Interconnected With Back For Relative Concurrent Movement Patents (Class 297/340)
  • Publication number: 20140035336
    Abstract: A lift-recliner chair includes a base section, movable seat and backrest sections and a powered actuator for relative moving the seat and backrest sections. The seat section is pivotally mounted with respect to the base section and the backrest is pivotally mounted with respect to the seat section. The base and seat sections each have a pair of side panels arranged substantially parallel with respect to each other on both sides of the chair with the actuator means enclosed in the interior region of the chair in all adjustment positions of the chair. The base and seat sections are arranged telescopically and moveable respect to the base section. The actuator has a first range of movement for moving the backrest with respect to the seat section and a second range of movement for moving the seat section and backrest with respect to the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Integrated Furniture Technologies Limited
    Inventor: Dale Robertson
  • Publication number: 20140028068
    Abstract: A (recliner) chair action of relatively movable seat frame (11), (back) drive frame (12) and yoke frame (13), with intervening links (16, 17, 18, 19), independently grouped respectively between seat frame and drive frame and between drive frame and yoke frame; for seat translation and elevation upon back recline operable under a potential energy function in an inter-relationship between back recline and seat movement, for a common or harmonious experience between different occupancy weights.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventor: Hilary Rolf Birkbeck
  • Publication number: 20140015296
    Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle seat device configured so that the seat cushion can be suitably held at a raised position and that side links are compact. A vehicle seat device is provided with a movement mechanism (41) capable of moving the seat cushion (24) between a seating position and a stowed position. The movement mechanism is provided with: a cross member (52) provided to the seat cushion; left and right, front support brackets (53, 54) provided to the vehicle body floor (12); left and right, side links (55, 56) rotatably connected to the left and right, front support brackets and rotatably connected to the cross member; and a guide link (57) which has first guide support shafts (71a, b) rotatably provided in front of the rotation support shafts (67, 75) of the side links and which also has a second guide support shaft (71e) rotatably provided to the cross member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicants: TS TECH CO., LTD., HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yusuke Ogata, Koki Sato, Osamu Shirose, Nobuo Yokochi, Yoichi Tachikawa
  • Patent number: 8616643
    Abstract: An aircraft passenger seat having a primary seat (1) having a seat back (3) and a seat pan (4), and a secondary support surface (5) located or locatable opposite the primary seat (1), the passenger seat being able to adopt each of an upright configuration, a reclined configuration and a substantially flat configuration, such that in the reclined configuration, the primary seat (1) is reclined relative to the upright configuration and the secondary support surface (5) is angled upwardly towards the primary seat (1) to support the lower leg(s) of a passenger seated in the primary seat (1); and in the substantially flat configuration, the secondary support surface (5) is substantially horizontal and the seat back (3), the seat pan (4), and the secondary support surface (5) form a substantially flat and continuous surface where the secondary support surface (5) is rotatable about an axis between the reclined and substantially flat configurations, the axis being translated between the reclined and substantially fl
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: British Airways PLC
    Inventors: Martin Darbyshire, Matthew Round, Asa Dancy Herring, III, Dennis Isaac Waldrip, Marc Schatell, Alen Wyss, Gregory Hall, Walter Sutcavage, John Lovingood, Dan Alford
  • Publication number: 20130328360
    Abstract: A chair according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a seat frame, a plurality of legs, a backrest and an armrest. The plurality of legs are rotatably coupled to the seat frame at front and rear portions of the seat frame. The backrest is rotatably coupled to the seat frame at the rear portion of the seat frame. The armrest is rotatably coupled to upper ends of the legs. The armrest includes a movable member and a first elastic member. The movable member is retained inside the armrest and is movable along the armrest. The movable member is rotatably coupled to the backrest. The first elastic member is located inside the armrest and applies an elastic restoration force against the movement of the movable member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventor: Han Joo Kim
  • Publication number: 20130320732
    Abstract: An office chair has a base support, a seat support and a backrest support. A synchronizing mechanism for a correlated seat/backrest movement has the seat support articulated directly on a first pivot bearing of the base support, the backrest support articulated directly on a second pivot bearing of the base support, and the backrest support connected to the seat support via an articulation. The articulation axis of the articulation, as seen in the longitudinal direction of the seat, is in front of the pivot axis of the second pivot bearing, such that a pivoting movement of the backrest to the rear about the pivot axis of the second pivot bearing induces a rotation of the seat support about the pivot axis of the first pivot bearing and thus a lifting movement of just the front region of the seat support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: BOCK 1 GMBH & CO., KG
    Inventor: Hermann Bock
  • Patent number: 8596719
    Abstract: A backrest assembly for a wheelchair includes a support plate pivotally connected to a seat, wherein the support plate is configured to be pivotally adjusted between upright and reclined positions with respect to the seat; a slide plate slidably secured on a front surface of the support plate; and a backrest adjustment assembly operatively connected to the support plate and the slide plate. The backrest adjustment assembly includes a link configured to adjust the support plate. The slide plate slides over the support plate through the link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Permobil AB
    Inventors: Bo Engman, Urban Lind, Niklas Backstrom, Jonas Jahkel, Mehdi Mirzaie
  • Publication number: 20130300172
    Abstract: In various embodiments, self-adjusting reclinable seating is disclosed. When the user applies a force to the seating by shifting his or her center of gravity, the backrest and seat portions of the seating move in response to the force to recline the seating. The user can return the seating to an upright position by again shifting his or her center of gravity. Such a configuration eliminates the need for manual recline controls. The seating is further configured to continuously vary the angle of the seat and backrest portions relative to the ground as the user moves. In particular, vertical distance between the front of the seat and the ground increases as the backrest reclines. Continuously varying the angle of both the seat and the backrest portions of the seating relative to the ground may improve a user's seating comfort, for example, by decreasing or eliminating the user's need to shift position on the seat when reclined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventor: Richard Rivera
  • Patent number: 8579350
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a modular transit system having a track system and/or modular seating that can be used to modify a transit car. The track system can support a variety of attachments to allow the transit car to be reconfigured. According to one embodiment of the present invention, an adjustable furnishing system is de-mountably mountable to a generally vertical wall. The adjustable furnishing system comprises a mounting structure carried by the wall, a support frame having opposite first and second ends, and a furnishing carried by the support frame. The first end of the support frame releasably attaches to the mounting structure and the mounting structure supports the support frame in a cantilevered position with the second end extending outwardly from the wall with the furnishing carried thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Kustom Seating Unlimited, Ltd.
    Inventors: James Masters, Eugene J. Germaine
  • Patent number: 8579368
    Abstract: A seat for a vehicle includes a seat cushion frame reciprocating between seating and retracted positions, a seat back frame rotatable between standing and forward-tilted positions, a head rest movable between stationary and retracted positions, a pair of links provided at both end portions of the seat cushion frame on a floor in a lateral direction of the vehicle, a guide member including a guide groove extending between the seating and retracted positions, a slide member arranged at the seat cushion frame and sliding along the guide groove, a head rest retaining device retaining the head rest in the stationary position, a rotary member supported by the seat back frame and rotated by the slide member, and an interlocking device arranged between the rotary member and the head rest retaining device and releasing the head rest from the stationary position in accordance with a rotation of the rotary member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignees: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Motohiro Kokubo, Masaki Hatano, Hideki Fujisawa, Kazuya Iwasa, Hiroaki Hayahara
  • Patent number: 8573674
    Abstract: A switching mechanism that switches a locking device of a slider device between a locked state and an unlocked state includes a sliding member that slides along a wall surface of a fixed rail, a step portion that is formed on the wall surface of the fixed rail and onto which the sliding member rides when a seat main body enters an unusable range, an unlocking mechanism that is provided on the seat main body and that unlocks the locking device and keeps the locking device unlocked in response to movement of the sliding member as the sliding member rides onto the step portion, and an unlocking operation canceling mechanism that is provided on the seat main body and that cancels an operation by the unlocking mechanism to unlock the locking device when the seat cushion is flipped up into a tipped up position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Taiyo Otsuka
  • Publication number: 20130278032
    Abstract: The stand-up unit comprises a support a stand-up frame, which is articulated on the support and has a seat carrier carrying a seat, and a backrest carrier carrying a backrest. Furthermore, a first lever parallelogram is provided in order to maintain the backrest upright in any position. The backrest can be displaced by the first lever parallelogram by means of a rod, in order to ensure that no undesirable relative movement occurs between the backrest and the back of the user when getting up or sitting down. A second lever parallelogram controls the movement of the seat when getting up and sitting down to ensure that no relative movement develops between the seat and buttocks of the user. The stand-up unit may be provided with a base to serve as a chair, particularly a therapy chair. The stand-up unit, however, may also serve as a stand-up wheelchair, when connected to an undercarriage. Spring joint elements support the standing up.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventor: Levo AG Wohlen
  • Patent number: 8550558
    Abstract: A chair comprises a seat, a backrest and a chair base, wherein the backrest and the chair base are connected through a first connector, that comprises a base holder rigidly connected to the chair base, a back holder secured to the backrest, a rotation holder, a first linkage bar, a second linkage bar and a third linkage bar. The chair solves the problem that a user's clothes is pulled up when the backrest of the chair is turned backward in the traditional chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Inventor: Jianhua Fu
  • Publication number: 20130257128
    Abstract: A collapsible seat includes a seat bottom, a back support, and armrests, all interconnected for movement between an operative, or set-up, condition and a collapsed, or bundled, condition. The seat bottom comprises first and second portions interconnected together and foldable into generally parallel relationship with one another associated with the collapsed condition of the seat. The back support is pivotally disposed relative to the seat bottom such that, in the seat's set-up condition, the back support extends generally upwardly from a rear portion of the seat bottom and is capable of pivotal movement relative to the seat bottom for collapsing the seat to its collapsed condition. The armrests are located on the outer edges of the seat bottom when the seat is in its set-up condition, and are pivotally connected with the first and second seat bottom portions, respectively, for movement relative thereto during set-up and collapsing of the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventor: Daniel R. Grace
  • Publication number: 20130249265
    Abstract: An automotive folding seat device includes a seat support platform that is mounted on a floor, a cushion storage mechanism that is capable of moving a seat cushion from an in-use position to a storage position, a reclining mechanism that is capable of selectively holding a seat back at a raised position and a dropped-down position, and a coupling mechanism that provides a link between the reclining mechanism and the cushion storage mechanism, wherein the floor has formed thereon an elevated surface and a low surface, which is lower than the elevated surface, the seat support platform is mounted on the elevated surface, and the cushion storage mechanism is arranged so as to be capable of moving the seat cushion from the in-use position, which is higher than the elevated surface, to the storage position, which is close to the low surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: TS TECH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takuji Kaneda, Kenta Kikuchi, Takeshi Akutsu
  • Publication number: 20130221719
    Abstract: A tilt mechanism (10) for a chair comprises a base (11), a back bracket (12) configured to support a chair back (4) and a coupling arrangement (16, 25) configured to couple the back bracket (12) to the base (11). The coupling arrangement comprises a guide track (25) and a guide member (16). One of the guide track (25) and the guide member (16) is provided on a portion of the back bracket (12) extending from a back attaching portion (23) to a pivot coupling portion (24) at which the back bracket (12) may be articulated to a chair seat (3). The other one of the guide track (25) and the guide member (16) is provided on the base (11). When the coupling arrangement (16, 25) couples the back bracket (12) to the base (11), pivoting the back bracket (12) about the pivot coupling portion (24) causes the guide member (16) and the guide track (25) to be displaced relative to each other, effecting a displacement of the pivot coupling portion (24) relative to the base (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: L&P PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY
    Inventor: Massimo Costaglia
  • Publication number: 20130134757
    Abstract: A device, system and method for assisting an elderly, disabled, or infirmed person to rise from a lying or substantially lying position, at or near floor level, to at least a sitting position with minimal or no assistance from another person. The device may be, at its lowest or substantially most compressed position, low enough to be accessible to a person lying at or near floor level who may have very limited mobility due to age, a disability, or an infirmity. The device, system and method may additionally provide a secondary mode, and/or an optional aspect of the device, for moving the person once in the seated position to a standing position using the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Inventor: Andrew Hines
  • Patent number: 8439435
    Abstract: Described are passenger seats having a seat pan assembly with reclining and tilting mechanisms, a seat back pivotally coupled to the aft end of the seat pan assembly, and a lumbar mechanism coupled to the seat back and the seat pan assembly. The reclining mechanism is configured to adjust a forward position of the seat pan assembly and the rotation of the seat back between upright and reclining positions. The tilting mechanism is configured to rotate an aft end of the seat pan relative to the pan frame and deploy the lumbar mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Zodiac Seats US LLC
    Inventors: Larry Richard Gaither, Timothy W. Terleski, Chirag Patel
  • Publication number: 20130113255
    Abstract: A seat assembly includes a track mount configured to shift along a track and a platform configured to selectively latch to, unlatch from, and pivot relative to the track mount. The assembly also includes a seat-back and a seat-cushion, each connected to the platform and configured to selectively latch to, unlatch from, and pivot relative to the platform. The assembly additionally includes a first mechanism configured to selectively operate the seat assembly in a first mode and a second mode. The first mode includes unlatching and pivoting the seat-back and unlatching and pivoting the platform such that the seat assembly tumbles relative to the track. The second mode includes unlatching and pivoting the seat-cushion and unlatching and pivoting the seat-back such that the seat-back comes to rest substantially parallel to the track mount. A vehicle having the seat assembly is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicants: LEAR CORPORATION, GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Rainer A. Glaser, Krzysztof Wroblewski, Stanislaw A. Wieclawski
  • Publication number: 20130099540
    Abstract: A seat comprises a seat squab (12), a supporting structure (15) and a backrest (14), in use, the seat squab (12) being movable in a substantially downward direction relative to the supporting structure when weight is applied to the seat squab (12), and the substantially downward movement of the seat squab (12) causing automatic movement of the backrest (14) in a substantially upward direction, the angular orientation of an upper surface of the seat squab (12) relative to the supporting structure remaining unchanged during the substantially downward movement of the seat squab
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: SPLICED IP LTD.
    Inventor: James Lucas
  • Publication number: 20130088061
    Abstract: A seat assembly having a collapsible cushion support assembly disposed on a seat bottom frame and an adjustable support mechanism. The adjustable support mechanism supports a seat occupant and extends from a seat bottom frame to a seat back frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Christer Andersson, Odd Jaegtnes
  • Patent number: 8414075
    Abstract: A chair adjustment structure includes a base member, a top cover pivotally connected to the base member, a spring member connected between the base member and the top cover, and a back bracket pivotally connected to the base member and the top cover. Therefore, when the user sits on the seat pad of the chair, the back bracket is forced to pivot the top cover to provide the user with sitting comfort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventor: Wen-Shan Ko
  • Patent number: 8408649
    Abstract: A walk-in seat is provided, which has decreased number of components, and has a vacant space formed below a seat cushion so that the walk-in seat may be used even for a different-level seat track. The walk-in seat has a first control lever 171 for unlocking a first locking mechanism 100; a second control lever 181 for unlocking a second locking mechanism 100?; a memory mechanism 300 holding the first control lever 171 such that when a first upper rail 5 is located between a middle position and a foremost position with a seatback being tilted most forward, the first locking mechanism 100 is unlocked; first cable means FC operating such that when the seatback of a seat is tilted to a most forward position, the means FC drives the first control lever 171 to unlock the first locking mechanism 100; and second cable means SC transmitting operation of the first control lever 171 to the second control lever 181.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Shiroki Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Ito, Hidehiko Fujioka
  • Publication number: 20130038095
    Abstract: A seating unit that includes a linkage mechanism adapted to move the seating unit between seat-lift, closed, extended, reclined, and seat-lift positions is provided. The linkage mechanism includes a seat-mounting plate mounted to a footrest assembly, a base plate fixedly mounted to a lift assembly, a back-mounting link rotatably coupled to the seat-mounting plate, a seat-adjustment assembly with a bellcrank, and a linear actuator for automating adjustment of the linkage mechanism. In operation, a stroke in a first phase of the linear actuator generates a force on the bellcrank that translates the seat-mounting plate rearward in a consistent angle of inclination and rotates the back-mounting link from a reclined to an upright orientation. A stroke in a second phase acts to collapse the footrest assembly. A stroke in a third phase causes the lift assembly to raise and tilt the seating unit, thereby accommodating egress and ingress of an occupant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: L & P PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY
    Inventors: Gregory M. LAWSON, Jason ALLAN BRYANT
  • Publication number: 20120313414
    Abstract: Device for synchronizing the tilt of the back and the seat of a chair, of the type comprising a back frame, a seat frame and a support constrained to, or coincident with, the base of the chair, as well as at least one first crank hinged to the support and a front portion of the seat frame, and at least one second crank hinged to the support and a rear portion of the seat frame, so that the afore said at least one first and one second crank constitute a four-bar linkage with the seat frame. Advantageously, the device provides that the back frame is integral with the afore said at least one first crank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: Donati S.p.A.
    Inventor: Armando Donati
  • Publication number: 20120313406
    Abstract: An aircraft passenger seat having a primary seat (1) having a seat back (3) and a seat pan (4), and a secondary support surface (5) located or locatable opposite the primary seat (1), the passenger seat being able to adopt each of an upright configuration, a reclined configuration and a substantially flat configuration, such that in the reclined configuration, the primary seat (1) is reclined relative to the upright configuration and the secondary support surface (5) is angled upwardly towards the primary seat (1) to support the lower leg(s) of a passenger seated in the primary seat (1); and in the substantially flat configuration, the secondary support surface (5) is substantially horizontal and the seat back (3), the seat pan (4), and the secondary support surface (5) form a substantially flat and continuous surface where the secondary support surface (5) is rotatable about an axis between the reclined and substantially flat configurations, the axis being translated between the reclined and substantially fl
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: British Airways Plc
    Inventors: Martin DARBYSHIRE, Matthew Round, Asa Dancy Herring, III, Dennis Isaac Waldrip, Marc Schatell, Alen Wyss, Gregory Hall, Walter Sutcavage, John Lovingood, Dan Alford
  • Patent number: 8313144
    Abstract: A seat assembly includes a seat back and seat cushion. A forward link pivotally extends between the seat cushion and base. A control bracket has a pair of pivotal links forming a four bar connection with the base. A control link pivotally extends between the seat cushion and control bracket. A seat back operatively coupled to the control bracket has a recliner mechanism for selectively pivoting the seat back between a forwardly folded position and a plurality of reclined seating positions. A guide link pivotally extends between the seat back and control link. Forward rotational movement of the seat cushion urges the seat back to rotate relative to the seat cushion moving the seat assembly to a stand-up position. Pivoting the seat back to the forwardly folded position urges the seat cushion to move forwardly and lower relative to the base moving the seat assembly to a kneeling position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Intier Automotive Inc
    Inventor: Carl J. Holdampf
  • Patent number: 8303036
    Abstract: An aircraft seat having a movable squab and backrest, and a fixed seat chassis is presented. A mechanism for moving the squab and backrest has a linear runner mounted on the seat chassis and includes a linear drive for extending (and retracting) the assembly between a retracted position and an extended position. A first cam track allows adjustment the height of the back edge of the seat squab, the first cam track being generally parallel to the linear runner through the majority of its length and having a rearmost substantially vertical portion. A first cam follower mechanism interconnects a back edge of the seat squab, the first cam track and the linear drive, for motion of the seal squab. A second cam track is provided for adjusting the inclination of the backrest and a second follower is connected to the seatback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Contour Aerospace Ltd.
    Inventors: Christopher Hankinson, Michael Roy Hudswell
  • Patent number: 8297703
    Abstract: A fold-down vehicle seat is provided having a seat part and a foldable backrest. The seat part is mounted so it is pivotable on the vehicle floor via a front rocker and the backrest is mounted so it is pivotable on a seat framework section using a lower end section. In such a vehicle seat, the seat part and the backrest are transferable into a first and a second folded position to enlarge a cargo area of the vehicle adjoining the vehicle seat, the seat part being coupled using a rear rocker to the backrest, and the seat framework section supporting the backrest situated so it is displaceable on the vehicle floor in the vehicle longitudinal direction. In this way, a fold-down driver seat is provided, which has a high degree of user friendliness and is universally adaptable to various cargo space configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Winfried Ehrhard
  • Publication number: 20120267931
    Abstract: A seat for use in an aircraft is provided. The seat includes a support assembly adapted to be secured to the floor, a seat having a central portion and a rear portion, a seat back pivotably coupled to the support assembly for movement between an upright position and a reclined position relative to the support assembly, a pivot assembly having an arm pivotally coupled to the central portion of the seat at a first end and pivotally coupled to the support assembly at a second end permitting the seat to pivot about a pivot axis relative to the support assembly and translate relative to the support assembly. A connector assembly coupling the rear portion of the seat to the seat back and an adjustment assembly controlling the available degrees of freedom of movement of at least one of the seat and the seat back are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: Wolfgang K, LLC
    Inventor: Burkley U. Kladde
  • Publication number: 20120139300
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide adjustable or convertible seats for use in aircraft and other passenger transport vehicles. The seats are designed to use non-parallel slides and a single actuator for certain movements of the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: JEAN CHARLES MARAIS, Joel Marais
  • Publication number: 20120091769
    Abstract: A chair has a supporting frame, a seat portion for supporting an occupant, and a back portion for supporting the back of a seated occupant. The portion is reclinable relative to the supporting frame between a generally upright position and a generally reclined position. A preference control is operatively engaged between the back portion and a chair component, wherein displacement of the back portion toward the generally reclined position causes displacement of the chair component. The preference control is adjustable to vary the amount of displacement of the chair component caused by a given amount of displacement of the back portion toward the generally reclined position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: FORMWAY FURNITURE LIMITED
    Inventors: Kent Wallace Parker, Paul Michael Wilkinson, Lyall Douglas Stewart, Daryl Owen Neal, Martyn Walter Goodwin Collings, Peter Alan Tierney
  • Publication number: 20120056461
    Abstract: Device for synchronizing the tilt of a chair back and seat, of the type comprising a frame of the chair back (5), a frame of the seat (2) and a support (1) integral with the base of the chair, as well as at least one first crank (3), integral with the afore said frame of the chair back (5), and hinged (6, 7) at the rear to the frame of the seat (2) and to the support (1), and at least one second crank (4), hinged (8, 9) at the front to the frame of the seat (2) and to the support (1). The afore said first crank (3) and the second crank (4), with the frame of the seat (2), determine a articulated quadrilateral, wherein such a first crank (3) and such a second crank (4) lie substantially on skew lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: DONATI S.P.A.
    Inventor: Armando Donati
  • Patent number: 8128543
    Abstract: A twist exerciser includes a base, a first gear unit, a second gear unit, a seat, a feet rest and a handle unit. The first gear unit includes a first shaft rotatably connected to the base and a first gear is fixed to the first shaft and co-rotated with the first shaft. The second gear unit includes a second shaft rotatably connected to the base and a second gear is fixed to the second shaft and co-rotated with the second shaft. The seat is connected to a top end of the first shaft and co-rotated with the first gear. The feet rest has a first end fixed to the first shaft and a second of the feet rest has a transverse bar. The handle unit has a handle and drives the second shaft. The exerciser is easily operated and has simple structure and less noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Inventor: Shu-Chiung Liao Lai
  • Publication number: 20120043797
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle seat which may be adjusted forward and back along a seat rail arranged on both sides, and in which both the inclination of a seat surface and a back surface and a height thereof may be adjusted. Such a vehicle seat is intended to be adapted very easily and in an uncomplicated manner to the different body sizes of drivers. This is achieved in that a common adjustment mechanism is provided for all seat adjustment sequences, which coordinates the individual adjustment sequences, in that the coordination of the adjustment sequences produces seat adjustments in which the seating position of the respective driver is optimized irrespective of body size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Igor Fischbein
  • Patent number: 8104835
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed as having, for example, a frame, a backrest assembly including a pivot bracket, a seat assembly pivotably connected to the pivot bracket and the frame, a leg rest assembly pivotably connected to the frame, a link connected to the leg rest assembly at a first pivot joint and the pivot bracket at a second pivot joint, and a lock connected to the leg rest assembly and the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Invacare Corp.
    Inventors: Wesley L. Ovre, Mathew A. Haugen, Jeffrey V. Schmidt, Leo J. Schweiss, Michael W. Lokken
  • Publication number: 20110309664
    Abstract: A chair has a supporting frame, a seat portion, a back portion, and a recline mechanism. The mechanism moves the seat portion upon a reclining action of the back portion. The mechanism has a rear deformable member and a front deformable member operatively connecting the seat portion and the supporting frame. The recline mechanism also has a lower deformable member operatively connecting a lower part of the back portion and the supporting frame, and a puller member above the lower deformable member. The recline mechanism is configured such that as the back portion is reclined, the lower deformable member deforms and the puller member applies a rearward pulling action which causes the seat portion to move and the front and rear deformable members to deform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: FORMWAY FURNITURE LIMITED
    Inventors: Kent Wallace Parker, Paul Michael Wilkinson, Lyall Douglas Stewart, Daryl Owen Neal, Martyn Walter Goodwin Collings, Peter Alan Tierney
  • Publication number: 20110291453
    Abstract: A seating structure including a base, a pair of laterally spaced support arms each having a seat portion and a backrest portion and a transition portion joining the seat portion and backrest portion, wherein the support arms are coupled to the base. A body support member extends between and is connected to the support arms and includes at least a seat portion and a backrest portion. A support element is coupled to the base and includes a central support arm extending upwardly along a centerline of the backrest portion of the body support member. The central support arm is spaced rearwardly from the backrest portions of the support arms and further includes a pair of laterally extending struts connecting the central support arm and the laterally spaced support arms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: JOHANN BURKHARD SCHMITZ, Carola Eva Marianne Zwick, Roland Rolf Otto Zwick, Claudia Plikat
  • Publication number: 20110291452
    Abstract: A chair adjustment structure includes a base member, a top cover pivotally connected to the base member, a spring member connected between the base member and the top cover, and a back bracket pivotally connected to the base member and the top cover. Therefore, when the user sits on the seat pad of the chair, the back bracket is forced to pivot the top cover to provide the user with sitting comfort.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Wen-Shan KO
  • Patent number: 7971938
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly adapted to perform an easy entry function includes a seat body having a seat bottom and a pivotally connected seat back. The seat body is configured to limit the seat back to pivot through a first angular range that inhibits the seat back from actuating the easy entry function. The seat body is further configured to limit the seat back to pivot through a second angular range that allows the seat back to actuate the easy entry function. The first actuator is provided to actuate the seat back to pivot through the first angular range. A second actuator is provided to actuate the seat back to pivot through the second angular range. The seat back maintains a generally upright orientation as the seat back pivots in a forward direction through the first angular range and the second angular range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventor: Stanislaw Andrzej Wieclawski
  • Patent number: 7926879
    Abstract: A load support member includes spaced apart beam members, a linking member and a stop member. In another aspect, the beam includes a support surface defining first and second landing regions, which are in contact with and support a membrane. In another aspect, a brace member is secured between laterally spaced beams, with the brace member having a greater height than width at the end thereof and a greater width than height at the middle thereof. In another aspect, a pair of armrests are joined to a cross member and a pair of spaced apart beams in a releasable engagement. In yet another aspect, a pair of beam members are fixedly joined with a cross member, which is pivotally connected to a link pivotally connected to the beams. A method of assembling a load support structure is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Johann Burkhard Schmitz, Claudia Plikat, Carola Eva Marianne Zwick, Roland Rolf Otto Zwick, Andrew Keith Hector, John Fredric Aldrich
  • Patent number: 7922249
    Abstract: A workstation for a user comprising a basis, an shaft pivoted on the basis, a seat pivoted on the shaft, a back rest connected to the shaft, at least one shaft piston connecting the basis to the shaft and at least one seat piston connecting the shaft to the seat. The shaft and the seat are arranged to allow a user to sit at the workstation. The at least one shaft piston and at least one seat piston are arranged to allow changing the position of the shaft and of the seat. The orientation of the shaft and the orientation of the seat are adjustable by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventor: Rafael Tal Marchand
  • Publication number: 20110074197
    Abstract: A chair structure results in a proper counter force when an occupant reclines on a back. The chair is composed of a pintle, a base which is supported by the pintle, a back support which is installed on the back, a seat support which is installed on a seat, a first swaying pivot, a second swaying pivot which is located in front of the first swaying pivot, a third swaying pivot which is located between the first swaying pivot and the second swaying pivot, and a sliding structure. The chair is provided with simple structures, and can result in a constant counter force or maintain a proper counter force depending on an angle of the back, when the occupant reclines on the back.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventor: Isao Okamoto
  • Publication number: 20110062758
    Abstract: An item of seating furniture employs a seat depth adjustment, in which the seat is mounted displaceably relative to a backrest frame. A pivotable lower backrest frame is mounted on the backrest frame. The lower backrest frame is connected to the rear part of the seat. The displaceable seat thereby remains connected to the backrest, and a horizontal gap does not arise between the backrest and seat, which horizontal gap could impair the seating comfort and interfere in the overall appearance of the item of seating furniture. The seat depth adjustment is in particular also suitable for use with synchronous mechanisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventor: Mark Wiese
  • Publication number: 20110043018
    Abstract: A seat controlling mechanism includes motors for actuating a plurality of seat sections, a position detecting apparatus detecting positions of the seat sections and a controlling apparatus controlling the seat sections to move to a predetermined position, wherein an interfering range, an interference avoidable range in which an interference avoidance control is executed and a normal operation range are set in the controlling apparatus, and when at least one of the seat sections positions in the interference avoidable range, the controlling apparatus prohibits the movement of the at least one of the seat sections toward the interfering range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Misato MAEDA, Kazuyuki KASHIWABARA
  • Publication number: 20110037304
    Abstract: A vehicle seat, in particular motor vehicle seat includes a base (9) which includes at least one front foot (11). A seat cushion (3) is connected in an articulated manner to the front foot (11) by at least one front leg (13). At least one rear foot (21) is locked to the base (9) in at least one use position suitable for conveying passengers by a first locking device (23). At least one guide rod (27, 29) is provided between the front foot (11) and the rear foot (21). At least one coupling (42) is provided between the seat cushion (3) and the rear foot (21). A backrest (5) is borne by the rear foot (21).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventor: Joachim Kämmerer
  • Patent number: 7878592
    Abstract: A seat apparatus for a vehicle includes a first lock mechanism switching between a first locked state and a first lock-released state and a second lock mechanism switching between a second locked state and a second lock-released state. The first lock mechanism includes a restraining member and a releasing member. The restraining member restrains a pivotal movement of a seatback at a predetermined angle position, at which the seatback does not interfere with a seat cushion moving between a first position and a second position thereof, when the second lock mechanism is in the second lock-released state. The releasing member is linked to the restraining member and releases a restriction to the pivotal movement of the seatback by being moved in association with a movement of the seat cushion when the second lock mechanism is in the second lock-released state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yukifumi Yamada, Hiroyuki Okazaki, Kazuya Iwasa
  • Patent number: 7878569
    Abstract: In an automobile having a seat cushion 13 and a seat back 12 to be stored in an upper part of a vehicle interior, the seat cushion 13 and the seat back 12 can be lifted easily to the upper part position of the vehicle interior. The seat cushion 13 is rotatably coupled to the seat back 12 so that the seat cushion 13 can be superposed on the seat back 12, the seat back 12 is supported on a vehicle body 1 so that the superposed seat cushion 13 and seat back 12 can be rotated to the upper part of the vehicle interior, and a rear surface 12B of the seat back 12 is provided with a handle arm 16 that is grabbed by an operator to lift up the seat back 12 and the seat cushion 13 to the upper part of the vehicle interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignees: Kanto Auto Works, Ltd., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Jun Kanamori, Osamu Fujimoto
  • Publication number: 20110004371
    Abstract: A seating unit that includes an adjustable foundation, a torque-inducing mechanism, and a base structure for interconnecting a backrest and a seat is provided. The adjustable foundation provides adjustable support for, and is controlled by, an occupant of the seating unit. The adjustable foundation includes extensible supports that each have a first and second end, and a frame assembly. The frame assembly includes a stationary member that is fixedly attached to the first ends and a drive bar that is configured to secure the second ends of the extensible supports such that longitudinal tension is generated upon rotating the drive bar with respect to the stationary member. The torque-inducing mechanism adjusts an angular position of the drive bar. In this capacity, the drive bar is configured to convert torque applied by the torque-inducing mechanism into a directional force that controls the longitudinal tension of the extensible supports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2009
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: L & P PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY
    Inventor: Larry I. Bullard
  • Publication number: 20110001343
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat base having a rack gear mounted thereto and a seat back pivotally mounted to the seat base with a pinion gear mounted at a lower end thereof. The pinion gear and the rack gear are arranged such that pivotal movement of the seat back effects longitudinal movement of the seat base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2009
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventor: Terrie Ellison