Pivotal Linkage Assembly Patents (Class 297/344.15)
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Patent number: 7861994Abstract: A seat adjustment apparatus of a vehicle that prevents a torque rod from falling off. A torque rod is rotatably supported by through holes, which are provided in a left base frame. The torque rod pivots with respect to base frames through pivoting of rear lifter links. A metal hook member is secured to the torque rod. The metal hook member includes a first engagement portion, second engagement portions, and a third engagement portion. The first engagement portion is passed through the torque rod and engaged with a torsion bar. The second engagement portions are engaged with the torque rod. The third engagement portion is provided at a position radially outward from the second engagement portions and engaged with the left base frame. The torsion bar is fixed to the torque rod through the metal hook member.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2006Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yukifumi Yamada, Yasuhiro Kojima
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Patent number: 7845033Abstract: A medical examination table is provided. The medical examination table comprises a base providing a storage area, a patient support movable independent of the base between a lowered position and a raised position, and a lift mechanism coupled to the patient support for moving the patient support between the lowered position and the raised position. The patient support comprises a backrest and a seat. Movement of the patient support independent or separately from the base and without interfering with the storage areas within the base may allow for the efficient use of the examination table as a storage area.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2009Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: The Brewer Company, LLCInventors: Jack A. DeBraal, Michael J. Marchant, Mark E. Jensen, Michael Bargiel, Michael F. Hoft, Richard Walters
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Patent number: 7828384Abstract: A height adjusting device for an automobile seat is disclosed. The height adjusting device includes a sector gear (13) arranged between a side frame section (1) of a seat cushion frame of the seat and a linkage arm (2) and supported to a fixing pin (2a) of the linkage arm (2), a plating pin (16) for interconnecting the linkage arm (2) and a linkage rod (4), the planting pin (16) being provided at the sector gear (13), and a spiral spring (14) stretched between the fixing pin (2a) projected from the linkage arm (2) and the planting pin (16) with an innermost end portion (14a) thereof being retained around an end of the fixing pin (2a), and with an outermost end portion (14b) thereof being retained around an end of the planting pin (16).Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2007Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: TS Tech Co., Ltd.Inventor: Katsuhiko Shinozaki
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Patent number: 7780235Abstract: A vehicle seat (1), in particular a motor vehicle seat, is provided including a seat substructure (5), a seat cushion (31, 33) with a seat shell (31) and an inclination adjuster (21) with a drive (43). The inclination adjuster (21) with drive (43) is used to change the inclination of the seat cushion relative to the seat substructure (5). The inclination adjuster (21) is loosely positioned on the seat substructure (5) or on the seat cushion (31, 33) and movably attached to the other respective sub-assembly.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2008Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: RECARO GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Ingo Teufel, Hans Edrich, Kai Schumann
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Patent number: 7770974Abstract: A height adjustment device of a vehicle seat comprises a control valve means for governing the degree of filling of a compressed air actuator. Following an alteration in the weight to be carried by the compressed air actuator there is a relative switching over movement between a component bearing a control cam slide and a component bearing an actuating member entailing the switch over of the control valve means. The relative switching over movement is a linear movement, the two components bearing the slide and the actuating member being guided for relative sliding linear motion in the direction of the switch over movement. Furthermore a vehicle seat having such a height adjustment device is provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2008Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Festo AG & Co. KGInventors: Helmut Ott, Simon Geiger, Steffen Sailer
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Patent number: 7770863Abstract: A seat apparatus for a vehicle includes a lower rail fixed to a vehicle floor and an upper rail slidably supported relative to the lower rail and having a U-shaped cross section opened downward. The seat apparatus includes a supporting member integrally formed with a bottom wall portion and fixed, at both longitudinal ends thereof, to an upper portion of the upper rail and a side wall portion extending upward from at least one width directional end of the bottom wall portion. The supporting member supports a vehicle seat. The supporting member includes a curved portion integrally formed at an intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the bottom wall portion of the supporting member and curved upward to be distant from the upper rail.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2006Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yukifumi Yamada, Yasuhiro Kojima
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Patent number: 7766427Abstract: A seat device for a vehicle adapted to adjust a positional height of a seat cushion includes rails, frames supporting the seat cushion, link members, a torque rod connecting link members, a sector gear formed so as to operate together with one of the link members and rotatably supported by one of the frames, an elongated hole formed on the sector gear, a pinion gear meshing with the sector gear, a pressing bracket supported by the pinion gear, a stopper pin inserted into the elongated hole of the sector gear and connected to the one of the frames at a first end of the stopper pin and to the pressing bracket at a second end of the stopper pin.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2007Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yasuhiro Kojima, Yukifumi Yamada
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Patent number: 7717509Abstract: A vehicle seat apparatus includes a pair of vehicle-width spaced lower arms attached to a seat cushion, each of the lower arms having a rear portion; a connecting member fixed to the rear portion of each of the lower arms; a pair of vehicle-width spaced upper arms attached to a seat back, each of the upper arms being pivoted by a rotational shaft to the rear portion of the corresponding lower arm to rotate relative thereto; a reclining apparatus provided at one of the connecting member and serving for restricting and allowing the upper arms to rotate; and a load receiving portion provided at one of the lower arms for receiving a downward load, when the downward load is transmitted from the connecting member to the rear portion of one of the lower arms, by being brought into engagement with at least one of the upper arm, the reclining apparatus, and the connecting member.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2006Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yasuhiro Kojima
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Publication number: 20100117428Abstract: To be able to produce a scissors-type frame of a vehicle seat in a quick and easy manner, the present invention is directed to a scissors-type frame for a vehicle seat, in particular for a motor vehicle seat, comprising a first scissors element and a second scissors element, wherein the scissors-type frame is height-adjustable by means of the two scissors elements, and wherein the scissors-type frame is characterized in that one of the two scissors elements passes through the other of the two scissors elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2009Publication date: May 13, 2010Applicant: GRAMMER AGInventors: Johann Deml, Erich Dieling, Josef Kohl, Alexander Lorey, Manfred Renner
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Patent number: 7712835Abstract: A structure of operation portion of height adjuster of vehicle seat is provided, in which a brake unit associated with the height adjuster and a support element on which a control lever is mounted are disposed. Further, a transmission mechanism of parallel linkage structure with four articulation points is operatively connected between the brake unit and support element. According thereto, the control lever has operative connection with the brake unit via four articulation points of three link members, such that two of the link members are pivotally connected with the respective brake unit and support element, maintaining parallel relation with each other, while other remaining one of the link members is pivotally connected between those two link members.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2008Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: Tachi-S Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tomohisa Kubota
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Publication number: 20100109405Abstract: A dental chair for supporting a patient during examination and the performance of procedures on the patient includes a patient support having a seat and a back, a base adapted to engage a floor surface, and a lift arm. The lift arm has a first end pivotally coupled to support structure at a first, terminal end of the base for rotation about a pivot axis defined by the support structure. A second end of the lift arm is coupled to the patient support.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2008Publication date: May 6, 2010Applicant: MIDMARK CORPORATIONInventor: Leo R. Hanus
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Patent number: 7703851Abstract: A tilt mechanism portion is connected to an front downward-extending portion of a side frame (cushion side fame) of a seat cushion so as to move vertically the seat cushion. A rear downward-extending portion of the cushion side frame is supported at a support pin of a base side frame. Thereby, the rear end of the seat cushion changes little longitudinally despite the vertical movement (tilt) of the front portion of the seat cushion. Accordingly, any conformability deterioration that may be caused by a large forward movement of the seat cushion at a seat back taking a large reclining position can be prevented properly.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2007Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Kouichi Nakaya, Kousei Nakano
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Publication number: 20100096895Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a seat cushion frame structure of a seat for a vehicle and a seat for a vehicle with such a seat cushion frame structure which are capable of securing a necessary strength or rigidity, while at the same time attaining the decrease of a weight and a cost of a seat.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2009Publication date: April 22, 2010Inventor: Masaaki Nonomiya
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Publication number: 20100072800Abstract: A vehicle seat (1) is disclosed, particularly a commercial vehicle seat, with a seat base (3) which is designed as a scissors-type stand and is provided with intersecting rockers (15) and at least one frame (11, 13) that movably guides at least one of the rockers (15) in the longitudinal direction (x) of the vehicle seat (1) by a bearing mechanism (21). The bearing mechanism (21) features at least one compensating element that rests against a first guide (33), at least some sections of which are inclined at an angle (a) relative to the transversal direction (y) of the vehicle seat (1), and can be moved along the first guide (33) in the longitudinal direction (x). The bearing mechanism (21) further features at least one rotatably mounted wheel (23) which is supported on a second guide (35) and can be rolled along the second guide (35) in the longitudinal direction (x). A slider (31) which can be displaced along the first guide (33) is used as a compensating element.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2007Publication date: March 25, 2010Inventors: Thomas Weber, Georg Ruess, Harald Klein, Rüdiger Nissen
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Patent number: 7681948Abstract: Disclosed is an automotive seat the seat cushion level of which can be adjustable up-and-down, in which the safety is improved when a shock is applied to a vehicle. The automotive seat according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is equipped with a level adjusting mechanism for adjusting the seat cushion level, and comprises a base frame, a seat cushion, a seat cushion frame, a space from which to the base frame being adjustable, a stopper which supports the sinking seat cushion frame at a rear end collision of an automobile. The stopper moves to narrow the space between the seat cushion frame and the stopper and supports the seat cushion frame.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2007Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignee: NHK Spring Co., Ltd.Inventors: Motohiro Fushikida, Atsushi Miyake
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Patent number: 7654615Abstract: A seat assembly (10) for supporting an occupant above a floor in a vehicle includes a seat cushion (12) coupled to a pair of spaced apart risers (20, 22) extending between forward (24) and rearward (26) ends and a seat back (16) pivotally coupled thereto. A rocker mechanism (58) selectively angularly adjusts the seat cushion (12) relative to the floor. A first pivot (70) pivotally connects the rearward ends (26) of the risers (20, 22) to the floor. A sector gear (92) is pivotally coupled to the riser adjacent the forward end and includes a mounting pin (94) offset from the pivotal connection. A rocker link (96) extends from a first end pivotally coupled to the floor and a second end pivotally coupled to the mounting pin (94) for guiding the forward ends (24) of the risers (20, 22) during pivotal movement about the first pivot (70). A pawl (102) is pivotally coupled to the rocker link (96) for selectively engaging the sector gear (92) to maintain the angular position of the seat assembly (10).Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2006Date of Patent: February 2, 2010Assignee: Intier Automotive Seating Systems GmbHInventors: Kevin J. Ventura, Bernd Winkelhake
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Publication number: 20100001569Abstract: A height adjusting device for an automobile seat is disclosed. The height adjusting device includes a sector gear (13) arranged between a side frame section (1) of a seat cushion frame of the seat and a linkage arm (2) and supported to a fixing pin (2a) of the linkage arm (2), a plating pin (16) for interconnecting the linkage arm (2) and a linkage rod (4), the planting pin (16) being provided at the sector gear (13), and a spiral spring (14) stretched between the fixing pin (2a) projected from the linkage arm (2) and the planting pin (16) with an innermost end portion (14a) thereof being retained around an end of the fixing pin (2a), and with an outermost end portion (14b) thereof being retained around an end of the planting pin (16).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2007Publication date: January 7, 2010Inventor: Katsuhiko Shinozaki
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Publication number: 20090267397Abstract: A structure of operation portion of height adjuster of vehicle seat is provided, in which a brake unit associated with the height adjuster and a support element on which a control lever is mounted are disposed. Further, a transmission mechanism of parallel linkage structure with four articulation points is operatively connected between the bake unit and support element. According thereto, the control lever has operative connection with the brake unit via four articulation points of three link members, such that two of the link members are pivotally connected with the respective brake unit and support element, maintaining parallel relation with each other, while other remaining one of the link members is pivotally connected between those two link members.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2008Publication date: October 29, 2009Applicant: TACHI-S CO., LTD.Inventor: Tomohisa KUBOTA
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Publication number: 20090218864Abstract: A chair 2010 has a supporting frame 2011, a seat portion 2013, a back portion 2015, and a recline mechanism. The mechanism moves the seat portion 2013 upon a reclining action of the back portion 2015. The mechanism has a rear deformable member 2351 and a front deformable member 2353 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 2361 above the lower deformable member. The recline mechanism is configured such that as the back portion 2015 is reclined, the lower deformable member deforms and the puller member 2361 applies a rearward pulling action which causes the seat portion 2013 to move and the front and rear deformable members to deform.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2007Publication date: September 3, 2009Applicant: FORMWAY FURNITURE LIMITEDInventors: Kent Wallace Parker, Paul Michael Wilkinson, Lyall Douglas Stewart, Daryl Owen Neal, Martyn Walter Goodwin Collings, Peter Alan Tierney
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Patent number: 7571886Abstract: A suspension for a vehicle seat having four bellcranks which guide the seat substantially vertically, oscillate on a central pivot on elevated stationary pivots mounted on a lower frame, with upper arms of the bellcranks pivotally attached to a seat cushion upper frame and the lower arms indirectly attached to adjustable tension springs that are attached to the upper frame; the lower ends with substantial inward offsets so as to rotate downwardly toward the mounting deck of the vehicle while clearing the lower frame and adjustable sliders; the bellcranks being coupled longitudinally and laterally to stay in phase and keep the upper frame level.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2005Date of Patent: August 11, 2009Inventor: John W. Carter
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Publication number: 20090174245Abstract: A work seat apparatus (20) in which an operator (22) can work on a workpiece (13) while seated. The apparatus includes a horizontal first arm part (31) that is raised and lowered by a raising and lowering part (29), and a second arm part (32). The second arm part (32) is rotatably provided to the first arm part via a joint part (34). A seat on which the operator sits is rotatably provided to a distal end part of the second arm part and is readily brought near to an operation position.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2007Publication date: July 9, 2009Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Minoru Ueda, Katsunori Konagaya
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Patent number: 7540565Abstract: The present invention is a chair having a first seat portion operably associated with a second seat portion, with the first seat portion disposed in the same plane as the second seat portion, and an actuator for moving the first seat portion relative to the second seat portion. When the actuator is actuated, the first seat portion will pivot relative to the second seat portion such that the first seat portion is located in a different plane compared to the second seat portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2006Date of Patent: June 2, 2009Inventor: William D. Lipford
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Patent number: 7517020Abstract: A seat height adjustment mechanism is provided, which includes a backward link element, a ratchet-type drive mechanism operable by an operating lever to cause vertical movement of the backward link element to adjust height of seat, and a locking mechanism. The backward link element is normally locked by the locking mechanism to reinforce the backward link element itself. When the operating lever is rotated during an idle stroke S) inherently given in the ratchet-type drive mechanism, the locking mechanism is actuated to unlock the backward link element, thereby allowing the backward link element to be vertically displaceable through operation of the ratchet-type drive mechanism by further rotation of the operating lever.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2007Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Assignee: Tachi-S Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masaaki Yokota
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Patent number: 7513571Abstract: A seat assembly includes a seat element constituting a component of the seat structure of a motor vehicle seat, a tubular drive element connected pivotably around its longitudinal axis to the seat element that constitutes a component of a displacement arrangement for an adjustable seat part, for example, for a height adjustable seat cushion, as well as a preferably electrically operated weight sensor for the detection of seat occupancy using the weight of a person sitting in the corresponding motor vehicle seat. Through the detection of seat occupancy, it is possible to control various functional groups of a motor vehicle as a function of seat occupancy, such as, for example, automatic occupancy- and/or weight-dependent adjustment of certain seat components as well as the occupancy- and/or weight-dependent deployment of an airbag module.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2004Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co.KG, CoburgInventors: Jochen Hofmann, Bernhard Schrimpl, Andreas Schmid, Martin Schwarz
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Patent number: 7506932Abstract: A jockey seat assembly is adapted to be used on a motorized vehicle and includes a saddle seat having a substantially inverted U-shaped configuration. A height adjusting mechanism is provided for the seat and has an upper frame mounted beneath the saddle seat, a lower frame adapted to be secured to a bottom surface of the vehicle and a collapsible lever assembly interconnected between the upper and lower frames. A biasing arrangement is secured between outermost ends of the lever assembly in the upper frame and the lower frame for urging the upper frame and the seat away from the lower frame. A pair of adjustment plates are fixed externally to the lever assembly and provided with a series of slots defining a number of vertical height adjusting positions. An actuator extends forwardly of the seat and the upper frame and is pivotally connected to the upper frame.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2007Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Assignee: H.O. Bostrom Company, Inc.Inventors: John M. Bostrom, Wayne R. Block, Ryan Hummer
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Publication number: 20090058158Abstract: An adjustment assembly including a 2 in 1 activating lever that has two operating positions, a forward position and a rearward position. The 2 in 1 activating lever is operatingly coupled to a bracket including a first and second cam that are operatingly coupled to an inner and outer rotating shaft. In the forward position, the movement of the 2 in 1 activating lever upward or downward causes the first cam and inner rotating shaft to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise. In the rearward position, the movement of the 2 in 1 activating lever upward or downward causes the second cam and outer rotating shaft to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise. The adjustment assembly may be utilized on an automotive seat assembly to control both the seat height and seat inclination angle.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2007Publication date: March 5, 2009Inventor: Zdzislaw Sobieski
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Patent number: 7484805Abstract: A pair of parallel moving surfaces, such as may be used for construction of an adjustable height table or seat are connected by a plurality of pantographs or “lazy tongs” mechanisms, each driven from a differentially threaded control rod. By suitable gearing connections among them, the pantographs are caused to operate in concert, and thus to keep the surfaces parallel as the distance between them is continuously varied. By appropriate mounting of the pantograph ends, the mechanisms are allowed to fold closer together at the minimum separation distance, thereby further minimizing this separation. The use of a set of springs assists in expansion from this minimized separation situation. The overall result is a simply operated mechanism for the continuous separation adjustment of a pair of parallel moving surfaces, together with the maximization of the range of separation adjustment between the two surfaces, concomitant with a minimization of the size and weight of the overall apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2006Date of Patent: February 3, 2009Inventor: Matthew Charles Baum
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Patent number: 7419176Abstract: A stand-up wheelchair with a chassis, at which two drive wheels and at least a one guidable wheel is fastened, on which a stand-up unit with a seating surface, a backrest and at least one tiltable footrest is arranged, whereby reciprocally underneath the seating surface an upper longitudinal rail and a lower longitudinal rail are arranged, the upper longitudinal rail is firmly connected with the seating surface and both longitudinal rails are connected over four hinge points with their rear ends connected with a backrest, characterized by the fact that the rear ends of the longitudinal rails show a slot, in which the backrest can be longitudinally adjusted with their lower ends.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2006Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: Otto Bock HealthCare IP GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Heinrich Perk
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Patent number: 7413252Abstract: A motor vehicle seat lift assembly includes a seat pan and a seat frame positioned beneath the seat pan. Each of a pair of first linking members has a first end pivotally secured to the seat pan and a second end pivotally secured to the seat frame. Each of a pair of second linking members has a first end pivotally secured to the seat pan and a second end pivotally secured to the seat frame. A pinion gear is rotatable with respect to the seat pan. An actuator is operably connected to the pinion gear. A rack member has a plurality of teeth, with the pinion gear meshing with the teeth of the rack member. A first end of the rack member is pivotally secured to the first end of one of the first linking members and a second end of the rack member is slidably connected to the seat pan.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2006Date of Patent: August 19, 2008Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Hyunkyu Kim, Sung-Joon Kim, Sebastien Stephane Cabrit
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Patent number: 7401857Abstract: A liftable seat in a vehicle includes: a base frame; a seat cushion frame disposed on the base frame and to which a seat cushion is coupled; a seat back frame coupled to the seat cushion frame which is foldable in a forward direction and to which a seat back is coupled; and a lifting member in which the first end is connected to the base frame and the second end of which is coupled to the seat cushion frame, and configured to lift the seat cushion frame upward from an unlifted position to a lifted position.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2006Date of Patent: July 22, 2008Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, Hyundai Motor European Technical Center GmbHInventor: Andre Laux
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Patent number: 7381162Abstract: An exerciser includes a base, a parallelogrammic supporting device rotatably supported on the base, to allow the supporting device to be rotated and adjusted relative to the base to selected angular position, a seat device is disposed on the supporting device and adjustable relative to the base to selected position. The seat device includes a handle, an actuator coupled between the supporting device and the base, to adjustably support the supporting device and the seat device to the base. A hand grip is pivotally attached to the handle, and coupled to the actuator, to control the actuator, and to allow the users to operate the actuator without departing the seat device.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2004Date of Patent: June 3, 2008Inventor: Hai Pin Kuo
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Publication number: 20080106134Abstract: A seating construction includes a perimeter frame defining an open area, and a one-piece molded seating component supported on the frame. The seating component includes a plurality of integrally-formed flexible slats defining a support surface over the open area. Resilient wires are coupled to the slats to resiliently support the slats when flexed. The component can be handled as a unit for assembly, and is retained by connecting rods that extend along the side section of the frame, with the slats each rotatably engaging mating bearing structure on the frame. A flex-limiting member in a center of the frame limits the resilient supports to a maximum deflected condition. Tabs on the molded component interconnect the slats and permit one-piece molding, but are either flexible or breakable to permit independent flexing of the slats. Methods related to the above are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2007Publication date: May 8, 2008Inventors: Kurt R. Heidmann, Gordon J. Peterson
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Patent number: 7338126Abstract: The present invention is directed to a vehicle seat suspension apparatus that is mechanically simple, inexpensive, occupies little space, and operates effectively with force inputs from any horizontal direction. The invention comprises a base, an isolator, and a plurality of links connected to both the base and isolator so that the isolator is suspended from the base and can move or swing horizontally in all directions relative to the base. The isolator has an upper plate with two flanges that depend from the plate. The base is positioned directly below the upper plate and between the two flanges. The links are connected to the base and the flanges of the isolator by means of ball and socket connectors that permit the isolator to move in all horizontal directions relative to the base. A travel limit system is used to permit adjustment in the travel of the isolator relative to the base.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2006Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Assignee: Sears Manufacturing Co.Inventor: Dale Ropp
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Patent number: 7338118Abstract: A seat having a collision stopper (51) activated in a short time period in collision. The seat is constituted of a supporting link (23), a stopper link (55), a recess/ridge surface (61), a stopper (65), and urging means (67). The supporting link (23) is installed at its upper portion to the floor side and at its lower portion to the seat cushion side, supporting a seat cushion, and adjusts the height of the seat cushion by inclination in the forward and backward directions in the vertical plane. The stopper link (55) is attached at its base end section to the floor side such that a rotation end section is rotatable in the forward and backward directions in a vertical plane. The stopper link (55) has, on its rotation end section side, a projection (57) projecting sideward. The recess/ridge surface (61) is provided on the supporting link (23) side, extending in the direction intersecting the movement path of the projection.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2004Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Assignees: Shiroki Kogyo Co., Ltd., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shingo Ichikawa, Masaharu Tanino, Masato Ohchi
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Publication number: 20080007104Abstract: A seat height adjustment mechanism is provided, which includes a backward link element, a ratchet-type drive mechanism operable by an operating lever to cause vertical movement of the backward link element to adjust height of seat, and a locking mechanism. The backward link element is normally locked by the locking mechanism to reinforce the backward link element itself. When the operating lever is rotated during an idle stroke (S) inherently given in the ratchet-type drive mechanism, the locking mechanism is actuated to unlock the backward link element, thereby allowing the backward link element to be vertically displaceable through operation of the ratchet-type drive mechanism by further rotation of the operating lever.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2007Publication date: January 10, 2008Applicant: Tachi-S Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masaaki Yokota
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Patent number: 7316454Abstract: Ends of each supporting pin are projected to both sides of each link plate. Each supporting shaft is fixed by welding to each link plate at a position near one end side of the plate. A pipe-like connecting shaft is axis-aligned to and fitted on an end portion of the supporting pin which projects inward from each link plate, so as to be supported between link plates. An end portion of the supporting pin which projects outward from each link plate is passed through a side frame section and fixedly riveted over. Further, each link plate is fixed by welding to both ends of the connecting shaft, and a link base frame is assembled between side frame sections.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2004Date of Patent: January 8, 2008Assignee: TS Tech Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masami Yoshida
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Patent number: 7314249Abstract: The automotive vehicle seat has a lengthwise adjustment device, a seat carrier and two rear rockers that are disposed between the seat carrier and the lengthwise adjustment device and that are each connected at an upper hinge point to the seat carrier and at a lower hinge point to the lengthwise adjustment device and a seat belt comprising a belt end on one side and a belt buckle on the other side of the seat. A fastening point, to which a respective one of the belt end and the belt buckle is fastened, is provided on at least one of the rear rockers. The fastening point is located in proximity to the lower hinge point and is nearer to the lower hinge point than to the upper hinge point.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2005Date of Patent: January 1, 2008Assignee: C. Rob Hammerstein GmbH & Co., KGInventors: Burckhard Becker, Wilfried Beneker
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Patent number: 7314248Abstract: A portable workstation apparatus having a collapsible frame, wheels, a seat, and work surface, whereby collapsing the frame and manipulating an articulated work surface attachment, permits the apparatus to be utilized as a hand truck. Also described is an enhanced version of the collapsible portable workstation apparatus having a scissors linkage lift mechanism allowing adjustment of the seating height.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2005Date of Patent: January 1, 2008Inventors: Robert Alan Mabon, Crystal Elayne Mabon
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Publication number: 20070296258Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly of the present embodiment is positionable in a vehicle passenger compartment and attachable to a vehicle floor. The seat assembly includes a seat bottom, a seat back, and a five-bar linkage assembly pivotally attaching the seat back to the seat bottom. The five-bar linkage assembly includes a forward linkage, a rear linkage, and a folding linkage which allows movement of the vehicle seat assembly from an upright to a folded assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2006Publication date: December 27, 2007Inventors: Kyle Calvert, Alexander Jorg Koblischke
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Patent number: 7300108Abstract: An automobile vehicle seat includes a seat pan adjustable in height in relation to a support frame attached to the floor of the vehicle and an attachment point for a seat belt attached to the seat pan. A cable element is attached by one end to the support frame and the seat pan includes locking means adapted to allow the cable to slide during the voluntary variations in height of the seat pan in relation to the frame or, alternatively, to block the cable element by jamming during a high deceleration so as to prevent the seat pan from moving up in relation to the support frame.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2005Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Faurecia Sieges d'AutomobileInventor: Joël Canteleux
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Patent number: 7278686Abstract: A height adjusting device, wherein a pinion gear (8) rotated by an operating knob (7) for adjusting the height of the entire vehicle seat and a sector gear (9) are covered by a gear cover (12) and fixedly fitted to the inside of a seat side frame section (2), and a rotating shaft (7a) of the operating knob (7) and a supporting pin (9a) of the sector gear (9) are held by both the seat side frame section (2) and the gear cover (12) at their opposite ends.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2004Date of Patent: October 9, 2007Assignee: TS Tech Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masami Yoshida
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Patent number: 7243992Abstract: The structure of the seat proper of a vehicle seat comprises: a frame for a seat proper, the frame including a side cheek plate; and a coupling system comprising a link mounted to pivot on a base to enable the seat proper to move at least vertically relative to said base. The coupling system has a first latch surface. The seat structure further comprises an anchoring element provided with a second latch surface. The anchoring element is mounted to move on the cheek plate between a locked position and an unlocked position.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2004Date of Patent: July 17, 2007Assignee: Faurecia Sieges d'AutomobileInventors: Joël Canteleux, Augusto Da Costa
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Patent number: 7240965Abstract: In the case of a fitting system for a vehicle seat (1), in particular for a motor vehicle seat, having at least one fitting (15, 35, 45) and a structural part (11) on which the fitting (15) is to be fixed, the fitting parts are substantially disk-shaped, can be rotated relative to each other, are axially held together by a clutch ring (19) arranged along the periphery, and the clutch ring (19) is designed in a manner such that it is integrated in the structural part (11).Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2005Date of Patent: July 10, 2007Assignee: KEIPER GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Rainer Messerschmidt, Rolf Schüler
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Patent number: 7213863Abstract: A structure of seat with seat lifter having two lifter links pivotally connected between a seat cushion and an upwardly extending support element fixed on vehicle floor, which includes a horizontal bar element extended between the two lifter links to prevent forward slippage of a passenger on the seat cushion. A reinforcing element is provided between the two lifter links and an upwardly extending support element so as to reinforce the two links, while allowing for movement of the two lifter links with respect to the upwardly extending support element, via a connecting element. The reinforcing element may comprise two reinforcing brackets connected with the respective two lifter links and the upwardly extending support element via the connecting element, or may comprise a lower extension area formed in each of the lifter links, which is movably connected with the upwardly extending support element via the connecting element.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2004Date of Patent: May 8, 2007Assignee: Tachi-S Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masamitsu Minai
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Patent number: 7207629Abstract: A tilt chair having a foot adapted to be supported by a support surface and a first leg pivotally mounted to the foot. A second leg is pivotally mounted to the first leg. A moveable support member is mounted to the second leg and is adapted to be supported by the support surface. The moveably support member is moveable in a first and second direction toward and away from the foot respectively as the first leg pivots relative to the second leg and as the first leg pivots relative to the foot. In one embodiment, the moveable support member is configured as a wheel. In one embodiment, a lower back member has a lower end pivotally mounted to the first leg and an upper back member pivotally mounted to an upper end of the lower back member. A restraining link is pivotally mounted between the lower back member and the second leg. An upper back link has a lower end pivotally mounted to the first leg and an upper end pivotally mounted to the upper back member.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2004Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.Inventors: Mark W. Goetz, Robert L. Beck, Joel R. Dral, Robert W. Roth
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Patent number: 7172251Abstract: A lifter for adjusting the height of a frame 10, 12, 14 that is to be vertically movably mounted on a vehicle floor is integrally formed with a suspension unit S for absorbing vibration inputted to the frame 10, 12, 14. The suspension unit S includes a magnet unit or a magnetic fluid damper.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2003Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Delta Tooling Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yasuhide Takata, Yutaka Sakamoto
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Patent number: 7140682Abstract: A vehicle seating system for adjusting, without rails, the vertical and longitudinal position and the inclination of a vehicle seat relative to a vehicle floor has, in one embodiment, first and second pivot levers, spaced apart from one another in an adjustment direction. The pivot levers are articulated respectively on the vehicle seat and on the vehicle floor by way of pivot pins extending parallel to one another. The pivot pins arranged on the vehicle seat and on the vehicle floor of at least one of the pivot levers are lockable independently of one another.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2001Date of Patent: November 28, 2006Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: David Jaeger, Nick Xiromeritis, Tamas Karacsonyi, Marc Clark
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Patent number: 7124851Abstract: A seat mounting structure is disclosed for reducing injury to vehicle occupants in side impact collisions. The seat mounting structure may include an inflation module, a linkage system, a sensor system, and a side airbag. The inflation module may include an inflatable structure and inflator or a piston device. The linkage system attaches the seat mounting structure to a seat and may help guide the movement of the seat. The sensor system may include a radar sensor and an optical sensor to help the sensor system anticipate an impending side impact. The seat mounting structure mitigates injury to the occupant by moving the occupant vertically up and laterally toward a centerline of the vehicle, thus increasing the space between the sidewall of the vehicle and the occupant. Additionally, the inflation module may comprise an inflatable structure that stiffens a floor structure of the vehicle upon inflation.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2003Date of Patent: October 24, 2006Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.Inventors: Bradley W. Smith, Saeed D. Barbat, Donald J. Paxton
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Patent number: 7077471Abstract: In the case of a vehicle seat (1), in particular a motor vehicle seat, having at least one four-bar linkage (4), which is defined by four mechanism links, for setting the seat height, and a crash blocking unit (21) which, in the event of a crash, locks at least two of the mechanism links to one another by means of two locking members (23, 25), the crash blocking unit (21) has a passive or switchable element (51) which is separately activated prior to or at the beginning of the crash.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2005Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Assignee: KEIPER GmbH & Co., KGInventors: Kai Schumann, Ingo Teufel, Dieter Braun, Heinrich Hammann
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Patent number: 7066540Abstract: Structure of vehicle seat with lifter wherein the lifter, including lifter link elements, is operatively provided between a first element provided to vehicle seat and a second element adapted for connection with a floor of vehicle. The first and second elements are each of double wall structure having two spaced-apart walls. The lifter link elements are rotatably connected with the first and second elements by first and second pins, such that one portion of the lifter link elements is in a slidable contact with the two spaced-apart walls of first element, with the first pins passing through that one portion of lifter link elements and those two walls of first element, while another portion of the lifter link elements is in a slidable contact with the two spaced-apart walls of second element, with the second pins passing through that another portion of lifter link elements and those two walls of the second element.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2004Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Assignee: Tachi-S Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masamitsu Minai, Shouzou Muraishi