Pivotal Linkage Assembly Patents (Class 297/344.15)
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Patent number: 7044553Abstract: A vehicle seat suspension apparatus that is mechanically simple, inexpensive, occupies little space, and operates effectively with force inputs from any horizontal direction. The preferred embodiment includes 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2004Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: Sears Manufacturing Co.Inventor: Dale Ropp
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Patent number: 6966598Abstract: The present invention concerns an apparatus for adjusting the vertical and longitudinal position and the inclination of a pivotable seat part (2) of a vehicle seat (1) relative to a floor structure (4) of the vehicle, having a linkage that encompasses a linkage part, constituted by at least one articulated rectangle (ABCD), that has a base (AB), two rockers (BC, AD), and a coupler (CD). The base (B)is arranged in a plane extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal seat axis (X—X).The rockers (BC, AD)are pivotable about rotation axes extending substantially parallel to transverse seat axis. The linkage encompasses two linkage parts, each constituted by at least one articulated rectangle (ABCD;CDEF), that each have a base (AB,CD), two rockers (BC,AD;DE,CF),and a coupler (DC,EF).Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2001Date of Patent: November 22, 2005Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventor: Uwe Schmale
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Patent number: 6957796Abstract: A seat adjuster system includes a shaft and an elongated member. In another aspect of the present invention, the member is a lever which is attached to the shaft by an interference fit. A further aspect of the present invention employs hydro-forming of the shaft to attach the member to the shaft, which is preferably a torsion tube for an automotive seat.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2003Date of Patent: October 25, 2005Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Leonard K. Hensley, Keith McCullen, Michael G. Maddelein
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Patent number: 6935693Abstract: A suspension for a seat that varies the preload, spring rate and damping rate of the suspension in direct proportion to the suspended weight of an occupant of the seat to provide the same effective vibration isolation for any occupant. The suspension includes an actuating mechanism engaged with a first spring and a pivotal transfer link that is engaged with a second spring and a non-adjustable rate damper that are each fixedly attached to the seat opposite the transfer link. The transfer link is engaged with a weight adjustment mechanism which operates to adjust the position of a pivot pin for the transfer link with respect to the transfer link, such that the preload, spring rate and damping rate of the suspension are adjusted in proportion to the weight of the occupant of the seat to provide similar ride dynamics to any occupant of the seat.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2003Date of Patent: August 30, 2005Assignee: Milsco Manufacturing, a Unit of Jason IncorporatedInventors: Ryan Derrick Janscha, Kevin Earl Hill, Dean Davis-Troller, Bradley S. Boyles, John Kucharski
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Patent number: 6905172Abstract: A chair device, an associated kit and a method of using same are disclosed for use in providing a reclining means for sitting on an uneven surface. The device includes a seat; a back; four upper legs; two armrests; four flanges; four lower legs; and four grommets. The back is pivotally attached to the seat. The four upper legs are pivotally attached to the seat. The each armrest of the two armrests is pivotally attached to two of the four upper legs and pivotally attached to the back. Each flange of the four flanges has an eyelet orifice, wherein each flange is rigidly attached to one of each of the four upper legs. Each lower leg of the four lower legs is slidably engaged within the eyelet orifice of one of each of the four flanges. Each grommet of the four grommets has a lock hole, in which each grommet is pivotally attached to one of each of the four upper legs, wherein the lock hole of each grommet is slidably engaged with one of each of the four lower legs.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2003Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Inventor: Joe R. Barnett
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Patent number: 6902234Abstract: The motor vehicle seat of a motor vehicle comprises an underframe and a seat carrier that is height-adjustably connected to the underframe through rear oscillating cranks. A catch device is directly assigned to one of the two rear oscillating cranks. A non-rotatable tie bar joins the two rear oscillating cranks so that they are parallel when the vehicle seat is subjected to normal load. A retaining device has a sector gear firmly connected to the other one of the two rear oscillating cranks. An engaging piece which is movably disposed on the seat carrier or on the underframe, is provided with teeth devised for engagement with the sector gear and is disengaged from the sector gear as long as the vehicle seat is subjected to normal load. When the associated motor vehicle is subjected to a crash load an actuator is activated and causes the engaging piece to move into positive mesh with the sector gear.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2003Date of Patent: June 7, 2005Assignee: C. Rob Hammerstein GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Burckhard Becker, Wilfried Beneker
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Patent number: 6902237Abstract: In an adjuster (101) for a vehicle seat, particularly an automobile seat, having a first adjuster part (105) and a second adjuster part (108) which are pivotable relative to one another, thus allowing the vehicle seat to pivot between at least one use position and one non-use position, a pawl (115) pivotably borne on the first adjuster part (105) interacts with at least one single locking element (118, 132) of the second adjuster part (108) to lock the adjuster (101), wherein the pawl (115) locks the adjuster (101) in the use position as well as in the non-use position.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2003Date of Patent: June 7, 2005Assignee: Keiper GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Markus Petry
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Patent number: 6851753Abstract: Seat lifting devices disposed between a seat support for supporting a seat cushion and a seat mount for mounting the seat support are taught that comprise a front and rear linking mechanisms movably interconnecting the seat support and the seat mount. These linking mechanisms are arranged and constructed to vertically adjust the seat cushion when operated. The rear linking mechanism comprises a first linking arm that is pivotally connected to the seat mount and the seat support, and a second linking arm that is pivotally connected to the seat support. The second linking arm is provided with a rear slide pin that slidably engages a rear guide slot formed in the seat mount. The rear slide pin is arranged and constructed to engage a plurality of teeth formed in the rear guide slot when a large force is applied to the seat support in a direction to separate the seat support from the seat mount.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2003Date of Patent: February 8, 2005Assignee: Araco Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Fumitoshi Akaike, Kazuhisa Tatematsu, Seiichiro Inadome, Seiya Nishimura
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Patent number: 6843460Abstract: A vertical movement apparatus for a vehicle seat includes a seat bracket supported on a seat member, a floor bracket adapted to be supported on a floor member, a link supported by the floor bracket to move the seat bracket in the vertical direction of the seat member, a driving member operatively connected to the link to drive the link and move the seat bracket in the vertical direction, and a link control mechanism. The link control mechanism includes an elongated hole located in either the seat bracket or the floor bracket, a pin operatively engaged with the other of the floor bracket or the seat bracket and slidably disposed within the elongated hole, and a depression portion located on the inside surface of the elongated hole to prevent the pin from sliding within the elongated hole.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2003Date of Patent: January 18, 2005Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yoshitaka Koga, Naoyuki Uryu
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Publication number: 20040256900Abstract: In a vehicle seat (1), in particular an automobile seat, having an understructure (3) which can be connected with the vehicle structure, and a middle structure (5) carrying a seat cushion (19) and a backrest (23), the understructure (3) and the middle structure (5) constituting two links of a first four-bar linkage (11) on either side of the vehicle seat, and the vehicle seat (1) being able to be brought from a sitting utilization position to a boarding position, the four-bar linkage (11), in order to bring the vehicle seat (1) from the utilization position to the boarding position, swings the vehicle seat (1) free as a whole, while the backrest (23) maintains its position relative to the middle structure (5).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2004Publication date: December 23, 2004Applicant: KEIPER GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Joachim Kammerer
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Publication number: 20040245830Abstract: A motor vehicle seat includes at least one adjusting device, by means of which the position of a seat part can be adjusted against its weight and/or against the weight of a vehicle occupant sitting on the seat, and at least one spring element, which acts under preload on a kinematic chain of at least one adjusting device in order to reduce the backlash thereof, the kinematic chain transmitting the adjusting force. The spring element is arranged such that, on an adjustment of the seat part against the weight, the spring element is released, in order to supply the kinematic chain with spring energy, and tensioned on an adjustment of the seat part in the weight direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2004Publication date: December 9, 2004Inventors: Georg Scheck, Gerhard Schmeyer, Dick Jansson
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Patent number: 6805408Abstract: In the case of a fitting (21) for a vehicle seat, in particular for a motor vehicle seat, having at least two functional regions (15, 23), which are assigned in each case to the relative movement and/or unlocking of different components (11, 25; 25, 5) of the vehicle seat (1), and interrogation device (35, 45, 61) between the functional regions (15, 23), the interrogation device (35, 45, 61) have a pulling device (61), which is designed in closed form, between the functional regions (15, 23).Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2003Date of Patent: October 19, 2004Assignee: Keiper GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Karl-Heinz Buhl, Richard Salewski
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Patent number: 6773069Abstract: The present vehicle seat has a framework 14, a plurality of zigzag springs 25, 25 attached between side frame member 17, 17 of the framework 14, and a height control mechanism 38 moving the framework 14 up and down relative to a vehicle body. The spring tip end 26 of each of the springs 25 is arranged at a position adjacent to the center line which vertically divides the side member 17, so that the distance between the spring tip end 26 and the center line is shorter than the distance between the spring tip end 26 and the upper edge 30 of the side member 17. Arms 51, 52 and an elongated link 53 of the height control mechanism 38 are arranged outside the side member 17.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2002Date of Patent: August 10, 2004Assignee: TS Tech Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshinobu Kaneko, Masami Yoshida
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Patent number: 6755469Abstract: Seat lifting devices disposed between a seat support for supporting a seat cushion and a seat mount for mounting the seat support are taught that comprise a linking mechanism movably interconnecting the seat support and the seat mount, so that the seat cushion is vertically adjusted when the linking mechanism is operated, and a seat support pulling means connected to the seat support and the seat mount. The seat support pulling means is adapted to be shortened when the seat support is subjected to an impact.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2003Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Assignee: Araco Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Fumitoshi Akaike, Kazuhisa Tatematsu, Seiichiro Inadome, Seiya Nishimura
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Patent number: 6752455Abstract: In a vehicle seat, especially a motor vehicle seat, having a backrest (29; 129) and having a seat part (3; 103) which has an articulated structure (7; 107) which, in the event of a rear crash, experiences a change in geometry, the change in geometry of the articulated structure (7; 107) at least partly compensates for the rearward displacement of the backrest (29; 129).Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2002Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Keiper GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Ingo Teufel, Joachim Mühlberger
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Patent number: 6752459Abstract: An adjustable work chair such as an office chair has a height-adjustable seat comprising a front seat part (2) and a rear seat part (3) connected by a hinge (4) that extends transversely of the seat. A first arm (15) is coupled between the front part of the seat and the head of a fixed part (13) of a seat lift (14), and a second arm (16) is coupled between an extendable piston of the lift (14) and the underside of the rear part (13) of the seat.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2002Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: TK Canada LimitedInventor: Wolfgang Deisig
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Publication number: 20040090100Abstract: A seat of a vehicle comprises an upper and a lower frame 10, 20 and a first and a second link 31, 32 of an X-shape disposed therebetween. A front end portion (one end portion) of a suspension spring 40 is locked to the lower frame 20, and a rear end portion (the other end portion) of this spring 40 is locked to a slide member 50. An inclination cam face 52a of this slide member 50 is in abutment with an abutment projection 35 (abutment member) disposed at the first link 31. By this, vibration absorbing capability of the suspension spring can sufficiently be obtained even if the distance between the upper frame and the lower frame is reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2002Publication date: May 13, 2004Inventor: Yasunori Igarashi
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Patent number: 6719371Abstract: Each of right and left X-shaped leg assemblies (2) is constructed by pivotally joining middle parts of a front leg (3) and a rear leg (4). The right and the left X-shaped leg assembly (2) are connected to parallel right and left bases (8). One of the front leg (3) and the rear leg (4) of each X-shaped leg assembly (2) has a lower end pivotally connected to the base (8), and the other of the front leg (3) and the rear leg (4) has a lower end supported for turning and longitudinal movement on the base (8).Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2002Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: Combi CorporationInventors: Toshiro Yoshie, Yutaka Ukitsu, Tokihiko Ikuno
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Publication number: 20040066077Abstract: In an adjuster (101) for a vehicle seat, particularly an automobile seat, having a first adjuster part (105) and a second adjuster part (108) which are pivotable relative to one another, thus allowing the vehicle seat to pivot between at least one use position and one non-use position, a pawl (115) pivotably borne on the first adjuster part (105) interacts with at least one single locking element (118, 132) of the second adjuster part (108) to lock the adjuster (101), wherein the pawl (115) locks the adjuster (101) in the use position as well as in the non-use position.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2003Publication date: April 8, 2004Applicant: KEIPER GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Markus Petry
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Patent number: 6666423Abstract: A ratchet-type lever mechanism for seat lifter, which comprises a brake unit whose shaft is connected with a mechanism of the seat lifter, two ratchet gear wheels provided about the shaft of brake unit, a shaft rotatable in a spaced-apart relation with the brake unit shaft, an operating lever connected with the shaft, and a sector ratchet gear element provided between the operating lever and two ratchet gear wheels. The sector ratchet gear element is so arranged in the lever mechanism to enable a user to rotate the operating lever in usual way without confusion about direction of rotation of the lever to cause upward and downward motions of the seat lifter. The sector ratchet gear element may be of an outwardly-toothed type having two outwardly toothed arcuate gear teeth and two sector gear portions, or may be of an inwardly-toothed type having two inwardly toothed arcuate gear teeth.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2002Date of Patent: December 23, 2003Assignee: Tachi-S Co., Ltd.Inventor: Akira Nemoto
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Patent number: 6666508Abstract: The invention relates to a crash locking mechanism for an adjustment device of an automobile seat, with a triggering body having a triggering mechanism mounted for swivel movement on a part of the seat frame and which when a predetermined crash load is exceeded leaves the rest position as a result of its inertial energy, whereby a positive fit locking of the adjustment device is made possible by means of at least one locking element, and is characterised in that the triggering mechanism (4) when the predetermined crash load is exceeded can be uncoupled from the at least one locking element (44a, 44b) which is spring elastically pretensioned in the locking direction. A retaining element (412a, 412b) which is associated with the locking element (44a, 44b) can be controlled by the triggering body (41) to which the spring force of the pretensioned locking element is applied.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2001Date of Patent: December 23, 2003Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. KG, CoburgInventors: Jochen Hofmann, Gregor Kroener
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Publication number: 20030227204Abstract: Seat lifting devices disposed between a seat support for supporting a seat cushion and a seat mount for mounting the seat support are taught that comprise a linking mechanism movably interconnecting the seat support and the seat mount, so that the seat cushion is vertically adjusted when the linking mechanism is operated, and a seat support pulling means connected to the seat support and the seat mount. The seat support pulling means is adapted to be shortened when the seat support is subjected to an impact.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2003Publication date: December 11, 2003Inventors: Fumitoshi Akaike, Kazuhisa Tatematsu, Seiichiro Inadome, Seiya Nishimura
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Publication number: 20030218369Abstract: Seat lifting devices disposed between a seat support for supporting a seat cushion and a seat mount for mounting the seat support are taught that comprise a front and rear linking mechanisms movably interconnecting the seat support and the seat mount. These linking mechanisms are arranged and constructed to vertically adjust the seat cushion when operated. The rear linking mechanism comprises a first linking arm that is pivotally connected to the seat mount and the seat support, and a second linking arm that is pivotally connected to the seat support. The second linking arm is provided with a rear slide pin that slidably engages a rear guide slot formed in the seat mount. The rear slide pin is arranged and constructed to engage a plurality of teeth formed in the rear guide slot when a large force is applied to the seat support in a direction to separate the seat support from the seat mount.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2003Publication date: November 27, 2003Applicant: Araco Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Fumitoshi Akaike, Kazuhisa Tatematsu, Seiichiro Inadome, Seiya Nishimura
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Patent number: 6644737Abstract: A vehicle seat comprises a seat squab supported on a base structure, and a spring arrangement for weight adjustment, the spring arrangement being connected to a weight adjustment actuating device. Associated with the actuating device is a level indicator device for indicating adjustment of the seat squab to the seat squab level which optimally corresponds to the weight of the respective seat occupant, in relation to the spring travel of the seat squab. The level indicator device and the actuating device are provided at least substantially centrally at the front edge of the seat squab for optimum actuability and adjustability.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2002Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Assignee: Grammer AGInventors: Josef Kohl, Manfred Meier, Holger Raum
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Patent number: 6616117Abstract: A height adjustable seat suspension having first and second bases connected by a linkage assembly with an air spring and shock disposed between the bases. The shock dampens vertical movement of the bases and the air spring increases in air volume to raise the seat height of the suspension and decreases in air volume to lower the seat height of the suspension. A threaded rod is also included as part of the shock which is threadably engaged with a collar that is rotated by a drive source. The engagement between the threaded portions of the rod and collar axially repositions the rod with respect to said collar to change the effective length of, the shock.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2002Date of Patent: September 9, 2003Assignee: Sears Manufacturing Co.Inventors: Dennis J. Gryp, Dale Ropp, Colton Anderson
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Patent number: 6565112Abstract: A chair for transporting a patient includes a base frame, a plurality of casters mounted to the base frame, a seat, and a push bar mounted to a back section of the seat for use when transporting the patient. A wheel is coupled to the base frame for movement between a downward brake-steer position, facilitating steering the chair during transport of the patient, and an upward neutral position. A brake mechanism brakes the casters when the brake mechanism is in a braking position and permits rotation of the casters when the brake mechanism is in a releasing position. A brake-steer shaft is coupled to the brake mechanism. Movement of the shaft moves the brake mechanism between the braking position and the releasing position. The brake-steer shaft is pivotably coupled to the base frame. The brake-steer shaft is coupled to the wheel so that rotation of the brake-steer shaft moves the wheel between the brake-steer position and the neutral position.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2001Date of Patent: May 20, 2003Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: Thomas W. Hanson, John D. Vogel, Steven V. McCaig, Jack C. Newkirk, Donald E. Smith, Jonathan D. Turner, Terence M. Duncan, Gary S. Siegle, Gregory J. Figel, Jeffrey A. Heyser, William M. Blyshak, Michael P. Bish
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Patent number: 6554359Abstract: A sprung vehicle seat has a base member and a top member, and a scissor support assembly operatively disposed therebetween. The scissor support assembly comprises first and second pivotably interconnected scissor levers. Secured to the first scissor levers is a sliding guide in the form of a plate member which is oriented in the longitudinal direction of the seat. A spring member bears against the sliding guide and the top member and is displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the seat for the purposes of weight adjustment of the seat.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Grammer AGInventors: Josef Kohl, Hermann Meiller
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Patent number: 6533351Abstract: A vehicle seat frame includes a locking device that prevents the seat frame from moving during a crash. A first spring holds an inertia-sensitive locking element and an interlocking element in a first position. In the event of a crash, the inertia-sensitive locking element swivels about an axis due to the force of inertia. Contact surfaces on the inertia-sensitive locking element and the interlocking element disengage. A second spring then pulls the interlocking element toward a guide link. A gear region on the interlocking element grips into and engages with a gear region on the guide link. The second spring maintains the tension on the gear regions, even if the force of inertia has dwindled. The locking device can be disengaged only by manually resetting the interlocking element and the inertia-sensitive locking element into the first position.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2001Date of Patent: March 18, 2003Assignee: Faurecia Autositze GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Bernd Deptolla
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Patent number: 6517157Abstract: A seat apparatus is provided for a vehicle comprising a first mechanism for moving a seat horizontally relative to the floor of the vehicle and a second mechanism movably mounted to the first mechanism for moving the seat vertically relative to the floor of the vehicle. The second mechanism includes at least one link and a motor drive assembly operatively associated with the link to move the seat vertically. The seat apparatus further includes a third mechanism for moving a seat belt to adjust for vertical and horizontal movement of the seat in order to insure that the seat belt will remain stationary relative to an occupant seated on the seat. The third mechanism is responsive to the motor drive assembly for moving the seat belt simultaneously with vertical movement of the seat.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2001Date of Patent: February 11, 2003Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventor: Shane Michael Vorac
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Publication number: 20030011221Abstract: Each of right and left X-shaped leg assemblies (2) is constructed by pivotally joining middle parts of a front leg (3) and a rear leg (4). The right and the left X-shaped leg assembly (2) are connected to parallel right and left bases (8). One of the front leg (3) and the rear leg (4) of each X-shaped leg assembly (2) has a lower end pivotally connected to the base (8), and the other of the front leg (3) and the rear leg (4) has a lower end supported for turning and longitudinal movement on the base (8).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2002Publication date: January 16, 2003Inventors: Toshiro Yoshie, Yutaka Ukitsu, Tokihiko Ikuno
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Patent number: 6505888Abstract: In a height adjuster (11) for a vehicle seat, in particular an automobile seat, with a rocking arm (9) connected to a seat frame (10), the rocking arm mounting a toothed segment (15), and with a connector with a mounting point (28) for a belt lock arranged on the seat frame (10) for rotation about an axis of rotation (30) relative to the seat frame (10), wherein the connector (16,22) comprises an engagement mechanism which cooperates with the toothed segment (15) in the case of a crash, and the axis of rotation (30) is arranged between the engagement mechanism and the mounting point (28) for the belt lock.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2001Date of Patent: January 14, 2003Assignee: Keiper GmbH & CoInventors: Ingo Teufel, Joachim Muhlberger
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Patent number: 6502798Abstract: Seat frame of an adjustable seat in a vehicle with a seat carrier having two side parts and one rear tie-bar, and provided with at least one transverse shaft for the transmission of an adjusting movement from one side of the seat to the other, said transverse shaft being borne in the two seat parts and having for each seat side an adjusting arm fastened on it. At least one side part is provided with a location recess—preferably open in its bottom part—and is freely receiving the transverse shaft 26, in the side part, beside the location recess, first fastener are provided and the transverse shaft is encompassed by a bearing part—preferably between the adjusting arms fastened on the shaft—, said bearing part bearing the transverse shaft 26, bridging the location recess and constituting second fastener corresponding to the first fastener.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 1999Date of Patent: January 7, 2003Assignee: C. Rob. Hammerstein GmbH KGInventors: Ernst-Reiner Frohnhaus, Burckhard Becker, Wilfried Beneker
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Patent number: 6488337Abstract: An automotive seat adjustment assembly adjusts a relative position of a seat cushion. The adjustment assembly comprises at least one front mounting bracket adapted for supporting a forward end of the seat cushion and at least one rear mounting bracket adapted fort supporting a rearward end of the seat cushion. At least one front seat support is movably mounted to the front mounting bracket and adapted for mounting to the forward end of the seat cushion. The front seat support is movable between a first position with the seat cushion in a lowered orientation and a second position with the seat cushion in a raised orientation. At least one rear seat support movably mounted to the rear mounting bracket and adapted for mounting to the rearward end of the seat cushion. The rear support is movable between a first position with the seat cushion in a lowered orientation and a second position with the seat cushion in a raised orientation.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2001Date of Patent: December 3, 2002Assignee: Magna Seating Systems Inc.Inventors: Catherine A. De Voss, Peter P. Zeimis, III, Stephen P. Tokarz, Michael P. Modreski
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Patent number: 6467849Abstract: A motor vehicle seat has longitudinal adjustment tracks, a device for adjusting elevation and inclination, and a seatbelt buckle mounting, which has a first part that is coupled to an upper track of the longitudinal adjustment tracks and a second part that is coupled to the seat part so as to be capable of pivoting and that is guided on a longitudinal guiding surface of the first part so that its position may be freely shifted. The first part has a catch toothing, which is embodied so as to accept a catch projection provided on a second part, such that the coupling point of the second part and its catch projection are arranged on different sides of the first part. The guiding surface is provided on only one side of the first part, and the opposing surface of the second part, which works in concert with it, is held in contact with the guiding surface by a spring until a load limit of the seatbelt buckle mounting is reached.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2000Date of Patent: October 22, 2002Assignee: Bertrand Faure Sitztechnik GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Bernd Deptolla
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Patent number: 6464193Abstract: A seat lifter for height adjustment of vehicle seat, which has a lifter linkage for vertical movement of the seat and a drive mechanism therefor. The lifter linkage includes a pair of links, a bell crank portion formed in one of the two links, and a rotation transmission link element including a sector gear which is operatively connected with the bell crank portion.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2000Date of Patent: October 15, 2002Assignee: Tachi-S Co., Ltd.Inventor: Akira Nemoto
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Patent number: 6435613Abstract: A motor vehicle seat part having a seat part frame whose rearward height is adjustable by pivotable steering devices is provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2000Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Assignee: Bertrand Faure Sitztechnik GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Sascha Kupietz
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Patent number: 6425557Abstract: The height-adjustable underframe of a vehicle seat has a left and a right couple of rails of a longitudinal adjusting device and a left and a right side part that are each hinge-connected to the corresponding seat rail of the couple of rails by way of a rear and a front pivoting arm on the left and the right side of the vehicle seat. A blocking arm is linked by a lower end region to the corresponding seat rail on the hinge point of a rear pivoting arm. The blocking arm is detachably fixed in proximity to its upper end in a stopping device, which is fastened on the corresponding side part.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2001Date of Patent: July 30, 2002Assignee: C. Rob. Hammerstein GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Burkhard Becker, Robert Houston, Michael Moog
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Patent number: 6422651Abstract: In a stepping mechanism for a vehicle seat, in particular for an automobile seat, with a gear and a pivoting pawl that is adapted for pivoting toward the gear and rotating the gear upon engagement, a friction spring is provided for raising the pawl from the gear.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2000Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Keiper GmbH & Co.Inventors: Joachim Mühlberger, Kai Schumann
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Patent number: 6406092Abstract: A car seat having a seat portion linked by means of connecting rods to a rail for longitudinal adjustment has a dampening element to transform kinetic energy into frictional or deformation energy. The dampening element is embodied as a separate component and has, on the one hand, an articulated link to a component on the seat portion as well as, on the other hand, to another component on the rail for longitudinal adjustment. The components include a threaded rod and a nut that can rotate around it, as well as a sleeve-shaped component that surrounds at least a part of the nut. The nut can be moved longitudinally relative to the sleeve-shaped component while overcoming a force of friction or deformation.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 1999Date of Patent: June 18, 2002Assignee: Bertrand Faure Sitztechnik GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Heiko Cordes, Reinhard Hanauske, Stefan Krämer, Ralf Oberbeck
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Patent number: 6386635Abstract: A shock absorbing boat seat assembly for providing a more comfortable ride upon a boat moving upon water. The shock absorbing boat seat assembly includes one or more seat members each having a seat and a backrest connected to the seat; and also includes one or more base assemblies for supporting one or more seat members with each of one or more base assemblies having a base member being adapted to securely mount upon a deck of a boat, and also having a boss-like support member securely disposed upon the base member and having a opening therein, and further having a hollow tubular member being movably disposed in the opening of the boss-like support member, and also having a shock absorbing assembly for absorbing shock, and further having a seat support member securely mounted upon the tubular member.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2000Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Inventor: Gary A. Ralph
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Patent number: 6361109Abstract: A seat cushion assembly includes a seat cushion frame operatively coupled to a seat track assembly by a seat cushion height adjuster for selectively positioning the seat cushion frame between a raised position and a lowered position. The seat cushion height adjuster includes front pivot shaft and rear pivot shaft journaled to the seat track assembly. A front pair of pivot links pivotally interconnect the seat cushion frame to the front pivot shaft and a rear pair of pivot links pivotally interconnect the seat cushion frame to the rear pivot shaft. A horizontal link interconnects each of the pairs of front and rear pivot links for synchronized movement. The adjuster further includes a powered drive assembly having a motor and gear box supported by a motor bracket between the front and rear pivot shafts for driving a screw shaft. A screw nut is threadedly coupled to the screw shaft for movement therealong.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2000Date of Patent: March 26, 2002Assignee: Magna Seating Systems Inc.Inventors: Stephen P. Tokarz, Rabindranath Persad
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Patent number: 6354556Abstract: A seat suspension method in one approach involves applying a dampening force over less than the full range over which a seat may be raised and lowered by a seat height adjuster. The step of applying a dampening force may comprise applying such a force which varies non-linearly, depending upon the extent a seat moves as a result of seat vibration. In several specific approaches, unlatching of the dampening mechanism may be accomplished to permit relative movement of the seat and seat support mechanism during seat height adjustment. Relatching of the vibration damper may be accomplished to again apply a dampening force. The seat may automatically be returned toward a desired elevation in the event loading on the seat is varied, for example if a seat occupant leaves the seat.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 1999Date of Patent: March 12, 2002Assignee: Freightliner LLCInventors: Norman E. Ritchie, Michael von Mayenburg
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Patent number: 6309020Abstract: A lead screw which is to be moved in a direction. A nut is screwed to the lead screw. A first bracket is to be swung by moving the lead screw so as to move a seat up and down. The first bracket has a first opening. The nut is fitted in the first opening. A second bracket is to move the seat up and down with the first bracket. The second bracket has a second opening of a size larger than that of the first opening. The second opening is to pass the nut in an inclined position therethrough. The second opening is to position the nut therein.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 1999Date of Patent: October 30, 2001Assignee: Ikeda Bussan Co., Ltd.Inventors: Naoki Niikura, Hiroya Ohmori
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Patent number: 6299252Abstract: Motor vehicle seats with safety belts wherein the free end of the lap belt is attached to an outer rocker located on the vehicle exterior side. The arrangement provides an improved distribution of forces in the event of an accident.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 1999Date of Patent: October 9, 2001Assignee: C. Rob. Hammerstein GmbH & Co KGInventors: Ernst-Reiner Frohnhaus, Burckhard Becker, Wilfried Beneker
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Patent number: 6290198Abstract: A seat lifter device for a vehicle includes a reduction gear mechanism which is disposed between an operating member and a link which is adapted to be pivoted to raise and lower the vehicle seat. The reduction gear mechanism is mounted on a shaft and a spring is provided for assisting the rotation of a shaft on which the reduction gear mechanism is supported.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1999Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yasuhiro Kojima, Yukifumi Yamada
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Patent number: 6273507Abstract: An adjustment assembly for adjusting the height of a vehicle seat includes an inboard track assembly, an outboard track assembly spaced apart from the inboard track assembly, and at least one torque tube extending between the assemblies. The inboard and outboard track assemblies each have a first track fixed to a vehicle structure and a second track supported for longitudinal movement with respect to the first track to adjust horizontal seat position. A seat bottom mounted for horizontal movement with the second track. The torque tube is interconnected to the seat member by a linkage assembly to move the seat member between a lowered position and a raised position. An actuator is selectively actuated to supply rotational input to the torque tube. As the torque tube rotates, the linkage assembly moves the seat bottom in a vertical direction. The adjustment assembly includes at least one stop supported on one of the inboard or outboard track assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 1999Date of Patent: August 14, 2001Assignee: Dura Global TechnologiesInventor: Hugh D. Downey
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Patent number: 6264275Abstract: A power adjustable vehicle seat with a seating that is adjustable in height has a side part and an electromotor. The electromotor comprises a flange-mounted transmission, which transmission is provided with an output shaft and with a transmission case. The side part is provided with a bearing for the output shaft. The transmission case has an area axially facing said bearing for the output shaft. The area facing the side part is open-ended by having no case wall on that open end axially facing the bearing for the output shaft. The side part functions as a case wall of the transmission case once the transmission case is fastened to the side part.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 1999Date of Patent: July 24, 2001Inventors: Ernst-Reiner Frohnhaus, Burckhard Becker, Wilfried Beneker
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Patent number: 6217115Abstract: A linkage assembly is used to vertically adjust the position of a seat. The linkage assembly includes a first link that is connected to a second link without the use of fasteners. The first link has a first mounting portion and the second link has a second mounting portion. The first mounting portion is deformed into engagement with the second mounting portion to rotatably connect the first link to the second link. In one embodiment, the first mounting portion is an extrusion that extends through an aperture in the second link. An end of the extrusion is deformed into engagement with the second link to form a lip to lock the first link to the second link and allow relative rotational movement between the first and second links while eliminating relative linear movement therebetween. In an alternative embodiment, portions of the first and second links are deformed into locking engagement.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 1999Date of Patent: April 17, 2001Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Hugh D. Downey, Trajan Quinn, Pascal Garrido, Nils O. Olsson
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Patent number: 6170911Abstract: A child seat has an upper base section (1) and a lower base section (201) for changing an inclination angle between these base sections. The upper base section 1 and the lower base section (201) are journaled rotatably about a common journal axis (201A) at the front portion of the base. At a rear end side, an inclination angle changing mechanism (200) is installed for adjusting a spacing between the upper base section (1) and the lower base section (201) opposite the journal axis (201A). This structure provides a child seat allowing adjustment of the angle of inclination of a support surface supporting a child even if the child supporting surface extends lengthwise of a passenger car seat to which the base formed by the two base sections 1 and 201, is attached. This leveling of the child supporting surface is possible if the child seat (2) is rotatable about a vertical axis relative to its base.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 1999Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Aprica Kassai KabushikikaishaInventors: Kenzou Kassai, Hiroyasu Yamamoto, Yoshifumi Yoneda