To Plural Use Positions Patents (Class 297/327)
  • Patent number: 11627804
    Abstract: The present invention provides an ergonomic multi-positionable workstation having independently positionable and adjustable seating and work area components. The seating components can further comprise back, leg support, and head support components, and the work area components can further comprise a work surface or desk area and areas for accommodating a computer keyboard and monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Lucca Ventures, Inc.
    Inventor: James Mark Kondziela
  • Patent number: 10676002
    Abstract: A headrest assembly includes a headrest body as well as a first support arm with a seatback rear support connection to a rear of a seatback and a cantilevered portion extending upwardly to a first headrest connection end. A second support arm has a rear seatback support connection and a cantilevered portion extending upwardly to a second headrest connection end. The first headrest connection end and the second headrest connection end are spaced apart a distance in the lateral direction to form a support connection. An adjustable connection is provided between the headrest body and the support connection. The adjustable connection includes a height adjustment means for adjusting a position of the headrest body relative to the support connection in a height direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Adient Engineering and IP GmbH
    Inventors: Mark Milner, John Gomez, Kurt Seibold, Jeff Laho
  • Patent number: 10179650
    Abstract: In an illustrative embodiment, a seating apparatus for positioning at an aisle of an aircraft cabin includes a passenger seat and an armrest assembly mounted adjacent to the passenger seat. The armrest assembly includes a fixed panel adjacent to a seat back that extends along a portion of a seat bottom and a sliding portion that extends from a retracted position where a majority of the sliding panel is parallel to the fixed plane to an extended position where a rear end of the sliding panel is adjacent to a forward end of the fixed panel. A translation assembly slidably connects the sliding panel to the fixed panel to enable the sliding panel to move between the retracted and extended positions. In the extended position, an armrest portion of the fixed panel is flush with an armrest portion of the sliding portion to create an extended panel unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward W. Morgan
  • Patent number: 10112069
    Abstract: A core muscle therapy apparatus is presented. The apparatus is designed to work the muscles comprising the core of a user by allowing the user's own body weight to resist the force of gravity in up to a 360 degree environment. The core muscle therapy apparatus has a base, a cage assembly, and a seat assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Inventor: Scott Bertrand
  • Patent number: 9682644
    Abstract: To provide a seat having a high cushioning property, excellent in a drainage property, and suitable for outdoor use. A belt-shaped support member 30 for seat back is supported on an upper portion of a seat back frame 10, a belt-shaped support member 40 for seat cushion having end portions 42, 43 connected to a front portion of a seat cushion frame 20 is connected to a lower portion of the belt-shaped support member 30 for seat back, and a base support member 50 is disposed on a seat cushion. A surface cushion layer 60 with which a cushioning part for seat back and a cushioning part for seat cushion are integrally formed is disposed by being supported on the upper portion of the seat back frame 10 and the front portion of the seat cushion frame 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Delta Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Etsunori Fujita, Yumi Ogura, Seiji Kawasaki, Yuji Hattori
  • Patent number: 8979201
    Abstract: Dynamic furniture supports a seated or reclining user. The furniture includes a base, an actuator, a seat platform, and a back platform. The actuator is in circular connection to the base. The seat platform is in circular or excentric connection to the actuator assembly. The back platform is in circular or excentric connection to the actuator assembly. The actuator assembly, seat platform and back platform may be restricted in movement along paths by assemblies of the circular or excentric connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Exciting Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Erb, Mark M. Erb
  • Patent number: 8668273
    Abstract: A highchair has a seat device, a bracket device and a table. The seat device has a base, a supporting sleeve and a seat. The bracket device is connected to the seat device and has two connecting segments, a connecting frame and a supporting arm. The connecting segments are respectively connected securely to the supporting sleeve and each has a connecting mount, a button seat, a pressing button and a button spring. The connecting frame connects to the connecting segments and has two inserting segments and a primary frame. The supporting arm is telescopically and pivotally connected to the connecting frame. The table is detachably mounted on the bracket device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventor: Kun Wang
  • Patent number: 8646795
    Abstract: A seat for a wheelchair is provided. An exemplary embodiment of the seat includes a seat back portion, a bottom portion, and a linkage coupling the bottom portion to the seat back portion such that the seat back portion is movable relative to the bottom portion. The linkage generally includes a first link and a second link. The first link is generally pivotally connected to the bottom portion and the seat back portion. The second link is generally pivotally connected to the bottom portion and the seat back portion. The first link and the second link pivot relative to the seat back portion and the bottom portion as the seat back portion is moved relative to the bottom portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Invacare Corporation
    Inventor: Matthew Cerreto
  • Patent number: 8590969
    Abstract: Dynamic furniture having platforms in dynamic attachment to an actuator assembly that in turn is in dynamic attachment to a base. Use of motional platforms supported by a motional actuator assembly permits an article of the furniture to conform to the many and varied body positions a user wants, and allows a user to more easily change body positions while remaining within the furniture, and in medical scenarios may obviate most needs to transfer a patient from one article of furniture to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Exciting Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Erb, Mark Erb
  • Patent number: 8556346
    Abstract: A vehicle seat is movable in a rocking or rotating fashion about a center-of-rotation located above a seat bottom. The seat bottom has forward and rear edges and a mounting structure for securing the seat bottom to a vehicle interior engaging the seat bottom to permit movement of the forward edge along a first arcuate path and movement of the rear edge along a second arcuate path. The two arcuate paths having a common center-of-curvature located above the seat bottom, the center-of-curvature defining the center-of-rotation of the seat. A seat back attached to the seat bottom is independently adjustable in recline angle relative to the seat bottom. The arcuate paths may be defined by forward and rear guide tracks formed in one or more seat mounting brackets. A rack-and-pinion drive mechanism is provided to allow manual or powered adjustment of the seat along the guide tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, John W. Jaranson
  • Patent number: 8500203
    Abstract: Dynamic furniture having platforms in dynamic attachment to an actuator assembly that in turn is in dynamic attachment to a base. Use of motional platforms supported by a motional actuator assembly permits an article of the furniture to conform to the many and varied body positions a user wants, and allows a user to more easily change body positions while remaining within the furniture, and in medical scenarios may obviate most needs to transfer a patient from one article of furniture to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Exciting Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Erb, Mark Erb
  • Patent number: 8469449
    Abstract: An automatically adjustable chair structure essentially includes a chair body, a base, an extension bar, at least one first cushion mechanism, and at least one second cushion mechanism. When a user sits on the chair body, the user's body weight is cushioned by the first and second cushion mechanisms. In addition, the two sled runner-shaped supports lying on the floor and the pivotable design of the extension bar allow the extension bar to move backward. Thus, the tilt angle of the chair body can be automatically changed to suit the user's sitting posture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventor: Ghi-Hwei Kao
  • Patent number: 8360496
    Abstract: A folding seat system for use with a vehicle includes, but is not limited to, a seat body including a seat bottom and a seat back. The seat back is rotatably mounted to the seat bottom such that the seat back can be folded over the seat bottom. A hinge is connected to the seat body and is configured to attach to the vehicle. The hinge is further configured to permit the seat body to rotate approximately 180° in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle between a forward position, an intermediate position, and a storage position when the seat back is folded over the seat bottom. A biasing member biases the seat body towards the storage position when the seat body is in the forward position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Cristian Farcas, Chris Piscitelli
  • Patent number: 8292365
    Abstract: A child chair includes a seat, a frame, a reclining adjusting device, a locking device, and a bouncing device. The seat pivoted with the frame. The reclining adjusting device mounted on the seat capable of moving between a locking status and a release status, the seat movable relative to the frame when the reclining adjusting device is in the release status. The locking device mounted on the seat for retaining the reclining adjusting device in the release status. The bouncing device mounted between the seat and the frame for bouncing the seat along a direction relative to the frame when the reclining adjusting device is retained in the release status by the locking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Excellerate Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mulin Lu, Hong-Bo Chen, Fu-Sian Yu, Chih-Wei Wang
  • Patent number: 8287044
    Abstract: A highchair includes a seat frame, a first fixing socket disposed on the seat frame, and a seat pivotally connected to the first fixing socket. The first fixing socket has a sliding groove and a first engaging groove. The sliding groove communicates with the first engaging groove. The highchair includes a pivoting member, a restraining member, a connecting member, an adjusting member and a fixing member. The adjusting member is movably disposed on the seat. The fixing member is rotatably disposed on the seat and capable of selectively locking or releasing the adjusting member. The pivoting member is pivotally connected to one side of the seat. One end of the connecting member is connected to the pivoting member and the other end is connected to the adjusting member. The restraining member is disposed at one end of the pivoting member and movably engaged with the first engaging groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Excellerate Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hong-Bo Chen, Xiao-Long Mo, Fu-Sian Yu
  • Patent number: 8276868
    Abstract: A seat adjuster for an article of sports equipment includes a base, a locating frame pivotally connected with the base for connection of a seat, a first locating plate mounted with the base, and a second locating plate pivotally connected with the locating frame so as to be pivotable between a first position where a second teeth portion of the second locating plate is engaged with a first teeth portion of the first locating plate such that the locating frame can't be pivotable relative to the base for fixing the seat in position, and a second position where the second teeth portion of the second locating plate is disengaged from the first teeth portion of the first locating plate such that the locating frame can be pivotable relative to the base for allowing the angle of inclination of the seat to be adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Healthstream Taiwan Inc.
    Inventor: Shu-Chen Chang
  • Patent number: 8038210
    Abstract: A vehicle seat system and method in which a seat belt restraint assembly is secured directly to the seat. The vehicle seat system includes a seat frame and a seat base that supports the seat frame. The system includes a first stop operating at rear portions of the seat base and seat frame to couple the seat base and seat frame and to limit forward pivoting movement of the seat frame upon sudden deceleration. The system may also include a second stop to limit rearward pivoting movement of the seat frame. The coupling of the seat base and seat frame provides the seat system with sufficient strength to satisfy load testing requirements and to provide comfort to the occupant. The vehicle system may include a tilt adjustment mechanism that allows tilting of the seat frame and that may also form part of a cushion slide mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: CVG Management Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen Patrick Telesco
  • Patent number: 7905549
    Abstract: A highchair with a foot part and a seat element mounted thereon has a length-adjustable gas-filled strut therebetween for support and height adjustment of the seat element. The gas-filled strut may be length adjustable with two-handed safety operation. The seat element is held on two lateral support arms, on each of which an actuating element of the two-handed safety operation is arranged. Each actuating element is connected via a wire or rope pull to a pressure element acting on an actuating projection of the gas-filled strut. The seat element is pivotable and fixable about a horizontal transverse axis forwards and backwards in a tilting position. An inclination catch is provided on at least one support arm and has a rotary locking element acting between a spindle of the seat element and a support arm, which is transferable into a locking or release position by means of an actuation cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: iLinko Ltd.
    Inventors: Jon Lake, Davy Kho, Jason Lewis
  • Publication number: 20110043016
    Abstract: A vehicle occupant restraint system includes a seat base pivotally connected to a seat mounting point and seat back pivotally connecting to the seat base. The seat base pivot reside proximal to a forward edge of the seat base and the seat back pivot resides proximal to a rearward edge of the seat base. Each pivot includes a toothed rack, and an engaging member for locking the pivot. The teeth define a radius about the pivots. The engaging members are attached to the seat base and are actuated by levers attached to the seat base. A harness is attached to the seat to prevent injury of an occupant in the event of a unanticipated maneuver, crash, rough terrain, or turbulence. The restraint system comprises a robust mechanism to withstand crash loads and offer sufficient adjustment between sitting and standing positions to accommodate an occupant's duties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: Conax Florida Corporation
    Inventors: Charles E. Van Druff, Daniel H. Meggs, Eric Kawabata, John Churilla
  • Patent number: 7887130
    Abstract: A moving workstation and its method of operation are described. A workstation described herein includes a chair and operator equipment that move together in a pivoting motion through an automatic, time-controlled program, where an orientation of the chair relative to the operator equipment is maintained during the pivoting motion. Such a workstation can reduce manpower requirements while improving vigilance of workstation operators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Logan D. Zvolena
  • Patent number: 7887132
    Abstract: A chair, in particular an office chair, has: a chair column, a seat holder secured to said chair column, and a backrest, wherein an adjusting mechanism is provided with which the backrest can be inclined relative to the vertical, wherein the adjusting mechanism includes an upward-arching curved guide, which is rigidly joined to the seat holder and on which a holder element that supports the backrest is movable along an upward-arching curved path for adjusting an inclination of the backrest, wherein the seat holder is inclined to a horizontal via an adjusting device secured to the chair column, and wherein the adjusting device includes a supporting arm, secured to the chair column, on which arm the seat holder is mounted pivotably via a joint with a horizontal pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Interstuhl Bueromoebel GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Werner Link
  • Patent number: 7850238
    Abstract: Dynamic furniture having platforms in dynamic attachment to an actuator assembly that in turn is in dynamic attachment to a base. Use of motional platforms supported by a motional actuator assembly permits an article of the furniture to conform to the many and varied body positions a user wants, and allows a user to more easily change body positions while remaining within the furniture, and in medical scenarios may obviate most needs to transfer a patient from one article of furniture to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Inventors: Scott C. Erb, Mark M. Erb
  • Patent number: 7832800
    Abstract: The present invention is related to one massage chair with slant angle adjustable chair frame, primarily comprising one basic frame, one chair frame, two first connecting members, two second connecting members and one linearly retractable actuator. The basic frame comprises one base frame and two support frames arranged in parallel and stretching up from said base frame. Every support frame has one first pivot portion and one second pivot portion. The chair frame has at least one set of massage chair, comprising one seat frame with two side frames. Every said side frame has one third pivot portion and one fourth pivot portion. Every first connecting member has one top end and one bottom end. The top end is pivotally connected to the first pivot portion of the corresponding support frame. The bottom end is pivotally connected to the third pivot portion of one corresponding side frame. Every second connecting member has one top end and one bottom end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Inventor: Chiu Hsiang Lo
  • Patent number: 7766426
    Abstract: A tilt mechanism for a chair includes rotary stop means defining a plurality of selectable tilted positions of the chair seat/back. In another aspect, an anti kick-back feature is provided based. The mechanism includes upper and lower housing parts and a cushioning spring that normally maintains the parts in a rest position with respect to one another while allowing the mechanism to tilt. A further aspect of the invention provides an improved spring tension control that allows the spring to be installed and removed in a fully relaxed condition so that no special tools are required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Ram Machines (1990) Ltd.
    Inventor: Daniel Meidan
  • Publication number: 20100117424
    Abstract: A positioning device includes a clamping seat having two clamping members having clamping portions mounted around a fixed rod of a chair having an inclinable seat to which one of the clamping members is fixed. An adjusting rod includes a coupling seat and a handle fixed to the coupling seat. The coupling seat includes a positioning groove having a low-profile section and a high-profile section. A positioning block is mounted to the other clamping member and includes a protrusion received in the positioning groove. When the protrusion is engaged with the low-profile section, the clamping portions are not clamped on the fixed rod, allowing movement of the clamping seat along the fixed rod. When the handle is moved to a clamping position, the protrusion is engaged with the high-profile section, the clamping portions are clamped on the fixed rod, not allowing movement of the clamping seat along the fixed rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventor: Chang-Chen Lin
  • Publication number: 20100072797
    Abstract: A vehicle seat system and method in which a seat belt restraint assembly is secured directly to the seat. The vehicle seat system includes a seat frame and a seat base that supports the seat frame. The system includes a first stop operating at rear portions of the seat base and seat frame to couple the seat base and seat frame and to limit forward pivoting movement of the seat frame upon sudden deceleration. The system may also include a second stop to limit rearward pivoting movement of the seat frame. The coupling of the seat base and seat frame provides the seat system with sufficient strength to satisfy load testing requirements and to provide comfort to the occupant. The vehicle system may include a tilt adjustment mechanism that allows tilting of the seat frame and that may also form part of a cushion slide mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventor: Stephen Patrick Telesco
  • Patent number: 7681953
    Abstract: A vehicle occupant restraint system includes a seat base pivotally connected to a seat mounting point and seat back pivotally connecting to the seat base. The seat base pivot reside proximal to a forward edge of the seat base and the seat back pivot resides proximal to a rearward edge of the seat base. Each pivot includes a toothed rack, and an engaging member for locking the pivot. The teeth define a radius about the pivots. The engaging members are attached to the seat base and are actuated by levers attached to the seat base. A harness is attached to the seat to prevent injury of an occupant in the event of a unanticipated maneuver, crash, rough terrain, or turbulence. The restraint system comprises a robust mechanism to withstand crash loads and offer sufficient adjustment between sitting and standing positions to accommodate an occupant's duties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Conax Florida Corporation
    Inventors: Charles E. Van Druff, Daniel H. Meggs, John Churilla
  • Patent number: 7677663
    Abstract: An assembly for safely supporting an occupant in a vehicle such as, but not limited to, a watercraft and including a seat assembly and a support frame. A connector assembly is disposed and structured to movably interconnect the seat assembly to said support frame along a first rotational axis. A mount assembly is connected to the vehicle and includes an attachment assembly disposed and structured to movably interconnect the support frame to the mount assembly along a second rotational axis. The support frame and the connector assembly associated therewith as well as the mount assembly and the attachment assembly associated therewith are cooperatively disposed and structured to orient said first and second rotational axes in substantially perpendicular relation to one another, such that the seat assembly will be able to move in a substantially gimbal-like fashion relative to the movement of the vehicle while traveling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Inventors: David Charles, Anthony Charles, legal representative, Jose Abella, Wayne Wingate
  • Publication number: 20100019524
    Abstract: A tractor is disclosed as a four-wheel drive vehicle with a movable seat back, with a seat height adjustment and with a varying load capability. The tractor also has a speed control device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy Utke, Philip Nowacki
  • Patent number: 7597390
    Abstract: A spa device including a chair coupled to a frame and at least one tactile immersion sounds delivery device. The chair is rotatably, slidably, and tiltably coupled to the frame. The spa device may include electronic controls for controlling the movement of the seat and the operation of the tactile immersion sound deliver devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Continuum Footspas, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph J. Galati, Jr., John Meyerovich
  • Publication number: 20090051201
    Abstract: This invention is related to a sleep over recliner chair having a footrest mechanism and a recliner mechanism that operate independently of one another. The sleep over recliner chair includes a footrest, a seat, back, and a pair of spaced apart armrests. Further, the sleep over recliner chair includes a base, a reverse tilt mechanism coupled with the base, and a linkage mechanism coupled with the reverse tilt mechanism. The linkage mechanism includes a recliner mechanism and a footrest mechanism. The footrest mechanism is adapted to move between a first, closed position and a second, open position. The recliner mechanism is adapted to move between a first, upright position and a second, fully reclined position. Further, the footrest and recliner mechanisms operate independently of one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: L & P PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY
    Inventor: Glenn N. Wiecek
  • Patent number: 7481494
    Abstract: A wheelchair includes a seat and a back that are pivotally supported in two side members and are kinematically interconnected in such manner that an angle between the seat and the back will increase when the back is swivelled backwards about its pivotal support in the side members, which kinematic connection comprises a link connection between the seat and the back. The link connection is in the form of a link arm arranged under the respective pivot supports of the seat and the back so that the distance between the back pivot support and the back link arm connection is less than the distance between the seat pivot support and the seat link arm connection, and that the axis of rotation of the seat through the seat's pivot support in the side members passes essentially through or close to the user's center of gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Handicare Produksjon AS
    Inventor: Morten Sagstuen
  • Publication number: 20080303232
    Abstract: A seat assembly mechanism for a stroller has a seat frame and a main frame. The seat assembly mechanism includes a positioning device and a seat supporting member. The positioning device is disposed on the seat frame and includes a positioning pin movable between a locking position and a releasing position. The seat supporting member is disposed on the main frame, and includes a positioning-device recipient corresponding to the positioning device and a positioning groove located at a side of the positioning-device recipient. Furthermore, the positioning device is detachably assembled to the seat supporting member, and the positioning pin inserts into the positioning groove when the positioning device is disposed in the positioning-device recipient of the seat supporting member for assembling the seat frame to the main frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventors: Shun-Min Chen, Ze-Hua Yi
  • Publication number: 20080258530
    Abstract: A chair, in particular an office chair, has: a chair column, a seat holder secured to said chair column, and a backrest, wherein an adjusting mechanism is provided with which the backrest can be inclined relative to the vertical, wherein the adjusting mechanism includes an upward-arching curved guide, which is rigidly joined to the seat holder and on which a holder element that supports the backrest is movable along an upward-arching curved path for adjusting an inclination of the backrest, wherein the seat holder is inclined to a horizontal via an adjusting device secured to the chair column, and wherein the adjusting device includes a supporting arm, secured to the chair column, on which arm the seat holder is mounted pivotably via a joint with a horizontal pivot axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventor: Werner Link
  • Patent number: 7396080
    Abstract: The invention describes a chair comprising a base structure, a seat having a seat surface and a backrest, a seat carrier for carrying the seat on the base structure, and a tilt mechanism which is arranged between the seat carrier and the base structure and which to improve the ergonomic properties of the chair is of such an arrangement and configuration that it permits inclination of the seat surface of the seat with respect to the horizontal both in a forward/rearward direction of the seat surface and also in a right/left direction of the seat surface. The tilt mechanism includes a pressure plate with a first conicity in the forward/rearward direction of the seat surface, by way of which the seat can be inclined in the forward/rearward direction, and a second conicity in the right/left direction of the seat surface, by way of which the seat can be inclined in the right/left direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: VS Vereinigte Spezialmobelfabriken GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Hans-Peter Suhr, Reinhard Weber, Uwe Krautheimer
  • Patent number: 7393053
    Abstract: Office components are described that include an electrical conduit electrically coupled to a fuel cell, and an electrically powered device coupled to the electrical conduit and configured to receive electricity generated by the fuel cell. The electrically powered device includes at least one of an automatic adjustment mechanism, a control system, a sound masking system, and an office accessory. Chairs, methods of using chairs, and systems of chairs are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Kurrasch, Robert L. Beck, Daniel Robert Kuiper, Arturo J. Bonomie
  • Publication number: 20070273191
    Abstract: An angle-adjustable backrest device includes a backrest frame and an angle-adjusting device for connecting the backrest frame to a chair. The angle-adjusting device includes a mounting seat mounted on a leg frame and provided with positioning components, and a pivot seat mounted on a seat, connected to the backrest frame, and pivoted to the mounting seat. A locking unit includes a slide member mounted slidably on the backrest frame and having a positioning groove to engage the selected positioning component to thereby lock the backrest frame at a desired angle relative to the leg frame, a biasing member for biasing the slide member to an engaging position, and an actuator unit operable to drive movement of the slide member from the engaging position to a disengaging position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Applicant: WONDERLAND NURSERYGOODS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shun-Min CHEN, Zhi-Ren ZHONG
  • Patent number: 7252336
    Abstract: A seat (11) having a seat cushion (12) and a squab (16), the seat (11) being adjustable between a first configuration adapted to provide seating accommodation for a user and a second configuration adapted to provide leaning accommodation for a user, wherein in the second configuration, the squab (16) is positioned forwardly of its position in the first configuration and substantially above the forward most position of the seat cushion (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Inventor: Matthew Stephen Frisina
  • Patent number: 7066538
    Abstract: A tiltable chair is provided with a tilt lock mechanism that can be activated when the chair is at any tilt position, the tilt lock mechanism engaging and locking the chair when the chair moves into the upright, neutral position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: HNI Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay R. Machael, Randy L. Popham, Jesse J. Hahn
  • Patent number: 6775858
    Abstract: A height adjustable toilet seat apparatus for disabled users includes a toilet seat having a hinged lid. The apparatus may be fixed to a toilet bowl or to a wheelchair and includes telescopic legs for supporting the toilet seat and lid at different heights. A lid opening mechanism is operated by a foot lever slidably connected to at least one of said legs. A catch is biased to a holding position for holding the lid in a rotated attitude and a foot peddle and handle are provided to release the catch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventor: Stuart Earl Crispin Miller
  • Patent number: 6739660
    Abstract: A motor and reversible drive move a child safety seat between a sitting and reclining position on a base secured by a vehicle safety belt. A drive shaft and gear system, double action winch and cord system, hydraulic drive, screw drive, or other drive system positioned within an enclosed base move the safety seat reversibly. A remote control operable by the driver of the vehicle controls the seat motor. An interconnecting system between the safety seat and the base maintains the safety seat in proximity with the vehicle seat back. The electric motor may be battery powered or plugged into the cigarette lighter of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Inventor: David N. Dukes
  • Patent number: 6739659
    Abstract: A motor and sprocket drive move a child safety seat between a sitting and reclining position on a base secured by a vehicle safety belt. A drive shaft and gear system, drive belt with pulley system, double action winch and cord system or other drive system positioned within an enclosed base move the sprocket reversibly. A remote control operable by the driver of the vehicle controls the seat motor. A pair of sprockets housed in the base interacts horizontally with a mating pair of arched tracking grooves in the seat to move the seat with no weight bearing on the sprockets. The electric motor may be battery powered or plugged into the cigarette lighter of the vehicle. The sprocket or a solenoid lock the seat in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Inventor: David N. Dukes
  • Publication number: 20040066072
    Abstract: An actuator comprises an actuator member and an assist mechanism. The assist mechanism comprises an assist element that is adapted to store energy to assist in moving the actuator member. The assist element is carried between two members. The members act upon the assist element to cause the assist element to store energy when the actuator member is moved in an extended direction and release the energy when the actuator member is moved in a retracted direction, whereby the retracted direction is opposite to the extended direction. The actuator is for use in moving the seat relative to the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Darin J. Trippensee, Paul C. Dickie
  • Patent number: 6582004
    Abstract: An operator seat assembly for use with a utility vehicle is provided. The assembly permits the seat to be adjusted fore and aft between a plurality of positions and includes a tubular hip restraint which is integral to and shiftable with the seat. One leg of the hip restraint serves as a pivot to allow the seat to tilt forwardly from an operative position to a storage position to protect it from the elements when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Nicholas Hamm
  • Patent number: 6583596
    Abstract: The seat has moving parts, at least one actuator, and a control unit. The control unit comprises: tracking means for tracking the current position of each actuator; and management means for managing the control of each actuator. The management means comprise: computation means for computing the current position of a critical point of the seat; evaluation means for evaluating the current position of each critical point of the seat relative to a boundary; and control means for controlling at least one actuator independently of the control selected by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Labinal
    Inventors: Laurent Nivet, Loïc Thoreux
  • Patent number: 6447064
    Abstract: A wheelchair with a tiltable seat locates the tilt fulcrum between 3 and 7 inches from the front edge of the seat pan and between 1 and 4 inches below the surface of the seat pan. This minimizes the elevation of the rider's knees when in a tilted position, and allows for more stability and a shorter wheel base. Manual self-tilting is facilitated by a gas strut arrangement disposed on brackets below the seat pan, and operated by a rider-controlled valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: PDG, Inc.
    Inventors: Phil Mundy, Matt Delorme, Nancy Balcom
  • Patent number: 6441576
    Abstract: A device for actuating a seat element includes an actuator fitted with a transducer delivering a state information representative of the current position of the actuator and a unit for controlling the actuator which includes a device for registering and for storing several reference state informations each representative of a position of the actuator for an identified position of the element and a device for driving the actuator so as to move the seat element towards several target positions. The control unit is adapted so as, when a movement towards a predetermined target position is commanded, to activate the actuator until the current reference state information delivered by the transducer is equal to the reference state information stored for the position of the commanded element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Labinal
    Inventors: Thierry Marin-Martinod, Laurent Nivet
  • Patent number: 6402244
    Abstract: An aircraft passenger seat is formed of a mounting frame having a tilt axis about which a seat part containing a seating surface and a backrest is tiltable. To ensure simple measures for adjusting the seat part with little movement in a region of the front edge, the tilt axis is disposed in a middle portion of the seating surface and a device is provided in a front portion of the seating surface which reduces the thigh pressure in the front portion of the seating surface on reclining the seat part. This may be achieved for example by a forwards downswept outer contour of the seating surface in the front portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Aida Development GmbH
    Inventors: Frank-Heinrich Schönenberg, Thomas König
  • Patent number: 6398305
    Abstract: An adjustable chair, particularly for the use of attendees at meetings, is disclosed in which a gas cylinder is operatively connected between the underside of the chair seat and a lower cross-member to afford the user control of the lift and tilt of the chair over a range of positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Arconas Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas Cameron Ball, Ronald Walter Grube
  • Patent number: RE45281
    Abstract: Dynamic furniture having platforms in dynamic attachment to an actuator assembly that in turn is in dynamic attachment to a base. Use of motional platforms supported by a motional actuator assembly permits an article of the furniture to conform to the many and varied body positions a user wants, and allows a user to more easily change body positions while remaining within the furniture, and in medical scenarios may obviate most needs to transfer a patient from one article of furniture to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Exciting Inc.
    Inventors: Scott C. Erb, Mark M. Erb