating arrangement. The second pair is configured such that the coupling member is mountable to both of the second pair in the second seating arrangement. The configuration of the first and second pair of coupling bases enables interchangeability of the seat backs in a cross-vehicle direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventor: Jonathan A. Evans
  • Patent number: 7347493
    Abstract: A composite assembly of furniture units each have a solo utilization, which can be seating surface area or table top surface area. The furniture units are made with an irregular contoured surface. When the irregular surface of a first furniture unit is brought in proximity to the irregular surface of a second furniture unit, the composite assembly assumes a joint utilization which differentiates from the solo utilization of the furniture units. The joint utilization of the composite assembly enlarges seating surface area or the table top surface area over the solo utilization. The furniture units are versatile because each can be used in its solo configuration or combined into the composite assembly for other uses. A mechanical coupling mechanism is used to secure the furniture units in the composite assembly configuration. The mechanical coupling can be a latch, magnetic plate, bracket, or rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Dodaz, Inc.
    Inventor: Theresa A. Mulmed
  • Patent number: 7344193
    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: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Inventors: Cheryl A. Carrier, Daniel R. Carrier
  • Publication number: 20070246981
    Abstract: The present invention provides an aircraft passenger seat assembly that includes: (a) first and second seats selectively movable between upright and reclined positions and adapted for being positioned beside and at inwardly-facing angles relative to each other; (b) a center console having a relatively wide aft end and a relatively narrow forward end for being positioned between the first and second seats; and (c) the relatively wide aft end of the center console including first and second foot wells therein adapted to permit the feet of a passenger seated in an aft-positioned first or second seat to extend therein when the aft-positioned first or second seat is in the recline position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Publication date: October 25, 2007
    Applicant: BE Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventor: Tommy George Plant
  • Patent number: 7267403
    Abstract: A foldable seat for a bleacher seating arrangement includes a mounting frame fixedly attached to or secured to a deck or platform of the bleacher seating arrangement, a seat portion attached to the mounting frame, and a back portion or backrest pivotally attached to the mounting frame and/or seat portion. The backrest is pivotable between an upright position, where a person may sit at the seat portion and may lean back against the back portion, and a folded down position, where the backrest may lay generally on top of or at least partially over the seat portion. The back portion or backrest may be substantially freely pivotable between the upright and folded down positions. The bleachers may be retracted to a nested position when the backrests or back portions are in their folded down position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Irwin Seating Company
    Inventor: Larry R Conner
  • Patent number: 7261369
    Abstract: An aircraft passenger convenience apparatus comprising: a seat assembly; a support device attached to the seat assembly; and a platform having a top and bottom, the platform at least partially supported by the support device. In the preferred embodiment, the support device is selectable between at least a tray support and an armrest position. Also in the preferred embodiment, the seat assembly includes a seat back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Inventor: Sam J Ahad
  • Patent number: 7252332
    Abstract: A seating arrangement for a vehicle, especially an aircraft, in which seats are arranged in a plurality of generally parallel ranks (20, 22, 24), each rank extending in a fore-and-aft direction, and in a plurality of rows, each row extending at an angle other than a right angle with respect to said fore-and-aft direction and wherein adjacent seats (30) in a row overlap in a transverse direction in the preferred embodiment, the seats of a row also overlap in said fore-and-aft direction and include a truncated armrest (34) at one side of the seat arranged to fit behind an adjacent seat. The seats further include an armrest (32) at the other side of the seat, the armrest comprising a bar which extends from the rear of the seat so that a portion of one seat is located beneath the armrest provided at said other side of an adjacent seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Inventor: James Thompson
  • Patent number: 7232094
    Abstract: To allow for optimum arrangement of the rows of seats for any individual flight, the distance between rows is adjusted in the longitudinal direction of the passenger plane, optionally according to sections, by storing in a control device an actually desired arrangement of rows, and automatically displacing (via the control device) every row whose position has to be changed to achieve the actually desired arrangement of rows on its fastening rails to the position determined by the actually desired arrangement of rows. In this way, it is possible to provide a passenger plane, preferably prior to landing, with the data of the actual passenger distribution and the resulting optimum arrangement of rows for the next flight so that it can be prepared after landing for the next flight in the shortest possible time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Bishop GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Bishop, Noureddine Madoui
  • Patent number: 7204553
    Abstract: A pivoting seat pew or bench furniture, which utilizes the benefits of theater style seating with the functionality and aesthetic of a traditional pew. This seating assembly provides additional seating capacity over traditional pews offering lower seating costs and lower construction costs. This seating assembly also provides modularized seating components so that the seating assembly can be constructed to any desired length without requiring customized construction or components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Multiple LLC
    Inventor: Alvaro Mauricio Olarte
  • Patent number: 7159939
    Abstract: An auxiliary seating unit is designed for a vehicle with a bed, such as a bed-type all terrain vehicle or pickup truck. The seating unit is designed with seats mounted to a support frame, the support frame having portions which rest squarely atop the vehicle's bed surface, white upper portions of the frame juxtapose and reversibly attach (using pins and cotter keys, nuts and bolts, or other reversible attachment means) to the upper margins of the vehicle's bed fence. Seats are securely attached to and supported by seat supports which extend from the portions of the support frame which attach to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Inventors: John J. Brown, Randall Henexson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7111902
    Abstract: A plurality of chairs are configured to be ganged together such that the chairs are releasably held together in a side-by-side manner. The chairs include a first chair having a first leg at a side of the first chair, and a second chair having a second leg at a side of the second chair. The first and second legs are generally opposed when the first and second chairs are side-by-side and facing in generally the same direction. The first chair includes a lower ganging element attached at a lower end of the first leg and configured to receive a lower end of the second leg when the second chair is positioned next to the first chair. The first chair includes an upper ganging element attached along a portion of the first leg and configured to receive a corresponding portion of the second leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Irwin Seating Company
    Inventor: John P Conner
  • Patent number: 7083146
    Abstract: A seating arrangement in an aircraft passenger cabin includes rows of seats, one behind another at a prescribed seat pitch. A wider transverse aisle is formed between successive seat rows at a normal exit or an emergency exit. At least one seat row bordering on and facing the transverse aisle is equipped with foldable passenger seats that each have an upwardly tiltable seat bottom and armrests. By tilting up the seat bottom and the armrests, an enlarged width of the transverse aisle is provided in the event of an emergency evacuation. In normal operation, the prescribed transverse aisle width does not need to be maintained, i.e. can be reduced, so the seat bottom and armrests are tilted down into the normal-use position for a passenger to be seated on the seat. Thereby the seat pitch of this seat row can be reduced and the total seating capacity can be increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Stefan Hiesener
  • Patent number: 7077467
    Abstract: A cable raceway assembly includes an elongated raceway adapted for being mounted to a supporting structure. The raceway defines an open, upward-facing trough for receiving a cable and includes a mounting structure for attaching the raceway to the supporting structure. A fluid-resistant cover is attached to the raceway. The cover encloses at least a portion of the trough and forms a flowpath for directing fluid over and away from the trough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: BE Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventor: Alfred W. Wenzler
  • Patent number: 7017990
    Abstract: A chair ganger apparatus includes a first cross bar included in a first chair, a second cross bar included in a second chair, and a gang flange coupled to the first and second cross bars to retain the first and second chairs in “ganged” relation to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Cosco Management, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew B. Mendenhall, Jason S. Andrews, Dennis M. Turner
  • Patent number: 6935690
    Abstract: A chair having a synchronously moving seat bottom and seat back includes a frame having a seat bottom support portion and a seatback support portion and a seat assembly having a seat bottom and a seat back interconnected by a flexible intermediate portion. The seat bottom is slidably mounted to side support members in the bottom frame providing forward and aft movement of the seat bottom. The seat back is pivotably engaged to the seat back support portion of the frame. The flexible intermediate portion provides for cooperative movement of the seat bottom and seat back between an upright seating position and a reclined position. Preferably, the seat assembly is a one piece molded plastic shell having a flexible intermediate portion interconnecting the seat bottom and seat back. In one embodiment of the invention, the chair can be provided with legs to enable stacking of the chairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Ditto Sales, Inc.
    Inventors: Roberto Lucci, Paolo Orlandini
  • Patent number: 6932428
    Abstract: A furniture assembly includes: a first seating unit with a stationary support; a second seating unit with a stationary support; and a connector that is configured to interconnect the first and second seating units such that respective lateral portions thereof are adjacent. The connector includes: a first component attached to the stationary support of the first seating unit; a second component attached to the stationary support of the second seating unit; and interconnecting structure attached to the first and second components that (a) prevents relative horizontal movement of the first and second seating units when the first and second seating units are in an interconnected condition, and (b) permits relative vertical movement of the first and second seating units when in the interconnected condition to separate the first and second seating units. This configuration can enable the rapid interconnection and separation of adjacent seating units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Ultra-Mek, Inc.
    Inventor: Marcus L. Murphy
  • Patent number: 6874850
    Abstract: A portable seating system having a seat module that is foldable between an upright position and a folded position for storage. Multiple up righted modules are connectable to one another to form a row of seat modules. A method of providing portable seating which can be set up for use and then removed for storage is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Inventor: Michael Berkowicz
  • Patent number: 6866338
    Abstract: A chair includes a seat and a seat frame including several legs. Bumpers are coupled to the legs and arranged to separate one chair from an underlying chair in a stack of chairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Cosco Management, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew B. Mendenhall, Jason S. Andrews, Dennis M. Turner
  • Patent number: 6863341
    Abstract: A foldable chair includes a first leg, a second leg pivotally connected with the first leg, and a seat module pivotally mounted on the first leg and detachably locked on the second leg. The second leg is formed with a forward protruding holding portion formed with a downward facing locking recess. The seat module includes a support frame pivotally connected with the first leg and formed with an upward protruding catch portion rested on the holding portion and detachably locked in the locking recess, so that the seat module is combined with the second leg. Thus, the expanded foldable chair has a rigid and stable structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Inventor: Yong-Chang Wen
  • Patent number: 6830294
    Abstract: A foldable seating structure includes a foldable frame defining a first frame section and a second frame section. The first and second frame sections are coupled together by a section hinge allowing the first and second frame sections to pivot relative to one another between a frame deployed configuration and a frame folded configuration wherein in the frame deployed configuration the first and second frame sections are in a substantially horizontal position and in a substantially co-linear relationship relative to each other and wherein in the frame folded configuration the first and second frame sections are in a substantially vertical position and in a substantially parallel and adjacent relationship relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Inventor: Gilles Berthiaume
  • Patent number: 6811226
    Abstract: A modular furniture assembly is disclosed with an improved structural design that increases the structural stability of the modular furniture assembly by using triangulated support structures. In addition, the disclosed furniture assembly is designed with few adjustable parts in a manner such that a furniture user may rapidly and easily assemble the furniture assembly and adjust it to a desired configuration without requiring specialized tools or specialized knowledge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Inventor: George Kamrath
  • Publication number: 20040207240
    Abstract: A collapsible dual-chair with trolley has a frame configuration which includes a plurality of tubular legs pivotally connected by pins and joined together by pivotal joint members. The frame configuration is collapsible and forms a dual-seat support when fully opened. A rigid base having wheels is mounted to a joint member and is attached to the frame configuration at a low end thereof such that the frame configuration can be converted into a trolley mode to transport especially when collapsed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: David Tondino
  • Patent number: 6799805
    Abstract: A passenger seat, including at least one leg assembly having fore and aft attachment elements for attachment to a supporting surface and a single laterally-extending beam carried by the leg assembly in vertically spaced-apart relation to the fore and aft attachment elements, and first and second laterally spaced-apart seat frames positioned on respective opposite sides of the leg assembly and mounted on the beam for being supported thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: BE Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventor: Glenn A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6793282
    Abstract: A passenger seat assembly convertible between a two-seat configuration and a three-seat configuration, and including a seat assembly base and first, second and third seats for carrying respective seat bottom and seat back cushions, the first and third seats defining outboard seats and the second seat defining a center seat. First and second armrests are mounted between the first and third outboard seats on opposing sides of the center seat and are moveable between an upright use position and a retracted storage position above the seat bottom of the center seat. A tray table is mounted for movement between a raised retracted position wherein a bottom surface of the tray table defines at least a portion of the seat back of the center seat, and a lowered use position wherein the tray table resides above the seat bottom of the center seat to provide additional seating space and a tray table for the occupants of the outboard seats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: B E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Tommy G. Plant, Randy Penley, Trevor B. Skelly
  • Patent number: 6773063
    Abstract: An operating principle or method and a construction for small chairs that can be utilized by children to form playthings at home or at the nursery, crèche or kindergarten. When such chairs are being coupled with U-shaped clamps, a variety of doll's furniture can be created by the children themselves. The child's furniture is safe and easy to handle while assembling or disassembling them. Combinations of said chairs could form such playthings as barns, high rise buildings, doll houses, a doll's crib, a bed, a puppet theatre, a couch, an umpire seat and so on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Inventor: Cornelis Eerkens
  • Patent number: 6769738
    Abstract: Seat units in a row of seat units are each connected to an operating bar that is rotationally mounted on a support surface. Rotation of the operating bar causes the seat units of the row of seat units to move from a use orientation, wherein the seat elements thereof are oriented essentially parallel to the support surface, to a cleaning orientation, wherein the seat elements of the seat units are oriented at an oblique angle to the support surface whereby the seat units are moved to an orientation in which cleaning beneath the seat units can be effected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Inventors: Pedro J. Rivera, Jr., John P. Tokar
  • Patent number: 6767056
    Abstract: A settee includes an elongated seat unit and a tray-support unit. The seat unit includes a seat frame having opposing front and rear frame portions, and a backrest frame which extends uprightly from the rear frame portion and which defines a tray-accommodating space. The tray-support unit includes a tray-support frame that has a lower frame section with a rear end pivoted to the rear frame portion of the seat frame in such a manner that the tray-support frame is rotatable relative to the seat frame between a storing position, in which, the tray-support frame is turned to and retained within the tray-accommodating space, and a used position, in which, the front end of the tray-support frame is seated on the seat frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Shin Yeh Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chuen-Jong Tseng
  • Patent number: 6749266
    Abstract: A passenger seat back recline assembly, including a seat bottom chassis including a plurality of leg modules and section assembly modules, a plurality of beam elements carrying the leg modules and section assembly modules in spaced-apart relation to each other to define a ladder frame assembly, a seat back unit pivotally-mounted between two of the section assembly modules for permitting the angle of the seat back relative to the seat bottom chassis to be varied as desired by the passenger, a recline unit for controlling movement of the seat back and locking the seat back in a desired recline position, an occupant-activated seat back recline control for maintaining the seat back in a normally-locked condition relative to the seat bottom chassis and for permitting the occupant to release the normally-locked condition of the cylinder assembly by activating the seat back recline control to thus permit movement of the seat back to a desired position and deactivating the seat back recline control to lock the seat b
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: B E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventor: John Williamson
  • Patent number: 6749259
    Abstract: A chair includes a generally horizontal seating surface with four legs extending downwardly from the seating surface. A first stiffener bar extends between and interconnects the front left leg and the rear left leg. A second stiffener bar extends between and interconnects the front right leg and the rear right leg. A ganger feature is provided for interconnecting the chair with a like chair in a side-by-side arrangement. The ganger feature is a ganger bracket interconnected with one of the stiffener bars and extending outwardly to an outward edge. An engagement tab extends upwardly from the outward edge. The other stiffener bar has a lower surface with a slot defined therein. The slot is sized and positioned so as to receive the engagement tab of a like chair so as to interconnect the chairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Michigan Tube Swagers & Fabricators, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Duane Ware, William F. Lohness
  • Patent number: 6746086
    Abstract: A bench having a modular structure and comprising several seats, which rest on a longitudinal beam supported on at least two feet. An individual seat is formed by a seat panel which can be complemented by a backrest and lateral armrests, as well as tabletops. Benches of this kind can be used, for example, in airports and ferry terminals as well as long-distance train stations. The seat panels, backrests and tabletops are removably fixed to the longitudinal beam by the use of retaining plates. The feet and armrests are removably fixed directly to the longitudinal beam. The longitudinal beam extends along the full length of the bench, consists preferably of a double-walled aluminum hollow profile and has a regular, triangular cross-section with three longitudinal side faces as well as longitudinal grooves, situated in the area of the edges. The retaining plates are pieces of U-shaped rail sections cut to the required length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Vitra Patente AG
    Inventor: Norman Foster
  • Patent number: 6733082
    Abstract: An interlocking stadium seating system comprising one-piece molded plastic seating modules having tab and blind rabbets for interlocking adjacent modules when placed in a side-by-side relationship in rows. The seat modules are secured to the common supporting structure by fasteners passing through openings that are disposed through the tabs and blind rabbets. This mean of attachment allows the entire surface of the seat module be used for sitting purpose. Additionally, the openings include sufficient play to allow rotational and translational movement between adjacent interlocked modules thereby enabling the seat modules to be placed in a straight line or at slight angle for adaptation to the existing architecture of the stadium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Dant Clayton Corporation
    Inventor: Steven R. Treon
  • Publication number: 20040070243
    Abstract: A front seat assembly for a vehicle configured to sit three passengers includes a driver seat and an assistant seat spaced apart by a predetermined distance. Also included is a middle seat, installed between the driver seat and the assistant seat, wherein a seat cushion is foldably installed in the seat cushion of the assistant seat and a seatback is foldably installed in a rear portion of the seat cushion of the middle seat. Furthermore, an armrest is protruded behind the seatback of the middle seat so as to allow the driver to put the driver's arm thereon when the seatback is in a folded position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventor: Jin-Young Cha
  • Publication number: 20040046430
    Abstract: A passenger seat assembly convertible between a two-seat configuration and a three-seat configuration, and including a seat assembly base and first, second and third seats for carrying respective seat bottom and seat back cushions, the first and third seats defining outboard seats and the second seat defining a center seat. First and second armrests are mounted between the first and third outboard seats on opposing sides of the center seat and are moveable between an upright use position and a retracted storage position above the seat bottom of the center seat. A tray table is mounted for movement between a raised retracted position wherein a bottom surface of the tray table defines at least a portion of the seat back of the center seat, and a lowered use position wherein the tray table resides above the seat bottom of the center seat to provide additional seating space and a tray table for the occupants of the outboard seats.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: Tommy G. Plant, Randy Penley, Trevor B. Skelly
  • Publication number: 20030230916
    Abstract: A foldable seating structure includes a foldable frame defining a first frame section and a second frame section. The first and second frame sections are coupled together by a section hinge allowing the first and second frame sections to pivot relative to one another between a frame deployed configuration and a frame folded configuration wherein in the frame deployed configuration the first and second frame sections are in a substantially horizontal position and in a substantially co-linear relationship relative to each other and wherein in the frame folded configuration the first and second frame sections are in a substantially vertical position and in a substantially parallel and adjacent relationship relative to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventor: Gilles Berthiaume
  • Patent number: 6644738
    Abstract: A passenger seat frame assembly, including a seat bottom chassis including a plurality of leg modules and section assembly modules. The leg modules are attached to fixed, spaced-apart attachment points on a supporting surface, such as the deck of an aircraft fuselage. A plurality of beam elements are carried by the leg modules and section assembly modules. A plurality of clamp joints are provided for being positioned on the plurality of leg modules and for receiving the plurality of beam elements in spaced-apart relation to each other for defining a ladder frame assembly having a specified width and seat spacing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: B E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventor: John Williamson
  • Publication number: 20030189364
    Abstract: A sectional sofa and a convertible unit is disclosed. The sectional sofa includes a stationary portion and a moving portion. The moving portion is adjacent to the stationary portion and the moving portion is capable of moving relative to the stationary portion. The moving portion and the stationary portion are also connected to one another by a common base. The sofa also includes provisions for joining the moving portion with the stationary portion and for facilitating and accommodating the motion of the moving portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventor: Alan Friedman
  • Patent number: 6629729
    Abstract: A pair of foldable rear seats for a motor vehicle includes a support stub fixed to the vehicle and a pair elongated support arms pivotally connected to the support stub. A pair of seat bottoms are pivotally connected to each of the respective support arms, such that each seat bottom is pivotable between a vertical folded position and a horizontal open position. Further, a pair of seat backs are each pivotally connected to a rear portion of each respective seat bottom in order to fold into the respective seat bottom from an open position. A headrest is slidably disposed on each seat back. Furthermore, a pair of seat legs are each pivotally connected to the seat bottom at an outer portion thereof so that when the seat bottom is in the open state, the seat leg, in its open position, extends from the seat bottom to the vehicle floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Michael Wiedeman, Michael Tsay, Mami Endo, John Dixon, John A. Frye, Frank D. Moburg
  • Publication number: 20030168896
    Abstract: A portable seating system having a seat module that is foldable between an upright position and a folded position for storage. Multiple up righted modules are connectable to one another to form a row of seat modules. A method of providing portable seating which can be set up for use and then removed for storage is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Applicant: Flexible Seating Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Berkowicz
  • Publication number: 20030160484
    Abstract: A bench assembly is provided which includes a seat assembly and at least two backrest assemblies. The back assemblies are rotatable from one side of the seat assembly to an opposite side independently of one another such that persons sitting on the seat assembly can be facing in the same direction or in opposite directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventors: Harold L. Ware, Mark L. Sherwood
  • Publication number: 20030154660
    Abstract: A wedge-shaped connector for arranging and connecting seat modules in a predetermined spaced and angled relationship to form a non-linear modular seating array. The connector includes substantially planar sidewalls configured for supporting seat modules and a substantially planar rear panel positioned between the sidewalls adjacent backs of the sidewalls. A back side of the connector has a width greater than a width of its front side so as to define an acute angle between the sidewalls. In this manner, first and second modular seats may be arranged in a predetermined spaced and angled relationship by abutting first and second seat modules against first and second sidewalls, respectively, of a connector. The shape of the non-linear array can be varied by varying the degree of angle formed by the sidewalls by varying widths of front and/or rear panels, and/or installing the connector in various orientations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventor: Michael Berkowicz
  • Publication number: 20030127892
    Abstract: A seat for a vehicle and more particularly a front seat for a vehicle includes a central pillar extending from the floor to the roof of the vehicle, and a center support extending forwardly from the central pillar. A lower rib extends laterally from the center support and supports a seat bottom fixed thereto. Primary and secondary intermediate ribs also extend laterally from the central pillar. A seat back is fixed to and supported by the primary and secondary intermediate ribs. Also, an upper rib is provided which extends laterally from the central pillar above the intermediate ribs. A headrest is fixed to and supported by the upper rib.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventors: Michael Wiedeman, John A. Frye, Frank D. Moburg, Michael Tsay
  • Patent number: 6585314
    Abstract: A folding tablet arm attachment mounted on a metal folding chair which has a ganging feature includes an elongated rectilinear tubular attachment member which has longitudinally spaced apart female keyhole openings formed in a sidewall thereof and internally reinforced for mating coupling engagement with male ganging studs mounted in cantilever position on a rectilinear siderail of the chair whereby the folding tablet arm attachment is positioned and supported on the chair. Fastening tabs carried by the attaching member and disposed in overlying engagement with the chair siderail are fastened to the siderail and releasably secure the tablet arm attachment to the chair to provide a firm working or writing surface for a person seated on the chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Columbia Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: James Michael Richardson
  • Patent number: 6568735
    Abstract: The invention concerns a seat made of two parts: a seat body (1) with a two-sided structure, for example shaped like a hollow box open at its front face, comprising linking and reinforcing crosspieces (5) providing it with sufficient mechanical rigidity; and a seat support (2) with a matching anatomy, preferably fitted with a cover containing a thickness of padding material (18), closing the opening (17) of the seat body (1). One of the later flanks or components (3) of the flank or (4) of the seat body (1) is fixed on a structural vertical member (11) of the public transport vehicle. The seat is suspended cantilevered against the vehicle wall, thereby leaving free the space (12) located beneath the seat. The invention is of interest to manufacturers of public transport vehicles and manufacturers of fittings for the vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Lohr Industrie
    Inventors: Robert Lohr, Jean-Luc Andre, Didier Mandart
  • Publication number: 20030094840
    Abstract: A passenger seat back recline assembly, including a seat bottom chassis including a plurality of leg modules and section assembly modules, a plurality of beam elements carrying the leg modules and section assembly modules in spaced-apart relation to each other to define a ladder frame assembly, a seat back unit pivotally-mounted between two of the section assembly modules for permitting the angle of the seat back relative to the seat bottom chassis to be varied as desired by the passenger, a recline unit for controlling movement of the seat back and locking the seat back in a desired recline position, an occupant-activated seat back recline control for maintaining the seat back in a normally-locked condition relative to the seat bottom chassis and for permitting the occupant to release the normally-locked condition of the cylinder assembly by activating the seat back recline control to thus permit movement of the seat back to a desired position and deactivating the seat back recline control to lock the seat b
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventor: John Williamson
  • Patent number: 6565152
    Abstract: A lightweight reinforced seat assembly for a transportation vehicle is disclosed which includes a molded seat shell having a shell exterior and a shell interior. The seat shell includes a seat section and a back section joined together by a generally curved section. A plurality of seats is formed in the seat shell. A reinforcing network of longitudinal and lateral, generally enclosed tubular rib elements reinforce the seat shell to eliminate metal framing and weight. The reinforcing rib network includes a front tubular rib element extending laterally across a front width of the seat section, and a top tubular rib element extending laterally across a top width of the back section. Longitudinal edge tubular rib elements extend on opposing edges of the seat shell generally through the seat-section, curved section, and back-section. The edge tubular rib elements are connected to the front and top tubular rib elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Transportation Seating, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard D. Craft, Frank Bascas, Teodulo Ceballos, Jr., Joseph Rafac, Jonathan Roy Wren
  • Patent number: 6543845
    Abstract: A furniture grouping includes a number of individual furniture units that are easily and securely connected together with a connection system. Each furniture unit includes a base to which a connector is attached. The connector includes a face panel to span and conceal gaps and spacings between the furniture units and the connector to provide a substantially flush, continuous and finished juncture between the furniture units. The connector is also easily and conveniently installed for removable connection to the adjacent furniture units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: August Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert K. Seitz, Gregory A. Seitz, Michael P. Kobes, Lee H. Fister, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20030038516
    Abstract: An operating principle or method and a construction for small chairs that can be utilized by children to form playthings at home or at the nursery, crèche or kindergarten. When such chairs are being coupled with U-shaped clamps, a variety of doll's furniture can be created by the children themselves. The child's furniture is safe and easy to handle while assembling or disassembling them. Combinations of said chairs could form such playthings as barns, high rise buildings, doll houses, a doll's crib, a bed, a puppet theatre, a couch, an umpire seat and so on.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventor: Cornelis Eerkens
  • Publication number: 20020195848
    Abstract: A furniture grouping includes a number of individual furniture units that are easily and securely connected together with a connection system. Each furniture unit includes a base to which a connector is attached. The connector includes a face panel to span and conceal gaps and spacings between the furniture units and the connector to provide a substantially flush, continuous and finished juncture between the furniture units. The connector is also easily and conveniently installed for removable connection to the adjacent furniture units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Applicant: August Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert K. Seitz, Gregory A. Seitz, Michael P. Kobes, Lee H. Fister
  • Publication number: 20020190550
    Abstract: A seat comprises a cushion, a pair of backrests, a pair of bolsters, and a pair of armrest pads. The cushion has a width of double seat. Both the bolster and the backrest have a width of single seat. A front face of the bolster has a concave arc portion, and a back face thereof has a slanting arc portion. The bolsters can be turned 180 degrees. A fixing device joins the bolster and the backrest. A joining device is disposed at the adjoining position of the two backrests. An armrest is joined at each side of the cushion. A pad is joined on the armrest to form the armrest pad. The pad and the armrest are joined by a turn control device so that the pad can be turned 90 degrees, hence facilitating use of a single seat. A double seat is obtained by restoring the armrest pads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventor: Jung-Chang Huang
  • Patent number: 6478375
    Abstract: A metal folding chair having a tubular frame and a ganging device including female keyslots formed in internally reinforced portions of one side of the frame and male connecting elements including studs mounted in cantilever positions on an opposite side of the frame by tee nuts threadably engaged with the studs within the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Columbia Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: James M. Richardson