Body Or Occupant Restraint Or Confinement Patents (Class 297/464)
  • Publication number: 20130020853
    Abstract: A head restraint system for supporting a head of a user on a headrest including a headband having, an anterior side, and a posterior side; a first strap coupled to a left side posterior side of the headband, and a second strap coupled to a right posterior side of the headband; and at least one first fastener coupled to the first strap and at least one second fastener coupled to the second strap. The first strap on the headband is wrapped around a left side of the headrest while the second strap on the headband is wrapped around a right side of the headrest and then the female end and the male end of the first and second fasteners secure the first strap to the second strap around the headrest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventor: Oji Gibson
  • Publication number: 20120261976
    Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle seat with seat part, backrest, belt restraining system and support structure supporting the seat part and backrest. Belt restraining system comprises belt reversal means and belt lock. Belt reversal means is positioned in an upper corner region of the backrest and belt lock positioned in seat area of seat part. Support structure has asymmetrical framework with main force braces extending substantially vertically. Main force braces converge in junction region and underside of support structure a first, second and third one of main force braces is arranged on the side towards the junction region as a thrust brace guided forwards as far as a front foot; on a side towards the junction region as a tension brace at the rear guided as far as a first rear foot; tension/thrust brace at the rear guided as far as a further rear foot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: GRAMMER AG
    Inventors: Roland UEBELACKER, Johann DEML, Sergei SCHUSTJEW
  • Patent number: 8287045
    Abstract: A head restraint for a vehicle child seat includes an elastic head band, at least two head support straps, a first attachment strap and a second attachment strap. An inner perimeter of the elastic head band is sized to firmly fit around a child's head. One end of each head support strap is attached to one side of the elastic head band and the other end is attached to an opposing side of the elastic head band. One end of the first attachment strap is attached to one side of the elastic head band and one end of the second attachment strap is attached to an opposing side of the elastic head band. First and second releasable attachment devices are formed on the first and second attachment straps. First and second mating releasable attachment devices are preferably attached to opposing sides of a vehicle child seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Inventors: Thomas P. Donohue, Brenda M. Donohue
  • Patent number: 8272689
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an automobile seat for children. The seat includes a safety harness and a system of tightening the safety harness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Cosco Management, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard M. Biaud, Francois Renaudin
  • Patent number: 8251457
    Abstract: An apparatus for securing the head and/or torso of a child by way of a belt securing system is provided. Adjustable head and torso supporting portions can be attached to the seat of a lightweight vehicle, such as a bike trailer, or an airplane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Thule Child Transport Systems Ltd.
    Inventors: Daniel W. Britton, Andreas Gehlen
  • Publication number: 20120205960
    Abstract: A passenger restraint attachment for use by a passenger when wearing a passenger restraint having a shoulder harness for securing an upper torso of the passenger. The passenger restraint attachment includes a cushion having an upper portion including a shoulder harness receiver. A lower portion of the cushion has an S-shaped lower surface for engaging the body of the passenger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Inventor: Christopher L. Finch
  • Publication number: 20120200123
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a support structure and support structure attachment within a vehicle adjacent a vehicle seat. The support structure including a bolster having an external surface wherein the bolster has a cavity recessed behind the external surface wherein the cavity originates and opens to the external surface, an airbag mounted within the cavity, and an elongated bracket mounted to the bolster operable to secure the bolster and airbag assembly to the vehicle. The elongated bracket of the bolster attaches to a child restraint system existing within the vehicle while simultaneously securing the airbag within the cavity of the bolster. A trim piece having a weakened seam covers the cavity and the external surface of the bolster thereby covering the airbag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Yi-Ru Chen Sosnowski, Vikas Bhatia, Shelley Bridget Szalay
  • Publication number: 20120193960
    Abstract: A reinforcement assembly for reinforcing a seat belt apparatus for use with a seat assembly is provided. The seat assembly includes a seat back frame having a pair of downwardly directed side frame members affixed to the vehicle floor. A top frame member traverses the pair of side frame members. A seat cushion frame is pivotally supported on the seat back frame. The reinforcement assembly includes a floor bracket and an elongated vertically aligned reinforcement member. The floor bracket includes a first side which faces the vehicle floor and an opposite second side. The reinforcement member is positioned between the pair of side frame members and includes a first end and an opposite second end. The first end is affixed to the top frame member of the seat back frame. The second end includes a mounting surface which contacts the second side of the floor bracket and in which the mounting surface is affixed to both the floor bracket and the vehicle floor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter James Moegling, Todd Rupert Muck, Robert Joseph Hazlewood, Masroor Fahim
  • Publication number: 20120193967
    Abstract: A tether bracket assembly for securing a connector of a child seat is used in conjunction with a seat assembly having an U-shaped seat back frame. The U-shaped seat back frame includes a top horizontal cylindrical bar. The tether bracket assembly includes a mounting bracket having a concave surface which includes a curvature complementary to the cylindrical bar of the seat back frame, the concave surface being affixed to an underside of the cylindrical bar. The tether bracket assembly further includes an elongated tether bracket having a first end and an opposite second end. The first end is operatively attached to the mounting bracket. The second end is adapted to engage with a connector of a child seat to secure the child seat to the seat assembly. The elongated tether bracket projects generally upward beyond the top horizontal cylindrical bar of the seat back frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter James Moegling, Todd Rupert Muck, Robert Joseph Hazlewood, Masroor Fahim
  • Publication number: 20120153690
    Abstract: A child restraint includes a juvenile seat and a child-restraint harness coupled to the juvenile seat. The child restraint also includes a headrest mounted for up-and-down movement relative to a seat back included in the juvenile seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: Cosco Management, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul D. Gaudreau, JR.
  • Publication number: 20120119479
    Abstract: A vehicle rear seat assembly having a center child safety restraint system comprises a pair of outboard seats and a center console positioned between the outboard seats and stationary with respect to the outboard seats. The console includes a storage compartment disposed at a forward portion of the console and having an opening which allows an associated object to be selectively placed within the storage compartment. A pair of spaced apart recesses is disposed at a rear portion of the console. A first child safety restraint attachment is located within the storage compartment. A pair of second child safety restraint attachments is provided, each second attachment being located in one of the recesses. The first attachment and the pair of second attachments allow a child safety restraint to be selectively secured to the center console.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Grey B. Parker
  • Patent number: 8177303
    Abstract: A seatbelt adjusting device includes: a guiding track provided with a plurality of first engaging members; a belt-connecting slider mounted on the guiding track and slidable on the guiding track; an actuator mounted movably on the belt-connecting slider, provided with a second engaging member, and operable to move relative to the belt-connecting slider between an engaging position, in which the second engaging member engages releasably an aligned one of the first engaging members, and a disengaging position, in which the second engaging member is disengaged from the first engaging members; and an urging member urging against the actuator for restoring the actuator from the disengaging position to the engaging position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Wonderland Nurserygoods Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shun-Min Chen, Wen-Qu Hu
  • Publication number: 20120104815
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to tensioning devices and associated systems for use with child seats and other personal restraint systems. In one embodiment of the disclosure, a buckle includes a manual tensioning device configured to provide fine-tuning of harness tension when securing an occupant (e.g., a child) in a safety seat. In another embodiment, tensioning components can be configured to provide a means of dynamically adding tension in a restraint harness during crash event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: AmSafe Commercial Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Edward Miller, Ian John Hadlow, Derrick John Martin Barker, Andrew Charles Peters, Sean Leonard Rory Casey
  • Publication number: 20120104826
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes components for use with child seats and other personal restraint systems. In one embodiment a soft pad portion of a buckle assembly can be configured to surround or encase components of a buckle assembly of a personal restraint system. In certain embodiments of the disclosure, the pad can include one or more media features that can include entertainment, education, or care-giver alert devices that can be attached to, integrated with, or otherwise connected to the pad. Moreover, the pad can also serve as a platform onto which indicators, additional user devices, and/or media features can be incorporated and/or displayed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: AmSafe Commercial Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Edward Miller, Ian John Hadlow, Derrick John Martin Barker, Andrew Charles Peters, Sean Leonard Rory Casey
  • Publication number: 20120007408
    Abstract: A protection and restraining device for protecting a passenger on a passenger seat of a vehicle in the event of an accident, the protection and restraining device being designed to trigger a support wing such that it moves laterally against an occupant seat of the vehicle, and the protection and restraining device and/or support wing furthermore being designed to be more easily moved from a lateral initial position in a first lateral direction than in a second lateral direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventors: Heiko Freienstein, Armin Koehler
  • Publication number: 20110304178
    Abstract: Vehicle occupant support for enhanced comfort and utility in a vehicle with arrangements for crash load protection of occupants A posture enabling device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventor: Arjuna Indraeswaran Rajasingham
  • Patent number: 8061781
    Abstract: A configurable restraint system (10-10vi) for a vehicle seat (12, 12?) may comprise a first restraint harness (30-30?) coupled to a first engagement member (32), a second restraint harness (34-34?) coupled to a second engagement member (36), and a third engagement member (50-50??) configured to be movable between first and second positions relative to the vehicle seat. The first position may be located relative to the vehicle seat so that the first engagement member (32) may releasably engage the third engagement member (50-50??) to restrain a first occupant of the vehicle seat via the first restraint harness (30-30?). The second position may be located relative to the vehicle seat so that the second engagement member (36) may alternatively releasably engage the third engagement member (50-50??) to alternatively restrain the first occupant of the vehicle seat via the second restraint harness (34-34?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Indiana Mills & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher W Foye, Aaron J Acton, Guy R Dingman
  • Publication number: 20110259235
    Abstract: The invention relates to a ski lift facility including, in particular, means for guiding and driving an overhead carrying and traction cable (5) from which vehicles are suspended, and including at least one boarding area and at least one disembarking area. According to the invention, the facility also includes a device for sequentially powering a vehicle including a stationary electrical conductor (20) connected to a low-voltage power supply, including a plurality of flexible conductor contact wires arranged on at least one of the means for guiding and driving the overhead cable and a mobile conductor on board the vehicle making it possible to establish electrical contact when the mobile conductor (20) comes into contact with the contact wires of the stationary electrical conductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: SOMMITAL
    Inventors: Noel Blandon, Christophe Tambourin
  • Publication number: 20110227391
    Abstract: A divider for a rear seat of a motor vehicle is formed as a single, free-standing element having a block that is compressible and has shape memory, wherein the block has a pliable covering and has a base and a back surface. A lap restraint belt interface has a first slot that extends through the block for accepting an inserted lap restraint belt and the first slot is oriented for compressively urging at least a portion of the base against a bottom surface of the rear seat and a portion of the back surface toward a backrest when the inserted lap restraint belt is engaged. A second interface accepts a second restraint device and is oriented for adding a compressively urging force at least toward the backrest of the rear seat when the second restraint device is engaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: Wallyhoo, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Cahall, Robert T. Kiesow
  • Publication number: 20110210598
    Abstract: An apparatus and for restraining occupants of a vehicle is disclosed, the apparatus having a rigid member configured to restrain an upper or lower body portion of an individual located in the vehicle. The individual moves within a range of motion that is represented by an area of movement. The rigid member is capable of movement between a stowed position and a deployed position. The upper body portion or the lower body portion is restrained by the rigid member only in the deployed position. A locking mechanism for locking the rigid member in the stowed position and the deployed position is provided. A release mechanism activates the locking mechanism. The release mechanism is located at a predetermined distance from the locking mechanism such that the release mechanism is located outside of the area of movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventor: David Kovac
  • Publication number: 20110204696
    Abstract: A magnetized head restraint system employs a magnetic head restraint (40) and a magnetic seat assembly (50). In use, the magnetic head restraint (40) is affixed to a person relative to a head of the person and the magnetic seat assembly (50) supports the person in a sitting position whereby the magnetic head restraint (40) and the magnetic seat assembly (50) can magnetically interact to restrain any movement of the head of the person to a spatial area relative to the magnetic seat assembly (50) in response to the magnetic head restraint (40) being affixed to the person and in response to the magnetic seat assembly (50) supporting the person in the sitting position. The magnetic head restraint (40) may include an elastic member (42) and a magnetic component (43). The magnetic seat assembly (50) includes a seat assembly (53) incorporating a magnetic component on a permanent basis and/or a magnetic seat restraint (51/52) removably attachable to the seat assembly (53).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventor: Staci Koehler
  • Publication number: 20110181089
    Abstract: A portable harness that wraps around the rib cage and thoracic spine is disclosed. Unlike other harnesses, the present invention has an extension allowing it to be suspended above the user's ribcage to apply an upward pull. This suspension strap provides a distracting/unloading force on the lower back by holding the upper torso in place while the weight of a patient's lower body creates traction on the lumbar spine. The harness can be used with any chair back, including office chairs, or vehicle seats. This allows people with lower back pain to sit more comfortably while sitting in a regular chair, driving a car, or flying in a plane. This will decrease low back pain since sitting for long periods will no longer compress the lumbar spine, it will actually be therapeutic by allowing a person to sit in an unloaded position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: LITESITTER LLC
    Inventors: Jason Hendricks, Bala R. Vatti
  • Patent number: 7978881
    Abstract: An occupant information detection system for detecting information related to a vehicle occupant on a vehicle seat includes an image detecting section facing a vehicle seat area taking a three-dimensional image, an information extraction processing section extracting information related to a three-dimensional surface profile of a detected object on a vehicle seat based on the three-dimensional image, a conversion processing section converting the extracted information into numerical coordinates of a predetermined coordinate system, and a computation processing section deriving a computed value by subtracting an average of first and second coordinate components from a third coordinate component. The system also includes a determination processing section determining the concave-convex shape of a line segment formed by the arbitrary points and the middle point based on the computed value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Takata Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Aoki, Hirofumi Mita, Masato Yokoo, Yuu Hakomori
  • Patent number: 7954901
    Abstract: A configurable restraint system (10-10vi) for a vehicle seat (12, 12?) may comprise a first restraint harness (30-30?) coupled to a first engagement member (32), a second restraint harness (34-34?) coupled to a second engagement member (36), and a third engagement member (50-50??) configured to be movable between first and second positions relative to the vehicle seat. The first position may be located relative to the vehicle seat so that the first engagement member (32) may releasably engage the third engagement member (50-50??) to restrain a first occupant of the vehicle seat via the first restraint harness (30-30?). The second position may be located relative to the vehicle seat so that the second engagement member (36) may alternatively releasably engage the third engagement member (50-50??) to alternatively restrain the first occupant of the vehicle seat via the second restraint harness (34-34?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Inventors: Christopher W. Foye, Aaron J. Acton, Guy R. Dingman
  • Patent number: 7926881
    Abstract: A support braces and secures an infant or small child in a seated position. A rigid padded upright back is flanked by a pair of rigid padded side wings. A belt encircles the back and wings drawing the wings toward the back to surround the child. The wings reach just under the armpits of the small child providing support to the torso and allowing even those children not old enough to sit up on their own to attain a seated position. A padded strap, attached to the bottom of the upright back runs between the child's legs and is also secured with the belt. When secured to a high chair by the belt, the support braces the child in a seated position and prevents the child from slipping from the high chair or from climbing out of the chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Inventor: Neva Youreman
  • Publication number: 20110065344
    Abstract: A baby cot (10), also called a baby bassinet, comprises a floatable base body (12) which is shaped and dimensioned such that it is suitable for accommodating a baby. The baby cot (10) also referred to as a baby bassinet furthermore comprises a cover (23) which is designed to close an open upper side of the base body (12) watertightly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventors: Matthias Breuer, Michael Mosler
  • Patent number: 7891741
    Abstract: A Criss-Cross harness system with a single strap mechanism that can be threaded through guides formed along a seat to allow restraint of an infant in a seat. The strap can be held behind the seat by a quick release mechanism that can also be disengaged by pressing a single button or squeezing two handles/paddles together. When a passenger attempts to pull on the strap to remove the area of the body held down, the entire strap mechanism gets re-tightened, thereby holding the securely in the seat. The Criss-Cross harness system can be used with a high chair, a stroller, a swing, a race car, airplane cockpit, amusement park ride, wheel chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Inventor: Peter Albert Helmut Lienr, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20110031799
    Abstract: A head restraint assisting a sleeping or resting passenger may provide for a pleated fabric hammock portion supported by the back of the seat by a retaining strap, the tensioned hammock portion cradling the user's head and/or face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventor: Theri DeJoode
  • Publication number: 20100283310
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved head restraint device for securing a person's head to a headrest such as those found on vehicle passenger seats. The head restraint immobilizes the person's head, neck, and spine in all degrees of freedom, e.g., lateral, longitudinal or frontal, and rotational, relative to the headrest. Yet, when a threshold amount of external force is applied to the person's head, particularly in a frontal or normal direction relative to the passenger seat, the person's head will separate itself from the headrest to prevent injury to the person.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas Howell Blackwood
  • Publication number: 20100237666
    Abstract: A foldable high chair in accordance with the present disclosure includes a juvenile seat and a seat foundation. The juvenile seat is mounted for movement on the seat foundation during folding and unfolding of the foldable high chair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: COSCO MANAGEMENT, INC.
    Inventors: Chuck Buckavich, Joseph Brewin
  • Patent number: 7775558
    Abstract: A webbing holding device is proposed, which prevents or controls abrupt reduction in take-up speed when taking-up of webbing is completed. In the webbing holding device, when the webbing is released from being fitted over an occupant, the webbing is wound to a retractor by biasing force. Here, immediately before taking-up of the webbing is completed, a guide strap is stretched by movement of a leading end portion of the webbing toward the back side of a vehicle, and thus the guide strap applies biasing force to the leading end portion of the webbing, so that the take-up speed of the webbing is reduced. Therefore, when winding of the webbing is finished, take-up speed of the webbing being abruptly reduced may be prevented or controlled, and therefore extraction of the webbing from the retractor being locked by a lock mechanism of the retractor may be prevented or controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Yoshida, Hiroshi Ogura, Shoji Tomita, Naoki Naito
  • Patent number: 7758125
    Abstract: A portable support for providing support for the head of a seated individual includes an elongated pillow having an enlarged upper end portion and a lower pillow end portion. Connector structure is provided to position the larger pillow end portion above the shoulder of a seated individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Inventor: John Mittelstadt
  • Publication number: 20100140999
    Abstract: A seat for use in an aircraft having a floor is disclosed. The seat has a support assembly adapted to be secured to the floor, a seat having a central portion and a rear portion, a seat back pivotably coupled to the support assembly for movement between an upright position and a reclined position relative to the support assembly. A pivot assembly couples the central portion of the seat to the support assembly for permitting the seat to pivot about a pivot axis relative to the support assembly. A connector assembly couples the rear portion of the seat to the seat back for causing the rear portion of the seat to pivot downwardly about the pivot axis in unison with the seat back as the seat back moves from the upright position to the reclined position A method of construction of an aircraft seat frame is also disclosed. An armrest for an aircraft seat is further disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventor: Burkley U Kladde
  • Patent number: 7722122
    Abstract: A portable support for supporting the head of a seated individual including an elongated pillow and a flexible retention member having fasteners enabling the flexible retention member to assume different loop configurations enabling the portable support to alternatively be connected to an upper seat corner or be supported by the individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Inventor: John Mittelstadt
  • Patent number: 7717518
    Abstract: An elbow support apparatus with distal sides and front, back, upper and lower sides constructed as a cushioned or inflatable device having at least a flexible upper surface and a lower surface configured to fit on the lap of the driver of a motor vehicle when the driver is seated adjacent the steering wheel of the vehicle whereby the elbows of the driver are supported such that the driver's hands are maintained in the 9:15 position on the steering wheel; the device is provided with an apron attached to the front side, fasteners attached to each of the distal sides, plural fasteners attached to the back side, and plural, inverted u-shape locating members configured on the lower side of the cushion device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Inventors: Francis Nji Elung, Anthony Rollando Robinson
  • Publication number: 20100117435
    Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is securely supported resting apparatus that includes a resting platform sufficient to support the leaning weight of the user and a configuration of straps to provide support in a limited or enclosed space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventor: Leif-Erik A. Samuelsen
  • Patent number: 7658410
    Abstract: A passenger restraining harness has a web (30) which during ready position stored within the backrest of a seat (10) and there is also a headrest (31) rested on top of the backrest covering the exit opening of the web, during the course of an accident, the propelling device (50) will receive commend from the sensor to propel carrying cams (80) (801)(802)(803) with the web and headrest along the looped channels (40) to the engaged positions at the anchor brackets (60) effectively restraining a person (11), the cable guides (20) with the tightening cable (32) function together to tighten up middle section of the web (30). Showing is the inside section of a vehicle (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Inventor: Ming Yat Kwok
  • Publication number: 20100026078
    Abstract: A device is provided for supporting a portion of the upper body during forward lean. The device comprises a hinge joint provided on a base plate. A central pillar extends upwards from the hinge joint, the hinge joint enabling movement of the central pillar through a range of motions. A support plate is situated on the central pillar at an opposite end from the hinge joint, the support plate providing support to a user in the region of the user's breast plate. At least one resistor element is operably associated with the central pillar to receive stresses delivered via at least one linkage unit during periods of forward lean, thereby transferring at least a portion of the upper body weight to the at least one resistor element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: Ryerson University
    Inventor: Mohammad Abdoli-Eramaki
  • Publication number: 20090315375
    Abstract: When a safety belt storage assembly's storage is mounted to a main body of a child seat, the storage of the safety belt storage assembly may be selectively configured between an opened state and a closed state. When the storage of the safety belt storage assembly is configured at the opened state, a safety belt set stored within the housing can be taken out and further used to fasten the child seat to an adult chair. The opened state storage further prevents the child seat from mounting on a frame body. When the safety belt set is stored in the housing, the storage of the safety belt storage assembly can be configured to the closed state and the child seat is allowed to be mounted to the frame body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventors: Jun-Jie Hu, Wen-Qu Hu, Zheng-Wen Guo
  • Patent number: 7628456
    Abstract: A head restraint device and method therefor capable of being coupled to an article of furniture and capable of comfortably securing the head of a user to an article of furniture so that the user may rest in the article of furniture with his or her head secured in a substantially upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Inventor: Gwendolyn Swartz
  • Publication number: 20090243366
    Abstract: A safety system for a chair (10) of a mechanical lift installation comprises magnetic means able to occupy a retaining position of a passenger (17) embarked on said chair (10) when the chair (10) is outside the unloading areas, and a released position when passing in an unloading area. The invention also relates to a method for implementing the safety system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventors: Noel Blandon, Christophe Tambourin
  • Publication number: 20090230754
    Abstract: A ground hunter's portable footrest and/or shooting harness comprising a pair of adjustable harness members which are tethered together so that the harness members may be slipped beneath the hunter's feet and over the hunter's knee/thigh area. The harness members are length-adjustable to accommodate an individual's requirements. The invention not only serves a portable footrest to reduce knee, leg and foot fatigue but also provides a stable shooting platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventor: Mark Witte
  • Patent number: 7523993
    Abstract: A dorsal support for supporting a passenger in a generally upright standing position while travelling in a public transportation vehicle is disclosed. The dorsal support comprises a body having a front surface extending uninterrupted upwardly from a base portion fastened to a floor surface, the front surface of the body including a planar lower portion preventing access behind the dorsal support from in front thereof and an upper portion which is integral with the lower portion and extends upwardly therefrom. The upper portion is rearwardly inclined and defines a passenger receiving area thereon for supporting at least a portion of the passenger's back such as to support the passenger in a generally upright standing position when leaning against the dorsal support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Nova Bus, Division de Groupe Volvo Canada Inc.
    Inventors: Louis-Philippe Daneault, Marc-André Boudreau, Steve Beaulieu
  • Patent number: 7506927
    Abstract: An aromatherapy chair for providing natural relaxation, rejuvenation and healing for the individual's mind, body, and soul by heating herbal ingredients placed in proximity to various parts, areas, regions, and limbs of the individual's body includes an eye and sinus coverings, a pair of neck and shoulder wraps, a pair of elbow and hand therapy gloves, a back therapy pad, a pair of knee, leg, and foot boots, and a pair of thigh wraps into which the herbal ingredients are disposed and through which wiring extends for heating the herbal ingredients for relaxing and healing the areas and limbs that are covered by and inserted and enclosed within the various coverings, pads and wraps with regular house current and batteries providing energy to a thermal heating element that regulates and conducts heat to and through the wiring and the type of herbal ingredients being specific to each particular area, region, appendage or limb to be relaxed and healed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Inventor: Angeline Kinlaw Williams
  • Patent number: 7472956
    Abstract: A pneumatic support system for a wheelchair is provided herein. An implementation includes a support unit that supports a portion of the body of a user, a control unit that permits the user to control whether the support unit gets inflated or deflated, and a compressor that provides pressurized air to the support unit to inflate the support unit. The wheelchair has a valve, such when the user indicates that the support unit is to be inflated, the control unit sends a signal to the valve to move the valve to a first position, thereby permitted the pressurized air to reach the support unit. The support unit may be implemented in a variety of ways, and may be one of many support units. In one implementation, the support unit supports a thoracic portion of the user's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
    Inventors: Mohsen Makhsous, Fang Lin, Susan J. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20080267460
    Abstract: An occupant information detection system for detecting information related to a vehicle occupant on a vehicle seat includes an image detecting section facing a vehicle seat area taking a three-dimensional image, an information extraction processing section extracting information related to a three-dimensional surface profile of a detected object on a vehicle seat based on the three-dimensional image, a conversion processing section converting the extracted information into numerical coordinates of a predetermined coordinate system, and a computation processing section deriving a computed value by subtracting an average of first and second coordinate components from a third coordinate component. The system also includes a determination processing section determining the concave-convex shape of a line segment formed by the arbitrary points and the middle point based on the computed value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Hiroshi Aoki, Hirofumi Mita, Masato Yokoo, Yuu Hakomori
  • Patent number: 7441837
    Abstract: An inflatable airbag system for a vehicle seat assembly of a vehicle. The inflatable airbag system includes a cover member adapted for mounting to the vehicle seat assembly. The inflatable airbag system also includes an inflatable airbag adapted to inflate outward from the cover member and outward from the vehicle seat assembly to thereby act as a protective barrier between an occupant of the vehicle seat assembly and an interior surface of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Harald Fischer, Dirk Benthaus, Andreas Kellner
  • Publication number: 20080211278
    Abstract: This invention relates to restraining means for seats which can be conveniently adjusted. Accordingly, the invention consists in one aspect of a seat assembly (1) comprising a seat (1) having one or more straps (7), the straps (7) having a primary bracing point located on the assembly, one or more apertures (10), and at least one bracing member (11), wherein the bracing member (11) is co-operable with at least one of the straps (7) and at least one of the apertures (10) to form a secondary bracing point for the strap (7). In a second aspect, the invention consists of a five-point harness (7,8,9) for a child's safety seat (1), comprising at least one strap (7) and at least one bracing member (11), the bracing member having a bracing surface for engagement with at least one strap (7), the bracing member (11) being moveable along said strap (7) to be co-operable with apertures (10) in a seat (10) to be secured releasably to said seat (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventor: Kevin Scott Macliver
  • Publication number: 20080197688
    Abstract: A device for correcting sitting posture consisting of a back pad (10) a cord (16) and a control box (22) that is easily used on chairs with a variety of seat back heights and gives audiovisual and tactile indication on posture position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventor: Bryan Anthony Tate
  • Publication number: 20080179922
    Abstract: High chairs and methods to use high chairs are disclosed. An example high chair includes a frame, a seat, a tray positioned a distance above the seat, and an actuator to adjust the distance between the seat and the tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: Damon Oliver Casati Troutman, Raphael Torion Avila