Movable Back Patents (Class 297/353)
-
Patent number: 6840577Abstract: Systems and techniques are disclosed for a planar seating apparatus having a seat support in a first plane, a back support in a second plane and coupled to the seat support, and a plurality of side supports coupled to the back support. The plurality of side supports are adjustable and capable of folding, as is the back support, to provide a compact and easily transportable and storable device.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2002Date of Patent: January 11, 2005Assignee: Convaid Products, Inc.Inventor: Mervyn M. Watkins
-
Patent number: 6820928Abstract: The invention is a foldable chair for use by hunters and outdoorsmen. The chair is equipped with folding leg elements positioned at opposite ends of a frame-mounted seating surface. The leg assemblies have different heights, allowing the chair to be positioned on uneven terrain. Additionally, the chair is provided with a relocatable backrest, which may be pivoted from one side of the seating surface to the other. A carrying strap is provided for facilitating carrying of the chair.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2003Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Inventor: Robert M. Ransom
-
Patent number: 6820932Abstract: A bench is provided for use by at least two persons of similar or differing heights. The bench includes a seat, a back, pivotal members and a support. The pivotal members are held in a substantially vertical position adjacent to the back by a release mechanism. Unlocking the release mechanism results in the pivotal member pivoting to a substantially horizontal position adjacent to the seat. The pivotal member may be locked in this position by a locking mechanism. In addition, in one embodiment of the invention, the back may be horizontally displaced towards the front of the seat, when the pivotal member is in the substantially horizontal position. Thus, the bench may accommodate two persons simultaneously, such as an adult and a child.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2001Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Assignee: KMCOR LLCInventors: Krisann Misthos, Chris N. Misthos, Vincent Foullois
-
Patent number: 6811216Abstract: An infant car seat is provided, including a seat shell, a seat back slideably connected to the seat shell, a plurality of adjustment teeth provided along the seat back, and an adjuster rotatably connected to the seat shell. The adjuster mates with the adjustment teeth to extend or retract the seat back relative to the seat shell when the adjuster is rotated.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2002Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: Baby Trend Co., Inc.Inventor: Mark Sedlack
-
Publication number: 20040212239Abstract: A height adjustment arrangement for a headrest or the like includes a spring in a rear recess of a backrest. A T-shaped trigger member is received in the recess for biasing against the spring. A plate is secured onto the recess, with the plate having a slit. A finger tab of the trigger member projects from the horizontal slit. Two upright tubes are formed either on sides of a J-bar or on a backside of the backrest. An inverted U-shaped rod has a top attached to the headrest or the like and two groups of notches opposite the backrest. The trigger member is locked in two notches. In operation, the finger tab is pushed to compress the spring for disengaging the trigger member from the notches. The rod can be raised or lowered relative to the trigger member until a desired height is reached. Finally, the finger tab can be released to lock the trigger member in the other notches again.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2003Publication date: October 28, 2004Inventor: Chun Chen
-
Publication number: 20040201265Abstract: The present invention provides a hinge construction in which a center hinge 14 is provided between seat backs 1 and 2 arranged by being divided into left and right, and the left and right seat backs 1 and 2 are supported by the center hinge 14 so as to be reclinable. In this hinge construction, the center hinge 14 includes a mounting bracket 18 of which one end portion is installed to the right seat back 2, a center hinge bracket 19 installed to the vehicle body side, and a hinge shaft 20 for connecting the mounting bracket 18 to the center hinge bracket 19. The left and right seat backs 1 and 2 are supported via the center hinge 14 so as to be reclinable by inserting the hinge shaft 20 through the other end portion of the mounting bracket 18 and the center hinge bracket 19 and by fixing the hinge shaft 20 to a seat frame 3 of the left seat back 1.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2004Publication date: October 14, 2004Inventors: Masato Ichikawa, Toru Hirano, Akira Hijikata
-
Patent number: 6793286Abstract: A simple, inexpensive and reliable chair adjustment mechanism is disclosed. The mechanism includes a base which is fastened to a chair support, a slide attached to an assembly to be adjusted, such as a back or a seat or arms, and a spring device cradled by the base for engaging one of a series of spaced ramps integral with the slide. The slide also includes ramps for pushing the spring device into an out-of-the-way position secured to two hooks on the base so that at the end of the slide's extension it may be returned to a retracted position in one easy movement. When reaching the retracted position, other ramps push the spring device out of the engagement with the hooks so that the spring device extends through a space between the base and the slide to again selectively engage the series of spaced ramps.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2002Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Assignee: HON Technology Inc.Inventor: Ralph C. Burgin
-
Patent number: 6755463Abstract: What is disclosed is a portable chair specifically adapted for the unique needs of a professional reflexology therapy session. The chair is collapsible and provides numerous adjustments to fit the particular anatomy of each individual client.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2003Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Inventors: Gaetano Lardieri, Mary Alice Arre
-
Patent number: 6752460Abstract: A chair (1) has a base (2) and upwardly projecting from the base (2) a supporting column (6) holding a seating device (7). Disposed on the base (2) is a plug-type connection piece (19). The supporting column (6) is slipped onto the onto the plug-type connection piece (19) and secured on the plug-type connection piece (19) in a manner so that it is detachable from the outside.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2002Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Moll System- und Funktionsmöbel GmbHInventor: Hans Looser
-
Publication number: 20040108763Abstract: A support apparatus is described for use in the field of workstation design. The support apparatus is movably attachable to a seating device to selectively provide both dorsal and ventral support to a seated user. The support apparatus is movable, by a user in the seated position, between the position providing ventral support and the position providing dorsal support. Also described is a method of selectively supporting either the ventral or dorsal side of a user by one apparatus, the apparatus moveable by a user in the seated position.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2002Publication date: June 10, 2004Applicant: Neutral Posture, Inc.Inventors: Jerome J. Congleton, Mark E. Benden, Rebecca Congleton Boenigk, John C. Guillen
-
Publication number: 20040100135Abstract: A foldable apparatus for providing a surface and storage for a person of any age to use for play or engage in activities while mobility is being restricted having rotatable joints with locking device and located at corresponding members for optimum space saving. In some embodiments of this invention, the height of the apparatus can be adjusted by operating the devices in the vertical members of said apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2003Publication date: May 27, 2004Inventors: David Russell King, Steven Higgs
-
Patent number: 6726280Abstract: A mechanism for adjusting the height of the back support of a chair comprises a frame, a back support, a first link, and a second link. Two lateral plates extend vertically at the top of the frame. A U bracket is mounted on the rear wall of the back support, whose lateral plates have two symmetrically formed pairs of axle holes. At two ends of the first and the second links, there exist holes for respectively pivotably connected to those pairs of axle and pivot holes by axle pins. The lines defined by two pivot holes and two axle holes take special oblique angles, so that when those links rotate about the top Of the frame, the back support keeps vertical. When the links are placed vertically, the back support supports a sitter's back. When the links are placed horizontally, the back support supports a sitter's waist.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2003Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Inventor: Jih-Shun Liao
-
Publication number: 20040070251Abstract: A chair with a back arrangement employing a back shell slidably supported on a pair of uprights projecting upwardly from opposite sides of the chair seat. The chair includes manually releasable latching mechanisms which cooperate with the uprights to allow height adjustment of the back arrangement. The chair additionally incorporates an adjustment mechanism which allows manual adjustment of the chair arms into the desired position.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2003Publication date: April 15, 2004Inventors: Lynn Roney, Scott Albright, Lance Lindenberg
-
Publication number: 20040061368Abstract: A bracket assembly includes a backrest, a support and a fastener. The backrest defines a hole with a wall formed with a thread. The support is attached to a seat and defines a slot. The fastener includes a bolt formed with a thread and a head secured to the bolt. The bolt is inserted through the slot and the thread formed on the bolt is engaged with the thread formed on the wall of the hole in order to sandwich the support between the backrest and the head so as retain the backrest in position on the support. The engagement the thread formed on the bolt with the thread formed on the wall of the hole can be loosened so as allow adjustment of the position of the backrest on the support. In another aspect, the backrest includes a first panel and a second panel. The first panel defines a hole with a wall on which a thread is formed and a second panel. The second panel defines a hole. The support is located between the first panel and the second panel.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2002Publication date: April 1, 2004Inventor: Kuo-Hsiung Lin
-
Patent number: 6709059Abstract: A positioning mechanism is provided that does not require a biasing member to allow adjustment and maintenance of a position. A first member is provided with a channel forming locking positions and a return channel. A second member, slidably movable with respect to the first member, is provided to mount a rotatable cog. The cog interfaces with the channel of the first member to selectively inhibit relative movement between the first and second members without use of a biasing member.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2000Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Inventor: Sava Cvek
-
Patent number: 6705678Abstract: An improved chair having a simplified height-adjustable back arrangement. The back arrangement is defined principally by a back shell provided with support sleeves adjacent opposite sides thereof. The support sleeves are slidably supported on respective uprights which project upwardly adjacent opposite sides of the chair seat. A manually-releasable latching mechanism cooperates between each support sleeve and its respective upright whereby a seated occupant, by using right and left hands, can simultaneously release both latching mechanisms and effect vertical slidable displacement of the back shell to adjust the position thereof.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2002Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: First Source Furniture Group LLCInventors: Scott Albright, Lance Lindenberg
-
Publication number: 20040041453Abstract: A child's chair that may be readily adjusted with regard to the height of the seat bottom, and the position of the seat back relative to the seat bottom. The use of telescoping legs and a slidable support for the seat back allow the chair to be adjusted for positioning according to the needs of a particular child.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2003Publication date: March 4, 2004Inventors: Craig Ellis, Darcy M. Jones
-
Patent number: 6695378Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat portion and an adjustable backrest portion which is movable between a forward operating position and a rearward operating position relative to the seat portion. Both the upper and lower sections of the backrest portion move upwardly relative to the seating portion when the backrest portion moves from the forward operating position to the rearward operating position. A lockable adjustment mechanism is included to enable a user to lock the backrest in a suitable position from the forward to the rearward operating positions.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Corbin Pacific, Inc.Inventor: Michael W. Hanagan
-
Patent number: 6688190Abstract: A manual lever drive for an adjusting device on a seat for converting a lifting movement into a discontinuous rotational movement has a support arm and a step-by step mechanism having an output member and an input member. The output member is configured to be coupled with a rotatingly moveable control member of the adjusting device. A transmission member is connected to the input member for torque transmission onto the input member. A manual lever is connected to the support arm so as to pivot about a first axis of rotation. The manual lever is configured to actuate the transmission member. The transmission member is arranged on the input member providing a second axis of rotation. A pivot angle of the manual lever imparts to the transmission member a pivot movement increasing a corresponding pivot angle of the second axis of rotation.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2001Date of Patent: February 10, 2004Assignee: Keiper GmbH & Co.Inventors: Bernd Angermann, Dirk Angermann, Detlev Backert, Jürgen Stemmer, Christoph Leibeling, Rolf Schüler
-
Patent number: 6685269Abstract: A seat assembly for a vehicle that has a rear seat positioned behind the seat assembly. The seat assembly includes a seat bottom that is movable between a seating position and a forward position. In the seating position, the seat bottom is in a generally horizontal position for supporting an occupant seated on the seat assembly. In the forward position the seat bottom is in a generally vertical position such that a rear edge of the seat bottom is positioned above a front edge of said seat bottom. The seat assembly also has a seat back that is movable between a seating position and a second position. In the seating position the seat back is in a generally lateral position relative to the vehicle for supporting an occupant seated on said seat assembly. In the second position the seat back extends longitudinally relative to the vehicle to permit access to a rear seat positioned behind said seat assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2002Date of Patent: February 3, 2004Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Nizar Freijy, Robert John Dowell, Paul Cameron Babcock, Dennis John Varga
-
Patent number: 6676216Abstract: A seat assembly for a vehicle includes a seat bottom and seat back which are movable to provide access to a third row seat. The seat bottom is movable between a seating position, wherein the seat bottom is in a generally horizontal position for supporting an occupant seated on the seat assembly, and a forward position. In the forward position, the seat bottom is in a generally vertical position such that a rear edge of the seat bottom is positioned above a front edge of the seat bottom. The seat assembly also includes a seat back movable between a seating position, wherein the seat back is in a generally vertical position for supporting an occupant seated on the seat assembly, and a second position. In the second position, the seat back is positioned upwardly and forwardly relative to the seating position of the seat back.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2002Date of Patent: January 13, 2004Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Nizar Freijy, Robert John Dowell, Paul Cameron Babcock, Dennis John Varga
-
Patent number: 6676581Abstract: A stretching device is mounted to a positioning portion of furniture and includes a motor, a telescopic rod, and a handlebar. The motor is activatable for moving the telescopic rod in a retracting or extending direction. The telescopic rod is located in a position corresponding to a backrest of the furniture and includes an upper end fixed to the handlebar to move therewith. The handlebar is located on top of the furniture and includes a pair of grips. The handlebar further includes at least one button for controlling turning directions of the motor. When a user sits or lies in the furniture with two hands grasping the grips, a body of the user is stretched when the button is pushed to cause the motor to turn in a direction for moving the telescopic rod in the extending direction.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2002Date of Patent: January 13, 2004Inventor: Cheng Hsien Lin
-
Patent number: 6669143Abstract: A passenger seat movable from an upright to a recline position without encroaching on an aft-seated passenger, and including a seat base for being attached to a supporting surface. A unitary seating element is provided and includes a pair of laterally-spaced apart seat frames carried by the seat base, the seat frames defining a curved shape corresponding to the profile of an anatomically-appropriate seat bottom and seat back. A curved, semi-rigid diaphragm support is carried between the seat frames in alignment with the curved shape of the seat frames and mounted for movement relative to the seat frames between a first, upright position and a second, reclined position. A diaphragm is positioned under tension on the diaphragm support for providing a continuous seat bottom and seat back support surface for a seat occupant. Stretchers are attached to and extend between opposite sides of the diaphragm support for maintaining the diaphragm support in a spaced-apart condition with the diaphragm in tension.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2002Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: B E Aerospace, Inc.Inventor: Glenn A. Johnson
-
Patent number: 6659478Abstract: A wheeled walker convertible to a transport chair. The walker has a strap-type backrest that is pivotally attached to the upper end of the handlebars. The backrest can be placed in a forward position when the apparatus is used as a walker and the user wishes to rest in a rearward facing sitting position and in a rearward position when the apparatus is used as a transport chair and the user sits in a forward facing position and is propelled by a care-giver. A novel braking system locates the brake actuating linkage inside the leg and handlebar members and provides accommodates extension height adjustment of the handlebars. A brake lever system providing a linear pull non-cable brake actuation is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2001Date of Patent: December 9, 2003Assignee: Random Products TrustInventors: Bjarki Hallgrimsson, Sarah Dobbin, Douglas D. Macmillan
-
Patent number: 6659547Abstract: An adjustable back rest for a motorcycle comprising a carrier assembly connected to the frame of the motorcycle, a back plate assembly pivotally attached to the carrier assembly and positionable at an inclination angle, and an extensible slide connected between the carrier assembly and the back plate assembly that extends or retracts to thereby adjust the inclination angle of the back plate assembly and then is secured in place to position the back plate assembly as desired. A pillion rest is attached to the back plate assembly and is angularly adjustable by positioning a plurality of bar links connected between the pillion rest and the back plate assembly. The carrier assembly can be positioned and secured to the motorcycle frame to provide back rest support for the driver, or it may be positioned and secured to a cargo carrier attached to the frame to provide back rest support for the passenger.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2001Date of Patent: December 9, 2003Inventor: David R. Petersen
-
Patent number: 6655731Abstract: An orthopaedic chair including a frame for supporting a contoured chair seat and chair back; each of which is mounted for rotation on a horizontal axis. Horizontal adjustment for the axis of the chair seat and vertical adjustment for the axis of the chair back are provided thereby holding the person in an orthopaedically beneficial position. The orthopaedic chair may be in the form of an arm chair or folding camp chair.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Inventor: Charles N. Martin
-
Publication number: 20030214166Abstract: A seatback assembly for a motor vehicle. The seatback assembly comprises a frame and a cushion supported on the frame. The cushion has holes therein adapted to be compressed in a vertical direction to allow the cushion to adopt a shorter height.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2002Publication date: November 20, 2003Inventors: John E. Schambre, Michael D. Tesauro, Michael O. Forker
-
Publication number: 20030197407Abstract: Healthy task seating is achieved by integrating three dynamics into a unique, dynamically balanced chair design that provides: (a) adaptable design features to accommodate a wide range of body dimensions, (b) a series of independent and adjustable support means to accommodate a wide range of tasks, and (c) means for promoting active seating.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2003Publication date: October 23, 2003Inventor: Gary L. Sanchez
-
Patent number: 6631953Abstract: A backrest elevator device has a main plate, an adjustment panel, a driven block, a spring, and a cover plate. The main plate has a hollow interior, a corrugated slot, and a plurality of serrations. The adjustment panel has a chamber and a guide groove communicating with the chamber. The driven block has a protruded block. The driven block is inserted in the chamber. The spring is disposed between the adjustment panel and the driven block. The cover plate is disposed on the adjustment panel to cover the chamber. The adjustment panel engages with the main plate. The protruded block engages with two of the serrations.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2001Date of Patent: October 14, 2003Inventor: Yu-Shan Lai
-
Patent number: 6626494Abstract: Disclosed is a chair and a method using the chair, which can be not only used easily and comfortably but also utilized in treating an improper alignment of spinal vertebrae. The chair has a seat assembly for seating the user on the seat assembly, the seat assembly being operated by the user in such a manner as that the user can adjust a height of the seat assembly; a backrest assembly for supporting a back of the user, the backrest assembly being operated separately from the seat assembly by the user in such a manner that the user can adjust a height of the backrest assembly; a headrest assembly for resting a head of the user on the headrest assembly, the headrest assembly being assembled with the backrest assembly; and a backrest frame for supporting the backrest assembly and the headrest assembly, the backrest frame being fixed to the seat assembly, the backrest assembly moving along the backrest frame when the height of the backrest assembly is adjusted.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2001Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Inventor: Han-Keel Yoo
-
Patent number: 6623061Abstract: A self-actuating base covering system for a vehicle which includes a foldable seat and a coverable area adjacent a back of the seat includes at least one guide surface along the seat back and a rigid panel. The panel has a first end portion fixed against movement in a horizontal direction and a second opposite end portion in slidable engagement with at least one guide surface. The panel is dimensioned so as to extend at least partially across the coverable area. The second end portion of the panel slides along the at least one engagement surface and the back of the seat during movement of the seat between a lowered position and a raised position.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2001Date of Patent: September 23, 2003Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: James W. Tourangeau, Michael V. Harris
-
Patent number: 6616236Abstract: An adjustable headrest device includes a fixed base fixed to a backrest of a chair, a movable seat mounted to the fixed base and slidable along a vertical direction of the fixed base, a headrest attaching device mounted to the movable seat and slidable along a front/rear direction of the movable seat, and a headrest fixed to the headrest attaching device to move therewith. The movable seat is retainable in a desired level relative to the fixed base, and the headrest is retainable in a desired front/rear position relative to the movable base.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2002Date of Patent: September 9, 2003Inventor: Tung-Hua Su
-
Patent number: 6598937Abstract: An adjustable backrest for a seating structure includes an upright having a rack. The backrest is moveably mounted on the upright. A pawl is pivotally mounted to the backrest about a pivot axis and is pivotable between an engaged position, wherein the pawl is engaged with the rack, and a disengaged position, wherein the pawl is disengaged from the rack. The pawl is further translatably mounted to the backrest, wherein the pawl is translatable relative to the backrest between at least a disabled position and an operative position. A spring biases the pawl into the engaged position when the pawl is in the operative position. A method of adjusting the height of the backrest is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2002Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.Inventors: Jerome C. Caruso, Steven J. Caruso, Bruce R. Gezon, Marc A. Gierz, Jack R. Nyenhuis
-
Patent number: 6565155Abstract: A chair comprises an arm mechanism and a back mechanism each having an adjustment screw for releasably securing a sleeve and a shroud to a J-bar so that a height of either arm or back mechanism can be adjusted relative to the j-bar. Also, a protruded enlargement is formed at a top end of the upright backrest support.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2002Date of Patent: May 20, 2003Assignee: Norstar Office Products, Inc.Inventor: William W. Huang
-
Publication number: 20030071506Abstract: A simple, inexpensive and reliable chair adjustment mechanism is disclosed. The mechanism includes a base which is fastened to a chair support, a slide attached to an assembly to be adjusted, such as a back or a seat or arms, and a spring device cradled by the base for engaging one of a series of spaced ramps integral with the slide. The slide also includes ramps for pushing the spring device into an out-of-the-way position secured to two hooks on the base so that at the end of the slide's extension it may be returned to a retracted position in one easy movement. When reaching the retracted position, other ramps push the spring device out of the engagement with the hooks so that the spring device extends through a space between the base and the slide to again selectively engage the series of spaced ramps.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2002Publication date: April 17, 2003Inventor: Ralph C. Burgin
-
Patent number: 6540296Abstract: A mechanism for adjusting the height of a chair back relative to the seat includes an arm that extends upwardly from the rear of the seat, and a carriage that is carried by the back and slidably mounted on the arm. A pinion inside the carriage engages a rack on the arm so that the pinion travels along the rack when the chair back is moved up and down on the arm. A pawl engages the pinion when the chair back is moved upwardly so as to allow incremental adjustment in the height of the back in the upward direction, while preventing downward movement of the back. When the back reaches the upper limit of its travel, an actuator spring is displaced downwardly, disengaging the pawl so that the back is free to slide on the arm. At the bottom of the limit of travel, the spring is displaced upwardly, re-engaging the pawl.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2001Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: Ram Machines (1990) Ltd.Inventors: Michael Shats, William Stumpf, Vaclav Pernicka
-
Publication number: 20030057756Abstract: A backrest elevator device has a main plate, an adjustment panel, a driven block, a spring, and a cover plate. The main plate has a hollow interior, a corrugated slot, and a plurality of serrations. The adjustment panel has a chamber and a guide groove communicating with the chamber. The driven block has a protruded block. The driven block is inserted in the chamber. The spring is disposed between the adjustment panel and the driven block. The cover plate is disposed on the adjustment panel to cover the chamber. The adjustment panel engages with the main plate. The protruded block engages with two of the serrations.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2001Publication date: March 27, 2003Inventor: Yu-Shan Lai
-
Patent number: 6533355Abstract: A height adjustment mechanism in a chair operates automatically by raising and lowering a chair component such as a chair back. The height adjustment mechanism is provided on a chair back or other chair support and includes a gear which engages a rack member that is vertically movable relative thereto in response to movement of the chair back. A locking member is provided which engages the gear to prevent downward movement of the chair back while still permitting upward movement of the chair back. A disengagement member also is provided to separate the gear and the locking member and maintain the gear in a disengaged position that permits lowering of the chair back.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2001Date of Patent: March 18, 2003Assignee: Haworth, Inc.Inventors: Michael D. Broekhuis, Patrick C. Nelson, Richard N. Roslund, Jr., Stephen J. Simpson
-
Patent number: 6520578Abstract: A chair for a female in labor that includes a frame, and a ball for providing a seat for the female in labor. The frame includes a base, a back support member, and a horizontal moving assembly for movably adjusting the back support member horizontally relative to the base. The base includes a rim portion, a plate, and a pair of feet. The back support member includes a pair of feet, a pair of legs that have a pair of lower portions and a pair of upper portions, a transverse member, a plate with a throughslot, a back support assembly, and a vertical moving assembly for movably adjusting the back support assembly vertically relative to the upper portions of the pair of legs thereof. The back support assembly includes a cushion. The horizontal-moving assembly includes a pair of sleeves, and a pair of pins. The vertical moving assembly includes a threaded shaft, a pair of pins, and an internally threaded pin.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2000Date of Patent: February 18, 2003Inventors: Erik Jospa, Gerald Jospa
-
Patent number: 6517158Abstract: An armrest assembly comprises an armrest having an end pivotally attached to a backrest of the chair, a fixing member having an end fixed to a seat of the chair, and an adjusting device having an end engaged with the other end of the armrest in a manner allowing relative sliding movement therebetween when the end of the armrest pivots. The other end of the adjusting device is slidably engaged with the other end of the fixing member such that movement of the adjusting device relative to the fixing member causes a change in a height of the armrest.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2001Date of Patent: February 11, 2003Inventor: Ching-Chang Wang
-
Publication number: 20020195858Abstract: A backrest is especially provided for passenger vehicles and is constructed basically continuously and executed as an extruded hollow profile with at least one profiled chamber. In order to attain a high absorption of force through the backrest, the direction of extrusion of the extruded profile runs in the direction of the backrest height.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2002Publication date: December 26, 2002Inventors: Dieter Jungert, Christian Danninger, Peter Garnweidner
-
Publication number: 20020163235Abstract: The seat comprises means for controlling movement of the seating plate (7) between a first extreme position (A) adapted to for small passengers, a second extreme position (B) adapted to tall passengers so that in all the positions, the distance d1, d2, d3 between the seatback (6) and the front edge (7a) of the seating plate (7) corresponds to the distance between the base of the back and the hollow portion of the knee of the passengers, and simultaneously the distance (a1, a2, a3) between the front edge (7a) of the seat plate and the floor (5) corresponds to the distance between the hollow portion of the knee and the sole of the foot of the passengersType: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2002Publication date: November 7, 2002Applicant: SOCIETE INDUSTRIELLE ET COMMERCIALE DE MATERIEL AERONAUTIQUEInventor: Joel Marais
-
Publication number: 20020140266Abstract: A height adjustment mechanism in a chair operates automatically by raising and lowering a chair component such as a chair back. The height adjustment mechanism is provided on a chair back or other chair support and includes a gear which engages a rack member that is vertically movable relative thereto in response to movement of the chair back. A locking member is provided which engages the gear to prevent downward movement of the chair back while still permitting upward movement of the chair back. A disengagement member also is provided to separate the gear and the locking member and maintain the gear in a disengaged position that permits lowering of the chair back.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2001Publication date: October 3, 2002Inventors: Michael D. Broekhuis, Patrick C. Nelson, Richard N. Roslund, Stephen J. Simpson
-
Patent number: 6447062Abstract: An adjustable backrest of a motor vehicle seat is provided. The backrest includes two vertical, laterally undivided stationary supportive areas, and a central supportive area arranged between them. The central supportive area includes an upper section, as a guided headrest, the height of which may be adjusted. The central supportive area, that is provided beneath the headrest, is embodied in such a way as to be divided horizontally into a lower and a central section. The lower section is arranged to be stationary and the central section is arranged such that its height may be adjusted.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2000Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Assignee: Bertrand Faure Sitztechnik GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Steffen Jaekel, Peer Küster, Mirco Polak
-
Patent number: 6439664Abstract: A height adjustment device, in particular for seat back portions and arm-rests in office chairs, comprising a guide element (14, 48) rigid with the support plate (10) for the seating portion (12), a slide (22, 42) supporting the movable part (18, 20) and engagable with and slidable along said guide element, and means (38) selectively engagable in one of a plurality of teeth (31) to provide a configuration of stability, said selectively engagable means sliding freely along the passive flanks of the teeth of the toothed portion during the raising of the movable part, and lockable by the active flanks each time a tooth is passed over, said selectively engagable means being disengagable, for a predetermined position of said slide (22, 42) relative to said guide element (14, 48), from said teeth thus enabling said slide to move by gravity along said guide element, characterized in that said toothed portion (28) is faced by a toothed counter-portion (32) the teeth (34) of which form with the teeth (31) of said tootType: GrantFiled: August 24, 2001Date of Patent: August 27, 2002Assignee: Imarc S.p. A.Inventor: Claudio Gorgi
-
Patent number: 6422652Abstract: A height adjusting mechanism is connected between a rigid upright extending upwardly from the seat assembly and an inner shell of the back assembly. The height adjusting mechanism includes a ratcheting latch which engages a vertically elongate rack to maintain the back assembly at a selected elevation and a release lever or cam which is connected to the catch and automatically disengages the catch from the rack at the upper limit of travel of the back assembly. The release cam continuously contacts the inner shell of the back assembly and is deactivated merely by a short upward shifting of the back assembly which thereby permits the pawl to reengage the rack at any desired elevation. Accordingly, reengagement of the pawl with the rack can be accomplished at any point between the upper and lower limits of travel of the back assembly.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2000Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Haworth, Inc.Inventors: Richard N. Roslund, Jr., Troy Roark
-
Patent number: 6419318Abstract: A chair having a back support arrangement which incorporates therein a height adjustable lumbar mechanism. The lumbar mechanism includes a vertically movable slide assembly which non-positively mounts thereon a lumbar support and a handle for adjusting the vertical position thereof. A detent mechanism is provided which cooperates between the slide assembly and a rigid upright of the chair to enable the adjustment of the height of the lumbar support by the user.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2000Date of Patent: July 16, 2002Assignee: United Chair Company, Inc.Inventor: Scott Albright
-
Publication number: 20020063460Abstract: A height adjusting mechanism is connected between a rigid upright extending upwardly from the seat assembly and an inner shell of the back assembly. The height adjusting mechanism includes a ratcheting latch which engages a vertically elongate rack to maintain the back assembly at a selected elevation and a release lever or cam which is connected to the catch and automatically disengages the catch from the rack at the upper limit of travel of the back assembly. The release cam continuously contacts the inner shell of the back assembly and is deactivated merely by a short upward shifting of the back assembly which thereby permits the pawl to reengage the rack at any desired elevation. Accordingly, reengagement of the pawl with the rack can be accomplished at any point between the upper and lower limits of travel of the back assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2000Publication date: May 30, 2002Inventors: Richard N. Roslund, Troy Roark
-
Patent number: 6394547Abstract: A seat or chair that includes a seat back that is moveable so that it may be positioned to provide primary support to the spine and surrounding tissue centered on the region between the 2nd lumbar vertebrae and the 11th thoracic vertebrae of a user of the chair. Support in this region assists the spine in maintaining a good posture, and may also partially support the weight of the spine above the lumbar region of the spine. Another aspect of the seat or chair comprises a seat or chair configuration that provides a selected degree of traction applied to the lumbar region of the spine when the user leans back in the seat or chair.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2000Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Inventor: David J. Vik
-
Patent number: 6386636Abstract: A tiltable chair including a housing, a back support pivotally attached to the housing about a first horizontal axis and a seat support pivotally attached to the housing about a second horizontal axis. A leaf spring includes a first end engaging the housing and a second end biasing the back support and seat support in an upward direction. A fulcrum member is moveably supported in the housing and engages a bottom surface of the spring intermediate the first and second ends of the spring. The chair also include an adjustable backrest and armrests slideably mounted on the back support, and a seat slideably mounted on the seat support. A tilt limiter is provided to limit the rearward tilting of the chair. A selector member includes indicia that indicates the setting of the tilt limiter so as to apprise the user of maximum available rearward tilt position of the chair.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2001Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.Inventors: Jerome C. Caruso, Steven J. Caruso, Bruce R. Gezon, Marc A. Gierz, Jack R. Nyenhuis