Padded Or Cushioned Member Patents (Class 297/488)
  • Patent number: 11858444
    Abstract: The occupant protection device that protects an occupant boarding on a vehicle and includes: a base portion fixed to the vehicle; an operation portion connected to the base portion and configured to move back and forth between a first position serving as an initial position and a second position used to suppress movement of the occupant when inertial force acts on the occupant; and a control unit configured to perform movement control to move the operation portion from the first position to the second position. The operation portion is movable repeatedly from the first position to the second position through the movement control by returning to the first position after having moved from the first position to the second position. The occupant protection device includes an buffering means configured to buffer a collision impact on the occupant against the operation portion when the operation portion moves to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Daicel Corporation
    Inventor: Masayuki Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 11273785
    Abstract: A seat includes a seatback that defines a first axis extending between a top and a bottom of the seatback. The seatback defines a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The seat includes a lap bar supported by the seatback. The lap bar is translatable along the first axis and rotatable about the second axis. The seat includes an airbag supported by the lap bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Mohammad Omar Faruque, S. M. Iskander Farooq, Dean M. Jaradi
  • Patent number: 9984383
    Abstract: A system for delivering information to a venue guest includes a wireless tag within the venue and having a Universal Resource Locator (URL) stored therein, and a server for providing the information through a web page addressable by the URL. The web page displays the information to any portable media device that interfaces with the wireless tag. A system for delivering location specific information of a venue to a guest at the venue includes a venue app that contains the information and downloadable, machine readable, instructions that are compatible with a portable media device, and a wireless tag having a location indicator is associated with a location of the tag within the venue. If the venue app is executed by the portable media device, and receives the location indicator from the wireless tag, the venue app displays the information, based upon the location indicator, on the portable media device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: RIPPLE RESORT MEDIA, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Jay, Laurence Wade Knall
  • Patent number: 9833078
    Abstract: An inversion chair and the method of treatment are provided to assist a user in the treatment and prevention of migraine headaches by increasing and altering the blood flow within the head. The inversion chair includes a frame having a first and a second side connected to each other by a fixed backrest. The sides of the frame have L-shaped configurations comprising upstanding side and base sections that are connected by a curved member. A rotatable seat is positioned between the sides of the frame. The chair is adapted to transition between a standard sitting position to an inverted position. The chair comprises an upper user support bar and a lower leg support bar for maintaining a user within the chair during inverted use. The support bar is removable and used to either secure the lap of the individual when inverted, or support the chair when in an upright state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Inventor: Mona Saghafi
  • Publication number: 20150123450
    Abstract: A posture support system that includes a base portion, a vertical arm portion extending from the base portion, a horizontal arm portion extending from the vertical arm portion, and a support portion extending from the horizontal arm portion. The base portion includes a rectangular board that rests on a flat surface. The vertical arm and horizontal arm portions are fully adjustable to accommodate different users when a user rests against the support portion to perform work, such as typing, on the flat surface. The posture support system induces proper seated posture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventor: Lowell G. Miller
  • Patent number: 8985693
    Abstract: An upright sleep support system incorporates a head cushion having a face relief aperture to receive the eyes, nose, mouth and chin of a passenger placing his or her face against the head cushion with a hinged support structure for angular adjustment, sleeves that open in front to support the passengers arms, and a chest cushion on the back of the device. The chest cushion receives the passenger's chest in a forward leaning position. The head cushion is deployable from a backpack and the chest cushion is integrated into the back of the backpack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: William J. Purpura, Paula K. Purpura
  • Patent number: 8904569
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for distributing pressure from at least one strap are provided. The apparatus includes a first surface for resting against a wearer, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a securing mechanism. The method involves resting an area of the first surface against the wearer, supporting a strap over a second area on the second surface and securing the strap over the second area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Inventor: Joanne Melody Dumouchelle
  • Publication number: 20140300173
    Abstract: The device comprises a tubular shaped cushion (or pillow) encased in a cover having a pair of opposed flaps for wrapping about a cushion and connecting to one another. The tubular cushion would be situated perpendicular to a front, free edge of the cushion so as to prevent a child from accidentally rolling off that edge and onto the floor below. For fuller cleaning, the cushion within that tubular component can be removed for washing the exterior and replaced/reinstalled thereafter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventor: Shane Hershey
  • Patent number: 8801638
    Abstract: The invention relates to a delordosation device for users of a rehabilitation appliance, in particular for the verticalization of a sit/stand exercise machine or a wheel chair with a seating area and support aids for a user, the seating area supported in a swiveling manner swiveling for verticalization. To avoid hyperlordosis while patients with a restricted mobility are being straightened up in rehabilitation measures or a verticalization in a sit/stand exercise machine 1 or wheel chair, it is provided that the seating area is supported in a swiveling manner, and at least a portion of the seating area is mounted in a movable manner. Thus, a pelvis rotation can be initiated during verticalization, whereby hyperlordosis is avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: In-Tra-Tec GmbH
    Inventor: Klaus Gierse
  • Patent number: 8562076
    Abstract: A configurable cushion device is provided that protects from injury or discomfort caused by items in contact with a person. In one embodiment, the device includes a cushioned pillow wrapped in a protective case that includes a plurality of fastener straps for attaching the device to an object such as a seat belt. The protective case may include an internal or external pocket and may be made of a frictional material or include one or more grippers that provide additional friction against the object to keep the cushion device in a desired location with respect to the object or the person. The cushion device may also include a strap with a connector to allow the device to be secured around a larger object such as the waist of a person. The device may also include a drape cloth that is secured to the interior of the protective case and can be taken out and draped around an object or a person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: The Owie Pillow, LLC
    Inventor: Kristine Elizabeth Currier
  • Patent number: 8528978
    Abstract: A sleep support system incorporates a head cushion having a face relief aperture to receive the nose and chin of a passenger placing his face against the head cushion and a chest cushion attached to the head cushion with a hinged support structure for angular adjustment. The chest cushion receives the passenger's chest in a forward leaning position. Suspension arms are attached to the hinged support structure and extend over the passenger's shoulders for attachment to a seat back frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: William J. Purpura, Paula K. Purpura
  • Patent number: 8485471
    Abstract: An ejection seat arm flail injury prevention apparatus comprises a pair of rigid support arms on each side of the ejection seat that deploy outwardly to support a semi-rigid backstop substantially behind the ejection seat occupant. When the ejection seat is propelled out of the aircraft and is subjected to the windblast, the occupant's arms are allowed to flail in a rearward direction in the windblast until the occupant's arms impact the semi-rigid backstop. The backstop is semi-rigid in that it deforms sufficiently to enable the rearward motion of the occupant's arms to be arrested without impact injury, yet is sufficiently rigid to prevent the occupant's arms from rebounding off the backstop or striking the rigid support arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: AMI Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott R. Patterson, Bradley Mastrolia
  • Patent number: 8308245
    Abstract: An amusement device seat includes a seat and a bar construction, moveable between an access position to a passenger fixation position, in which the passenger is fixed in the seat. The assembly further includes a locking device to lock the bar construction at the passenger fixation position. The locking device includes an engagement device to engage and disengage with the bar construction and a guide for the engagement device allowing the engagement device to assume an engagement position between the access position and the passenger fixation position, and allowing the engagement device and the engaged bar construction to move between the engagement position to the passenger fixation position. The locking device includes a fixation device for fixing the engagement device and the engaged bar construction at multiple passenger fixation positions along the guide to accommodate passengers of different sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Vekoma Rides Engineering B.V.
    Inventors: Joop Roodenburg, Willem Johan Philippen, Iris Van Noorden
  • 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: 8070221
    Abstract: The present disclosure concerns embodiments of an operating support that supports a surgeon in a sitting position straddling a patient. By straddling the patient, the surgeon is ideally positioned to perform certain types of laparoscopic surgery, such as pelvic surgery, which requires the use of relatively long surgical instruments. The operating support supports the surgeon in a more ergonomically correct position that reduces the stress and strain on the surgeon's body as compared to the conventional technique of performing laparoscopic surgery in a standing position at one side of the operating table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Ethos Surgical, LLC
    Inventors: Craig Turner, John Economaki
  • Patent number: 8070184
    Abstract: A Supplemental Automotive Restraint System for Pregnant Women has a protective shell structure with integral “Pelvic Yoke and Crotch Post”, “Breast Plate”, structural “Abdominal Bridge/Shell” over the abdomen between the “Pelvic Yoke” and the “Breast Plate”, “Shoulder Belt Retainer”, and appropriate padding and fill material, all of which work in conjunction with the standard automotive Type II lap and shoulder belt restraint system as required to be installed in all new passenger cars manufactured for sale in the United States by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208 (FMVSS 208). The purpose of the “Supplemental Automotive Restraint System for Pregnant Women” is to reduce the likelihood of injury to a pregnant mother and her unborn child during maneuvering, crash, or other non-impact event of a motor vehicle while the mother is driving or riding in the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: James Research & Development Ltd.
    Inventor: James Edward Hofferberth
  • Patent number: 7887140
    Abstract: A seat includes at least a pair of child restraining members which are selectively moveable to an extended position to restrain an infant or small child, or a restraining for a larger child, the seat back including a fixed portion providing a back support for an infant or child which is extended in surface area upon retraction of one of the child restraint's, forming a comfortable back support for a larger child, the respective child restraints when retracted into the seat back forming a comfortable back support for an adult. At least one child restraining member can pivot away horizontally from an exit, allowing ease of exit of the child from the child restraining device. A locking mechanism prevents the child restraining member from inadvertent pivoting horizontally during use. Apertures in the joints of the child restraining assembly allow the child restraining assembly to be mounted to the support bar of the car seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Inventor: Joseph Forlivio
  • Patent number: 7857370
    Abstract: A barrier for a vehicle that includes first and second substantially identical sections. The first and second sections are adapted to reside in a vehicle footwell between first and second vehicle seats. Each of the sections includes opposite first and second main panels, opposite first and second side panels extending between the first and second main panels, and opposite first and second end panels extending between the first and second main panels and between the first and second side panels. A thickness of each section is defined by the distance between the first and second main panels and the thickness is substantially equal to the shortest distance between the first and second seats. One of the first and second side panels includes a mating surface having a fastener for coupling the first and second sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Inventor: Donna Heller
  • Patent number: 7854482
    Abstract: A safety guard mounting/dismounting device for a baby seat is provided. The safety guard mounting/dismounting device comprises a mounting seat fixed to leg tubes of the baby seat, a connecting member whose one end being fixed to the safety guard and the other end being inserted into the leg tube of the baby seat, and an engaging assembly disposed in the connecting member which includes an engaging device and a restoring spring, wherein the engaging device includes a hook like portion which is movable between an engaging position where it may engage with the leg tube and a disengaging position, and the restoring spring is arranged such that it may bias the hook like portion of the engaging device toward the engaging position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Wonderland Nurserygoods Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shun-Min Chen, Junxu Jin
  • Patent number: 7748064
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a resting support (10) for supporting portions of a resting person (1) in a forwards leaning seated position, and to a method of using such a support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Inventor: Gordon Blackwood Hamilton
  • Patent number: 7735865
    Abstract: A knee bolster, disposed within the instrument panel of an automotive vehicle, for absorbing energy from impact with the knees of an occupant of the automotive vehicle, the knee bolster assembly comprising a skin defining a show surface of the instrument panel, an inner panel secured to the skin, the inner panel including at least one male portion protruding therefrom in a direction away from the skin, at least one energy absorbing structure extending in a direction away from the inner panel, the energy absorbing structure having portions defining at least one recess therein, the male portions of the inner panel being received within the recess of the energy absorbing structures in a non-contacting alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Michael Cappabianca, Joseph Anthony Camilletti, III, Zhenjian Huang, Paul Gregory St. Angelo
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7677671
    Abstract: A passenger restraint apparatus for funfair rides is disclosed. It includes: a restraint body (30) having a leg support surface (31) which is adapted to be placed on the thighs of the passenger, and a first guide lever (40) which is fixed at its first end to the restraint body and which is pivotably coupled with its second end in the floor region in front of a passenger seat of a funfair ride in such a way that the restraint body can be pivoted in relation to the passenger seat about a first lower axis (61) which is disposed in transverse relationship to the longitudinal axis of the thigh of the seated passenger from an opened position into a closed position, characterized in that the first guide lever is coupled at its first end to the restraint body pivotably about a first upper axis (34) which is disposed in parallel relationship with the first lower axis and arranged adjacent to the first guide lever is a second guide lever (50) which i.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Zierer Karussell und Spezialmaschinenbau GmbH
    Inventors: Walter Steininger, Erwin Kraus, Roland Gmeinwieser
  • Patent number: 7618090
    Abstract: An abdominal support swivel chair is comprised of a support base with a plurality of leg arms having casters and radiating about the base frame in a common horizontal plane. An adjustable center post assembly extends vertically from the center of the support base and along a central vertical axis. A seat is secured to a frame connected at a top end of the center post. The seat has a rear buttocks support section and a central narrow frontal projecting section merging therewith through opposed side thigh cavities. An abdominal support pad is secured to an adjustable support arm connected to the saddle frame. The support arm has an upper securing end section adapted for securement of the abdominal support pad and to position same inclined forwardly. The adjustable support arm extends forwardly of the frontal projecting section and aligned therewith and has an adjustable connecting mechanism to position the abdominal support pad for the comfort of a user person above the frontal projecting section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Distribution Gablex Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Grenon
  • Publication number: 20090050162
    Abstract: The present disclosure concerns embodiments of an operating support that supports a surgeon in a sitting position straddling a patient. By straddling the patient, the surgeon is ideally positioned to perform certain types of laparoscopic surgery, such as pelvic surgery, which requires the use of relatively long surgical instruments. The operating support supports the surgeon in a more ergonomically correct position that reduces the stress and strain on the surgeon's body as compared to the conventional technique of performing laparoscopic surgery in a standing position at one side of the operating table.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventors: Craig Turner, John Economaki
  • Patent number: 7445281
    Abstract: A head guard arrangement includes a flexible pad (10A) in direct contact with and enclosing the head top region and temporal region of the head of a baby (100), an impact absorption pad (20A) at an outer side of the flexible pad (10A), enclosing the head top region and temporal region of the baby (100), and a fixture pad (30A) having a configuration with an outer perimeter contour that is in accord with the inner perimeter contour of a sidewall (1) of a child seat or carrier or the like so as to fill the gap between the impact absorption pad (20A) and the sidewall (1). With this structure, the head guard arrangement protects the head and brain of an infant against impact injuries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Aprica Kassai Kabushikikaisha
    Inventor: Kenzou Kassai
  • Publication number: 20080150346
    Abstract: A closure bar for a chair of a chair lift includes regions having an increased non-slip capability in order to prevent people from slipping out of the chair. At least a region of the closure bar pointing downwards when in a closed position has the higher non-slip capability. A chair of a chair lift having the closure bar is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: INNOVA PATENT GMBH
    Inventor: Christoph Hinteregger
  • Patent number: 7334837
    Abstract: A modular multi-functional portable seating device that provides individual telescopic legs to accommodate varied and uneven surfaces, the seating device further provides a firearm support which is both removable and adjustable. The frame and other components are durable and light weight. Detachable saddlebags are provided for additional convenience and item storage. A removable footrest is provided. Additional cushions and a strap for securing the seating device to an object are also provided. X-braced legs provide sturdy support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Dennis Long
  • Patent number: 7318606
    Abstract: A soft resilient comfort cushion and method for promoting the use of a safety belt by a pregnant woman, said comfort cushion comprising: a resilient soft elongated cushion having tapered end portions, a length which is sufficient to span a groin region of said pregnant woman below a fetal abdominal bulge, a width which is near or about the width of said safety belt and a thickness which is sufficient to prevent discomfort to a pregnant woman by preventing the pressure and rubbing of the safety belt on the groin and lower abdominal regions of the pregnant woman. In a first embodiment of the invention, the soft resilient cushion has a cellular polymer core, a cover for enclosing the core and a pair of straps for attaching the comfort cushion to a restraint system belt. In a second embodiment, the comfort cushion is an inflatable cushion with a pair of straps for attaching the comfort cushion to a restraint system belt. In a third embodiment, the comfort cushion is an integral part of a restraint system belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Inventor: Joseph J. Berke
  • Patent number: 7311362
    Abstract: A seating system providing front support and rear support for the human torso. The front support is by an anterior support device having two pads, which pads are laterally adjustable to fit the different spreads in the iliac crests of different persons. Preferably, between the first two pads is located a third pad with adjustability to accommodate the differing abdominal protrusions occurring in different persons. The three pads are concavely shaped and receive the convex shapes of the anterior waist of a person. The anterior support pads are hinged to arc forward and rearward. The anterior support pads are released to arc by retracting a cable, which retracting is caused by the pressing of a lever. The anterior support device has an assembly for installation on a bicycle; other assemblies for other installations can be made. A posterior support device is complementarily combined with the anterior support device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Inventor: William John Gaffney
  • Patent number: 7287815
    Abstract: The incentive seating module comprises: a structural frame provided with a gaiter, a frame, disposed above said structural frame and provided with an arch, whereby the structural frame exhibits planar symmetry, means for connecting the frame to the structural frame comprising a joint enabling the frame to swivel in relation to the structural frame about an axis which is perpendicular to the symmetrical plane, and a seating element joining the frame to the gaiter, made of an elastic membrane which is used to define a rest position for the frame in relation to the structural frame and to return it towards said position when a user causes it to tilt in one direction or the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Inventors: André Leguen, Catherine Cantenot
  • Patent number: 7261381
    Abstract: A seat includes a seat portion and a backrest. A plurality of U-shaped retaining frames of different sizes are pivotably connected to the backrest and sized such that a larger retaining frame encloses a smaller retaining frame. The individual retaining frame can be pivoted away from the backrest according to the users of different sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Inventor: Chih-Yi Tsai
  • Patent number: 7237848
    Abstract: A back and internal organ supportive belt that can be installed in a chair or a seat, including the driver's seat of a vehicle or the operator's seat of a piece of equipment, to provide support to internal organs, and to the musculoskeletal system of the driver or operator. The back and internal organ supportive belt includes an inelastic support structure with upper and lower sections; belts and straps for fastening the belt to a seat, and for strapping the driver/operator into the supportive belt; vertically extendable foam lordotic support pads; an inflatable bladder for applying vertical extension and lumbar vertebrae distraction; and a pad for providing heat and/or vibration for the driver's or operator's further comfort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Inventors: Douglas Story, Joseph J. McAulliffe
  • Patent number: 7234768
    Abstract: A reversible chair is disclosed which permits the user to sit with either a conventional backrest or to rest his or her chest against the same element in a “forward chair” configuration. The rest is attached to the seat with a side-mounted support arm such that no central support must be straddled when the chair is used as a forward chair. In certain embodiments, the rest is moveable from a backrest position to a front rest position. In this way, the user may face the same direction on the seat in either configuration thereby permitting optimal contouring of the seating surface. In yet other embodiments, the attachment of the rest to the seat is adjustable in a fore and aft direction. Armrests are provided in certain embodiments which are moveable from a position which extends from the front of the back/front rest to a position which extends from the opposite side of the rest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventor: Michael Eugene Manning
  • Patent number: 7150471
    Abstract: An occupant restraint system for protecting occupants in a compartment, such as a cab of a highway tractor or other vehicle. The system includes an interior trim panel having dual uses. The trim panel may be an elongated energy-absorbing element that forms, in a first position, at least a visually integral part of an interior wall of the compartment and, in a second position, a restraint at the front of a bunk for an occupant of the bunk. The restraint system includes a cushioned restraint attached to at least two straps, each strap being also attached to the compartment. In a first position, the cushioned restraint forms a visually integral portion of an interior surface of the compartment, and in a second position, the cushioned restraint is releasably attached to an end of the bunk such that the straps extend over the bunk and an occupant of the bunk is restrained by the cushioned restraint and the straps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Volvo Trucks North America Inc.
    Inventors: Richard V. Langhoff, David M. Glorio
  • Patent number: 7090303
    Abstract: A rehabilitation training and exercise chair where the user can sit comfortably for long periods of time is provided. The chair is comprised of a base having wheels and is coupled to a shaft on one end. The shaft is coupled to a seat on its top end. The seat has an adjustable inclination so the correct ergonomics may be realized for the pelvis and lower spine. A front support bar with an adjustable length is connected to the seat and can be pivoted back or forward. The front support bar has a cushioned front support which rests against a user's abdomen. Furthermore, abductor and adductor extensions are attached to the seat, and foot extensions attached to the base for isometric exercises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Inventor: William Kropa
  • Patent number: 7086703
    Abstract: A seat and shoulder belt protective cushion configuration for use in motor vehicles and the like. The cushion has pairs of elongated cushion extension arms extending from a central body member and a removable vertically disposed cushion portion that extends to provide shoulder belt displacement preventative element above the co-planar top edge surface of the respective upper cushion arm extensions for a child. The protective cushion is positioned between the occupant and a seat belt assembly securely restraining the occupant in place in the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Inventor: Anna Jones
  • Patent number: 6991286
    Abstract: The invention involves shifting the location of the seat belt retractor in order to reduce the thickness of the seat especially in the lower regions for a mobile vehicle seat. The seat may be used for a mobile vehicle as a school bus as well as for automotive applications. The seat belt retractors are attached to a portion of the seat structure that allows the webbing to exit the retractor on the front surface of the seat back. The webbing is then allowed to cross over to the rear surface of the seat back as it rises to the turning-loop. The retractor may be located forward of the seat back pivot point on the seat frame in order to allow for the webbing to exit on the front surface of the seat back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Erik K. Nelson, Thomas R. Graham, Patrick J. Mattes
  • Patent number: 6971316
    Abstract: A restraint for retaining a person within a seat. The restraint has a lap bar and a shoulder bar which can be independently adjusted. The lap bar can be rotated either to retain a person or to permit a person to enter or exit. Also, the lap bar can be pulled farther away or pushed closer to a person. When extended completely, the lap bar will remain locked in such position until the lap bar is rotated toward the position a person will occupy. When pushed toward a person, the lap bar cannot be pushed farther away until a rod to which the lap bar is attached is released from a lock. The shoulder retainer is attached to a similar rod which is locked in this same fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Inventors: Ned R. Hansen, Quin R. Checketts, S. Rhodes Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 6953223
    Abstract: The invention involves creating a thinner structured seat capable of complying with the federal requirements. The steel back pan is rigidly mounted on three edges to the back frame seat structure. The bottom of the back pan is unformed and allowed to flex in the fore-aft direction. The back pan is then covered with foam that may be one third as thick at the bottom as to thickness at the top of the back pan. The three to one ration of the lower to upper portion for the foam is important in achieving seat thinness. When seat spacing is measured at the h-point or cushion level, the knee protection zone is thinner than conventional seats and allows for a greater number of seats to be placed into a school bus. Utilizing a flexible steel back pan combined with foam in the proper ratios to absorb energy in the knee protection zone through the upper portion achieves the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Erik K. Nelson, Thomas R. Graham, Patrick J. Mattes
  • Patent number: 6948738
    Abstract: A device for the protection of the legs of a vehicle occupant in the event of a frontal impact of the vehicle. In the leg area, cuff plates (2) are arranged on a central tube (1) in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The cuff plates carry a load distributor (3) at their free end, and absorb the impact energy of the legs of the vehicle occupants in the event of the frontal impact. Load distributor 3 transfers the impact energy present to cuff plates 2, which then roll away and thus remove energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Euromotive GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Peter Garnweidner, Manfred Mokre
  • Patent number: 6926365
    Abstract: A mechanic's body support including first and second horizontally-oriented and spaced-apart base rails and first and second spaced-apart support rails. Each of the support rails has one end connected to a respective one of the first and second base rails. Each support rail also extends upwardly from and is in vertical alignment with the base rails for supporting a mechanic as he kneels in an elevated position over the engine compartment of a motor vehicle. A chest pad and a knee pad are mounted in spaced-apart relation between the support rails for securing the support rails in a fixed, spaced-apart relation, and for supporting the chest and knees of the mechanic while in the kneeling position, thus allowing the skeletal structure of the body to support the weight, rather than the back and leg muscles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Auto Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary D. Bottoms
  • Patent number: 6893088
    Abstract: A child car seat comprises a seat body including a seat wall and a backrest wall, and a V-shaped shield structure extending from above both shoulders to a crotch of a child. The V-shaped shield structure includes a belt extending in the shape of the letter V, a belt guiding member guiding the belt and an elastic cover surrounding the belt guiding member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Aprica Kassai Kabushikikaisha
    Inventors: Kenzou Kassai, Keiji Inoue, Atsuyoshi Yoshida
  • Patent number: 6860563
    Abstract: A description is given of a device for avoiding or limiting the tilting of the head forwards and/or to the side of a passenger sitting in a seat which has a backrest, having at least one one-piece or multi-piece head-support element which comprises one or more cushion-like elements (1a, 1b; 11a, 11b). The head-tilting protection described is distinguished by the fact that the one or more cushion-like elements are designed and dimensioned such that, in the position worn as intended, they are able to completely surround the side and front sections of the neck and/or of the head of the passenger, resting on the shoulders and/or the chest region of the passenger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Angelika Semsch, Elisabeth Schneider
  • Publication number: 20040245836
    Abstract: A rehabilitation training and exercise chair where the user can sit comfortably for long periods of time is provided. The chair is comprised of a base having wheels and is coupled to a shaft on one end. The shaft is coupled to a seat on its top end. The seat has an adjustable inclination so the correct ergonomics may be realized for the pelvis and lower spine. A front support bar with an adjustable length is connected to the seat and can be pivoted back or forward. The front support bar has a cushioned front support which rests against a user's abdomen. Furthermore, abductor and adductor extensions are attached to the seat, and foot extensions attached to the base for isometric exercises.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventor: William Kropa
  • Patent number: 6811222
    Abstract: This invention discloses a chin and head support device or brace enabling the head to move at will while allowing a rest at the chin and while supporting the weight of the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Inventor: Cynthia K. Sumner
  • Patent number: 6793292
    Abstract: A seat device includes a safety bar which is connected to two lateral wing members of a seat body by insertion of two insert plugs into two mounting sockets, respectively. A lever plate is pivoted to each socket and is turnable such that an engaging end thereof engages a concavity in the corresponding plug to place the safety bar in an engaged state. Pressing an opposite actuating end of the lever plate will cause the engaging end to disengage from the concavity so as to permit removal of the plug from the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Inventor: Red Lan
  • Publication number: 20040155515
    Abstract: A method of helping to secure an infant in a child's car seat and to prevent slouching of the infant in the car seat includes the step of placing a cushion having a unitary tube shaped structure into the car seat and placing an infant into the car seat where the tube-shaped structure has an upside-down U-shape including two legs with two axial ends and a base portion where the two legs are joined together. The base portion is located at the top of the back surface of the car seat and the two axial ends of the legs are located at the free edge of the seat surface of the car seat. The cushion legs engage the side walls of the car seat. The method includes the step of placing the infant into the car seat so that the infant is surrounded by the cushion base portion and legs to reduce the surface area of the car seat for the infant to occupy in order to help to minimize slouching of the infant in the car seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Esther A.L. Verbovszky
  • Patent number: 6736455
    Abstract: A child safety car-seat having an upper and a lower safety crossbar, with each crossbar having an air bag. The air bags deploy outward from the crossbars when activated in order to avoid injury to the child in the car-seat when the air bags fill with gas. The position of the air bags and the crossbars helps prevent injury to the head, face, neck, chest, and abdomen of the child during an automobile collision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Inventors: John Zakovic, Rose A. Zakovic
  • Patent number: 6709063
    Abstract: The device provides an automobile seat belt structure and an assist apparatus thereof which can provide a comfortable drive environment by restraining nothing of a chest of an occupant by a seat belt, remove a pressure feeling of the chest for an occupant having a disease in the chest, an occupant having a hypertension, a headache or a retch and the like, and can secure safety with respect to various body types such as a physical build of the occupant, a child and a tall figure, a fatness and the like. Further, the invention provides an automobile seat belt structure and an assist apparatus thereof which can completely prevent a so-called submarine phenomenon that an occupant slides out from a lower area of a belt and strongly collides with a dash board or the like, when an accident is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Inventor: Keiji Furukawa