To Plural Use Positions Patents (Class 297/327)
  • Patent number: 6398304
    Abstract: An angle adjustment mechanism for seat of highchair. The highchair comprises a frame and a seat pivotably secured to frame. The angle adjustment mechanism comprises a positioner having a plurality of notches and a latched member. In a locked position, seat is immovably secured to frame with the latched member engaged with the notch of positioner. In adjusting the angle of seat, actuate the latched member to disengage from the notch of the positioner, thereby pivotably moving the seat for changing the angle thereof, and release the latched member to engage with the notch of the positioners again, thus locking seat in that angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Link Treasure Limited
    Inventors: Er-Jui Chen, Hung-Chung Hou, Hsiu-Chiang Liang
  • Publication number: 20020043847
    Abstract: In the case of a vehicle seat, in particular a motor vehicle seat, having a seat frame (3), a seat shell (21) which is fitted to the seat frame (3) and bears a seat cushion (23), and an inclination adjuster (11) by means of which one part (19) of the seat frame (3) and/or of the seat shell (21) can be moved in order to adjust the inclination of the seat cushion (23), the seat shell (21) is fitted at one end to the movable part (19) of the seat frame (3) and at the other end is mounted on a fixed part (7) of the seat frame (3) in a manner such that it can be moved by means of a guide (29).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Inventors: Thomas Dill, Joachim Muhlberger
  • Patent number: 6347833
    Abstract: A chair includes a leg unit with left and right sides, and a generally L-shaped seat member connected pivotally to the leg unit and swingable about a horizontal axis. The seat member has left and right sides. A seat-tilting mechanism includes a pair of movable plates disposed respectively, vertically and movably on the left and right sides of the leg unit and connected fixedly to each other. Each of the movable plates has an upper edge which is formed with a row of pin notches that are arranged one behind another. An aligned pair of engaging pins is mounted respectively and fixedly to the left and right sides of the seat member. A biasing unit biases the movable plates upward so as to engage a selected one of the notches in each of the movable plates with a respective one of the pins, thereby positioning the seat member with respect to the leg unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: Trident Company Ltd.
    Inventor: Jueh-Cheng Chen
  • Patent number: 6325455
    Abstract: A reclining chair including a seat frame and a base is disclosed. The seat frame is suspended from pivot connectors that are connected between right and left side stand members and right and left sides of the seat frame by means of plates that include a arcuate slot. Locking members are received in the slots and are used to lock the seat frame relative to the base in a range of angular orientations as defined by arcuate slots formed in the plates. The seat frame is spring biased into an upright position when the locking members are released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: HoMedics, Inc.
    Inventor: Shianp J. Chung
  • Patent number: 6315358
    Abstract: A computer work station including a user seat and a monitor supporting tray positioned in front of the seat, comprising a first chassis unit having a first base, an elongated seat supporting member, a first varying mechanism for varying the location of the seat along the seat supporting member between a relatively reclining position and a relatively upright position, a second chassis unit having a second base, an elongated monitor supporting member, a second varying mechanism for varying the location of the monitor supporting tray between an uppermost position and a lowermost position, and a coupling mechanism for coupling the seat to the monitor supporting tray so that displacement of the seat toward a relatively reclining position results in the displacement of the monitor supporting tray toward the uppermost position and displacement of the seat toward a relatively upright position results in the displacement of the monitor supporting tray toward the lowermost position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Inventor: Eran Baru
  • Patent number: 6293620
    Abstract: A latch assembly for use in a vehicle having a movable component such as an upper seat frame member and a fixed component such as a lower seat frame member. The latch assembly is operable to allow selective movement of the movable component relative to the fixed component. The latch assembly includes a first frame member adapted to be fixed to the fixed component of the vehicle seat and a second frame member adapted to be fixed to the movable component of the vehicle. The second frame member is coupled to the first frame member for movement between a first operative position, such as a set position, and a second position such as a titled position. The latch assembly also includes a locking mechanism, a release mechanism, a spring, and a lockout cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Fisher Dynamics Corporation
    Inventor: Scott J. Fast
  • Patent number: 6276704
    Abstract: A wheelchair includes a frame and a seat having seat bottom and a reclining seat back. The seat may be suspended within the frame via seat suspension arms which tilt the seat about a substantially horizontal axis located above the seat bottom. The wheelchair may include leg supports which may pivot beneath the seat bottom when not in use and arm rests having a hand support including a perimeter edge provided with a plurality of indentations for accepting and at least partially extending fingers of a user's hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Inventor: Charles J. Suiter
  • Patent number: 6264274
    Abstract: This frame for a seat carrier of a vehicle seat is provided with a left and a right side part (20, 22) and with a left and a right front swiveling prop (52, 54). The swiveling prop (52) is hinged in the front area of the left side part (20) and the right swiveling prop (54) in the front area of the right side part (22) and an adjusting device is provided by means of which the incline of the two swiveling props (52, 54) may be adjusted. One swiveling prop (52) a) is arranged on the outer side of the side part (20) to which it belongs, b) is hooked out downwards starting from the hinge joint connecting it to this side part (20), c) has a stiffening (64) across its plane of motion and d) is rigidly connected with the other swivelling prop (54) via a cross tube (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Inventors: Ernst-Reiner Frohnhaus, Burckhard Becker, Wilfried Beneker
  • Patent number: 6135554
    Abstract: A recliner chair includes a seat assembly, a pair of spaced-apart side frames having armrests which extend along each side of the seat assembly, a pair of seat supports pivotally suspended from the armrests for supporting the seat assembly and allowing the seat assembly to pivot relative to the side frames, and a pair of locking bars pivotally connected to the armrests at their upper ends and slidably connected to the seat supports at lower portions of the locking bars. The slidable connections are defined by longitudinal slots formed through lower portions of the locking bars, and projecting members mounted on the seat supports and extending through the slots and being engaged by locking controls. The locking controls are actuatable to clamp against the locking bars to prevent relative movement between the locking bars and the seat supports, thus fixing the seat assembly in a selected position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Inventors: Tsai Sung Tsun, Shieh Ping, Bill Harding, Julie Huey-Shiang Lee
  • Patent number: 6135476
    Abstract: A support bracket for supporting a wheelchair seat frame relative to a wheelchair base frame includes a first end having a socket therein and a second end that is structured and configured to couple to a lateral rod which is connected to the seat frame. The socket is dimensioned and configured to receive an element which, in turn, is provided with a passage for receiving a lateral strut. The lateral strut is fixed relative to the wheelchair frame and is positionable in a substantially fixed position relative to the element in the socket in the first end of the support bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Sunrise Medical HHG Inc.
    Inventors: Paul C. Dickie, Darin J. Trippensee
  • Patent number: 6089654
    Abstract: A modular item of child's furniture can be converted from a high chair to a child's chair by removing four chair leg extensions. A lumbar support is provided for the child occupying the chair that is shaped to match the average physiological needs of an infant from birth to two years of age. An adjustable safety strap that is drawn over the child's shoulders restrains dangerous side-to-side swaying motion. A tray also is provided that can be installed on the chair or removed from the chair through a single adult hand manipulation as well as being assembled into a table by attaching the chair leg extensions to the tray.An arcuate rung also can be attached to the chair legs in order to convert the chair into a rocking chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Inventor: Sharon A. Burstein
  • Patent number: 6082820
    Abstract: An improved reclining lounge chair is provided having a distended tubular frame surrounding a fabric base. The fabric base comprises a seat portion, a leg rest portion, and an upper back rest portion. The distended frame is detachably mounted within a fulcrum base member that permits pivoting adjustment of the frame between an upstanding or reclining position. In a presently preferred embodiment, the fulcrum base member further comprises two arm supports and a first arcuate stop bar that cooperates with a second arcuate stop bar disposed on the back rest portion of the tubular frame to limit the motion of the frame in a reclining position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Berkeley Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Chary Jeng
  • Patent number: 6065806
    Abstract: A massaging device capable of easily achieving a reclining operation. The massaging device of the present invention includes a base supporting a seat and a backrest rotatable about a pivot axis about a limited angular range. Mounted within the backrest is a massaging mechanism which includes an applicator giving a massaging action to a user. A pair of armrests extend on opposite sides of the seat and the backrest. The massaging device includes a reclining mechanism for selectively holding the backrest at a position about the pivot axis within the angular range and permitting the bracket to rotate about the pivot axis within the angular range. A handle, which is connected to actuate the reclining mechanism for permitting the backrest to rotate, is mounted on a lower surface of one of the armrests at a location upwardly of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masamichi Miyaguchi, Makoto Fukutani, Fumihiro Nishio, Haruo Sugai, Eiji Masutani, Naoto Sayama
  • Patent number: 6058798
    Abstract: With a device for the infinite adjustment of a telescopic rod for fixing pivotable elements into an open position and returning them into a closed position, and for raising and lowering adjustable head and leg parts of a bed, a couch and an armchair, the invention is directed to making infinite raising possible while retaining the return from the upper dead center position into the lower dead center position after the former has been reached. This is achieved by a toothed rack, a cage-like element and two toothed wheels which run along the toothed rack, are guided in the cage-like element and whose spacing can be moved by the rod from a position locking the teeth of the toothed wheels against one another into a position which disengages the teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Recticel Internationale Bettsysteme GmbH
    Inventor: Hans Lantzsch
  • Patent number: 6056362
    Abstract: Chair assembly, in particular a chair assembly for use in virtual reality devices, comprising a substructure which comprises a stationary bottom frame and situated above it a top frame bearing a chair, movement means being present between the bottom frame and the top frame, in order to make the top frame move relative to the bottom frame, which movement means comprise drive means and a connecting arm of fixed length which interacts hingedly by way of a top hinge axis with the top frame and hingedly by way of a bottom hinge axis with the bottom frame, wherein the top hinge axis and the bottom hinge axis extend substantially parallel to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: RPI Advanced Technology Group
    Inventor: Frans de la Haye
  • Patent number: 6056363
    Abstract: An apparatus which will largely prevent irritated ligaments, and sore necks and backs arising from spending long hours at a computer terminal by allowing the user to position themselves in multiple comfortable positions is disclosed. The apparatus for use with a monitor and keyboard comprises: a base; a carriage slidably mounted on the base; a seat member having rear, and front side portions, said seat member carried on the carriage; a back member having a lower side portion pivoted to the rear portion of the seat member; a leg member having an upper side portion pivoted to the front side portion of the seat member; an arm member carried by the carriage, said arm member having a front end portion adapted to carry the keyboard; a monitor arm carried by the carriage; and motorized threaded screws used to move the carriage on the base, and move the back and leg members relative to the carriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Inventor: Lee W. Maddox
  • Patent number: 6033019
    Abstract: A child's feeding seat includes a base, a tiltable seat for holding a child, and a removable feeding tray. The base has a bottom surface for supporting the seat upon a horizontal support. The tiltable seat includes a seat frame with a back portion and a pair of side arms, with the seat frame attached to the base in one of a series of selectable tilt positions, and a bottom portion attached to the seat frame at one of a series of selectable positions for adjusting the height of the bottom portion with respect to the back portion of the seat frame. The feeding tray is adapted to be removably attached to both of the side arms of the seat frame. The base includes a pair of spaced apart slots for receiving a strap to secure the seat base to the horizontal support, such as a dining chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: The First Years Inc.
    Inventors: Elizabeth M. Hession-Kunz, Kyle A. Nanna, Bryan R. Hotaling, Jon R. Rossman
  • Patent number: 5997021
    Abstract: An adjustable seat back assembly for a wheelchair of the type having a frame with an upwardly extending rear frame portion and an adjustable angle seat support which includes a pivotable front end and a rear end which is secured to said rear frame portion at any of a plurality of different positions. A seat back support is mounted to pivot on the seat support from adjacent its rear end. A link connects the seat support to a slider on the rear frame portion to maintain the position of the slider relative to the seat back support pivot as the seat angle is adjusted. A releasable seat back angle adjuster secures the seat back support to the slider at any of a plurality of positions. When the seat back angle adjuster is released, the seat back support may be folded down towards said seat support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Sunrise Medical HHG Inc.
    Inventors: William G. Robinson, Robert A. Taylor
  • Patent number: 5997087
    Abstract: A chair seat tilt lock comprises a slider riding along a track on the seat and an abutment extending from chair seat post. The slider is spring biased into registration with the abutment to block the chair against tilting and may also be moved away from the abutment so that the chair is then free to tilt. The slider is mover by a lever arm connected to the slider by a co-axial cable with an enlargement at the end of the inner cable which allows the cable to be releasably press fit into a skeleton key-shaped passageway through the slider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Northfield Metal Products Ltd.
    Inventor: William S. Stumpf
  • Patent number: 5992933
    Abstract: An adjustable device to support a seat on a machine or vehicle that is laterally pivotal about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the machine to permit the seat to accommodate uneven terrain. At the will of the operator, this device can be adjusted to a horizontal position, thereby providing comfort and safely when operating a machine on uneven terrain. The device is to provide an improved seat mounting wherein the seat swings from a common point and movement thereof is controlled by an electromechanical linear actuator, activated by a double throw-double pole switch, (voltage determined by equipment manufacturer), located within easy access of operator. Another important object resides in providing a way to secure seat in a fixed horizontal to seat mounting in the event of malfunction or power failure. Spare clevis pins, provided with hair pin clips, could be inserted in pre-drilled holes which will secure seat and movable framework to base assembly parallel to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Inventor: James Otto West
  • Patent number: 5984409
    Abstract: A brake assembly to selectively allow or restrict a pivotal movement of a seat frame relative to a base frame in a reclining chair assembly is disclosed. Reclining chair assemblies applicable to the present invention have a back support member and a seat support member of the seat frame which are positionally fixed during usage of the reclining chair assembly. The seat frame moves relative to the base frame at a pivotal axis common to the base frame and the seat frame. The brake assembly attaches to the seat frame and the base frame to provide for control over the pivotal movement therebetween. In a preferred embodiment opposing arm rests of the reclining chair assembly are positionally fixed relative to the base frame. A first embodiment of the brake assembly relies upon an anchoring of positional orientations of an anchor point relative to a pivotal point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Somatron Corporation
    Inventors: Byron C. Eakin, Kenneth Schuck
  • Patent number: 5951102
    Abstract: A high chair which includes a removable tray with a single-handed actuation handle for actuating a release mechanism. The actuation handle is located on the front edge of the tray and can be pushed slightly forward to operate the release mechanism which pivots fingers out of engagement with grooves located on the sides of the seat of the high chair. The seat can be removed from the high chair by actuating a latch located on a bottom side thereof and pivoting it slightly while lifting off to disengage notches defined on the back of the seat from an upper tubular member of a cradle which is attached to a frame and supports the seat thereon. The cradle can be pivoted relative to the frame to provide a plurality of positions for the seat, including an upright and a recline position. A pivoting mechanism includes a pair of nested hubs and a pin which selectively locks the hubs together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Evenflo Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith L. Poulson, Eduardo J. Jimenez, Joseph L. Kapushion
  • Patent number: 5927812
    Abstract: The chair is constructed with a seat frame which is pivotally mounted at a forward end on a support frame. The rear of the seat frame is interconnected by a linkage to the support frame. The linkage includes a transverse bar which is manually movable to rest against the support legs of the support frame with the seat frame in an upright position or a reclined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Telescope Casual Furniture Company
    Inventor: Robert D. Vanderminden, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5810439
    Abstract: An office-type chair is provided with a base, a seat-back arrangement including a seat assembly which is vertically tiltable relative to the base and a back assembly which is vertically tiltable relative to both the seat assembly and base, and a tilt control mechanism operatively coupled between the base and the seat-back arrangement for permitting the back assembly and seat assembly to be respectively rearwardly and downwardly tilted away from an upright position in a synchronous but differential rate. A front tilt control device is associated with and interconnected with the tilt control mechanism for permitting the seat and back assemblies to be synchronously and nondifferentially tilted forwardly away from the upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Haworth, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard N. Roslund, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5810432
    Abstract: An improved high chair system includes a leg structure, a child seat, and a lower and an upper tray. The child seat may be reclined, and includes a pair of sloping arm rests which allow the child to be placed close to the dining table and allow easy access to the child. The lower tray may be removably mounted on the sloping arm rests, and the upper tray may be mounted on the lower tray. The upper tray includes a tray area which is larger than that of the lower tray. Advantageous mounting structures for the upper and lower trays are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Graco Children's Products Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Haut, Glenn E. Gehr
  • Patent number: 5669664
    Abstract: A highchair comprises a child's chair and a supporting frame on which the chair is supported. The chair has at least one portion which is reclinable by a manual adjusting device. The adjusting device is movable between a position allowing free adjustment and a locked position in which adjustment is prevented. The manual adjusting device includes an operating element disposed on the backrest of the chair for movement between the locked position and the position of free adjustment. Advantageously, the entire chair forms the reclinable portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: Peg Perego Pines, S.p.A.
    Inventor: Gianluca Perego
  • Patent number: 5630648
    Abstract: A dynamic posture chair is disclosed which is capable of use in a range of sit/stand positions. The chair includes a mobile base that is selectively movable by the user and the chair member that is mounted to the base with a tilt mechanism that enables the chair member to be selectively and infinitely tilted over a predetermined of tilt positions while resistively restraining the chair member in the selected tilt position. The chair member includes seat and back members that relatively subtend an angle in the range of about 120 degrees to 135 degrees. The chair member has a uniquely shaped fixed seat/back contour that instantly supports in comfort the back, buttocks and thighs of the user in its lowest and highest vertical positions, and in all positions in between.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Assignees: Harry C. Sweere, Industrial Design Center Inc.
    Inventors: Peter B. Allard, Jack K. Hockenberry, Harry C. Sweere
  • Patent number: 5527096
    Abstract: An infant highchair including a support structure having four legs, respective pairs of the legs each forming an inverted generally U-shaped member, the U-shaped members having an apex region, a molded plastic infant seat, a pair of hubs, each coupled to a side of the infant seat, the hubs each enclosing a mechanism for pivotally attaching the infant seat to the apex region of respective ones of the U-shaped members, the pivoting mechanism defining at least two positions of the infant seat, the positions including an upright position and a reclined position and a locking device being provided for locking the infant seat in each of the positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Assignee: Safe Strap Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Christine R. Shimer
  • Patent number: 5509719
    Abstract: A chair includes a multi-position seat and a frame assembly for supporting the seat in a selected position above a floor underlying the seat. The seat includes a seat bottom and a seat back positioned to lie adjacent to the seat bottom. The seat back is formed to include a guide channel receiving a portion of the frame assembly therein. The frame assembly includes a pedestal and a frame coupled to the pedestal and arranged to pass through, slide in, and pivot in the guide channel formed in the seat back. The frame assembly further includes at least one seat support link and a latch assembly. Each seat support link has one end pivotally coupled to the frame and another end pivotally coupled to the seat to allow the seat to be moved relative to the frame by a caregiver between selected positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Assignee: Cosco, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard E. Cone, II
  • Patent number: 5507550
    Abstract: A highchair for an infant or toddler includes a seat element, a frame assembly for supporting the seat element on a supporting surface, and a feeding tray assembly on the seat element. The feeding tray assembly includes a center support and retaining post which is secured to the front center portion of the seat element and a tray element which is adjustably secured to the upper end of the center support and retaining post. The center support and retaining post is operative for preventing a child from sliding downwardly between the seat element and the tray element regardless of the adjusted position of the tray element, and the seat element is secured to the frame assembly so that it is both vertically adjustable and reclinable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin V. Maloney
  • Patent number: 5489142
    Abstract: An astronomy console includes various features which provide greater comfort and convenience for a user thereof. The console includes a seat which may include heating and/or cooling systems therein, as well as attachment for a telescope or other optical equipment to be aligned with the eye of the viewer or user. The console includes a horizontal and a vertical axis, which axes are motorized in order to provide for the tracking of celestial objects. The tracking process may be automated, or may be manually controlled by a switch panel or keyboard, as desired. Additional comfort and convenience features may be incorporated, such as audio systems for the enjoyment of the observer, and/or computer driven graphics displays of star charts and the like. The present astronomy console will be seen to be of great value particularly to ardent amateur astronomers who enjoy the hobby, but by its nature would be otherwise required to partake of the hobby in whatever ambient conditions might randomly occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Inventor: Gerald N. Mathieu
  • Patent number: 5383709
    Abstract: A mobility chair is provided with a pair of mounting members projecting downwardly from armrests on opposite lateral sides of a seat frame approximately midway between a front end of the seat frame and a back frame. The mounting members are pivotally connected to supports extending upwardly from a chassis so that the user-receiving frame moves between forwardly inclined and rearwardly inclined positions. A gas cylinder extends between the chassis and the frame and prevents the angular movement of the frame from accelerating. The pivotal connections between the mounting members and the support members are disposed below the seat. In a restraining chair, the mounting members are disposed on opposite lateral sides of the seat substantially closer to the front end of the seat than to the back, and the pivotal connections between the mounting members and the support members are adjacent to the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Assignee: Zoetech, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Chaney, Joseph A. Koncelik
  • Patent number: 5368359
    Abstract: A chair comprising fixed arm portions laterally spaced from each other and a pivotable central portion therebetween. The central portion including a head end and a foot end. A hinge couples the arm portions and the central portion. Additionally, a drive members under the control of the operator effect pivoting of the central portion with respect to the side portions. The chair further includes a foot rest. The foot rest comprises an adjustment rachet for coupling the foot rest to the foot end of the central portion. The adjustment rachet has horizontal rods reciprocable into and out of cylinders within the central portion. Additionally, depending rods fixedly secured within the foot rest are pivotally coupled to the horizontal rods and cylinders. Furthermore, the chair includes speakers within the central portion. The speakers are controlled by the operator. When the operator is seated in the chair, the operator may audially and tactically enjoy the created sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Inventor: Byron C. Eakin
  • Patent number: 5364137
    Abstract: An infant highchair including a support structure having four legs, respective pairs of the legs each forming an inverted generally U-shaped member, the U-shaped members having an apex region, a molded plastic infant seat, a pair of hubs, each coupled to a side of the infant seat, the hubs each enclosing a mechanism for pivotally attaching the infant seat to the apex region of respective ones of the U-shaped members, the pivoting mechanism defining at least two positions of the infant seat, the positions including an upright position and a reclined position and a locking device being provided for locking the infant seat in each of the positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: Safe-Strap Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Christine R. Shimer
  • Patent number: 5242212
    Abstract: A posture pod (112) is supported and elevated above the ground by a stand (113). The posture pod includes an anterior portion (114), a posterior portion (116), a bottom portion (118), and two leg openings (120) separated by a wide crotch portion (122). A thigh collar (128) encircles and projects outwardly from each leg opening. The legs of an infant received within the posture pod project through the leg openings. The posture pod is constructed to maintain the infant's hips such that the legs are abducted at an angle of approximately 20 degrees to 30 degrees and flexed to promote normal development of the infant's hips. The posture pod can be selectively positioned between a reclined position, in which the infant is supported by the posterior portion of the pod, and an inclined position, in which the infant is supported by the anterior portion of the pod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1993
    Inventor: Robert F. L. Polley
  • Patent number: 5165753
    Abstract: A lift chair or elevator chair apparatus for invalids provides a base portion having an inclined upper surface and a sub-frame pivotally attached thereto along a forward edge. A mechanical ram powered by an electric motor pivots the sub-frame with respect to the base and about the forward pivot. The inclined upper surface of the base receives the sub-frame thereon in a fully downward position which defines a reclined position for the user. Pivotal rotation of the sub-frame with respect to the base and upon the pivot to an uppermost position defines the forward most lifting position which aids the invalid in moving from a sitting to a standing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1992
    Inventor: Eldred D. Henderson
  • Patent number: 5145232
    Abstract: The squab of the seat is supported at its front and rear regions and by responsive support arms. The lower ends of the arms are mounted on the free ends of respective pivoted elements whose positions are adjustable selectively so as to enable the seat to be adjusted more precisely to the anthropometric characteristics of its occupant, the whole considerably reducing the vertical bulk of the squab and of the seat as a whole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: Fiat Auto SpA
    Inventor: Antonio Dal Monte
  • Patent number: 5137330
    Abstract: Adjustable chair, whereby the seat of the chair comprising on each side a rail (10) secured to a front portion under the seat (3) and resting on a roller (11) connected with the chair frame, the seat being, in the rear portion on each side, connected turnably with a guide (5) secured to the frame where the guide having slideably arranged a first glider (6), the back (4) comprising a downwards and forwards directed prolongation and being turnably connected with the first glider (6), the front end of the prolongation being turnably connected with a second glider (8) being slideably arranged on a second guide (7), the second guide thereby being connected with the frame, and first and second guides (5, 7) being arranged in an obtuse angle in relation to each other such that the distance between the rear portion of seat and the lower portion of the back substantially is maintained whereas the angle between the seat and the back is altered when the back is moved backwards by the user in such a way that the gliders
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1992
    Assignee: Ring Mekanikk a.s.
    Inventors: Tore Lie, Steinar L. Flo, Per Lundstein
  • Patent number: 5131717
    Abstract: A reclining chair has a seat back and a seat bottom which are pivotally attached to opposite ends of a rocking cradle or support frame, which itself is pivotally mounted to a base. The seat back and the seat bottom are interconnected such that an end of the seat bottom proximate to the seat back is raised as the seat back is lowered. Conversely, as the end of the seat bottom proximate to the seat back is lowered, the seat back is raised. The opposite or remote end of the seat bottom is maintained at substantially the same elevation as the end of the seat bottom proximate the seat back, whereby the seat bottom is maintained in a substantially constant orientation relative to the horizontal as it is raised and lowered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1992
    Assignee: The Pelton & Crane Company
    Inventors: Stephen H. Kaminiski, Michael J. Botich, Mark E. Murphy
  • Patent number: 5028061
    Abstract: A frame, suitable for a child's buggy, is provided for removably supporting a seat for a child in a plurality of angular positions, comprising a manually operable lateral mechanism which is adapted to support the seat whereby the seat is fixedly mountable in and releasable from the frame, the mechanism also providing adjustment of the seat to a desired fixed angular position in relation to the frame. The manually operable mechanism comprises a rotatable knob which allows a wedge or dove-tailed part thereof to be withdrawn from engagement with another part so that it can be rotated to a different angular position before being drawn back into engagement, when it is locked in position. To release the seat entirely, the knob is a rotated to a further position to withdraw a cooperating locking device so that the seat can be lifted from the dove-tailed part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1991
    Assignee: Hestair Maclaren Limited
    Inventor: Peter C. Hawkes
  • Patent number: 5022708
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mechanical seat apparatus for simulating motion which includes a novel spherical bearing located below each seat for providing realistic simulation of motion in the yaw, pitch and roll directions. The spherical bearing includes means for preventing movement of the spherical bearing in the event of a power failure or other similar event to avoid injury to the viewers. The mechanical seat apparatus of the present invention also includes supporting structure which enables movement of each seat in the backward and forward, side to side and upward and downward directions, for a total of six degrees of freedom. Common hydraulics are provided to simultaneously impart motion to a plurality of seats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1991
    Assignee: Creative Presentations, Inc.
    Inventors: Tim M. Nordella, William J. Sieber
  • Patent number: 5007679
    Abstract: A chair assembly is mounted on a base member by a pivot that permits the chair assembly to tilt rearwardly from first position to a second position. The chair assembly includes a seat, a legrest that is forwardly extendible from the seat, and a back that is tiltable relative to the seat between a generally upright sitting position and a reclining position. When the chair assembly is at its rearwardly tilted second position, the legrest is in its extended position, and the back is in its reclining position, the head and ankles of an occupant are substantially at the same height for use in medical treatment in which the Trendelenburg is indicated. A releasable locking mechanism holds the cair assembly at a selected inclination angle relative to the base member. The locking mechanism has blades that are permanetly connected to the base and slidably connected to the tiltable chair assembly by a rod that extends through slots in the blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1991
    Inventor: Ned W. Mizelle
  • Patent number: 4909569
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a base for a recliner lift chair in which the push links and flying links are dimensioned to provide constant velocity motion to the seat and back without dwell during movement in the lifting and reclining modes. The base is provided with a flexible tie to afford shifting of the base members to accommodate uneven floors and maintain four-point contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1990
    Inventor: Edward J. Gaffney
  • Patent number: 4893827
    Abstract: A chair for use by an incapacitated person has a wheeled frame which carries a body support assembly composed of a seat, a back, and a foot rest. The back is angularly adjustable relative to the seat and the foot rest is angularly adjustable relative to the seat. The body support assembly is rockable as a unit relative to the frame to enable the entire assembly to occupy any one of a member of tilted positions. The body support assembly may be removed as a unit from the frame for use as a car seat or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1990
    Assignee: Gunnell, Inc.
    Inventors: Dwight S. Gay, John W. Hoornstra
  • Patent number: 4790599
    Abstract: A reclining structure has a supporting frame structure and a fixed seat structure. The fixed seat structure is allowed to swing or pivot about a raised pivot connecting point on the frame structure so that, in its most reclined position, an occupant of the recliner has his feet raised to a level above his heart. The recliner seat structure features a back section, a seat section, and a footrest section, the three sections having a fixed structural relationship to each other. The frame structure features a first and a second side member, and elements for pivotably connecting the seat structure to the side members for swinging motion therebetween. The side members support, from the pivot point in each side member, the weight of the seat structure. The side members also support, in this manner, the weight of any occupant of the recliner. Thereby, the seat structure can swing beneath a pivot axis defined by the pivot points of the first and second side members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1988
    Assignee: Paul R. Goldman
    Inventor: Paul R. Goldman
  • Patent number: 4697845
    Abstract: A motor-driven baby swing is disclosed capable of swinging an improved baby chair for a prolonged period of time. The chair is usable in a swinging mode of operation, and also in a rigid mode of operation when detached from the swing. The chair is pivotally movable into a plurality of reclining positions in each mode of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1987
    Assignee: The Quaker Oats Company
    Inventor: Gordon W. Kamman
  • Patent number: 4681369
    Abstract: A reclinable seat for use in vehicles provides two systems enabling an occupant to adopt reclining postures. The seat comprises a bottom part and a back support part which are rotatable together about an axis in a support frame to be fixed in the vehicle. The axis is transverse to the seat and is adjacent to the bottom part, enabling the seat to be rotated bodily about the axis into reclining positions. The back support part is pivoted to the bottom part so that it can be tilted separately into reclining positions. Separate piston/cylinder control assemblies are provided for respectively locating the seat in positions angularly spaced about the axis and for locating the back support part in angularly spaced positions relative to the bottom part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1987
    Assignee: Flight Equipment and Engineering Limited
    Inventor: Leslie J. Simpson
  • Patent number: 4632456
    Abstract: A children's automobile-mounted safety seat has a body support with a seat portion (2), a base (3) for rotatably supporting the seat portion (2), and reclining adjustment members (12, 15, 16, 17) for adjusting the angle of inclination of the body support portion (2). A journal shaft (11) connecting the seat portion (2) to the base is positioned in the rear lower region of the seat portion in a cavity or hollow space in the base. Reclining adjustment elements (12, 15, 16, 17) are also positioned below the front lower region of the seat portion (2) in the cavity so that manipulation of the reclining adjustment elements is possible only by reaching through an opening in the base into the cavity. A child sitting on the seat normally cannot reach into the cavity and is thus protected against injury by said reclining adjustment elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1986
    Assignee: Aprica Kassai Kabushikikaisha
    Inventor: Kenzou Kassai
  • Patent number: 4545613
    Abstract: An infant's vehicle chair includes a base with upwardly extending supports and a seat body pivotally coupled through the supports to the base. The seat body is constructed from molded plastic and includes channels housing a reinforcing tubular member which extends generally across the bottom of the seat, up the back of the seat, across the back of the seat, down the seat back, and along the bottom of the seat. The ends of the reinforcing tubular member are formed to provide two loops through which a vehicle seat belt is passed to secure the chair to a vehicle seat in a rearward-facing orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1985
    Assignee: Cosco, Inc.
    Inventors: Lisa Martel, Roy E. Knoedler, Donald L. Gerken
  • Patent number: 4491366
    Abstract: A new and improved chair is presented. In one embodiment the chair has a base, each side of the base having a front guide member and a rear guide member operably connected thereto. Each side of the seat portion of the chair has one end of a front roller pivot member and one end of a rear roller pivot member connected thereto. The opposite end of the front roller pivot member has a roller rotatably mounted thereto and the opposite end of the rear roller pivot member has a rear roller rotatably mounted thereto. The front and rear rollers ride in the front and rear guide members in order to change positions of the seat portion. The front guide member slopes downwardly from its rear end to its front end, while the rear guide member slopes downwardly from its front end to its rear end in order to enable the user to use his body weight to shift the seat position from at least a first position to a second position and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1985
    Inventor: Victor Silber