Having Fluent Material Patents (Class 297/452.41)
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Patent number: 11850981Abstract: A cushion suspension for a vehicle seat may have a support structure with a substantially tub-shaped profile and at least two lateral portions. Each of the lateral portions may have a flexible suspension portion. A seating surface assembly for a vehicle seat is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2020Date of Patent: December 26, 2023Assignee: Adient US LLCInventors: Kurt A Seibold, Jennifer J. Carlson, Peter James Leite, Duane Potes
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Patent number: 11678749Abstract: A bed system includes microclimate control capabilities for providing quality sleep experience. The bed system can include a microclimate control subsystem configured to supply conditioned air (e.g., heated or cooled air) to a mattress, or draw ambient air from the mattress, to achieve a desired temperature at the top of the mattress. Utilizing supply of conditioned air to provide air at desired temperature to the mattress system, or utilizing air suction to drain heat away from the mattress system, can provide precise microclimate control at the mattress, thereby permitting conformable sleep.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2020Date of Patent: June 20, 2023Assignee: Sleep Number CorporationInventors: Cory Lee Grabinger, Cristina Marie Jocson, Kody Lee Karschnik
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Patent number: 11596238Abstract: A wraparound inflatable headboard apparatus (100) includes a headboard portion (104), first and second arms (106, 108), and a plurality of accessories (138, 140,142, 144, 148), wherein the headboard portion (104) and the first and second arms (106, 108) are configured to accommodate plurality of accessories (138, 140,142, 144, 148), at least one of which is fixedly attached to the at least one of the headboard portion (104), the first arm (106), and the second arm (108), and at least one of which is removable from the at least one of the headboard portion (104), the first arm (106), and the second arm (108).Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2018Date of Patent: March 7, 2023Assignee: BESTWAY INFLATABLES & MATERIAL CORP.Inventors: Shuiyong Huang, Bingrong Wu, Zhikuan Wu
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Patent number: 11331238Abstract: A soft, inflatable, single use, repositioning device for ob/gyn/pelvic examination and procedures, more particularly, to single time use and/or partially reusable pillow like device. A flat collapsible/inflatable-expandable, repositioning and lifting apparatus for medical and ob/gyn examination and procedures and, more particularly, to a reposition and lift device, with a single or more than one, inflatable compartment. Various attachments may be provided, such as foot stirrups, sleeves, and handles, and optional accessories, with built in compressed gas cartridge, and/or a reusable pump for air source through connector. The device repositions, orient and raises the patient's lower back and the buttocks from supine, flat position to dorsal lithotomy and Trendelenburg position on a flat hospital bed to carry out an exam or a procedure, without moving a patient to a special exam room or using another table.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2021Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Inventor: Adam Nady
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Patent number: 11129764Abstract: A formed therapeutic tool has a base in a generally heart-shaped configuration with a narrow arcuate front, a wide rear, tapering sides, and a concave bottom. A rearward support is formed of two similarly configured projections. The projections are laterally spaced. Each projection has a linear high point and a semicircular surface. The tool has a forward support formed of two similarly configured inclines. Each incline has an arcuate high point adjacent to one of the projections and an arcuate low point adjacent to the front. A ovoid shaped central recess extends downwardly between the inclines and the projections. The central recess terminates in an ovoid shaped floor with a lower surface constituting a portion of the concave bottom of the base. The tool having a Durometer of from 36 to 45 on a Shore A scale and an Indentation Force Deflection of from 8 to 9.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2016Date of Patent: September 28, 2021Inventor: Barbara J. Richmond
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Patent number: 11103075Abstract: This application relates to flotation devices generally, and particularly to inflatable flotation devices configured for use by an infant to support the infant at least partially above the water and to at least partially retain the infant therein. In some embodiments, an apparatus is a flotation member having an inner perimeter, a top portion and a bottom portion. The flotation member has a first height between its bottom portion and its top portion at a first location of the flotation member. The flotation member has a second height between the top portion and the bottom portion at a second location of the flotation member, the second height different from the first height. The flotation member includes a support member at least partially disposed within the inner perimeter of the flotation member. The support member has a first portion coupled to the top portion of the flotation member at the first location.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2019Date of Patent: August 31, 2021Assignee: SPIN MASTER, INC.Inventors: David A. Arias, Timothy James Clemens, Theresa M. Bannon, Laurel A. Roney, David J. Crowe
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Patent number: 10869558Abstract: The present invention is directed to a functionally supportive pillow comprising a dynamically responsive combination of an inner core enclosing a bead material and an outer shell, such that the combination of the inner core with the outer shell creates a dynamic response to applied pressure to the pillow for increased functional support of said pillow.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2018Date of Patent: December 22, 2020Assignee: YOGIBO LLCInventors: Giora Liran, Eyal Levy
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Patent number: 10820717Abstract: An inflatable tanning lounge for prone or supine use in absolute comfort, with better resistance to bending. Thus a user laying prone will not hyper-extend their back, because the craft remains straight. An improved headrest design with improved structural integrity preventing the aft perimeter of the headrest from folding down when a user, laying prone, places their forehead upon the aft perimeter of the headrest. Said user's face is removed from the sun, and held above the craft, unconfined, with abundant ventilation in total comfort. When laying supine, the headrest provides a large area for a user's entire head. Lay prone or supine in bed like comfort. Another feature is an open walled cavity vertically through the craft, beneath the headrest and below user's face laying prone. This cavity provides tremendously more space below the user's face, more ventilation, and is claustrophobic friendly.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2019Date of Patent: November 3, 2020Inventor: Kenneth Troy Harkrider
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Patent number: 10758049Abstract: Light weight, easily stowed in small spaces inflatable chairs, pads, and flotation devices all from a relatively simple combination of at least two inflatable drop stitch panels which can be held in position relative to each other by use of straps, or in other embodiments, by additional inflatable side panels which provide arms and support to hold the chair upright on the ground. Simple hinges can be used to connect the panels together in desired configurations, either as fixed deployments or as adjustable and convertible deployments, where in one deployment, the panels for a chair, and in another, a flat pad, which can be used as a float or as a ground pad for camping.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2018Date of Patent: September 1, 2020Assignee: BOTE, LLCInventor: Corey Cooper
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Patent number: 10703230Abstract: The child safety restraint system comprises a seat main part which is a segmented inflatable airbag seat including a cushion-backrest integrated part in the middle and armrest-head guard integrated parts on two sides, wherein the cushion-backrest integrated part is formed by wrapping a cushion-backrest integrated airbag with a cushion-backrest integrated fabric, and the armrest-head guard integrated parts are formed by wrapping armrest-head guard integrated airbags with armrest-head guard integrated fabrics; head guard segments of the armrest-head guard integrated parts are able to shield against glass fragments splashed into a car when window glass is hit laterally; the cushion-backrest integrated part and the armrest-head guard integrated parts are provided with inflation-deflation valves; and car safety-belt fasteners are arranged between armrest segments and the head guard segments of the armrest-head guard integrated parts. A safety seat comprises a shoulder-type elliptical annular front protection body.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2019Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Inventor: Hui Zeng
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Patent number: 10688945Abstract: A substrate is mounted to a vehicle seat frame, to provide a support surface for an occupant. The seat substrate is formed with a pair of guides to receive a pair of suspension wires of a vehicle seat suspension for translation of the pair of suspension wires within the pair of guides and to distribute an occupant load from the pair of suspension wires to the substrate. An air bladder is fastened to a plurality of retainers on the substrate. A first plurality of terminals is mounted to the substrate for electrical connection to a wire harness. A second plurality of terminals is mounted to the substrate, each in electrical communication with one of the first plurality of terminals, for electrical connection to a plurality of electrical devices in the vehicle seat assembly.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2018Date of Patent: June 23, 2020Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Paul Jones, Kevin Farley, Stefan Gottauf
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Patent number: 10611279Abstract: An occupant support system for a vehicle passenger seat includes an air bladder with a first portion having a first flexibility and defining a first pressure adaptive volume, and a second portion having a second flexibility and defining a second pressure adaptive volume, wherein the first flexibility is lower than the second flexibility.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2018Date of Patent: April 7, 2020Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Daniel W. Booth, Stephanie C. Radion
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Patent number: 10576859Abstract: The present invention provides an array type automobile seat profile adaptive-adjusting apparatus, comprising a seat back plate, a seat bottom plate, a seat profile layer covered thereon and a plurality of shape memory material actuators which are arranged in a rectangular array and are disposed between the seat profile layer and the seat back plate and between the seat profile layer and the seat bottom plate, wherein each of the shape memory material actuators comprises a plurality of sequentially nested sleeves, a return spring through which an outwardly extending elastic force is applied to the sleeves, a pulley block fixedly arranged in the sleeve located at a tail end, and a memory alloy wire which is in a shape of filament and is wound on the pulley block.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2017Date of Patent: March 3, 2020Inventors: Zhenhai Gao, Chuanliang Shen, Binyu Zhou, Tairong Sun, Fei Gao
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Patent number: 10507747Abstract: A conveyance seat configured to stabilize a position of a temperature detection unit to suppress positional deviation of the temperature detection unit is described. The conveyance seat comprises a cushion pad, a bottom plate, an electric heater which is attached to the cushion pad, a thermistor which detects temperature at a location between the cushion pad and the bottom plate during operation of the electric heater, a housing cavity with a hollowed shape formed in a bottom portion of the cushion pad, and a holding pad which holds the thermistor within the housing cavity by being fit in the housing cavity with the thermistor attached thereto. The thermistor is held by the holding pad, and is positioned between the cushion pad and the holding pad, within the housing cavity.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2018Date of Patent: December 17, 2019Assignees: TS Tech Co., Ltd., Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazuhiro Tsurumi, Ryuji Isobe, Shinichiro Motoda, Yuichi Honma, Gen Tanabe, Daichi Ito, Takeshi Sugimoto, Keishi Takayama
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Patent number: 10463553Abstract: Apparatuses and method are disclosed for use with a furniture for providing protection to a user against injuries. An apparatus for use with the furniture for providing protection to a user against injuries includes an inflatable unit including an exterior surface including a number of housing elements. The inflatable unit also includes an airtight chamber capable of being filled with a filler. The inflatable unit also includes a valve attached to an orifice present on the airtight chamber. The valve is configured to secure the filler into the airtight chamber. The apparatus further includes at least one strapping element configured to securely mount the inflatable unit to the furniture. The apparatus also includes at least one fastener configured to attach to the at least one strapping element while mounting the inflatable unit to the furniture.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2017Date of Patent: November 5, 2019Inventors: Taofiki Olawale Gafar-Schaner, Joseph Robert Ferry
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Patent number: 10433649Abstract: This application relates to flotation devices generally, and particularly to inflatable flotation devices configured for use by an infant to support the infant at least partially above the water and to at least partially retain the infant therein. In some embodiments, an apparatus is a flotation member having an inner perimeter, a top portion and a bottom portion. The flotation member has a first height between its bottom portion and its top portion at a first location of the flotation member. The flotation member has a second height between the top portion and the bottom portion at a second location of the flotation member, the second height different from the first height. The flotation member includes a support member at least partially disposed within the inner perimeter of the flotation member. The support member has a first portion coupled to the top portion of the flotation member at the first location.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2018Date of Patent: October 8, 2019Assignee: Swimways CorporationInventors: David A. Arias, Timothy James Clemens, Theresa M. Bannon, Laurel A. Roney, David J. Crowe
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Patent number: 10213009Abstract: A method for manufacturing an air-filled structure allows for ease of manufacturing utilizing plastic/vinyl/TPU laminated/urethane coated type top and bottom exterior layers as well as an internal baffle, all of which can be heat or chemically bonded together. Most if not all of the bonds or welds required to be made can be created at the same time in a high volume manufacturing step by providing one or more internal layer(s) each with a plurality of openings or cutouts which provide an opening or window through which the internal structure/baffle can be attached directly to the top and bottom layers of the air-filled structure.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2016Date of Patent: February 26, 2019Assignee: NEMO Equipment, Inc.Inventor: Camon Brensinger
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Patent number: 10179527Abstract: A support device for a vehicle seat includes a bag body. The bag body includes a bag body assembly including at least a first bag body unit and a second bag body unit that are combined with each other. The first bag body unit is disposed to form at least a support surface facing the seated occupant when the first bag body unit is expanded, and the second bag body unit is disposed to press the support surface toward the seated occupant when the second bag body unit is expanded. The first and second bag body units are simultaneously supplied with air and expanded, and a surface of the second bag body unit that faces the seated occupant in an expanded state is smaller than the support surface of the first bag body unit that faces the seated occupant in an expanded state.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2016Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Yosuke Uno
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Patent number: 10098475Abstract: The present invention is directed to a functionally supportive pillow comprising a dynamically responsive combination of an inner core enclosing a bead material and an outer shell, such that the combination of the inner core with the outer shell creates a dynamic response to applied pressure to the pillow for increased functional support of said pillow.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2014Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Inventors: Giora Liran, Eyal Levy
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Patent number: 10071664Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a first inflatable bladder and a pump fluidically coupled with the first bladder. A sound dampening assembly is fluidically coupled between the first bladder and the pump and includes an inner chamber defined by a first and second telescoping portions and a motor coupled between the first and second telescoping portions. A controller causes the motor to adjust the inner chamber in response to an operation of the pump.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2016Date of Patent: September 11, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Jeroen Lem, Brian Boland
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Patent number: 9901177Abstract: An inflatable chair system includes an inflatable body having at least one internal chamber that may be filled with air and a pump removably positioned inside the inflatable body. The pump couples to a battery such that the pump can be powered to inject air into the internal chamber. The inflatable body takes on the shape of a chair when filled with air.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2013Date of Patent: February 27, 2018Inventor: Jonas Ulrich
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Patent number: 9789018Abstract: A hybrid seating cushion made up of a cushion base and a cushion insert. The cushion base has a seating surface in which a void in or extending through the cushion base is formed. A cushion insert such as an air bladder or fluid sack is positioned within the void. A lip or upper surface around an opening in the void overhangs at least a portion of the cushion insert, thereby minimizing the size and corresponding negative effects of a transition area where the base and the insert overlap.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2013Date of Patent: October 17, 2017Assignee: OTTO BOCK HEALTHCARE LPInventors: Vaughn R. Anderson, Evan W. Call, Darshan P. Rane
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Patent number: 9783253Abstract: A scooter seat device, in particular, a kick scooter seat device, with a seat base body and with at least one first fastening unit for fastening to a scooter. The first fastening unit comprises at least one support surface, which in a mounted state is provided to support the seat base body at least against a footboard of the scooter.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2014Date of Patent: October 10, 2017Assignee: MICRO MOBILITY SYSTEMS AGInventors: Janine Ouboter, Willem Jan Ouboter
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Patent number: 9642469Abstract: A seating apparatus with adjustable cushioning, comprises a seat base and an inflatable bladder comprising a plurality of air cells. The inflatable bladder is positioned in between at least two polyurethane foam layers, supported on the seat base. The seating apparatus further comprises a pump unit operatively connected to the inflatable bladder via a conduit for inflating or deflating the plurality of air cells for providing adjustable firmness to the seating apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2014Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Inventors: Paul Savicki, Gary Fox
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Patent number: 9560915Abstract: A cushion assembly has two cushions that are loosely joined by a connector that proceeds through respective diagonal channels in respective corners of the two cushions. The connector has a length that loosely connects the cushions and, by a combination of this length and the diagonal channels, the cushions can be selectively configured co-planar with each other in a V-shape, with any arbitrary angle therebetween, and in a stacked configuration wherein the cushions are atop each other. The connector and the diagonal channels also allow the cushions to be configured at any selected angle between the V-shape configuration and the stacked configuration.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2015Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: FOUR AGW, LLCInventors: Amy Graller, Catherine Weibel, Martha Armes
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Patent number: 9327625Abstract: A vehicle seat includes: a seat back which has a backrest support surface for a seat occupant that is variable in shape; a plurality of air bags that are located behind a support surface portion of the seat back and change the shape of the support surface upon introduction or discharge of air thereinto or therefrom; and a control device that is configured to control the introduction and discharge of air into and from the air bags. The control device controls the introduction and discharge of air into and from each air bag based on a state of change in the air in each air bag that occurs when the seat occupant sits on the vehicle seat with the air bags in the set state to change the shape of the backrest support surface to a shape that conforms to the seat occupant's unique sitting position.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2013Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Masaru Sakata, Mitsuko Hama
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Patent number: 9278633Abstract: A cushion is adapted to set on a seat pan included in a vehicle seat. The cushion includes an inflatable air bag in, for example, a lumbar-support device.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2014Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: Faurecia Automotive Seating, Inc.Inventors: Gregory Brncick, Dana J. Lowell, Leonardo Gomes
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Patent number: 9217686Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for monitoring the state of a fluid transport pipe. In one embodiment, there is provided a method of monitoring the state of a fluid transport pipe, the method including: causing a monitor to move along with a fluid inside the fluid transport pipe, the monitor including an elastic gas container and being configured to adjust the volume of the elastic gas container based on ambient pressure of the elastic gas container; and measuring and recording, by the monitor, one or more types of environmental data inside the fluid transport pipe for determining the state of the fluid transport pipe. In other embodiments, there are further provided an apparatus and system for monitoring a state of a fluid transport pipe.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2012Date of Patent: December 22, 2015Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Yan Li, Haibo Lin, Yudong Yang, Yi Xin Zhao
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Patent number: 9108086Abstract: An exercise system consisting of an inflatable assembly and stackable weight elements that can be used to support the inflatable assembly at different elevations. The inflatable assembly presents an inflated curved surface for body support. The stackable weight elements each have annular bodies that can be selectively filled with fill material. Each of the stackable weight elements have crenelated sections that intermesh when the stackable weight elements are vertically and concentrically stacked. The intermeshing of the stackable weight elements enables the stackable weight elements to remain highly stable when stacked and used to support the half-ball assembly.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2013Date of Patent: August 18, 2015Inventor: David Weck
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Patent number: 9079067Abstract: An exercise machine includes a frame with foot pedals mounted thereon and a seat having an inflatable bladder whereby the user may undertake a cardiovascular workout and a core workout of abdominal and back muscles. A sensor may be used to sense the degree of compression of the inflatable bladder when a person sits on the inflatable seat whereby the internal pressure of the bladder may be adjusted accordingly. The frame may have two sections which are detachable so that one of the sections and the inflatable seat serve as a seating assembly when detached.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2010Date of Patent: July 14, 2015Assignee: Cordio, LLCInventors: Aaron D. Huber, Richard A. Huber
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Publication number: 20150137566Abstract: A collapsible chair has a frame selectively moveable between a collapsed configuration of the chair and an extended configuration of the chair, and a seat that is coupled to the frame. The seat has a first material layer and a second material layer wherein the first layer and the second layer cooperatively define a seat pocket. A seat pad is selectively moveable between a stored configuration wherein the seat pad is located in the seat pocket and a portable configuration inside the seat membrane pocket and a portable configuration, wherein the seat pad is removed from the seat pocket and usable as a portable seat pad.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2014Publication date: May 21, 2015Inventors: Matt Wagner, Scott Neilson
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Patent number: 9021637Abstract: A wheelchair cushion comprises a dual stiffness fluid. A cushion also comprises an ability to adjust fluid volume.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2013Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Assignee: Ki MobilityInventors: Thomas J Whelan, Stephen Sprigle, Alison McKenna, Ezekiel Kolajo, Sanchit Mittal, Saranya Sathananthan, Christopher Tile
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Publication number: 20150108799Abstract: An orthopedic seat cushion for placement on a seat for supporting the weight of an occupant includes an envelope comprising an upper sheet and a lower sheet sealed together to define an interior volume. The interior volume is subdivided into a plurality of depressible cells wherein adjacent cells are in fluid communication with one another. The envelope has an opening penetrated through the upper sheet and lower sheet, wherein the opening has a front end and a back end and is configured to allow clearance for a sensitive area of the occupant. At least one cell has a height dimension that inhibits the sensitive area from contacting the seat when the at least one cell is depressed by the weight of the occupant.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2014Publication date: April 23, 2015Inventors: Jeffrey L. Jones, Mark V. Jackson, Robert Baker
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Publication number: 20150091341Abstract: A device suitable for sitting or reclining, the device including a base portion having upper and lower surfaces and at least one depression which extends into at least the upper surface of the base thereof; and a body portion having at least one surface region adapted to be received within the depression of the base; wherein the diameter of the body is greater than the diameter of the depression, such that the body projects beyond at least the upper surface of the base, such that the body is supported by the base.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2013Publication date: April 2, 2015Inventor: BUCKLEY William James
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Patent number: 8979207Abstract: A seat cushion for a chair or separately usable, includes a support base having a top and bottom, a fluid bladder supported by the support base above at least part of the top of the support base, the fluid bladder having a fluid chamber forming plural bladder sections, a biasing member in the fluid chamber tending to bias the fluid chamber to an at least partly expanded condition, a resilient retaining covering over the fluid bladder holding the fluid bladder on the support base, a valve mechanism in fluid coupled relation to the fluid bladder to provide and to exhaust fluid from the fluid chamber, a mechanical connection of the valve mechanism to the support base, mechanical coupling and restricted fluid flow coupling of the bladder sections. A seating apparatus, e.g., a chair, including the seat cushion. A bladder-type fluidic seat cushion in a kit.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2013Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: Airopedic International Inc.Inventor: Offer Bachar
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Publication number: 20150061346Abstract: Cushions configured to relieve pressure on the piriformis muscle/sciatic nerve area and/or perineum pressure. In some embodiments, a cushion may comprise a first lobe and a second lobe connected by a bridge region to define a low-profile region. The width of the entire cushion may be limited to reduce or eliminate pressure on the hollow of the buttocks, the location of the sciatic nerve, and piriformis muscle. In some embodiments, the cushion may comprise a rear seat portion configured to support a user's buttocks during use and a front seat portion configured to support a user's legs. The front seat portion may have a greater width than the rear seat portion to further reduce or eliminate pressure on the perineum region.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2014Publication date: March 5, 2015Inventor: Richard Featherstone
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Patent number: 8968183Abstract: A support apparatus, for use in supporting a device such as a sex toy, the inflatable apparatus comprising an attachment portion and a holding portion which is attached to the attachment portion, and which defines an aperture therethrough, the holding portion having an inflatable element which is operable to adjust the size of said aperture.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2011Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Inventor: James Hamilton
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Patent number: 8950818Abstract: A vehicle seat having at least one pneumatically operated system for massage and/or for seat adjustment, in particular for adjusting the seat area. The at least one pneumatic system includes at least one bubble element that can be filled with a gaseous medium, especially air. The interior of the bubble element can be filled or evacuated via a supply line mounted at the bubble element through an inlet opening into the bubble element. A gas-permeable acoustic element is provided in the inlet opening.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2013Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: Faurecia Autositze GmbHInventor: Christof Jan Sliwa
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Patent number: 8944504Abstract: A seat assembly includes a seat back operatively coupled to a seat cushion for pivotal movement between seating and folded positions. The seat assembly includes an air bladder. An air control system is operatively coupled to the air bladder for automatically inflating and deflating the air bladder in response to pivoting the seat back between the seating and folded positions. The air control system includes a pressure vessel for storing a predetermined volume of air, a fill valve for controlling air flow from the pressure vessel to the air bladder, a first pressure sensor for monitoring air pressure in the air bladder, a pump for filling the pressure vessel with air, a second pressure sensor for monitoring air pressure in the pressure vessel, a control valve for controlling air flow from the pump to the pressure vessel, and a vent valve for venting air from the or bladder.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2010Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: Magna Seating IncInventor: Ronald A Zimmerman, II
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Patent number: 8919881Abstract: The Ergonomic Göbelek Chair of the present disclosure is useful for avoiding work related back and neck pain associated with extended periods of time sitting by providing a hemispherical seat which promotes correct posture and spine alignment as a user sits. The hemispherical seat includes a fixed inner hemisphere, a movable outer hemisphere received by and positioned over the inner hemisphere, and a shroud enclosing a portion of the inner and outer hemispheres. Affixed to the inner hemisphere, between the inner hemisphere and the outer hemisphere, is a series of bearings which allow the outer hemisphere to move adjacent to the inner hemisphere. A locking system locks and unlocks the outer hemisphere. The Ergonomic Göbelek Chair further includes foldable back and arm rests capable of folding away from the hemispherical seat for use of the hemispherical seat as a stretch gym ball.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Inventor: Araz Bay
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Patent number: 8910331Abstract: The present invention relates to a cushion for preventing pressure sore. The cushion for preventing pressure sore includes an air cell layer, an air passage layer, a base layer, and a plurality of air ducts. The air cell layer has a plurality of air cells; the air cell layer is divided into at least four air cell zones. Air cells in each air cell zone are in communication with each other, but air cells in any two adjacent air cell zones are not in communication with each other; the air passage layer is under the air cell layer and has a plurality of air passages therein. Each air passage is in connection and communication with at least one of the air cell zones; the air passage layer and the air cell layer are disposed on the base layer; an end of each air duct is in communication with a corresponding air passage, and the other end extends out of the cushion and is provided with a joint; and each air duct has a respective valve.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2013Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignees: Shanghai Chuangshi Industry (Group) Co., Ltd., Xi'an Jiatong UniversityInventors: Jue Wang, Litao Fan, Yong You, Sujiao Li, Jianshu Tian, Yuchen Guo, Le Li
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Patent number: 8905477Abstract: An inflatable child seat for use in an airplane having a base panel having at least one inflatable air chamber is provided. The inflatable child seat also includes two side panels, each of which have at least one inflatable air chamber. Both side panels are connected to the base panel. A back panel is further provided, having at least one inflatable air chamber, and is connected to the two side panels and the base panel. The back panel is disposed at an angle relative to the base panel. The inflatable child seat also has a belt configured to restrain a child in the seat. The inflatable child seat additionally has a cavity disposed in the back panel and is configured for receiving a seat belt from an airplane or car seat for securing the child seat to the airplane or car seat. The inflatable child seat is provided with at least one port that is in communication with one or more of the air chambers and serves as the means for inflating and deflating these chambers.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2013Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Inventor: Andrew E. Curto
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Publication number: 20140354028Abstract: An inflatable seat features an inflatable body having a cylindrical shape when inflated so as to visually approximate the shape of a drink can, and a seat topper situated atop the inflatable body. The seat topper features a padding layer disposed atop a base, which is of greater hardness and rigidity than the padding layer and has a flat undersurface in order to flatten out an underlying area of the top end of the inflatable to eliminate bulging of the top end of the inflatable and thereby better approximate the shape of a drink can. A pressure relief valve on the inflatable body prevents blowout of same under extreme pressure conditions when sat upon in high temperature environments.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2014Publication date: December 4, 2014Inventor: Edward Francis Carolan
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Publication number: 20140346836Abstract: An inflatable mobility assistant is an inflatable cushion that starts flat and inflates into in the shape of a wedge, giving a user, such as a senior, enough upward and forward momentum and/or movement to stand up on their own. Variations can be used for exiting a bed, sitting down, or assisting in any movements of persons or objects.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2014Publication date: November 27, 2014Inventors: Joseph Leslie John Briggs, Madison Rose Camp, Grace Lauren Halley, Jack Ryan Halley, Kenneth Mark Halley, William Henry Jameson, Quintin Avery Kerns, Jackson Allen Van Grant, Breyden Krikor Wood
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Publication number: 20140346837Abstract: A cushion is adapted to set on a seat pan included in a vehicle seat. The cushion includes an inflatable air bag in, for example, a lumbar-support device.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2014Publication date: November 27, 2014Inventors: Gregory Brncick, Dana J. Lowell, Leonardo Gomes
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Patent number: 8888193Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a pump for operating a seat cushion adjuster or a seat massage system and a seat frame structure. The pump is coupled to an electrical supply line and a pressure line. The pump is designed without a soundproofing enclosure. At least one noise-reducing or vibration-damping coupling device is provided. The coupling device and pump being attached via a first section to the seat frame structure. The coupling device is attached directly to the pressure line of the pump or to the electrical supply line of the pump via a second section.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2012Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Faurecia Autositze GmbHInventor: Gerd Wielgosz
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Publication number: 20140319890Abstract: A seating, including a sling seating, can have adjustable and/or non-adjustable cushions. An occupant of the seating can adjust the thickness and support provided by an adjustable cushion. The adjustable cushion can include an open cell foam in an airtight envelope. The occupant can open a control valve connected to the envelope to let air out of the airtight envelope while the occupant applies external pressure to the open cell foam, which decreases the thickness of the adjustable cushion as the open cell foam compresses. The occupant can close the valve to restrict airflow into and out of the envelope at a desired thickness of the adjustable cushion. The occupant can subsequently open the valve to let air into the envelope while the occupant does not apply external pressure to the open cell foam, which increases the thickness of the adjustable cushion as the open cell foam expands.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2014Publication date: October 30, 2014Applicant: TROPITONE FURNITURE CO., INC.Inventor: Richard Rivera
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Patent number: 8870294Abstract: A collapsible chair includes a frame having two sidepieces, each having a base portion and a back portion. The base has an upward facing concave edge complementary to a portion of a spherical profile of a seating ball, the base portion further includes a frontal aspect. Each sidepiece has one or more hinges to connect the two sidepieces. The sidepieces, when hinged together, are moveable between a collapsed arrangement and an open arrangement. The chair further includes a cross member having an upward facing concave edge complementary to a portion of the spherical profile of the seating ball. The cross member is configured to mate with the frontal aspects of the two sidepieces so as to stabilize the two sidepieces in the open position. The upward facing concave edges of the sidepieces and the cross member form a triangular cradle that supports the seating ball.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2014Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: Balanced Body, Inc.Inventor: Maria G. Mankin
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Publication number: 20140284988Abstract: The invention provides a seat cushion for an individual suffering from loss of sensation in the buttocks but having sensation in higher regions of the trunk. The cushion may be used, for example, in individuals who have undergone spinal cord injury (SCI). The seat cushion is formed from a flexible material and includes two closed systems containing a fluid. Each closed system includes a one or more buttock cells and one or more lateral cells, each buttock cell of the system being in fluid communication with at least one of the lateral cells of the system. The buttock cells determine a cushion layer and at least a portion of the lateral cells is above the cushion layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2012Publication date: September 25, 2014Inventor: Amit Gefen
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Patent number: 8827371Abstract: A cushion is adapted to set on a seat pan included in a vehicle seat. The cushion includes an inflatable air bag in, for example, a lumbar-support device.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2010Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: Faurecia Automotive Seating, LLCInventors: Gregory Brncick, Dana J. Lowell, Leonardo Gomes