With Means To Move Bottom Relative To And Concurrently With Back Patents (Class 297/83)
  • Patent number: 11958614
    Abstract: The invention relates to a seat, in particular for an aircraft, including: a seat support, a seat base, a backrest hinged relative to the seat base by means of a pivot link, a leg rest hinged relative to the seat base by means of a pivot link, the seat being able to move between a sitting position and a bed position in which the backrest and the leg rest are situated in a continuation of the seat base, the seat base being mounted so as to be able to slide relative to the seat support, the seat comprising at least one connecting rod, referred to as the backrest pivot connecting rod, comprising a first end connected in rotation relative to the backrest and a second end connected in rotation relative to the seat support, the leg rest being mechanically connected to the backrest by means of a connecting rod deployment device, the seat further comprising a single actuator capable alone of moving a set of components of the seat formed at least by the seat base, the backrest, and the leg rest in order to move the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Safran Seats
    Inventors: Olivier Cazalis, Laurent Ligonniere, Julien Varnier
  • Patent number: 11912178
    Abstract: A system, mechanisms, and components for converting the interior of a vehicle into a sleeping space is disclosed. The vehicle may have front seats with modular back supports that can transform to reduce the seat height so that the back support can recline horizontally backwards and lay flat with the bottom support of the rear seat. The modular back support may have an upper section and a lower section, where the upper section may fold or retract inside the lower section. Additionally, the headrest of the front seat may also retract inside the modular back support to reduce the seat height. The mid-section of the vehicle where the center console and armrest are located may also transform to create a continuous flat surface inside the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Inventor: Morteza Vadipour
  • Patent number: 11744369
    Abstract: A wall-proximity reclining seating unit includes: a frame having a back member and a pair of arms; a backrest; a seat; a footrest; a reclining mechanism connected between the frame, backrest, seat, and footrest, the reclining mechanism configured to move the seating unit between: (a) an upright position, in which the footrest is retracted below a forward portion of the seat; (b) a TV position, in which the backrest substantially maintains its angle, the seat substantially maintains its angle, and the first footrest is disposed in front of the seat; and (c) a fully reclined position, in which the backrest is disposed at a shallower angle, the footrest remains positioned in front of the seat, and the seat is moved forward of its position in the TV position; and a linear actuator comprising an energizing unit, a rail, and a carriage connected with the reclining mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Ultra-Mek, Inc.
    Inventor: Marcus L. Murphy
  • Patent number: 9603453
    Abstract: A reclining health-care chair includes: a base configured to rest on an underlying surface; a frame including a pair of opposed arms; a seat; a backrest; a footrest; a tilting mechanism comprising a plurality of pivotally interconnected links, the tilting mechanism attached to the base and to the seat and configured to control movement of the seat relative to the base; a reclining mechanism comprising a plurality of pivotally interconnected links, the reclining mechanism attached to the backrest, footrest, seat, frame and tilting mechanism to control relative movement of the backrest, footrest, frame and seat relative to the base; and a power actuating unit attached to the seat and to the tilting mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Ultra-Mek, Inc.
    Inventors: D. Stephen Hoffman, Marcus L. Murphy
  • Patent number: 9427371
    Abstract: A traction chair is disclosed which functions as a normal chair when not in use, but which can be deployed to provide a user with traction for decompressing the spine. The traction chair employs a stationary framework that is supported on the ground. A number of articulating components are mounted on the stationary framework; the articulating components being actuated by a motive force. The articulating components when actuated together cause the seat portion of the chair to separate from the backrest portion and open up a widening gap between the seat portion and backrest portion of the chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Inventor: Izzie Lamar
  • Patent number: 9398810
    Abstract: A seating-unit mechanism includes various components that control a position of the seat and backrest and that control an extension and retraction of an ottoman and footrest. For example, the mechanism includes a linear actuator that controls a seat pitch (e.g., height and level of recline). In addition, the mechanism includes an ottoman-linkage drive mechanism, which might include a drive link or another linear actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: L & P Property Management Company
    Inventors: Bobby Donovan, Stephen Simons, Eddie Powell
  • Patent number: 9326615
    Abstract: A legrest mechanism for a furniture member may include a pantograph linkage movable between a retracted position and an extended position and a secondary linkage connected the pantograph linkage and supporting a legrest platform. The secondary linkage is rotatable relative to the pantograph linkage in response to movement of the pantograph linkage between the extended and retracted positions. The pantograph linkage may include support links, a swing link and a cross link. The swing link may be rotatably coupled to the support links. In the extended position, the secondary linkage provides additional extension for the legrest mechanism to increase a height of the legrest platform relative to a ground surface and to increase a distance between the legrest platform and a frame of the furniture member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
    Inventor: Larry P. LaPointe
  • Patent number: 9113713
    Abstract: A chair includes a base having a guiding rod. A connecting frame is mounted to a backrest and is pivotably connected to the base. A seat includes a rear end pivotably connected to the connecting frame. An operative frame includes a rear end pivotably connected to the connecting frame. A sliding sleeve is mounted on a front end of the operative frame and is mounted around the guiding rod. At least one supporting plate includes a first end pivotably connected to the front end of the operative frame and a second end pivotably connected to a front end of the seat. When the backrest is moved backward, the connecting frame is actuated to move the operative frame and the seat forward, and the at least one supporting plate is moved to an extended position to move the front end of the seat upward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Inventor: Chang-Chen Lin
  • Publication number: 20140333099
    Abstract: The invention discloses a linkage mechanism and a reclining chair having the same. The linkage mechanism has a forward mounting pivot for attaching the actuator to the footrest linkage and a rearward mounting unit for attaching the actuator to the lever link. The lever link is pivotally connected to the base mounting plate at the fulcrum pivot point. The fulcrum pivot attachment point is operably non-movable when the linkage mechanism is driven from one position to another position of the reclining chair, thereby, improving the operation stability of the reclining chair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: HHC CHANGZHOU INC
    Inventors: Guo-Qiu Lu, Hai-Gang Sheng
  • Publication number: 20140300145
    Abstract: A vehicle seat that includes a linkage assembly interconnecting a seat pan assembly, seat back assembly and leg rest assembly whereby, as the seat carriage assembly is moved aft the seat pan assembly and the seat back assembly simultaneously adjust to maintain a predetermined seating position during an initial recline motion with the leg rest assembly remaining in a retracted position below the seat pan assembly. The leg rest assembly progressively elevates into a leg-supporting position during a subsequent recline motion as the back rest assembly and seat pan assembly progressively recline towards a lie-flat configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Beroth, Dan Udriste, Javier Valdes De La Garza
  • Publication number: 20140291950
    Abstract: A medical chair includes a seat supported by a base and actuators adapted to both tilt and lift the seat with respect to the base. A controller controls the actuators to both lift and tilt the seat as the seat moves from the sitting position to the standing position. The movement from the sitting position to the standing position assists in the egress of an occupant from the chair, while the movement from the standing position to the sitting position assists in the ingress of an occupant to the chair. A backrest on the chair remains substantially vertically oriented during movement between the sitting and standing position so as to provide more comfort to the occupant during the sit-to-stand or stand-to-sit movement. The backrest also moves in a manner that generally keeps the occupant's torso vertically aligned with his or her hips during this movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher S. Hough, John P. Zerbel, Richard A. Derenne, Matthew A. Cutler
  • Patent number: 8714638
    Abstract: A reclining seating unit includes: a base that rests on an underlying surface; a seat; a backrest; an ottoman; and a reclining mechanism comprising a plurality of pivotally interconnected links and attached to the base, seat, backrest and ottoman. The reclining mechanism moves the seat, backrest and ottoman relative to the base between (a) an upright position, wherein the backrest is generally upright, the seat is generally horizontal, and the ottoman is positioned beneath the seat and faces generally downwardly, (b) a TV position, wherein the backrest is generally upright and the ottoman is generally horizontally disposed in front of the seat, and (c) a fully reclined position, wherein the ottoman remains generally horizontally disposed in front of the seat and the backrest takes a shallower angle relative to the seat than in the upright and TV positions. The ottoman is between about 8 and 12 inches in length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Ultra-Mek, Inc.
    Inventors: D. Stephen Hoffman, Marcus L. Murphy
  • Patent number: 8696054
    Abstract: Provided is a linkage mechanism for a recliner that includes a seat rail, an arm mounting plate that is vertically supported by one or more legs, a footrest assembly adapted to extend ottoman(s) when the recliner is adjusted from a closed to an extended position, and a roller link that translates forward when the recliner is adjusted from the extended position to a reclined position. The arm mounting plate includes a forward guide slot and a rearward guide slot having respective tracks installed thereto. The roller link includes a forward roller and a rearward roller that are rotatably coupled thereto. Further, the forward and rearward rollers are moveably engaged to the tracks of the forward and rearward guide slots, respectively, facilitating the forward translation of the roller link. A pair of substantially parallel-spaced TV links act in cooperation to pivotably couple the roller link to the arm mounting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: L & P Property Management Company
    Inventor: Michael Crum
  • Patent number: 8622467
    Abstract: A reclining seating unit includes: a base; a seat; a backrest; a reclining mechanism attached to the base, seat and backrest, the reclining mechanism configured to move the seating unit between an upright position and a fully reclined position; a headrest that is positioned in front of an upper portion of the backrest; and a headrest mechanism attached to the headrest and to the reclining mechanism. The headrest mechanism is configured to move the headrest from a retracted position when the seating unit is in its upright position to an extended position when the seating unit is in its fully reclined position. In the retracted position the headrest is generally parallel with the backrest and in the extended position the headrest defines an angle with the backrest in which the front surface of headrest is rotated to partially face the front surface of the backrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Ultra-Mek, Inc.
    Inventors: Marcus L. Murphy, D. Stephen Hoffman
  • Patent number: 8616627
    Abstract: A gliding-reclining seating unit includes: a base configured to rest on an underlying surface; an arm frame; a gliding mechanism attached to the base and to the arm frame, the gliding mechanism configured to enable the arm frame to reciprocate in a longitudinal direction relative to the base; a generally horizontally-disposed seat; a generally upright backrest positioned rearwardly of the seat; a footrest unit; and a reclining mechanism that interconnects and controls movement of the seat and the backrest relative to the frame between an upright position and a reclined position. In the upright position, the backrest is generally upright and positioned above the frame, and the seat has a first rearward position relative to the frame. In the reclined position, the backrest is reclined relative to the underlying surface as compared to its disposition in the upright position and the seat has a second forward position relative to the frame that is forward of the first rearward position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Ultra-Mek, Inc.
    Inventors: Marcus L. Murphy, D. Stephen Hoffman
  • Patent number: 8616626
    Abstract: Provided is a linkage mechanism for a recliner that includes a seat-mounting plate, a base plate vertically supported by high-legs, a footrest assembly adapted to extend ottoman(s) forward when the recliner is adjusted from a closed to an extended position, and a seat-adjustment assembly. The seat-adjustment assembly includes an ottoman drive link that has a front end pivotably coupled to the footrest assembly and a rear end pivotably coupled to a mid section of a connecting link. The connecting link further includes a front end rotatably coupled to a forward portion of the base plate and a rear end rotatably coupled to a lower end of a rear pivot link. The rear pivot link further includes an upper end that is pivotably coupled to a rearward portion of the seat-mounting plate. The combined operation of three links above locates the seat-adjustment assembly above the base plate's lower edge during adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: L & P Property Management Company
    Inventor: Glenn N. Wiecek
  • Publication number: 20130313867
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat cushion movable in a front-rear direction, an ottoman provided at a front portion of the seat cushion such that the ottoman can be stored and unfolded to function as a footrest, and a transmitting mechanism which moves the ottoman from a stored position to an unfolded position in association with change of a position of the seat cushion in the front-rear direction from a rear side position which is a normal use position to a front side position which is a comfortable position, and which moves the ottoman from the unfolded position to the stored position in association with return of the position of the seat cushion in the front-rear direction from the comfortable position to the normal use position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Satoru KUNO
  • Publication number: 20130257110
    Abstract: An item of seating furniture including a base, a seat unit with a seat surface, and a leg unit moveable in relation to the seat unit and having a leg support surface. The leg unit is displaceable via a movement mechanism between a storage position wherein the leg support surface is arranged under the seat unit and a use position wherein the leg support surface is arranged in front of the seat unit. The movement mechanism has an intermediate support displaceable via a pivoting guide, wherein the pivoting guide has a pivot lever between the intermediate support and the seat unit or the base, and the movement mechanism has a guide with a sliding member. The sliding member is guided on the intermediate support, and the leg unit is attached to the sliding member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventor: Matthias FISCHER
  • Publication number: 20130257111
    Abstract: A linkage that provides a fully flat reclined position is described. The linkage includes a full-flat lift link pivotally coupled to a seat support link. A backrest support link couples to the lift link through an oblong aperture to provide additional range of motion. The lift link includes a laterally extending flange, the perimeter of which acts as a cam surface for a cam pin that obstructs reclining of the backrest support link when the rocker-recliner is in an upright position. When fully reclined, the linkage configures a footrest, seat portion, and backrest portion in a generally equal plane to provide a fully flat seating surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventor: GLENN N. WIECEK
  • Publication number: 20130038095
    Abstract: A seating unit that includes a linkage mechanism adapted to move the seating unit between seat-lift, closed, extended, reclined, and seat-lift positions is provided. The linkage mechanism includes a seat-mounting plate mounted to a footrest assembly, a base plate fixedly mounted to a lift assembly, a back-mounting link rotatably coupled to the seat-mounting plate, a seat-adjustment assembly with a bellcrank, and a linear actuator for automating adjustment of the linkage mechanism. In operation, a stroke in a first phase of the linear actuator generates a force on the bellcrank that translates the seat-mounting plate rearward in a consistent angle of inclination and rotates the back-mounting link from a reclined to an upright orientation. A stroke in a second phase acts to collapse the footrest assembly. A stroke in a third phase causes the lift assembly to raise and tilt the seating unit, thereby accommodating egress and ingress of an occupant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: L & P PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY
    Inventors: Gregory M. LAWSON, Jason ALLAN BRYANT
  • Patent number: 8360516
    Abstract: A passenger seat includes a rigid frame, a seat pan supported by the frame and movable relative to the frame, a leg rest pivotally attached to a forward end of the seat pan, a seat back pivotally attached to a rearward end of the seat pan, and a single actuator linked to the leg rest such that extension of the actuator causes the leg rest to pivot forward, the seat pan to move forward, and the seat back to recline. A method of adjusting the passenger seat includes activating the actuator such that extension of the actuator causes the leg rest to pivot forward, the seat pan to move forward, and the seat back to recline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Brian Dowty, Tracy N. Pence
  • Publication number: 20120235449
    Abstract: Provided is a linkage mechanism for a recliner that includes a seat-mounting plate, a base plate vertically supported by high-legs, a footrest assembly adapted to extend ottoman(s) forward when the recliner is adjusted from a closed to an extended position, and a seat-adjustment assembly. The seat-adjustment assembly includes an ottoman drive link that has a front end pivotably coupled to the footrest assembly and a rear end pivotably coupled to a mid section of a connecting link. The connecting link further includes a front end rotatably coupled to a forward portion of the base plate and a rear end rotatably coupled to a lower end of a rear pivot link. The rear pivot link further includes an upper end that is pivotably coupled to a rearward portion of the seat-mounting plate. The combined operation of three links above locates the seat-adjustment assembly above the base plate's lower edge during adjustment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: L & P PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY
    Inventor: Glenn N. Wiecek
  • Patent number: 8262163
    Abstract: An upholstered recliner chair includes a base, a seat unit disposed on the base, a backrest frame pivotably mounted on the base and hingedly mounted to the seat unit to be displaceable between upright and tilted positions, a sidewise fixed lever extending radially from the backrest frame to be movable with the backrest frame, a backrest padding disposed to be slidable relative to the backrest frame in a lengthwise direction, and a pulling unit coupled to the backrest padding, the backrest frame, the sidewise fixed lever, and the seat unit such that the backrest padding is moved with the sidewise fixed lever during displacement of the backrest frame between the upright and tilted position to thereby vary a distance between the backrest padding and the seat unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Inventor: Chieh-Ming Wu
  • Patent number: 8201876
    Abstract: A passenger seat includes a rigid frame, a seat pan supported by the frame and movable relative to the frame, a leg rest pivotally attached to a forward end of the seat pan, a seat back pivotally attached to a rearward end of the seat pan, and a single actuator linked to the leg rest such that extension of the actuator causes the leg rest to pivot forward, the seat pan to move forward, and the seat back to recline. A method of adjusting the passenger seat includes activating the actuator such that extension of the actuator causes the leg rest to pivot forward, the seat pan to move forward, and the seat back to recline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: BE Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Brian Dowty, Tracy N. Pence
  • Patent number: 8113573
    Abstract: A seat articulation mechanism including a seat pan member that travels along a pathway defined in a seat articulation linkage as the entire mechanism translates between an upright and sleeping configuration through a lounge configuration. The mechanism further includes main and secondary translation linkages, one of which is driven by a single actuator to drive the mechanism between the upright and sleeping configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: BE Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventor: Bobby Wayne Lawson
  • Publication number: 20110248530
    Abstract: Seating furniture, in particular an armchair or sofa, includes a base frame, a backrest, a seat and a foot part. The backrest and the foot part are coupled below the seat by a coupling linkage. The seat is held on the base frame so as to be pivotable from a sitting position into a standing up assistance position. The coupling linkage transmits a pivoting movement of the backrest relative to the seat onto the foot part and vice versa. A stop abuts on the foot part, the coupling linkage and/or the backrest in a rear position of the foot part. The stop, together with the coupling linkage, converts a pivoting of the seat relative to the base frame from the sitting position into a standing up assistance position into a pivoting of the backrest relative to the seat while increasing the opening angle between the backrest and seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: FERDINAND LUSCH GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Erich Sartisohn
  • Publication number: 20110175404
    Abstract: A rocker-recliner-style seating unit (rocker recliner) that includes a linkage mechanism adapted to move the rocker recliner between closed, extended, and reclined positions is provided. The rocker recliner is powered by a linear actuator that facilitates automated adjustment of the linkage mechanism. This adjustment of the linear actuator is sequenced into a first phase and a second phase. A stroke of the linear actuator in the first phase acts to adjust the linkage mechanism between the closed and extended positions by extending or retracting ottoman(s) attached to a footrest assembly. A stroke in the second phase acts to adjust the linkage mechanism between the extended and reclined positions by translating a seat-mounting plate forward or rearward at a consistent inclination angle while, concurrently, tilting a back-mounting link. Accordingly, the phase sequencing ensures that the linkage mechanism commences adjustment within the second phase only once the first-phase adjustment is substantially complete.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: L & P PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY
    Inventor: Gregory M. Lawson
  • Publication number: 20100264702
    Abstract: A reclining seating unit includes: a frame configured to rest on an underlying surface; a generally horizontally-disposed seat; a generally upright backrest positioned rearwardly of the seat; a footrest unit; and a reclining mechanism that interconnects and controls the relative movement of the frame, the seat and the backrest between an upright position and a reclined position. In the upright position, the backrest is generally upright and positioned above the frame, and the seat has a first rearward position relative to the frame. In the reclined position, the backrest is reclined relative to the underlying surface as compared to its disposition in the upright position and the seat has a second forward position relative to the frame that is forward of the first rearward position. The footrest unit comprises at least one footrest and a footrest mechanism that interconnects the footrest with the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventors: D. Stephen Hoffman, Marcus L. Murphy
  • Patent number: 7594694
    Abstract: This invention is related to a sleep over recliner chair having a footrest mechanism and a recliner mechanism that operate independently of one another. The sleep over recliner chair includes a footrest, a seat, back, and a pair of spaced apart armrests. Further, the sleep over recliner chair includes a base, a reverse tilt mechanism coupled with the base, and a linkage mechanism coupled with the reverse tilt mechanism. The linkage mechanism includes a recliner mechanism and a footrest mechanism. The footrest mechanism is adapted to move between a first, closed position and a second, open position. The recliner mechanism is adapted to move between a first, upright position and a second, fully reclined position. Further, the footrest and recliner mechanisms operate independently of one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: L & P Property Management Company
    Inventor: Glenn N. Wiecek
  • Patent number: 7552970
    Abstract: A furniture mechanism includes first and second side plates. First and second support members are rotatably pinned to the side plates. First and second pantograph linkage sets are each linked to one of the side plates and each extend from a stowed position to a fully extended position and support a user leg rest. A base frame includes first and second side channels. A U-shaped leaf spring interconnected to the first and second side channels and connected to the support members permits co-rotation of at least the connection plates, the pantograph linkage sets, and the support members with respect to the base frame. First and second tilt cams are rotatably fastened to the support members. The tilt cams each include multiple cam faces which define a plurality of temporary detent positions of the mechanism by contact of individual cam faces with the side channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
    Inventor: Larry P. LaPointe
  • Patent number: 7445278
    Abstract: This invention is related to a sleep over recliner chair having a footrest mechanism and a recliner mechanism that operate independently of one another. The sleep over recliner chair includes a footrest, a seat, back, and a pair of spaced apart armrests. Further, the sleep over recliner chair includes a base, a reverse tilt mechanism coupled with the base, and a linkage mechanism coupled with the reverse tilt mechanism. The linkage mechanism includes a recliner mechanism and a footrest mechanism. The footrest mechanism is adapted to move between a first, closed position and a second, open position. The recliner mechanism is adapted to move between a first, upright position and a second, fully reclined position. Further, the footrest and recliner mechanisms operate independently of one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: L & P Property Management Company
    Inventor: Glenn N. Wiecek
  • Publication number: 20080231090
    Abstract: A driving position adjusting device comprises a seat-position adjusting mechanism to adjust height and seat-face angle of a seat cushion in accordance with longitudinal movement of a driver's seat, and a floor adjusting mechanism to adjust a height of a floor board in accordance with the operation of the longitudinal adjustment of the driver's seat, wherein the seat-position adjusting mechanism is configured so that an inclination angle of the seat cushion becomes smaller as the driver's seat is moved forward from a middle position, and the floor adjusting mechanism is configured so that the height of the floor board becomes higher as the driver's seat is moved forward from the middle position. Accordingly, the sitting position of the driver and the operational function of the operational pedal can be provided properly regardless of the body size of the driver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yusaku TAKEDA, Tomonori OHTSUBO, Hiroki UEMURA, Naoki YAMADA
  • Publication number: 20080231089
    Abstract: A furniture member frame includes a plurality of commercial grade plywood frame members connected to create a frame sub-assembly. A plurality of interlocking joints are defined by male extending members of first ones of the frame members and receiving apertures of second ones of the frame members. The interlocking joints operate when the male extending members of selected ones of the first ones of the frame members are received in the receiving apertures of the second frame members to temporarily connect the frame members. An adhesive applied to at least the interlocking joints fixedly connects the frame members of the first frame sub-assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventors: Larry P. LaPointe, Mark D. McClung
  • Publication number: 20080129006
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mobile vehicle or wheelchair having the ability to provide stabilized transport to at least one individual on a variety of surfaces, slopes and/or terrains. The mobile unit or wheelchair of the invention may travel across smooth and very rough surfaces, slopes of varying or different angles and various outdoor terrains (including grassy, rocky, sandy, muddy and/or hilly terrains). In one aspect of the invention, the height of any part of the unit or the overall height of the device may be adjusted preferably to raise or lower the center of gravity. For example, the height of the device may be lowered to provide more stable transportation. In another aspect, the device may be adjusted to increase or decrease the size of the footprint (or any part of the footprint) of the device. For example, the footprint of the device may be enlarged to provide more stable transportation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: Charles E. JOHNSON, Phillip N. BROWN
  • Patent number: 7357450
    Abstract: A reclining seating unit includes: a base; a generally horizontally disposed seat positioned above the base; a generally upright backrest positioned above a rear portion of the seat; an ottoman; and a reclining mechanism attached to the base, seat, backrest and ottoman. The reclining mechanism comprises a series of pivotally interconnected links and is configured to move the chair between an upright position, in which the ottoman is positioned below the seat and the backrest and seat form a first angle, a TV position, in which the ottoman is generally horizontally disposed in front of the seat, the seat and backrest move forwardly relative to the base, and the backrest and seat substantially maintain the first angle, and a fully reclined position, in which the seat and backrest form a second angle that is greater than the first angle, and the seat moves further forwardly relative to the base. In the closed position, the links of the mechanism extend downwardly from the seat less than about 7 inches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: M & M Frame Co., Inc.
    Inventor: W. Clark Rogers
  • Patent number: 7261367
    Abstract: A three position reclining chair having a front panel, arms, a seat cushion and a seat back, has a positioning linkage with interconnected seat support, leg support and seat back linkage groups. The seat support linkage group supports the chair seat for forward movement from the first, closed and erect position, so that initial forward movement of the seat actuates the leg support linkage for extending and rotating leg support members, to provide a second, TV position, and continued forward movement actuates the seat back positioning linkage, to rotate and incline the seat back without rearward movement of any portion thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Inventors: Robert Barron Duncan, Javier Enriquez, Enrico Panceri, Douglas L. Gasal, W. Clark Rogers
  • Patent number: 7195583
    Abstract: Seating that provides comfort, facilitates healthful upright posture, has capability for exercise, and facilitates a healthful upright position, comprises a seat having left and right portions for supporting a user's left and right thighs, respectively. A seat support supports the seat. The seat support includes a pivot axis about which the seat left and right portions can pivot downwardly and upwardly relative to the seat support. A foot plate assembly comprises right and left foot support members positioned forwardly and below the seat to allow a user to exercise while seated. A connection structure links the foot plates to the seat so that the seat sections and the foot members have corresponding movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Inventor: Roger K. Leib
  • Patent number: 7025415
    Abstract: A multifunctional chair comprises a base adapted to rest on the ground; a support frame including a seat part and a backrest part pivotally attached to the seat part; a leg frame supporting the support frame and including a rear leg having a first end pivotally connected to the backrest part and a second end pivotally connected to the base; and a power-operated telescopic device including a telescopic member pivotally connected to the seat part and being operable to maintain the seat part at a level lower than said backrest in a normal position providing a chair function, or to move the seat part to a first raised position in which the seat part together with the backrest part are placed in a substantially horizontal position, or to a second raised position in which the seat part together with the backrest part are inclined at substantially the same inclining angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Inventor: Chieh-Ming Wu
  • Patent number: 6988769
    Abstract: A spring assembly for an article of furniture having a seat assembly supported from a chair frame and an actuation mechanism for enabling a leg rest assembly to move between a stowed position and an extended position. The mechanism includes a support shaft, a drive rod spaced apart from the support shaft, and a toggle link coupled to the drive shaft. The spring assembly includes a spring with a first and a second end and adapted to attach to the toggle link at the first end. The spring also includes a member at the second end adapted to slidably engage the support shaft, whereby the spring aligns itself at a position on the support shaft where the length of the spring is at a minimum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
    Inventor: Larry P. LaPointe
  • Patent number: 6974186
    Abstract: A chair includes a seat rotatably attached to a base with a pivot axle and coupled to the base with an actuator, to adjust the seat relative to the base. A seat back is rotatably attached to the seat and coupled to the seat with another actuator, to adjust the seat back relative to the seat. A foot support is rotatably attached to the seat and coupled to the seat with a further actuator, to adjust the foot support relative to the seat. The seat is adjustable relative to the base, the seat back is adjustable relative to the seat, and the foot support is adjustable relative to the seat with different actuators. The foot support may include a foot pedal slidably coupled to a plate with another actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Inventor: Horng Jiun Chang
  • Patent number: 6929320
    Abstract: A seat (1) for a vehicle such as an aircraft, comprises a back rest structure (3) and a squab structure (2) mounted so as to pivot with respect to the back rest structure (3), a structure (5) supporting the squab structure (2) and the back rest structure (3), the back rest structure (3) being connected to the support structure (5) by a pivot connection (10), and a leg rest (4) connected by a pivot connection (6) to the front end of the squab structure (2), characterised in that it comprises mechanical synchronisation mechanism (15) able to synchronise the movements of the back rest structure (3) and of the leg rest (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Societe Industrielle et Commerciale de Materiel Aeronautique
    Inventor: Ligonniere Laurent
  • Patent number: 6916069
    Abstract: A seat, in particular a vehicle seat, preferably an aircraft passenger seat, has seating components such as a sitting part (20), a back rest (22), and a leg rest (24). The positions of these components, particularly their inclination relative to each other, is adjustable by at least one operating device (32), and by a control device (40) with at least one control component, preferably manually actuatable. The control device (40) is provided with at least one function element (48, 50) which makes certain that the control device and/or control component cannot be activated unintentionally. In addition to the control device, such as one in the form of an operating component or operating key, another structural component (function element) is present as a switching component. Operation of the function element in the form of a connection process is necessary to cause activation of the control device for initiation of an operating process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Recaro Aircraft Seating GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Jurgen Bauer, Heribert Lischka
  • Patent number: 6902233
    Abstract: A reclining chair includes a base frame, a pivot link having a lower pivot end connected pivotally to the base frame, a back frame, and a carriage. A linkage mechanism couples pivotally a lower end of the back frame to a rear end of the carriage and to an upper pivot end of the pivot link, thereby permitting movement of the back frame from an upright position to a tilted position relative to the carriage in response to pressure applied on the back frame, and thereby permitting movement of the carriage between front and rear carriage positions relative to the base frame. A leg rest assembly is connected pivotally to the front end of the carriage and the base frame, and is driven by the carriage to an extended position during movement of the carriage to the rear carriage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Taiwan Shin Yeh Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chuen-Jong Tseng
  • Patent number: 6899393
    Abstract: A recliner in one embodiment has a support assembly capable of oscillatory motion, and the support assembly includes a chair support, a seat portion, coupled to the chair support, a back rest portion, and a foot rest portion. The oscillatory mechanism includes an arrangement providing to the subject a sensation similar to that of being swung from an overhead pivot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Motion Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas A. Garland
  • Publication number: 20030189360
    Abstract: A seat (1) for a vehicle such as an aircraft, comprising a back rest structure (3) and a squab structure (2) mounted so as to pivot with respect to the back rest structure (3), a structure (5) supporting the squab structure (2) and the back rest structure (3), the back rest structure (3) being connected to the support structure (5) by a pivot connection (10), and a leg rest (4) connected by a pivot connection (6) to the front end of the squab structure (2), characterised in that it comprises mechanical synchronisation means (15) able to synchronise the movements of the back rest structure (3) and of the leg rest (4), the said mechanical synchronisation means (15) being connected:
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Applicant: Societe Industrielle et Commerciale de Materiel Aeronautique
    Inventor: Ligonniere Laurent
  • Patent number: 6604791
    Abstract: A reclining leisure chair includes a base frame, a seat frame, a backrest frame, a hassock frame, a driving device, and a link rod. The driving device enables the seat frame and the backrest frame to be adjusted for reclining at the same time. The link rod is pivotally fastened at one end to the backrest frame, and at the other end with a pivoting portion of the seat frame. In conjunction with a control rod of the seat frame, the link rod enables the backrest frame to be adjusted for reclining independently. The hassock frame is pivoted with the link rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Hsin Hao Health Materials Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuan-Chuen Chen
  • Patent number: 6557942
    Abstract: A combination lounger is constructed to include a rotary base with an reclining mechanism, a hassock detachably fastened to angle plates at front links of the reclining mechanism of the rotary base by tie screws, two armrest and side panel units detachably fastened to supporting lugs at two sides of the reclining mechanism of the rotary base, a seat detachably connected between the armrest and side panel units by tie screws, and a padded backrest detachably secured to inclining bars of the reclining mechanism of the rotary base by a hooked joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: First & Best Furniture Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Lube Shieh
  • Patent number: 6481797
    Abstract: An armchair (10) comprises a support frame (11, 12) to which a base seat (14) and a back (16) are fastened, which elements are movable between a first and a second position through power-driven movement means (21). The base seat (14) is pivotally mounted, at the front, to the support frame according to a first transverse axis (15). The back (16) is pivotally mounted to the base seat, at the rear thereof, according to a second transverse axis (17) for rotation of the back itself. The back (16) has extensions (18) extending downwardly past said second axis (17) and having ends constrained to slide longitudinally of the armchair. In this manner, on rotation of the back about said second axis (17), the base seat rotates in the same way about said first axis (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Inventors: Clara Ambrosio, Carlo Bossoni, Marco Parrini
  • Publication number: 20020105212
    Abstract: The method of managing the kinematics of a seat (10) includes at least three seat elements (16, 18, 22) able to move with respect to each other and at least two actuators (26, 27) for moving the three elements (16, 18, 22) with respect to each other. When a first actuator (27) is actuated in at least one direction, it includes a step of actuating a second actuator (26) first of all in a given direction and then in the opposite direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventor: Laurent Nivet
  • Patent number: 6409262
    Abstract: A reclining chair is provided which includes a base and a support linkage assembly pivotally supported from the base. A longitudinal link is operably interconnected to the support linkage assembly. A recline linkage assembly is operably coupled to the longitudinal link and to the base for controlling movement of the longitudinal link from an upright position to at least one reclined position. An adjustable tensioning mechanism is operably coupled between the base and the support linkage to bias the chair towards a reclined position. The reclining chair further includes a leg rest assembly supported from the longitudinal link and operably coupled to the drive shaft for movement from a retracted position to an extended position in response to rotation of the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
    Inventor: Larry P. LaPointe