Armrest Patents (Class 297/411.2)
  • Patent number: 8201889
    Abstract: An armrest accessory attached or integrally made with an armrest placed between seats in a row of chairs wherein said armrest accessory provides individual space for the arms of both persons sitting at either side of the device without increasing the width of the division. The armrest accessory comprises a resilient material with a curved cross-section that will extend throughout the length of the division of the seats. The curvature of the device creates two separate platforms, one above the other, which are used as armrests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Inventor: Migdoel Miranda Montalvo
  • Publication number: 20120146381
    Abstract: An armrest for arena, stadium, classroom and auditorium seating. The armrest includes a base and an interchangeable arm cap secured to the base. The base defines a rectangular recess sized to telescopically receive a support leg, the recess including vertical crush ribs to retain the support leg within the recess. The arm cap is releasably joined with the base opposite the recess and is interchangeable with multiple different arm caps while the support leg remains inserted in the recess. The arm cap can include any desired finish, and can extend over the interface between the base and the arm cap to provide a clean appearance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: AMERICAN SEATING COMPANY
    Inventors: Douglas B. Spooner, Paul J. Martus, Keith A. McDowell
  • Publication number: 20120133190
    Abstract: A reclining shampoo chair includes an air inflatable inclined main body comprising a head, a tail, a curved member extending the head to terminate at top of a rear surface of the main body, and at least one air inflation valve; and a horizontal support formed with the tail. The main body further includes a plurality of parallel air bladders of convex surface communicating with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Inventor: Jui-Lin Pao
  • Publication number: 20120098317
    Abstract: A vehicle seat is installed inside a vehicle such that an occupant can sit thereon. The vehicle seat includes a backrest which forms a part of the vehicle seat, the backrest being brought into contact with a back of the occupant when the occupant sits, and an armrest which is provided on a central portion of a region of the backrest that is adjacent to a door of the vehicle and extends inwards a predetermined length from the region of the backrest that is adjacent to the door of the vehicle along a surface of the backrest. The occupant is allowed to lean an arm on the armrest when erecting his/her body from the vehicle seat in order to get out. The armrest is provided in the backrest, so that the occupant can easily erect his/her body by leaning an arm on the armrest in order to get out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventor: Hack-sung Kim
  • Publication number: 20120098302
    Abstract: TanWings is a device, which can be added to a common style lounge chair, to promote even tanning. It is designed to provide a comfortable and even tanning means during outdoor sunbathing episodes. TanWings Plus may also provide shade and an out-of-sight compartment for picnic items or the like. It may also be used to provide a private shaded space for changing a child's diaper or allowing a child to nap while at the pool, beach or even in the back yard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventor: Cindi Place
  • Publication number: 20120091764
    Abstract: Multiple features of seating assemblies are detailed. Innovations in or to tray tables, luggage bars, arm rests, seat backs, and seat frames are included, with features being incorporated into seating assemblies either separately or in any combination. The assemblies are configured principally for passenger aircraft but may be used elsewhere as appropriate or desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventors: Jeremy Cailleteau, David Da Silva
  • Publication number: 20120080918
    Abstract: In one aspect, the subject embodiments are directed to a seat that includes a seat bottom and a seat back, wherein the seat back is pivotable with respect to the seat bottom about one or more pivots. A linkage assembly is employed that is coupled to each of the one or more pivots. The linkage assembly includes a linking component that has a first location mounted to the seat bottom and a second location mounted to the seat back. A cam is coupled to the seat back location, wherein a dowel is permanently affixed to the cam. An end distal from the cam, a pin extends perpendicularly from the dowel and is angled at between 20 and 70 degrees upward from a plane formed by an arm channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: NORCO INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Alan Neterer, Ron Dick
  • Publication number: 20120074741
    Abstract: A modular armrest has a frame configured to support and retain at least one of a plurality of differently configured modular elements. The modular elements perform various functions and are selected and assembled to the frame from a group of modular elements to form the desired modular armrest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Christer Andersson
  • Publication number: 20120068512
    Abstract: An office chair is provided with includes a chair arm assembly on each opposite side thereof for supporting the arms of a user. The arm assemblies each include a latching assembly to permit adjustment of the height of an arm cap thereof while maintaining the arm cap at a selected elevation. The latch assembly is engageable with an inner liner provided within a support post. Further, the armrest assembly has a plurality of interconnected and relatively movable plates which permit adjustment of the angular orientation of the arm cap along with adjustment of the arm cap in the front-to-back direction and the side-to-side direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventors: Tim Fookes, Tracy Cook, Keith Shoemaker, Brian Gessler, Rick Roels, Joanna Atman
  • Publication number: 20120068518
    Abstract: An armrest unit for a passenger seat includes an armrest base body forming an armrest surface, and a suspension unit which is disposed underneath the armrest surface and which has at least one spacing means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventors: Klaus Wieland, Bernd Sommer
  • Patent number: 8132860
    Abstract: An armrest for a chair is provided which has an improved anti-rotation and mechanical connection between an armrest body and a frame tube of the chair. The end of the frame tube is mechanically deformed or is shaped so as to have a non-circular profile with a central opening defined by inwardly projecting arcuate surfaces of the frame tube. The armrest includes a cooperating, non-circular socket which fits onto the frame tube wherein a suitable fastener is threaded downwardly into direct, self-threading engagement with an upper opening formed in the end of the frame tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Haworth, Inc.
    Inventors: Tim Fookes, Joe Willette, Steve Simpson
  • Publication number: 20120049601
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (01, 22) for use in the interior of a vehicle, comprising a first and a second carrier element (02, 23, 03, 24) and a connecting linear guide, wherein the first carrier element (02, 23) features two linearly extending first guiding surfaces (06, 07, 27, 28) and the second carrier element (03, 24) features two first abutment surfaces (12, 13, 33, 34), wherein the carrier elements (02, 23, 03, 24) are longitudinally displaceable relative to each other when the abutment surfaces (12, 13, 33, 34) slide along the guiding surfaces (06, 07, 27, 28), and wherein the linear guide produces a clamping effect which prevents self-actuated displacement of a carrier element (02, 23, 03, 24) due to vehicle movements, wherein the linear guide further features a second guiding surface (08, 29) being associated with the first carrier element (02, 23) and features a second abutment surface (14, 35) being associated with the second carrier element (03, 24), wherein, when the first and the
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventors: Eberhard von Rothkirch und Panthen, Thomas Hessdörfer, Michael Winterstein
  • Patent number: 8123299
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an armrest includes making a plurality of core sections. Each core section is formed by bonding a plurality of waste pieces of high-quality wood together. Each of two adjacent ends respectively of two adjacent core sections is machined to provide a serrated coupling face having a plurality of grooves and a plurality of protrusions. The core sections are bonded together to form a core having a desired length by applying adhesive to the serrated coupling faces. A plurality of upper boards made of the same material as the core is bonded to a top side of the core. A plurality of lateral boards made of the same material as the core is bonded to each of two lateral sides of the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventor: Shih-Te Lin
  • Patent number: 8083283
    Abstract: An armrest is provided including a flexible skin overlying at least a portion of a substrate member, the skin coupled to substrate member, the flexible skin and the substrate member defining a cavity there between and an opening along one edge, and a foam bun insertable in the cavity to form the armrest, wherein the foam bun comprises a first foam portion which the flexible skin overlies and a second foam carrier portion which closes off the opening. The first foam portion has a hardness that is less than the hardness of said second foam carrier portion, the foam bun further including an integrally formed locking flange to engage with an edge of the substrate and an integrally formed skin lock to engage with an edge of the skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: International Automobile Components Group North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles D. Bailey, Jay Murdock, Richard Blue
  • Publication number: 20110272991
    Abstract: An armrest assembly including an armpan defining an elongate channel and including slide-lock structure positioned about a top opening of the channel and at opposing ends thereof for engaging an armcap, an armcap covering the channel and having complimentary slide-lock structure and defining at least one cavity for receiving overmold material of an armpad, and an overmolded armpad covering a portion of the armcap and filling the at least one cavity of the armcap to retain the armpad on the armcap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: BE AEROSPACE, INC.
    Inventor: Matthew J. Saxton
  • Publication number: 20110248541
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a machine operator seat of a construction machine having a seat surface, a backrest, which is situated opposite to the front seat edge in the longitudinal direction of the seat surface, and at least one armrest situated laterally to the seat surface, comprising a base part, an arm support, and at least one operating element, the arm support being situated in the rear area in the longitudinal direction and the at least one operating element being situated in the front area of the armrest in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a construction machine, in particular a road miller, recycler, stabilizer, or a road roller, in particular a tandem roller, having such a machine operator seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: BOMAG GMBH
    Inventors: Thomas Haubrich, Thomas Klein
  • Patent number: 7992941
    Abstract: An armrest attaching structure for attaching an armrest to a vehicle seat having a seat back frame, the seat back frame having a side frame element that is connected to a base member at a lower end portion thereof, may include an armrest attachment member having an armrest attaching portion and a connecting portion. The armrest attaching portion is connected to the armrest. The connecting portion is connected to the side frame element of the seat back frame at a position closer to the lower end portion of the side frame element than the armrest attaching portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshiro Hara
  • Publication number: 20110181078
    Abstract: A folding chair (20) having an adjustable headrest (30). The chair includes a frame (28) having tubes (50). The headrest (30) includes a head support (62) extending between two tubes (60), the tubes (60) of the headrest slidably connected to the tubes (50) of the frame. Another chair (120) includes a sunshade (130), the sunshade having material extending between two tubes (174). The tubes (174) of the sunshade (130) insert into ferrules (151) attached to the frame (128) of the chair (120). The sunshade (130) may include cords (180) that tension the sunshade towards the chair. Another chair (220) includes at least one pair of crossing cross members (240) attached by a bracket (246). The bracket (246) includes a sleeve (250) and a pair of hooks (252), the hooks mounted to the side of the sleeve. One cross member (240A) is fixed within the sleeve (250) while the hooks (252) selectively engage opposite sides of the other cross member when the cross members are rotated s relative to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: THE COLEMAN COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Luke E. Kelly, Joseph D. Flaugher, Gail R. Matheus, Mitchell L. Wilgus, Jake L. Hillard
  • Publication number: 20110175423
    Abstract: A load support member includes spaced apart beam members, a linking member and a stop member. In another aspect, the beam includes a support surface defining first and second landing regions, which are in contact with and support a membrane. In another aspect, a brace member is secured between laterally spaced beams, with the brace member having a greater height than width at the end thereof and a greater width than height at the middle thereof. In another aspect, a pair of armrests are joined to a cross member and a pair of spaced apart beams in a releasable engagement. In yet another aspect, a pair of beam members are fixedly joined with a cross member, which is pivotally connected to a link pivotally connected to the beams. A method of assembling a load support structure is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventors: Johann Burkhard Schmitz, Claudia Plikat, Carola Eva Marianne Zwick, Roland Rolf Otto Zwick, Andrew Keith Hector, John Fredric Aldrich
  • Patent number: 7980581
    Abstract: The device protects the forearm, hand and fingers of a wheelchair occupant from injury through collision with obstacles by providing a shield that curves over the occupant's forearm. The shield ends in a compound curve that extends over the occupant's hand and fingers, curving inwardly toward the armrest. To accommodate the manually manipulated controls for motorized wheelchairs that usually protrude upwardly from the forward end of the armrest, the shield is appreciably longer than the base for the device to form a gap between the base and the shield that accommodates these controls while nevertheless continuing to protect the occupant's hand and fingers. Several ways in which the device can be attached to different classes of wheelchairs and device dimensions suitable for these classes also are shown and described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Design-Build-Buckner, LLC
    Inventor: Todd T. Buckner
  • Publication number: 20110163577
    Abstract: A surgeon chair system includes a support structure and multiple adjustable components connected thereto that support a seated human body while leaning forward to perform a task. The surgeon chair system may include an adjustable support structure, an adjustable seat, an adjustable chest rest, at least one adjustable arm rest, an adjustable back rest, an adjustable head rest, and an adjustable foot rest, with a controller for adjusting one or more of the adjustable components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: INNOVATIVE MEDICAL SYSTEMS GP
    Inventor: Petar Anastasov
  • Publication number: 20110140497
    Abstract: An armrest for a chair is provided which has an improved anti-rotation and mechanical connection between an armrest body and a frame tube of the chair. The end of the frame tube is mechanically deformed or is shaped so as to have a non-circular profile with a central opening defined by inwardly projecting arcuate surfaces of the frame tube. The armrest includes a cooperating, non-circular socket which fits onto the frame tube wherein a suitable fastener is threaded downwardly into direct, self-threading engagement with an upper opening formed in the end of the frame tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: Tim Fookes, Joe Willette, Steve Simpson
  • Patent number: 7959231
    Abstract: A dual plane armrest includes upper and lower forearm supports that overlap to permit respective use by neighbors. The upper support may be cut-away at the rear to accommodate the elbow of the user of the lower support. The upper forearm support is disposed above the lower forearm support partially or completely. The dual plane armrest provides increased lateral space for neighbors without increasing lateral seat pitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Inventor: James Shing Hin Lee
  • Publication number: 20110133537
    Abstract: This invention, the Retrofitting Armrest Support, is a solitary, cushioned, rigid platform, that creates support for the elbow or forearm of an individual who is seated in a task chair by means of retrofitting said task chair armrest. The invention, Retrofitting Armrest Support, is attached to said task chair armrest by means of a strong secure attachment to create a rigid, immobile, inflexible, padded support surface beyond the top weight bearing surface boundary of said task chair armrest in the forward, backward, inward, or outward horizontal transverse plane relative to said top cross sectional, surface area of said task chair armrest creating said support during the performance of desktop or computer work tasks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventor: Scott K. Salee
  • Publication number: 20110133536
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arm rest, particularly for a center console of a motor vehicle, comprising a carrier element (1) having a support element (11) moveably arranged on the carrier element (1), wherein the carrier element (1) and the support element (11) can be pivoted about a first pivoting axis (y) by means (3, 5, 7A, 7B or 3, 7A, 8) arranged in or on the carrier element (1). The support element (11) can be displaced with respect to the carrier element (1) by a connection to one of the arranged means (3, 5, 7A, 7B or 3, 7A, 8). According to the invention, pivoting of the carrier element (1) together with the support element (11) and displacing the support element (11) with respect to the carrier element (1) can be released or blocked by actuating a single control element (6) that acts upon the arranged means (3, 5, 7A, 7B or 3, 7A, 8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: VOLKSWAGEN AG
    Inventors: Bert Junige, Burkhard Gis
  • Publication number: 20110084535
    Abstract: In the specification and drawings an armrest is described and shown with an arm, the arm having a support portion and a body portion; a channel extending longitudinally along the support portion, the channel having an open face along at least a portion of its length; and a bracket, the bracket being slidably engaged with the channel. Also in the specification and drawings an armrest is described and shown with an arm, the arm having a support portion and a body portion; and a bracket, the bracket being slidably engaged with the arm such that the lower end of the support portion extends below the bracket when the arm is in a lowered height position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventor: Niels Diffrient
  • Publication number: 20110084527
    Abstract: An aircraft seat includes a seat bottom frame, a seat translation and rotation mechanism attached to the seat bottom frame allowing translation and rotational movement of the seat bottom frame. An armrest is removably attached to the side of the seat bottom frame, and can be set to different positions relative to the seat bottom. The armrest has a seat control mounted to an outside of the armrest, and an input transfer mechanism disposed inside the armrest. The input transfer mechanism has an end engaged to the seat control, and a receiver end. The input transfer mechanism is cable-less. A couple shaft is engaged with the receiver end and engaged with the seat translation and rotation mechanism. When the seat control is actuated, the input transfer mechanism causes the seat translation and rotation mechanism to allow the seat bottom frame to at least one of translate and rotate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: PAC Seating Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Hector Noel Marini, Barry Oberly
  • Patent number: 7922944
    Abstract: A method for forming a foam product comprises forming a skin and inserting a bracket at least partially into the skin. Another method for manufacturing a foam product comprises sealing a tube of material in a cavity of a mold, blowing air into the tube of material to form a skin comprising an interior surrounded by a wall, cutting an incision in the skin wall, inserting a bracket through the incision and into the skin interior, filling the skin interior with foam, and curing the foam. A foam product comprises a skin with an interior surrounded by a wall, a bracket within the skin interior, a foam substantially filling the skin interior and securing the bracket in place, a recessed region configured to mate with a mounting assembly on a chair, and an incision in the skin wall, the incision positioned outside of the recessed region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventor: James Hsu
  • Publication number: 20110080030
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an armrest includes making a plurality of core sections. Each core section is formed by bonding a plurality of waste pieces of high-quality wood together. Each of two adjacent ends respectively of two adjacent core sections is machined to provide a serrated coupling face having a plurality of grooves and a plurality of protrusions. The core sections are bonded together to form a core having a desired length by applying adhesive to the serrated coupling faces. A plurality of upper boards made of the same material as the core is bonded to a top side of the core. A plurality of lateral boards made of the same material as the core is bonded to each of two lateral sides of the core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2009
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventor: Shih-Te Lin
  • Publication number: 20110049959
    Abstract: Building materials formed from synthetic polymer materials have an appearance which simulates natural woods. The building materials may be used in the construction of fences, sheds, decking materials, indoor/outdoor furniture, railings and numerous other products. The faux wood material is constructed to include reinforcing fibers and voids for weight reduction. The aesthetic appearance of the finished product can be enhanced by applying a color wash which includes a polymer component and a color component adhering to the surface of the material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: ENVIO PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventor: Larry Schwartz
  • Publication number: 20110031797
    Abstract: The invention provides an assembled product, comprising a main body, and a left part and right part which are of the same construction and symmetrically mounted to the main body. Each left and right parts have a connecting hole defined therein for engaging the respective connecting holes defined inside the main body. The invention also provides a garden chair, comprising a seating plate; a backrest arranged at one side of and connected with the seating plate; a pair of left and right front legs coupled with the seating plate symmetrically and respectively; and a pair of left and right rear legs which are coupled with the seating plate symmetrically and respectively. The product of the invention can be widely applicable to kinds of furniture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: SHENZHEN BAOTESHI PRODUCTS PLUS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Zhengyi Lei
  • Publication number: 20110006566
    Abstract: An exercise machine has a number of features relating to ease of use. The machine has a widened step through design, improved foot straps, an adjustable reading display or a pivotal arm rest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: UNISEN, INC., DBA STAR TRAC
    Inventors: Kevin P. Corbalis, Mark William Chiles, Victor Torres Cornejo, Felipe J. Marin
  • Patent number: 7862122
    Abstract: An un-automated lift assist for the physically challenged whereby a user may push against a pair of armrests causing a portion of the armrest to initially compress, and later rebound when the individual is transitioning from a seated to an upright position. The lift assist has two upright side members with armrests and a base member with a support panel that are placed between a removable cushion of a article of furniture and the support frame of the article of furniture, so that the in-situ cushion is between a seated individual and the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Inventor: Linda Susan Shammas
  • Publication number: 20100314923
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide seating devices having an armrest with a triangular cross-section that twists along its length to provide a support surface with increased comfort to the occupant, in addition to making the chair strong and durable. The seating device of the present invention may also be stackable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventor: Laura Lisa Smith
  • Publication number: 20100306894
    Abstract: A system of modular, detachable cushions having surfaces containing hook and/or loop fasteners that fasten to mating loop, open weave or hook surfaces to define adjustable, conformal contoured support surfaces at user contact surfaces and appliances producing fatigue and/or abrasion (e.g. automotive seats, chairs, compartment walls, desks, footwear, helmets, tools etc.). The cushions can include air, elastomer, fabric, fiber, foam, liquid, gel, and/or rubber cushioning materials or combinations thereof arranged in envelopes, pads, cavities or tiered assemblies. The cushions include surfaces fitted with one or more layers of cushioning materials or envelopes of cushioning material and one or more regions of fastener materials that mate with interconnecting fasteners at the contact surface or appliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventor: Nathaniel Calvert
  • Publication number: 20100301653
    Abstract: A seat or bench that provides a unique support structure to assist a person in the act of sitting upon, rising from or standing before the seat of the chair or bench, comprising a seat member having a front portion, a first side portion and a second side portion, the front portion having a front edge, two generally horizontal and elongated arms, and legs supporting the seat member, the seat configured such that the arms are adapted to provide support in front of a person standing between the arms while adjacent to and facing away from the front edge of the seat member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventor: Daran Churovich
  • Publication number: 20100301656
    Abstract: An adjusting structure for an armrest of a chair comprises a support member, an armrest, a side cover, a press member, a guiding member, a housing, and an engaging unit; wherein in operation, the press member is pressed inward to disengage the guiding member from the limiting recess of the support member. Thereafter, the armrest is adjusted to tilt forward so that the screw elements and the guiding member are guided toward a predetermined orientation along the arcuate groove, and the engaging unit abuts against the support member, thereby positioning the armrest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventor: Yu-Shan Lai
  • Publication number: 20100295358
    Abstract: An armrest for multiple seating has upper and lower support planes that overlap to permit respective use by neighbors. The upper armrest may be cut-away at the rear to accommodate the elbow of the user of the lower armrest. The dual plane armrest comprises an upper forearm support and a lower forearm support. The upper forearm support is disposed above the lower forearm support partially or completely. The configuration of the invention provides increased lateral space for neighbors without increasing lateral seat pitch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventor: James Shing Hin Lee
  • Publication number: 20100295357
    Abstract: A chest support that supports the weight of a user's torso, and more particularly an adjustable chest support that is operative to be adjusted by a user “hands free” (i.e., without the use of the hands). The angular position or tilt of the chest support may be adjusted forward and rearward relative to a seat (e.g., a seat of a chair attached to the chest support), allowing the user to bend, or tilt, his or her torso toward and away from a work area. The chest support is operative to support the torso of a user at the chest area, thereby permitting the user to perform a task while reducing the likelihood of lower back pain and body fatigue. In some embodiments, arm support assemblies may also be mounted to the chest support to effect corresponding movement of the arm support assemblies toward and away from the work area upon adjustment of the angular position or tilt of the chest support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventors: Randal W. Koehler, Craig D. Turner, Robert A. De La O
  • Patent number: 7828388
    Abstract: An armrest for use with a motorized vehicle is provided comprising first and second substantially opposing surfaces elongated longitudinally along the vehicle's interior surface and extending laterally inward therefrom. The armrest also includes a substantially vertical wall portion extending from the inner periphery of the first and second surfaces. The first and second surfaces define a plurality of channels oriented substantially parallel to one another and elongated longitudinally relative to the vehicle, in either a parallel or oblique fashion relative to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The plurality of channels is configured to sustain substantial vertical loading and controllably deform under a predetermined threshold lateral crush load. In addition, the plurality of channels preferably includes one or more partitions within each of the channels that are oriented relative to one another to thereby create a load path for lateral loads imparted to the armrest assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott D. Thomas
  • Patent number: 7810767
    Abstract: A medical procedure armrest includes a base and a post that is attached to and extends upwardly from the base. An upper end of the post supports a blood pressure reading apparatus. A bar has a first end and a second end. A coupler is attached to the first end of the bar. The coupler is attached to the post. A housing has a top wall, a bottom wall and peripheral wall extending between the top and bottom walls. The second end of the bar is coupled to the housing. A cushioning member is attached to an upper surface of the top wall of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventor: Dorothy M. Harris
  • Publication number: 20100207441
    Abstract: A support for an armrest of a motor vehicle seat, formed of generally U-shaped solid plastic defining: a bottom intended to be attached to an armature of a backrest of the seat, and two parallel branches perpendicular to the bottom, each branch defining in a surface opposite to the other branch a hole intended to receive one end of an axis of the armrest and a groove intended to receive an armrest rotation stop element. An armrest armature, an armrest and its assembly method and a motor vehicle seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: Faurecia Sieges D'Automobile
    Inventors: Thierry SENGES, Emmanuel Cardon, Alain Vissiere
  • Publication number: 20100194160
    Abstract: A stackable and nestable chair includes a seat assembly, a pair of rear legs spaced apart by a first distance, and a pair of front legs spaced apart by a second distance different than the first distance. The front legs and the rear legs mutually connected by a crossbar, and the seat assembly is supported by the crossbar when the seat is in an operable position. A plurality of casters are each attached to a bottom of each of the front and rear legs, wherein each caster includes a notch that is configured to couple with a leg of an adjacently stacked chair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: HNI TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Jay R. Machael, Marcus C. Koepke, Andrew B. Hector
  • Publication number: 20100187888
    Abstract: A seat cushion for use with a seat, chair, or bench. The cushion is provided with a strategically located recessed region, to provide spinal decompression for the user. The recessed region is located in the central, rear portion of the cushion, along the fore and aft axis of the cushion. The recessed region is further contained entirely within the periphery of the cushion, so that the portion of the cushion between the recessed region and the rear edge of the cushion provides support for the user. The depth of the recessed region is sufficient to allow spinal decompression, but it need not extend entirely through the thickness of the cushion. A number of configurations for the cutout, and applications for the seat cushion, are disclosed. Also disclosed are chair, bench, and seat constructions incorporating the seat cushion and providing its spinal decompression feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventor: Miguel Gallegos
  • Publication number: 20100171346
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly including at least a component of the seat assembled made of closed-cell foam and having an integral exterior surface. The component may include a backrest, headrest, seat cushion or a component thereof such as an armrest. A method of forming a seat assembly including a first seat component and a second seat component wherein at least one of the first and the second components are made of closed-cell foam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: JOHNSON CONTROLS TECHNOLOGY COMPANY
    Inventors: Gregg Laframboise, Scott E. Dluge, Daniel J. Koester, David Thimm, Duane Potes, JR., Sheraine Sabbagh, John Gomez, Joon Kyu Lee, Richard P. Doerer
  • Publication number: 20100164266
    Abstract: A seat including a plurality of user support assemblies that are independently adjustable. User support assemblies, which are independently adjustable, include a head support assembly, a thoracic support assembly, and a lumbar support assembly. Moreover, the seat might include a independently adjustable seat assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: L & P PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY
    Inventors: JOSEPH L. WALTERS, DANA E. LOCKWOOD, ROBERT RIPPLINGER, JAMES A. RIEGSECKER
  • Patent number: 7735930
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a width control device which automatically controls the width of an armrest, provided in a seat of a vehicle, in response to the body type of a passenger, thus enabling the passenger to sit in a comfortable position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Jun Sun Yeum
  • Publication number: 20100127146
    Abstract: A system for adjustably positioning an accessory may include a track and an accessory removably coupled to the track. The track may include an upper portion and a lower portion defining a channel therebetween. The upper portion may include an upper flexible segment extending along a length of the channel wherein the upper flexible segment is outwardly and inwardly deformable with respect to the channel. The accessory may include at least one connector extending from the accessory, the connector being removably insertable into the channel of the track by deforming the upper flexible segment with respect to the channel, the at least one connector including a substantially horizontal portion and a substantially vertical portion wherein, when the connector is inserted in the track, the substantially vertical portion of the connector secures the accessory to the track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Jennifer J. Mahaffy
  • Publication number: 20100127549
    Abstract: A chair back has a shell and a cushion overlying the shell for a patient chair configured to move from a generally upright sitting position to a generally supine position. A patient contact surface is bounded in part by a top edge and an opposing bottom edge, and has resiliently deflectable opposed wing sections extending between the top edge and the bottom edge. A stiff support region is centrally positioned relative to and at least partially recessed from the outer wing sections. The support region is configured to support a patient's spine when the patient chair is positioned in a generally supine position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventors: Carl G. Nordstrom, Edward R. Jacobs, Mathew H. Parlier, Craig J. Beard, Kenneth E. Mattocks, Christopher C. Stone
  • Publication number: 20100123345
    Abstract: An armrest assembly includes an armrest base unit. The base unit has a side portion forming a channel member. First and second auxiliary units may be mounted to the base unit. Each auxiliary unit has an attachment member which is received by and mates with the channel member. A slot and bores are formed in a bottom surface of the channel member. Screws extend through the slot and bores and are screwed into the auxiliary units. The attachment and channel members have mating U-shaped cross-sectional shapes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Inventors: Scott Charles Steege, Shawn Michael Bartz