Movable To A Rear-horizontal Position Patents (Class 297/354.13)
  • Patent number: 11772536
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seat, a support surface, a seatback and a lower leg support. The seat includes a forward end and a rearward end. The support surface is coupled to the seat. The seatback is rotatably coupled to the seat proximate the rearward end. The lower leg support is directly and rotatably coupled to the seat proximate the forward end. The lower leg support is directly coupled to the support surface in a manner that results in automatic mechanical deployment of the lower leg support when the seat and the seatback are moved toward a reclined-and-raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick Maloney, Kevin VanNieulande, Kevin Wayne Preuss, Marcos Silva Kondrad, Joseph Michael Kish
  • Patent number: 11439556
    Abstract: An examination table that can be used in other places than a hospital is provided. A portable examination table comprises a seat part for supporting a bottom of a patient, an angle-changeable backrest part for supporting a back of the patient, a pair of angle-changeable arm parts, abutting parts configured to be raised or lowered when the angle of the arm parts relative to the seat part is changed and abut the back of the knees of the patient, and link parts configured to link the arm parts to the backrest part and change the angle of the arm parts, and is configured to convert between an end-sitting positioning state, a lithotomy positioning state, and a folded state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Inventor: Tadahiro Okudaira
  • Patent number: 11427329
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a mounting structure and arrangement. More particularly, but not exclusively, this invention concerns a mounting structure and arrangement for mounting aircraft furniture in an aircraft. The mounting structure comprises a first connection assembly configured for engagement with a first mounting track; and an associated first support. The first support is configured to abut the first mounting track at a location fore or aft of the first connection assembly. The provision of the support may reduce the number of connection assemblies required to properly secure an item of aircraft furniture in an aircraft cabin using the mounting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: Safran Seats GB Limited
    Inventors: Neal Silverwood, Clive Pearce
  • Patent number: 11142105
    Abstract: A vehicle with a flat seat may include a floor portion having a leg groove recessed downward from a surface of the floor portion; a seatback disposed on the floor portion and reclining by a rotation of the lower end; a seat cushion disposed on the floor portion ahead of the seatback; and a leg cushion disposed in the leg groove of the floor portion and having a rear portion rotatably coupled to the seat cushion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Corporation
    Inventors: Dong Eun Cha, Jin Ho Hwang, Sang Heon Lee
  • Patent number: 10933998
    Abstract: A seat array that includes a first and a second seat arranged with their backrests opposite one another, seats being able to move from a sitting position to a lying position, a portion of a dividing wall being arranged laterally with respect to the seats, the portion of dividing wall being provided in such a way as to leave an entry/exit passage, and thus access, to the seats, the entry/exit passage leading to a lane for reaching the first or the second seat, the dividing walls, on their respective end constituting the entry/exit passage provide, externally, a respective footrest, which is positioned in front of a respective third and fourth seats, which are arranged in an opposite direction with respect to the respective seat arranged on the opposite side of the same dividing wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: OPTIMARES S.p.A.
    Inventors: Alessandro Braca, Alessio Morsicani, Andrea Giordano
  • Patent number: 10906649
    Abstract: A seat for a vehicle includes a seat pan and a backrest configurable into an upright position, a partially reclined position and a fully reclined position. The seat also includes a first pivot axis towards a front of the seat pan. The first pivot axis is vertically fixed in relation to a horizontal reference line for each of the upright position, the partially reclined position and the fully reclined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER INC.
    Inventor: Philippe Erhel
  • Patent number: 10787262
    Abstract: Disclosed is a modular seat for aircraft. The system has a frame that is able to be interconnected with other frames laterally. Since each lateral frame has the same pivot points (when viewed from the side), the linked seats rotate together. The seats also include buckle lugs which enable a particular seat to be used on either side of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: Textron Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: Barry John Ward
  • Patent number: 10696409
    Abstract: A seating unit (202, 204) includes a first seat (206, 210) and an adjacent second seat (208, 212), the seating unit being convertible between a first configuration in which each of the first seat (206, 210) and second seat (208, 212) can receive an occupant sitting thereon and a second configuration in which the first seat (206, 210) and second seat (208, 212) can collectively support an occupant lying thereon, and access to a space (215) in a back portion of the first seat (206, 210) being denied when the seating unit (202, 204) is in the first configuration and access to the space (215) being allowed when the seating unit (202, 204) is in the second configuration, the seating unit (202, 204) gives the passenger in the first seat (206, 210) a perception of increased spaciousness, and provides sufficient differentiation between the economy-class configuration and the business-class configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: BUTTERFLY FLEXIBLE SEATING SOLUTIONS LIMITED
    Inventor: James Shing Hin Lee
  • Patent number: 10546274
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling the travel environment for a passenger are described, in which passenger data is obtained from an existing source of stored data, the stored data including information on the passenger's itinerary. One or more sensor inputs are received, providing information on the physiological state of the passenger and/or environmental conditions in the vicinity of the passenger. One or more outputs are provided to control the passenger's travel environment based on the passenger data and the one or more sensor inputs. A system and method of dynamic travel event scheduling is also described, in which a dynamic event schedule is generate based on the retrieved data, the dynamic event schedule including at least one event associated with at least one action output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: British Airways Plc
    Inventors: Daniel Jobling, Estelle Levacher, Glenn Morgan
  • Patent number: 10512337
    Abstract: A sofa bed includes a mattress frame, a back frame, two arm frames and two cross beams, two arm frames are connected by the two cross beams, wherein the mattress frame and the back frame are rotatably pivoted. The inner side of the arm frame is disposed with a linking mechanism. The linking mechanism has a front connecting piece, rear connecting piece and a bridge connecting piece. Two ends of the bridge connecting piece are respectively pivoted to the front connecting piece and the rear connecting piece. The bottom end of the front connecting piece is pivoted to the arm frame. The bottom end of the rear connecting piece is pivoted to the arm frame. The linking mechanism has a front connecting piece, rear connecting piece and a bridge connecting piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: NEW-TEC INTEGRATION (XIAMEN) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Luhao Leng
  • Patent number: 10327972
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention a portable massage table is provided, comprising a chest support element having a top side and a bottom side; a chest cushion affixed to the top side of chest support element; a pair of hinge support elements attached to bottom side of chest support element; a pair of support legs rotational mounted to the pair of hinge support elements, wherein the pair of support legs comprise a plurality of positional holes; a pair of head support beams rotational mounted to the pair of hinge support elements, wherein the pair of head support beams are designed to support a face cushion; and a base plate removable attached to the plurality of positional holes via removable hardware.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Inventor: Timothy Bryan Cella
  • Patent number: 10188568
    Abstract: An articulating bed incorporates a support frame with a head end. Side frame members support and carry a carriage having a seat support. The carriage is mounted with wheels engaging the side frame members to translate from a first position through a range progressing toward the head end to a fully translated position. A first elevating frame rotates about an axle attached to the side frame members with the first elevating frame concealed within a depth profile of the side frame members in an unrotated position. First rollers carried by the carriage engage lower profile surfaces of the elevating frame and a second roller carried by the first elevating frame engages a lower surface of an upper body support pivotally attached to the seat support. Translation of the carriage from the first position to the fully translated position rotates the first elevating frame about the axle to articulate the upper body support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Ergomotion, Inc.
    Inventors: Joey Krueger, Brett Anthony Towe, Hunter Davis Totemeier, Damien Clenet, Alain Clenet
  • Patent number: 10179649
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a displacement system of at least a side of a seat, in particular airplane seat, said seat comprising at least a support structure and a structure movable with respect to said support structure and that can pass from a seating configuration to an extended or bed configuration or to a straddle configuration, and vice versa, said displacement system having pushing mans connected with said movable structure of said seat and in that it is realised in such a way that, when said movable structure of said seat is in the straddle configuration, said pushing means pass from an engaged position, wherein they are engaged with said side acting on the same so as to follow the configuration and/or the movement of said seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: GEVEN S.P.A.
    Inventor: Getullio Veneruso
  • Patent number: 10005380
    Abstract: A multi-linkage hinge assembly is provided for pivoting a seat cushion between flat and upright positions. The hinge assembly includes a base bracket, a seat bracket having a support surface, a front linkage member pivotally attached between the seat bracket and base bracket, a rear linkage assembly having a lower linkage member pivotally attached to an upper linkage member, and a tie linkage connecting the front linkage member to the rear linkage assembly. The tie linkage synchronizes movement of the front linkage and rear linkage assembly when the hinge is operated to move between an upright and flat position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Inventors: William Matthew Reid, Michael Shane Garner, Dale Lee Lambert
  • Patent number: 9792810
    Abstract: A remote control unit (10) for electrical devices, in particular functional furniture and electrical accessory devices, is provided. The remote control unit (10) has control elements for controlling at least one associated piece of furniture and control elements for controlling associated electrical devices and associated electrical accessory devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: DewertOkin GmbH
    Inventors: Armin Hille, Josef Gross
  • Patent number: 9731830
    Abstract: Provided is an improved reclining mechanism for an aircraft passenger seat. An aircraft passenger seat (100) is provided with a seat bottom frame (152) which constitutes a seat surface, and a seat back frame (162) which constitutes a back rest, wherein cam followers (240, 242) provided on both sides of the seat back frame (162) slide within cam grooves (132) on spreaders (130) supporting both sides of a seat mechanism. When an actuator (200) expands and pivots a link arm (230) in the direction of an arrow R1 to cause the seat back frame (162) to start reclining, a link plate (270) extends in the direction of an arrow F1, and pivots a head rest frame (172) in the ? direction. This operation prevents the line of sight of the passenger from being deviated from a video device provided on a back of a front seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: JAMCO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masaji Ozaki, Nozomu Tagami, Sanae Ootake
  • Patent number: 9706165
    Abstract: A method of aggregating displays of performances into an aggregate site on a network is provided. The aggregated performances originate from at least one performance site on a network. The method includes the steps of selecting a performance criterion; observing at least one performance originating from at least one performance site on a network, the performance being associated with a link; determining when at least one performance meets the performance criterion; establishing an aggregation link to the link associated with the performance meeting the performance criterion; and providing the aggregation link to an aggregate site on a network such that the performance is accessible on the aggregate site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Inventor: Gregory A. Piccionielli
  • Patent number: 9227729
    Abstract: An aircraft passenger seat including a seat base frame, a seatback and a seat bottom configured to horizontally translate relative to the seat base frame, a first actuator arranged to drive seat translation, and a second actuator arranged to drive seatback recline, the dual actuators working in parallel to increase the speed of horizontal translation and combine the recline function into one continuous motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Udriste, Javier Valdes De La Garza, Michael Beroth
  • Patent number: 9174737
    Abstract: An aircraft passenger seat configured to recline and including a seatpan pivotally attached to a seatback, a spreader defining a non-linear guide path controlling the seatpan angle as the seat reclines, translating seatback linkage defining a non-linear guide path controlling the seatback angle as the seat reclines, and a drive link arranged to translate horizontally relative to the spreader to drive seat recline motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Beroth, Javier Valdes De La Garza, Daniel Udriste
  • Publication number: 20150130244
    Abstract: A side-facing aircraft passenger seat having a head rest, seat back, seat bottom and leg rest moveable between an upright seating position and a lie flat sleeping position, and including a plurality of air bags positioned in at least partially surrounding orientation in relation to the seat and inflatable to provide comfort and protection to a seat occupant while in the lie flat sleeping position. The seat may be oriented obliquely to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventor: Alen Wyss
  • Patent number: 9016790
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a convertible seating reclining chair. The chair comprises conventional elements such as a back frame, a seat frame, left and right support arms, and a reclining mechanism connected laterally between the support arms. The reclining mechanism has a stationary base frame, a back movement mechanism, and a seat movement mechanism. The seat movement mechanism and the back movement mechanism are dimensioned and configured to move, respectively, the seat frame and the back frame from their respective positions in the chair's upright seating position to their respective positions in the chair's fully horizontal, recumbent position. Such movement of the back frame and the seat frame occurs with the back frame seating surface at the lower end of the back frame being located substantially adjacent to the seat frame seating surface at the rear end of the seat frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Inventor: William E. Voyce, IV
  • Patent number: 9004599
    Abstract: A seat module for an aircraft passenger includes a seat including a horizontal squab and a backrest, and a separation panel extending along at least one side of the seat. The seat is configured to move between a straight position, in which the backrest of the seat extends approximately vertically, and a reclined position, in which the backrest extends in a plane approximately perpendicular to the separation panel. The separation panel is lined, on a surface portion facing the seat, with a trim configured to form a surface on which the passenger may sit or lie.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Airbus
    Inventors: Alexandra Collins, Mark Collins
  • Patent number: 8998327
    Abstract: A reclining marine seat is provided. An embodiment of the reclining marine seat marine seat comprises a seat back retainer section having at least one sidewall. The sidewall defines a top surface. The reclining marine seat further comprises a back having at least one sidewall. The sidewall defines a bottom surface. The back is pivotal between first and second positions with respect to the seat back retainer section. The bottom surface of the back does not extend above the top surface of the seat back retainer section during movement of the back between the first and second positions. The reclining marine seat further includes a seat. First and second frames are provided to support the back and seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Avalon & Tahoe Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: John R. Cooney
  • Patent number: 8979201
    Abstract: Dynamic furniture supports a seated or reclining user. The furniture includes a base, an actuator, a seat platform, and a back platform. The actuator is in circular connection to the base. The seat platform is in circular or excentric connection to the actuator assembly. The back platform is in circular or excentric connection to the actuator assembly. The actuator assembly, seat platform and back platform may be restricted in movement along paths by assemblies of the circular or excentric connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Exciting Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Erb, Mark M. Erb
  • Patent number: 8931834
    Abstract: An armrest assembly for a seat of the type that is convertible into a lie flat bed, the armrest assembly including an armrest, an armrest housing in which the armrest is mounted for vertical movement, and a planar bed extension having an upper bed surface is mounted in the armrest housing for movement between a stowed position wherein the bed extension is contained in a vertical position in the armrest housing and a deployed position wherein the bed extension is positioned exterior to the armrest housing in a raised, horizontal position, wherein the armrest and bed extension reside in horizontal alignment with a seat back and seat bottom of the seat to collectively define a portion of a bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Gordon Wallace, Paul Benedict Rutter, Alexander Nicholas Pozzi
  • Patent number: 8931845
    Abstract: A vehicle seat including: a base member; a rotary member which is connected to the base member by a pin and is configured to be rotatable with respect to the base member; and a spring attached between the base member and the rotary member and urging the rotary member with respect to the base member in a rotating direction, wherein the spring abuts an outer circumference of the pin, and wherein the pin is integrally coupled to the rotary member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Taiyo Otsuka, Tomokazu Igarashi
  • Publication number: 20150008708
    Abstract: A seat for a vehicle includes a seat pan, where the seat pan front edge defines a first pivot point and the seat pan rear edge defines a second pivot point, a backrest articulately disposed adjacent to the seat pan rear edge, a headrest articulately disposed adjacent to the backrest top edge, and two armrests positioned adjacent lateral sides of the seat pan. The armrests define top surfaces that are disposed a predetermined height above the seat pan top surface. The seat is configurable into at least one of a taxi, takeoff and landing position, a napping position, and a sleeping position. The first pivot point remains in a substantially fixed position for the taxi, takeoff and landing position, the napping position, and the sleeping position. The predetermined height varies for each of the taxi, takeoff and landing position, the napping position, and the sleeping position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventor: Philippe ERHEL
  • Patent number: 8875321
    Abstract: A sofa hinge that provides easy conversion of a sofa convertible from one position to another while providing added safety by substantially reducing the risk of an injury to the operator's fingers. The sofa hinge includes a first and a second bracket rotatably connected to the sofa hinge at a bolt. The second bracket includes a semi-circular portion that covers a portion of the lever during the various positions of the sofa. The sofa hinge further includes a cover plate rotatably connected to the sofa hinge at the bolt. The cover plate includes a semi-circular portion and is adjacent to the semi-circular portion of the second bracket. The cover plate covers at least a portion of the semi-circular portion of the second bracket. By having the cover plate conceal the gear mechanism of the sofa hinge, the risk of injury to the operator's fingers is substantially reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Lifestyle Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Abedan Kanthasamy
  • Patent number: 8864233
    Abstract: A tattoo chair includes a backrest, a seat, a brace for supporting the seat, and a base for allowing the chair to stand stably. The lower end of the backrest is rotatably attached to the inner side of the seat. A supporting fixed plate is provided under the bottom surface of the seat. At least one fixed gear rack is mounted from top to bottom on the rear surface of the backrest. A supporting rod is provided on the supporting fixed plate. One end of the supporting rod is rotatably attached to the supporting fixed plate, and the other end is put into one of grooves of the gear rack on the rear surface of the backrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Inventors: Wen Wei, Michael Chen, Billy Chen
  • Patent number: 8845028
    Abstract: An infant supporting device incorporates a central member on either side of a seat frame that houses a reclining mechanism along with mounting locations for the seat frame, a bounce wire, a carry handle, and a seat support wire. With one movement of a recline driving mechanism, a sliding member in the seat frame pushes a second gear to disengage from a first gear of the central member, and a main body of the seat frame is then rotatable with respect to the central members within a range of recline angles. The design provides an economical, smaller, and lighter weight solution to house the main features of the infant supporting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Wonderland Nurserygoods Company Limited
    Inventor: Ryan N. Miller
  • Publication number: 20140265500
    Abstract: A medical chair includes a base and a pair of arm rests supported relative to the base for movement between a raised position and a lowered position relative to the base. The raised position of at least one of the arm rests is upward and forward of its lowered position to provide support to a patient when exiting the chair. For example, the arm rest may be mounted relative to the base to move between the raised position and the lowered position along a linear path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Christopher S. Hough, John P. Zerbel, Richard A. Derenne, Cory P. Herbst, Collin Ian Ostergaard, Jill Christine Denna, Marianne Barbara Grisdale, Siarhei Murauyou, Christopher Ryan Sweeney, Aaron Douglas Furman, Daniel Vincent Brosnan, Scott Herrmann, Matthew A. Cutler
  • Publication number: 20140265505
    Abstract: A vehicle seat bar assembly having a seat with first and second engagement members. A rear seat bracket extends between the first and second engagement members of a seat. A torsion bar extends between the first and second engagement members and is operably engaged therewith. The torsion bar includes an intermediate bracket engagement portion and a first and second linear portion that extends between the first engagement member and the intermediate bracket engagement portion and the second engagement member and the intermediate bracket engagement portion. The torsion bar also includes a first and second distal end configured to engage the first and second engagement members, respectively, which induces a torsional resistance in the torsion bar when the seatback is at a fully reclined position and when the seatback is at a fully folded position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Li, Paul Gerard Ferraiuolo, Roy Chapman, Ammeswara Rao Sajja, Glenn Scott, Brandon Nichols
  • Patent number: 8794704
    Abstract: A backrest safety mechanism is disclosed. The backrest safety mechanism includes a backrest frame, a seat frame, and an angle-adjusting device. A side of the angle-adjusting device is connected to the backrest frame, and another side of the angle-adjusting device is connected to the seat frame. When the backrest frame is located at a front limiting position or a rear limiting position, limiting structures respectively disposed on the backrest frame and the seat frame abut against each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Zhejiang Tiancheng Seat Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Bangrui Chen
  • Publication number: 20140166808
    Abstract: A cabin attendant seat comprises a seat element and a backrest. The backrest is movable relative to the seat element between an upright position, wherein a backrest surface of the backrest extends at an angle of approximately 80 to 100° relative to a seat surface of the seat element, and a folded-back position, wherein the backrest surface of the backrest extends substantially co-planar with the seat surface of the seat element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventors: Kenneth Boenning, Marcus Gehm, Jens Sorge
  • Patent number: 8746794
    Abstract: An infant seat comprising an upper torso support, a lower torso support pivotally articulated to the upper torso support and a seat supporting structure; at least one of the upper torso support or the lower torso support is pivotally articulated to the seat supporting structure, the seat further comprising a converting mechanism for converting the seat between at least an angular position in which the upper torso support is inclined with respect to the lower torso support, and a planar position in which the upper torso support and the lower torso support are substantially co-planar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Tiny Love Ltd.
    Inventors: Shoshana Oren, Hagai Harduff, Amit Avigdor, Giora Shachal
  • Patent number: 8690250
    Abstract: An infant carrier apparatus comprises a seat assembly, a backrest assembly including a first and second backrest frame, and a backrest holding mechanism. The first backrest frame includes first side and transverse segments, the second backrest frame includes second side and transverse segments, the first side segment being coupled with the seat assembly via a first pivot point. The backrest holding mechanism can be movably assembled between the first and second transverse segment, and include a latch element movable between a first and second position. The first position of the latch element causes the backrest holding mechanism to be in locking engagement with the first transverse segment to prevent rotation of the backrest assembly relative to the seat assembly, and the second position of the latch element removes the locking engagement of the backrest holding mechanism to permit rotation of the backrest assembly relative to the seat assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Wonderland Nurserygoods Company Limited
    Inventor: Xiang Yong Zhen
  • Patent number: 8668268
    Abstract: A lounge chair assembly includes a frame having a top section, a bottom section, and a medial section. A support member is coupled to the frame for supporting a person on the frame. The support member has a corresponding top portion, bottom portion, and medial portion coupled to the frame. A plurality of legs is coupled to the frame. A telescopic headrest extends from the top section of the frame. An aperture extends through the head rest. A pair of openings extend through the bottom portion of the support member. Each opening is configured for receiving a human foot therethrough whereby a leg extending from the foot is abutted and supported by the support member without bending of the foot relative to the leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventor: Stephen J. Cormack
  • Publication number: 20140054944
    Abstract: A vehicle seat controller is provided and configured to receive an input indicative of a seat back having pivoted forward to a predetermined position. The vehicle seat controller conveys a signal to an actuator to pivot a head restraint in response to the input. Another vehicle seat controller is provided and configured to receive an input indicative of a seat back having pivoted rearward to a predetermined position. The vehicle seat controller conveys a signal to an actuator to pivot a head restraint in response to the input. Another vehicle seat controller is provided and configured to receive an input indicative of a rear seat assembly having adjusted to a slouch position. The vehicle seat controller conveys a signal to an actuator to stow a head restraint of a front seat assembly in response to the input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gerald S. Locke, Arjun Yetukuri, Alex Taylor
  • Patent number: 8651569
    Abstract: An apparatus that supports a person in a variety of positions so that a tattoo artist can comfortably apply a tattoo to the skin of the supported person is herein disclosed. The apparatus can be articulated to cause a person's legs and arms to be optimally positioned and supported to receive a tattoo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: InkBed, Inc.
    Inventors: Cosmo J. Andoloro, Kevin Richardson
  • Patent number: 8632128
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a reclining mechanism having a lock member, which is engaged with a ring member when it is pressed by a cam body, and a walk-in mechanism. A rotating arm, which is rotated by operation of a reclining lever or a walk-in lever, is secured to a center shaft. The reclining lever operates the rotation of the rotating arm by a link lever having a slot. The walk-in lever operates the rotation of the rotating arm independently of the reclining lever. When a seatback is tilted forward by the operation of the walk-in lever, the slide mechanism of the vehicle seat is unlocked, and the entire seat is moved forward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: TS Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Misao Omori
  • Patent number: 8622470
    Abstract: A backrest structure for a motorcycle that is structured to be simply movable, yet made inoperative at all times except when an occupant intends to move the backrest. A backrest is disposed on a seat rail and includes operation levers for raising and lowering the backrest. The operation levers are disposed in the seat rail disposed downwardly of an occupant's seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kihoko Kaita, Yoshiteru Kinoshita
  • Patent number: 8596719
    Abstract: A backrest assembly for a wheelchair includes a support plate pivotally connected to a seat, wherein the support plate is configured to be pivotally adjusted between upright and reclined positions with respect to the seat; a slide plate slidably secured on a front surface of the support plate; and a backrest adjustment assembly operatively connected to the support plate and the slide plate. The backrest adjustment assembly includes a link configured to adjust the support plate. The slide plate slides over the support plate through the link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Permobil AB
    Inventors: Bo Engman, Urban Lind, Niklas Backstrom, Jonas Jahkel, Mehdi Mirzaie
  • Publication number: 20130313866
    Abstract: A seating unit (1) comprises a fixed housing (10) containing a primary seat with a reclinable back arranged to recline in such a manner that it remains within the housing. The seating unit is suitable for a aircraft cabin and may further comprise a leg-rest arranged to cooporate with the seating portion to form part of a substantially flat surface when the back is reclined in a substantially horizontal position. The seating unit may further comprise a secondary seat (3) positioned to face the primary seat, the secondary seat having a seating portion positioned to cooporate with the leg-rest of the primary seat to form a portion of the substantially flat surface when the back of the primary seat is reclined in the substantially, horizontal position. Privacy between seats and use of available space within an aircraft cabin may be optimised by arranging at least some of the seats in an echelon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: British Airways PLC
    Inventors: Ian DRYBURGH, Simon LUNN, Russel MULCHANSINGH
  • Patent number: 8590969
    Abstract: Dynamic furniture having platforms in dynamic attachment to an actuator assembly that in turn is in dynamic attachment to a base. Use of motional platforms supported by a motional actuator assembly permits an article of the furniture to conform to the many and varied body positions a user wants, and allows a user to more easily change body positions while remaining within the furniture, and in medical scenarios may obviate most needs to transfer a patient from one article of furniture to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Exciting Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Erb, Mark Erb
  • Publication number: 20130241258
    Abstract: An armrest assembly for a seat of the type that is convertible into a lie flat bed, the armrest assembly including an armrest, an armrest housing in which the armrest is mounted for vertical movement, and a planar bed extension having an upper bed surface is mounted in the armrest housing for movement between a stowed position wherein the bed extension is contained in a vertical position in the armrest housing and a deployed position wherein the bed extension is positioned exterior to the armrest housing in a raised, horizontal position, wherein the armrest and bed extension reside in horizontal alignment with a seat back and seat bottom of the seat to collectively define a portion of a bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Gordon Wallace, Paul Benedict Rutter, Alexander Nicholas Pozzi
  • Patent number: 8534759
    Abstract: A passenger seat includes a seat back pivotably connected to a seat pan assembly, an armrest pivotally connected to the seat back, and a main linkage pivotably connected to the seat pan assembly at a first pivot point defining a first pivot axis. The main linkage is interconnected to the seat back through a secondary linkage and the main linkage is also interconnected to the armrest through a guide member that travels within a guide slot carried on the armrest and defining a guide pathway. Inclination of the seat back with respect to the seat pan assembly pivots the main link about the first pivot axis with respect to the seat pan assembly, which vertically moves the armrest with respect to the seat pan assembly, and maintains an upper surface of the armrest in substantially parallel relation with the seat pan assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: BE Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Javier Valdes De La Garza, Catalin Bunea, Daniel Udriste
  • Patent number: 8500203
    Abstract: Dynamic furniture having platforms in dynamic attachment to an actuator assembly that in turn is in dynamic attachment to a base. Use of motional platforms supported by a motional actuator assembly permits an article of the furniture to conform to the many and varied body positions a user wants, and allows a user to more easily change body positions while remaining within the furniture, and in medical scenarios may obviate most needs to transfer a patient from one article of furniture to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Exciting Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Erb, Mark Erb
  • Publication number: 20130154315
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate generally to chairs for outdoor use. For example, the present invention provides a chair having elbow pockets/channels, a media compartment with collapsible shade and ventilation, a solar powered media charging station, and a mid-section/lumbar support device. In some embodiments, the chair is a folding chair. In at least some embodiments, the chair provides a selection of seated positions for the user. In various embodiments, the chair is a lounge chair, a folding lounge chair, a sand chair (seat height less than 9?), a folding sand chair, an elevated chair (seat height 16? or higher), and a folding elevated chair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventor: SUSAN B. KILZER
  • Patent number: 8419123
    Abstract: An aircraft seat has a chassis (21), fixed to a pallet which is fixed to the floor of the aircraft. The chassis has two load bearing sides (23) and opposite ends (24, 25). Fixed along the top edge of the sides (23) and facing outwards are pins (26) supporting bearing wheels (27). These on each side engage with a rectangular S form interconnection beam (28) having an inside groove (29) for receiving these wheels. On the outside, the beam has another groove (30) receiving similar wheels (31), on pins (32) fixed to the inside of side plates (41) of a sub-frame (42), these side plates being interconnected by front and rear beams (43, 44). Thus the sub-frame can move back and forth, with the wheels acting as rolling element bearings. The beams move half the distance of the sub-frame, in analogous manner to the bearing of filing cabinet drawers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Zodiac Seats UK Limited
    Inventors: Christopher Hankinson, Benedict Nicholas Samuels
  • Patent number: RE45281
    Abstract: Dynamic furniture having platforms in dynamic attachment to an actuator assembly that in turn is in dynamic attachment to a base. Use of motional platforms supported by a motional actuator assembly permits an article of the furniture to conform to the many and varied body positions a user wants, and allows a user to more easily change body positions while remaining within the furniture, and in medical scenarios may obviate most needs to transfer a patient from one article of furniture to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Exciting Inc.
    Inventors: Scott C. Erb, Mark M. Erb