About Vertical Axis; I.e., Rotates Patents (Class 297/344.21)
  • Patent number: 7758007
    Abstract: A commercial vehicle seating and operating unit fastened to a support (1) comprises a rotatably supported base plate (2), by means of which the seating and operating unit is supported rotatably about a vertical axis of rotation. The bearing arrangement comprises two cylindrical sleeves, which are disposed one coaxially in the other, a first inner sleeve (19) that is rigidly connected to the commercial vehicle and a second outer sleeve (21) that is rigidly connected to the seating and operating unit, the inner sleeve (19) forming a passage for the penetration of cables, pipes or hosepipes that connect the seating and operating unit to a unit of the vehicle. The bearing arrangement has a limiting device, which limits the rotation of the seating and operating unit about the vertical axis to a preset maximum angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Dipl.-Ing. agr. Andreas Reichhardt
    Inventor: Alfred Link
  • Patent number: 7753444
    Abstract: A child seat attached to a vehicle seat comprises a base platform which is attached on the vehicle seat and comprises a guide groove; and a child seat body which comprises a bottom face and a guided member which is fixed on the bottom face. The guided member being slidably engaged with the guide groove. The guide groove comprises a curved portion. The child seat can turn to a substantially lateral direction to a moving direction of a vehicle by the guided member being guided along the curved portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Michael Vallentin
  • Publication number: 20100127555
    Abstract: A gliding and reclining seating unit includes: a base unit with a first bearing surface; a generally horizontally-disposed seat positioned above the base; a generally upright backrest positioned above the base and substantially rearward of the seat; an extendable ottoman; a reclining mechanism attached to the seat, the backrest, the ottoman and the base unit, the reclining mechanism comprising a plurality of pivotally interconnected links; a gliding mechanism attached to the base unit and the reclining mechanism, the gliding mechanism being configured to enable the seat, backrest and reclining mechanism to glide relative to the base unit along a longitudinal path responsive to a longitudinally-directed force; and a power actuating unit attached to the reclining mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventors: D. Stephen Hoffman, Marcus L. Murphy
  • Publication number: 20100072801
    Abstract: A swiveling seat comprises a seat bottom, a swivel mechanism and a swivel resistance system. The swivel mechanism allows the seat bottom to rotate at least partially around a first axis of rotation. The swivel resistance system may include a first member that rotates with the swivel mechanism, a second member that is fixedly positioned relative to the swiveling of the swivel mechanism and an operator adjustable resistance control that is operated by the vehicle operator to bias the second member into the first member so as to vary the resistance required to swivel the operator's seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventors: Peter Adelsperger, Christoph Babel, Michael Hoiss, James V. Kraimer
  • Publication number: 20100038934
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for supporting a person in a bathtub or shower. The apparatus comprising: an elongated base, comprising a tapered yoke operably coupled to a first end of the elongated base and a stabilizer operably coupled to a second end of the elongated base. The apparatus comprising a rotatable and/or slidable chair, wherein the rotatable and/or slidable chair is operably coupled to the same end of the elongated base as the tapered yolk. The method comprising: providing an apparatus having a rotatable and/or slidable chair, wherein some of the components may be foldable, such as a foldable seat, a foldable back, foldable legs, and a plurality of arms. Folding the foldable components of the slidable and/or rotatable chair make transporting easier and safer because the apparatus is more compact when the foldable components are in the folded position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventors: Roderick Bennett, Christopher W. Callahan
  • Patent number: 7654616
    Abstract: The present claimed invention intends to provide a chair having a frame structure that is effective for securing a required strength without needless structure to reinforce the strength. The chair has a chair body A comprising a seat frame 12, a back frame 22 and a rib that reinforces between the seat frame 12 and the back frame 22, wherein the rib is formed to extend to a side direction so as to be used as an arm frame 71, and the seat frame 12, the back frame 22 and the arm frame 71 are continuously and integrally formed three-dimensionally, and openings 12a, 22a into which a mesh member 13, 23 to form a seating face is fitted are arranged at the seat frame 12 and the back frame 22 respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Kokuyo Furniture Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yojiro Kinoshita, Kazutaka Ooki, Takeshi Fujiki
  • Publication number: 20100019550
    Abstract: The adjustable hunter seat includes independently pivotal back and seat frame members joined to a rotatable connecting member. The rotatable connecting member is supported by a stabilizing truss style base, the base being in contact with the ground when the seat is in use. A unitary padded back and seat cushion is removably disposed over the frame members. A headrest support member extends from the back frame, a headrest being attached to an end of the headrest support member. An adjustable shooting support arm extends from the seat frame. A user can swivel 360° in the seat while maintaining a substantially fixed posture. When not in use, the entire assembly is foldable into a backpack configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventors: Lawrence H. Cook, Jason D. Norton
  • Patent number: 7597397
    Abstract: A swivel rocker is provided that includes a surface designed to contact a floor so as to facilitate rocking in two directions along a line while limiting rocking in other directions and to inhibit excessive rocking in at least one direction along the line. The swivel rocker also includes a swivel portion such that a seat may be rotated relative to the two directions of facilitated rocking. The swivel portion allows a user to alter the directions of facilitated rocking relative to their orientation on the seat. The rocking surface inhibits excessive rocking in the at least one direction to help prevent the user from tipping over in the chair. Under some embodiments, the swivel rocker is formed of two rockers having a curved portion designed to contact the floor and an additional portion that inhibits excessive rocking. The additional portion extends from the curved portion in several embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan McCoy, Stacy Abel
  • Patent number: 7575276
    Abstract: A pivotal vehicle child seat and associated method includes a base member with a top surface and vertically upstanding walls formed therewith. The top surface is countersunk below a top edge of the walls, such that a recessed cavity is formed therein, and a seat member is vertically stacked on top of the base member and has a bottom ridge within the recessed cavity. A mechanism lifts and swivels the seat member above the base member and about a vertically registered fulcrum axis centrally defined within the recessed cavity. The mechanism is maintained at a locked position so the user is required to actively maintain an actuating force traversing the fulcrum axis so that the bottom ridge remains elevated above the recessed cavity during swiveling procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Inventor: Collin Henry
  • Publication number: 20090174246
    Abstract: A seat assembly for a vehicle includes a seat bottom and a mounting assembly having a first portion that attaches the seat bottom to the vehicle and a second portion. The second portion permits rotation of the seat bottom relative to the first portion and the vehicle and permits translation of the seat bottom relative to the first portion and the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventors: Ronald J. Kaip, David A. Bargiel, Steven R. Swailes
  • Patent number: 7533930
    Abstract: Aircraft seats are provided which may be convertible between a seating condition and a bedding condition. According to exemplary embodiments, aircraft seats comprise a seat bottom, a seat back, and a pair of arm rests positioned laterally with respect to the seat bottom, the seat back being mounted to the seat bottom for pivotal movements between an upright position (wherein the seat back extends vertically upwardly relative to the seat bottom) and a reclined position (wherein the seat back extends substantially horizontally relative to the seat bottom), and each of arm rests being coupled to the seat back and the seat bottom so as to be moveable between raised and lowered positions in response to the seat back being pivoted from the upright position to the reclined position, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Embraer - Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A.
    Inventors: Armand Fissette, Magnus Aspergren
  • Publication number: 20090101786
    Abstract: A furniture swivel of the thrust bearing type is taught herein having a top plate and bottom plate made entirely of an internally-lubricated polymer. A central top hole surface projects upwardly and integrally from the top plate, and a central top annular surface projects upwardly and integrally from the same plate wherein two flat, raised annular surfaces are integrally defined on the top inside surface of the top plate made of the polymer. The bottom plate is substantially similar to the top plate made entirely of the polymer and has a raised central bottom hole surface in face-to-face relation with the central top hole surface and a raised bottom annular surface in face-to-face relation with the top annular surface, wherein load support and low-friction rotation is maintained without overlain metal components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventors: Ted W. Faull, James K. Faull
  • Publication number: 20090085386
    Abstract: A swivel rocker is provided that includes a surface designed to contact a floor so as to facilitate rocking in two directions along a line while limiting rocking in other directions and to inhibit excessive rocking in at least one direction along the line. The swivel rocker also includes a swivel portion such that a seat may be rotated relative to the two directions of facilitated rocking. The swivel portion allows a user to alter the directions of facilitated rocking relative to their orientation on the seat. The rocking surface inhibits excessive rocking in the at least one direction to help prevent the user from tipping over in the chair. Under some embodiments, the swivel rocker is formed of two rockers having a curved portion designed to contact the floor and an additional portion that inhibits excessive rocking. The additional portion extends from the curved portion in several embodiments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan McCoy, Stacy Abel
  • Patent number: 7472958
    Abstract: A seat swiveling device of a vehicle comprises a stationary base, a movable base, a vehicle seat assembly and a swing lever. The movable base has a second pivot shaft for supporting the swing lever so that the swing lever is pivoted. The stationary base has a guide hole for defining a range in which the movable base is pivotable. The swing lever has an elongated hole in which the second pivot shaft is inserted and a locating lug which is guided along the guide hole. The guide hole has a recessed portion with which the locating lug is engaged by pivoting the swing lever thereby to fix the movable base to the stationary base at a predetermined position. The swing lever is movable relative to the second pivot shaft in accordance with the shape of the elongated hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki
    Inventors: Yasumasa Sano, Kazushi Kamiya
  • Patent number: 7448665
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for stowing a bench seat or a segment of a bench seat into the floor of a vehicle. The steps include folding the backrest onto the seat base. The seat is then tilted upwards about an axis aligned with one side end of the seat to place the seat in a raised position. The raised seat is then rotated about a vertical axis until the seat is aligned for pivoting into the seat stowage compartment. The seat is then pivoted downwards into the stowage compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Jennifer P. Lawall, Diane K. McQueen
  • Publication number: 20080265642
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a rotatable support for a beach chair that has a low profile, can be lightweight, is durable and may include a bearing that is resistant to sand. The support is easy to use, store and transport. It may be easily attached and removed from a beach chair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: Brent Moyers
  • Patent number: 7434863
    Abstract: A rotation seat for a vehicle has a seat, a rotating plate and a base plate. The seat is fixed on the rotating plate which has a nail member and a biasing member. The biasing member forces the nail member. The rotating plate is rotatably connected to the base plate through a first shaft. The base plate has a guide slot so as to regulate extent of the rotation of the rotating plate by guiding the nail member. The guide slot has a first slot and a second slot. The biasing unit forces the second slot through the nail member so as to make the rotating plate rotate from an operator's exiting position to a forward driving position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Hamazaki, Kazushi Kamiya, Tomoaki Terada
  • Publication number: 20080224522
    Abstract: A vehicle seat may include a seat main body, a rotation mechanism that is arranged and constructed to horizontally rotate the seat main body between a forwardly facing position and a laterally facing position, a sliding mechanism, and a rotation locking mechanism. The rotation locking mechanism is arranged and constructed to prevent the seat main body from rotating when the seat main body is in a laterally facing position. The rotation locking mechanism includes a first engagement portion, a second engagement portion, and a lock releasing portion. The second engagement portion is capable of moving between a condition in which it does not engage the first engagement portion and a position in which it engages the first engagement portion when the seat main body is in the laterally facing position. The lock releasing portion is arranged and constructed to be engaged with and disengaged from the second engagement portion depending upon the sliding motion of the sliding mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: TOYOTA SHATAI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yohei Taguchi, Chikanori Fujita, Hiroki Kusanagi
  • Patent number: 7416197
    Abstract: A frame has a foot support and rear wheel support for two rear wheels spaced apart for stability. A front steering column, pivotally attached to the frame, may have a single wheel or spaced apart double wheels for greater stability for a four wheel vehicle. A seat support pedestal extends upwardly from the frame near the back to support a rotatable seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Inventors: Stephen Mackin, Ernest Newton
  • Publication number: 20080191534
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a swivel seat assembly comprising a seat and a seat support. The seat support includes upper and lower swivel plates each having an annular recess or track. The lower plate track has one or more openings. A plurality of ball bearings are disposed between the upper and lower plate track, with each of the ball bearings having a diameter greater than the width of the lower plate track. As a result, each of the ball bearings rides on the sides of the lower track and is spaced from the bottom of the track. The seat support also includes an annular retainer having a plurality of apertures and at least one wiper, with each aperture sized to receive one of the ball bearings and the wiper configured to direct debris from the lower plate recess into the one or more openings of said lower plate recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventor: Dale Ropp
  • Publication number: 20080185891
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a seat and seat suspension assembly comprising a seat mounted to a seat supporting platform and suspension mechanism, the platform and suspension mechanism being rotationally mounted to a base by a pedestal so that the platform, suspension mechanism and seat may rotate through 360 degrees. The pedestal comprises two swivel housings, the first swivel housing being mounted in fixed position on the base and the second swivel housing being rotationally mounted to the first and supporting the suspension mechanism, platform and seat. A suspension spring and damper are associated with the suspension mechanism to enhance the ride characteristics of the seat, with the damper being positioned inside the pedestal and having one end connected to the first swivel housing and the other end connected to the suspension mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventor: Cole T. Brodersen
  • Patent number: 7401856
    Abstract: There is provided a sit-stand stool comprising a seat adapted to support a pelvis of a user and a base. The base supports the seat and is adapted to securely engage a floor. The base is adapted to provide a tilting motion of the seat, between a raised position and a forwardly inclined position, in a vertical plane about a pivot axis in accordance with the posture of the user while constraining the movement to prevent lateral tilting or inclination transverse to the vertical plane. The base is also adapted to prevent a rearward motion beyond the raised position, and a forward motion beyond the forwardly inclined position in order to reduce the risks for the user to lose stability. Such a stool permits to the user to stabilize his posture, without being in a completely seated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Transfert Plus S.E.C.
    Inventors: Denis Marchand, Lyne Noiseux
  • Patent number: 7399035
    Abstract: The present invention provides a mechanism that can release the rotation lock mechanism without using an actuator. In the present vehicle seat, a nut (73) is moved upon rotation of a screw shaft (72) so that the seat body is moved in the lateral direction of the vehicle. When the nut (73) is moved by a desired distance, a guide roller (69) is pushed so that an operation arm (66) is moved parallel with the guide roller. As a result, a lock plate (64) is rotated in an unlock direction so that a claw (64a) is disengaged from a striker (61).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Toyota Shatai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroki Kusanagi, Yasuo Suga, Masamitsu Iwatani
  • Patent number: 7364183
    Abstract: A seat rotating device for a baby stroller includes a rotation unit connected to an underside of the seat and two insertions on two sides of an underside of the rotation unit are inserted into a positioning unit. The rotation unit has a disk and the seat is connected to the disk. The disk has a plurality of positioning holes defined in a periphery thereof. The disk is pivotably connected to a base by a shaft extending through a center of the disk and the base. The base has two wings and the two insertions are inserted into the wings. Each wing has a biasing member inserted therein which his connected with a cable. The biasing member is inserted into one of the positioning holes to position the disk and the seat at an angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Inventor: Tsung-Daw Lee
  • Patent number: 7350866
    Abstract: Seat repositioning systems for vehicles comprise an operator's seat having a seat bottom and optionally, a seat back, where the operator's seat further comprises an adjustable characteristic, such as seat rotation, seat height adjustment, tilt, or X-Y position. A seat release control is operable to release the operator's seat from a locked position for repositioning of the adjustable characteristic of the operator's seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Crown Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Steven C. Billger, Kevin A. Gilliland, Eric J. Kaiser, Leroy M. Kluver, Jay G. Pollack, Steven R. Pulskamp, Nicholas D. Thobe, Dean E. Winner
  • Publication number: 20080042480
    Abstract: A swivel seat for work vehicle includes an operator seat mounted on a seat swivel, the seat swivel defining a central aperture through which at least one hydraulic line with a swivel extends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventors: Steven Roger Volkman, Joseph Albert Teijido
  • Patent number: 7328952
    Abstract: A detachable swivel apparatus for a beach chair including a load-distributing platform for positioning upon the ground and saddle pivotally secured atop the platform. The saddle has a rectangular plate with a keyhole at each of its corners. A number of mounting clips are releasably secured to the saddle for grasping the legs of a beach chair. One of the clips is associated with each keyhole. Each of the clips has a pair of arcuate jaws for receiving and grasping therebetween one leg of a beach chair. A shaft is affixed to, and extends downwardly from, the jaws. A key bit is affixed to, and extends outwardly from, the bottom of the shaft. In use, the shaft and key bit of each of the clips can, in one angular orientation, be slid through a keyhole and, upon rotation to another angular orientation, be prevented from withdrawal through the keyhole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Inventor: Derrek Guerrini
  • Publication number: 20080030058
    Abstract: A revolving chair includes a swivel bearing affixed to the revolving chair to rotate the revolving chair 360°.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2006
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Inventor: Derek Youngblood
  • Patent number: 7325875
    Abstract: A beach chair including a seat having rigid, yet collapsible, frame. The frame carries a flexible platform for supporting the buttocks of a person seated upon the seat and a flexible backrest with shoulder straps secured thereto for supporting the back of a person seated upon the seat and permitting the chair to be easily transported when not employed for seating purposes. The frame has a U-shaped forward support member with a pair of forward legs being connected together by a forward crosspiece for maintaining the front of the platform at a fixed height above the ground. The frame also has a U-shaped rearward support member with a pair of rearward legs being connected together by a rearward crosspiece for maintaining the rear of the platform at a fixed height above the ground. A swivel apparatus is attached to the seat and is provided with a load-distributing platform for positioning upon the ground. A saddle is pivotally secured atop the platform for supporting the seat above the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Inventor: Derrek Guerrini
  • Patent number: 7309095
    Abstract: A release actuating system 10 for a seat assembly 12 in a vehicle. Conventionally, the system includes a seat back 14 that is removable through an arcuate range. The seat back 14 is moveable between a design position (tilted upward and rearwardly) in which it may support a passenger, and a full fold flat position. Seat back latches 24 secure the seat back 14 in the design position. A seat cushion 32 supports the seat back 14. The seat cushion 32 has a rearward portion that cooperates with the seat back 14. The rearward portion also releasably engages floor latches 26. The seat cushion 32 has a forward portion that is pivotally attached to the vehicle floor. The seat cushion 32 and seat back 14 tumble forwardly when (a) the seat back latches 24 are disengaged; (b) the seat back 14 lies in the full fold flat position; and (c) the floor latches 26 are disengaged. The tumble forward position facilitates occupant ingress and egress and provides access to luggage and storage areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventor: James G. O'Connor
  • Publication number: 20070246987
    Abstract: A seat swiveling device of a vehicle comprises a stationary base, a movable base, a vehicle seat assembly and a swing lever. The movable base has a second pivot shaft for supporting the swing lever so that the swing lever is pivoted. The stationary base has a guide hole for defining a range in which the movable base is pivotable. The swing lever has an elongated hole in which the second pivot shaft is inserted and a locating lug which is guided along the guide hole. The guide hole has a recessed portion with which the locating lug is engaged by pivoting the swing lever thereby to fix the movable base to the stationary base at a predetermined position. The swing lever is movable relative to the second pivot shaft in accordance with the shape of the elongated hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Publication date: October 25, 2007
    Inventors: Yasumasa Sano, Kazushi Kamiya
  • Patent number: 7234781
    Abstract: An anchoring fixture for stools capable of adjusting elevation is installed on an axle hub hinged on the top end of tripod legs which rest on the floor. The axle hub has a longitudinal axle hole to hold a screw post fastened to the bottom of a stool. The axle hub has a hinge portion on one side of the top surface. The hinge portion has lugs on two sides to be coupled with one end of two clamping members. The clamping members have another end to be fastened by a fastening element. The hinge portion and the two clamping members have respectively a thread portion which jointly mates and couples with the screw post beneath the stool. Thus the elevation of the stool may be rapidly adjusted upwards and downwards to clamp the screw post tightly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventor: Tsun-Chi Liao
  • Patent number: 7219961
    Abstract: An operator seat for a work vehicle is provided that is pivotable between at least two operating stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Edward H. Priepke, Levi Taylor
  • Patent number: 7204554
    Abstract: A vehicle swivel seat (1) includes a vehicle mounted base frame (2) for carrying a seat member (3) and a backrest (4) that can be pivoted relative to the base frame (2) about a substantially vertical pivot axis (5) which is arranged in eccentrically offset fashion toward a seat outside (6) oriented toward an associated vehicle door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventor: Stanislaw Wieclawski
  • Patent number: 7140685
    Abstract: A swivel chair joint utilizing a tapered roller bearing assembly to substantially transform the seating load to the tapered roller bearings and thereby reducing frictional resistance to swiveling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Gardner
  • Patent number: 7128368
    Abstract: A drummer seating system inclusive of a drum seat and one or more drum holders attached to the seat which lift their respective drums off the floor and position them in front of the percussionist. The percussionist remains free to rotate the drum seat clockwise or counter-clockwise 360 degrees while the drum(s) remain in a normal playing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Inventor: Vaughn Monroe Sligh
  • Patent number: 7059680
    Abstract: Seat repositioning systems for vehicles comprise a seat release element that is operable to cause an operator's seat to be temporarily released from a locked position such that the operator's seat may be adjusted to a new position. By optionally positioning the seat release element proximate to an operator's working position, a vehicle operator may reposition the seat while simultaneously performing another task. Moreover, a control module may be provided that is capable of deciding whether or not to allow the operator's seat to be released based upon vehicle parameters such as vehicle speed or load handling conditions. Still further, the control module may temporarily disable select features of the vehicle depending upon the position of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Crown Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Steven C. Billger, Kevin A. Gilliland, Eric J. Kaiser, Leroy M. Kluver, Jay G. Pollack, Steven R. Pulskamp, Nicholas D. Thobe, Dean E. Winner
  • Patent number: 7032965
    Abstract: A foldable shooting chair that will provide a sturdy support for a long gun shooter and includes a tripod base with legs that will fold together. A stool, including a padded seat rotatably mounted on the base and a seat back, support arm and shooting arm carried by and rotatable with the padded seat, the support arm being removable for positioning as a support for either a right or left-handed shooter and as a handle when the tripod legs are folded together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Inventors: Larry D. Howell, Shawn Schrecengost
  • Patent number: 7032966
    Abstract: A high chair for feeding a child is disclosed. The high chair includes a base and a chair sized to support a child. The chair is supported on the base at a height suitable for feeding a child. The chair is rotatable relative to the base about a substantially vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Kolcraft Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Jonathan Myers
  • Patent number: 6997511
    Abstract: A seating device comprising a connecting element having an end portion dimensioned to be releasably and rotatably inserted into an aperture defined in a ground or floor. The aperture is dimensioned to receive the connecting element so as to support the seating device. The seating device also comprises a supporting element connected to a seat. The supporting element is pivotably connected to the connecting element. Moreover, at least one of the connecting element and supporting element comprises at least one stop so as to permit the supporting element to pivot between a first position whereat the supporting element is in a substantially vertical position, and a second position whereat the supporting element is forwardly inclined of 30 degrees or less with respect to the first position. Such a device is particularly useful for persons who need to stabilize their posture while performing a task.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Transfert Plus, s.e.c.
    Inventors: Denis Marchand, Lyne Noiseux
  • Patent number: 6997512
    Abstract: A 360 degree swivel cushion for bathroom encompassing a rotating device having a base plate, a ball bearing plate and a rotating plate disposedly configured between a lower fixed pad and an upper rotating pad. A plurality of stainless steel ball bearings atop the ball bearing plate are used to rotate within a large circular track and a small circular track of the rotating plate. Upon a mobility handicapped person sitting atop the cushion, the body can be rotated by merely swaying the body left and right, which thereby conveniences a family member or a house keeper to assist bathing and cleaning the body of the mobility handicapped person. Waterproof antiskid pads covering the rotating pad and the fixed pad not only provide for comfortable sitting and prevent slipping; moreover, both upper and lower surfaces are available for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Inventor: Ming-Ming Yu
  • Patent number: 6991060
    Abstract: A vehicle has multiple movable driving positions resulting from a seat which is movable with respect to the vehicle chassis and has a driver's vehicle interface which moves with the seat. A wire bundle interconnects the driver's vehicle interface with controls for driving the vehicle. In one embodiment, a carousel rotates and a seat on the carousel revolves and rotates so that the seat continues to face forward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Adrian B. Chernoff, Eugenio Pagliano
  • Patent number: 6981746
    Abstract: A rotating car seat mechanism includes a seat base, a sliding plate, a rotating plate, a guiding socket plate, an axle defining an axis of rotation and a cylindrical pivot rod. The sliding plate is placed inside a car, allowing an upper end of the cylindrical pivot rod to be positioned at the exit of the guiding socket, further enabling the rotation out of the car door and sliding the cylindrical pivot rod into the guiding socket. Due to the path defined by the guiding socket customizing the movement of the cylindrical pivot rod, the rotating plate not only rotates on the axle, but also drives the axle forward. After applying a suitable degree of motion, the rotating plate exceeds out of a narrow space of the car, whereas an opposite amount of motion enables the rotating plate to return to the original point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Pro-Glory Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tien-Tung Chung, Hsiu-Chu Shen
  • Patent number: 6962221
    Abstract: A mobile ice fishing shelter assembly for permitting quick and easy movement of a mobile shelter designed to facilitate ice fishing. The mobile ice fishing shelter assembly is positionable on a vehicle having a seat portion and a drive assembly, and may comprise a shelter assembly for coupling to the vehicle. The cover assembly is adjustable between a retracted position and a deployed position. The seat portion may include at least one pivotable seat member for adjusting a position of a user to selectively facilitate driving the vehicle and fishing to a side of the vehicle while seated on the seat portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Inventor: Paul Carrette
  • Patent number: 6916065
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotating patient chair mounted with an integrated ear diagnosis and treatment unit that controls the position of a microscope 48 and a monitor 50 rotating around the rotating patient chair 30 at a predetermined angle or 180 degrees, the unit including: suctioners 44, 52, a treatment board 46, a blood pressure tester 54 and a manipulating switch box 40 for controlling the diagnosis and treatment tools, and the monitor 50 and the microscope 48 positioned in correspondence with the patient's ears anatomically positioned at 180 degrees to enable the patient to observe all of the treatment processes to the ear parts including the thin, dark auditory canals and eardrums on the monitor 50 installed at an opposite side and to enable the practitioner to explain all of the treatment processes shown on the monitor to the patient and his guardians, thereby improving reliability on the practitioner and the treatment processes and maximizing the treatment effects, and performing diagnosis
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Inventor: Ja-Ryoung Park
  • Patent number: 6913317
    Abstract: The chair frame of a swivel rocker is slidably mounted via a pair of sleeves on the arms of a pair of flexures mounted on the base of the rocker to allow the chair frame to be moved into different positions on the flexures. Bolts are used to secure the sleeves in place on the flexures. Movement of the sleeves along the flexures changes the position at which the weight of an occupant is transferred to the flexures and thereby changes the bending moments imposed on the flexures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Telescope Casual Furniture, Inc.
    Inventors: William M. Vanderminden, Robert D. Vanderminden, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6899385
    Abstract: A seating apparatus has a support element having an upright extending from a floor and a swing arm pivotably mounted to the upright about a generally vertical pivot axis. A work surface is secured to the upright above the swing arm, and a seat is mounted on the swing arm, the seat having a seat base upon which an occupant can be seated. The swing arm is pivotable between a stowed position wherein the seat base is tucked substantially underneath the work surface, and a deployed position wherein the seat base is substantially clear of the work surface. The seating apparatus is also provided with a flat coiled torsion spring for biasing the arm to the stowed position, the torsion spring having a first end fixed directly or indirectly to the upright and a second end fixed directly or indirectly to the swing arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Global Total Office, An Ontario Limited Partnership having Global Upholstery Co. Inc. as its general partner
    Inventors: Vaclav Pernicka, Michael Shats
  • Patent number: 6896330
    Abstract: A 360 degree swivel cushion includes a swivel ball seat configured between a swivel plate and a base plate. The steel balls are positioned within the swivel ball seat so that the cushion can slide on circular tracks configured on a base of the swivel plate. A cover is disposed on the swivel plate, and the cushion can rotate 360 degrees on top of the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Inventor: Ming-Ming Yu
  • Patent number: 6890033
    Abstract: A beach chair for use on beaches and other locations. The beach chair is capable of rotating on an attachable base. The beach chair, in combination with the attachable base, can be compactly folded up for storage and transportation purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Inventor: Salvatore Casella
  • Publication number: 20040195884
    Abstract: A swivel chair joint utilizing a tapered roller bearing assembly to substantially transform the seating load to the tapered roller bearings and thereby reducing frictional resistance to swiveling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Gardner