Back Movement Tilts Bottom Oppositely Patents (Class 297/95)
  • Patent number: 11396252
    Abstract: An improved head restraint is provided for a reversible seat that is movable between two use positions, namely a forward-facing position and a rearward-facing position. The improved head restraint automatically pivots to a fold flat position upon unlocking of the seat, wherein the head restraint is positioned in this fold flat position during reversing seat movement, so as to reduce the seat height and clear the vehicle headliner. The head restraint is cable driven and operably connected to the seat linkages that control movement of the seat cushion and seat back during reversing movement. As such, the seat movement articulates the head restraint so that the head restraint angles forwardly toward the occupant in the forward-facing position and rearwardly toward the occupant in the rearward-facing position, while permitting the head restraint to automatically articulate to the fold flat position during travel of the seat between these two use positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: Magna Seating Inc
    Inventors: Michael D Nacy, Cheikh Dioum, Louis Vetere, II, Detjon Marini, Kai Zhao
  • Patent number: 11286022
    Abstract: A configurable seating system for a marine vehicle includes a pivot arm and a base support coupled to the pivot arm. A first position of the pivot arm and the base support faces forwardly, a second position of the pivot arm and the base support faces backwardly, and movement of the pivot arm causes the base support to slide between the first position and the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel S. Freer, Kristin M. McGinnis, J. Andrew Campbell
  • Patent number: 11059396
    Abstract: A reversible seat assembly for use in an automotive vehicle has a seat cushion, a seat back and a linkage. The linkage operatively couples the seat back with the seat cushion. The linkage moves the seat back between one of a forward-facing position and a rearward-facing position. The linkage lowers the seat cushion when the seat back is moved towards a central position between the forward-facing position and the rearward-facing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Magna Seating Inc
    Inventor: Kai Zhao
  • Patent number: 8740297
    Abstract: A reversible seat comprising a backrest, a seat bottom, two guide bars, and two corresponding backrest support assemblies. The guide bars are attached to and disposed on either side of said seat bottom and are disposed on the outside of a base assembly of the seat bottom. The backrest is attached to and disposed between the backrest support assemblies. The backrest support assemblies include a plurality of spindles and a spindle carrier. The spindles of each assembly are in rotational communication with their respective guide bar, providing a sliding engagement. The backrest is pivotably engaged with the backrest assemblies so that it can be adjusted depending on the seating position. The backrest assemblies translate longitudinally across guide bars to provide a plurality of seating positions. The backrest assemblies may also include locking members that engage the base assembly of the seat bottom for securing the backrest in place during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Whaler, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Dean Foss, Aaron King Reimann Dale, Spencer Dewitt Traynom, Richard Jay Garelick
  • Patent number: 7954902
    Abstract: In order to allow use of the seat belt in both positions of use of a reversible seat, an articulated end fitting is proposed for connecting a seat belt to the reversible seat, with a connecting part (51) and a projecting elongate lug (53) connected thereto for suspending a seat belt, the elongate lug (53) being pivotable relative to the connecting part (51) about three different axes (A, B, C).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Intier Automotive Seating Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Haas, Ralf Hoge, Armin Amend, Wolfgang Kroner
  • Patent number: 7644982
    Abstract: A reversible seat assembly includes a pair of spaced apart risers. A seat cushion is operatively coupled to the risers for movement between a first inclined position wherein a front end is farther from the floor than a rear end and a second inclined position wherein the rear end is farther from the floor than the front end. A seat back is operatively coupled to the risers for movement between first and second upright positions adjacent the rear and front ends of the seat cushion, respectively. A seat cushion control mechanism includes a pair of forward and rearward linkages operatively coupled between the front and rear ends of the seat cushion and the risers for automatically controlling the seat cushion between the first and second inclined positions in response to movement of the seat back between the first and second upright positions thereby defining forward and rearward-facing seating positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Intier Automotive Inc.
    Inventor: Zbigniew A. Paluch
  • Patent number: 7484795
    Abstract: A seat for a vehicle includes a sitting portion, a movable back; and a first guide mechanism configured to move the back from a first edge of the sitting portion to an opposite second edge of the sitting portion. The back is assembled on the sitting portion by a movable element including a base configured to move between the first edge of the sitting portion and the opposite second edge, and a support assembled pivoting on the movable base. The movable base is in a form of a stirrup, a base of the stirrup extending from a first lateral edge to a second latent edge of the sitting portion. Each branch of the stirrup extends substantially parallel to the first lateral edge and is curved at a free end under the sitting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Airbus
    Inventors: Bruno Saint-Jalmes, Jazon Zaneboni, Andre Rezag
  • Publication number: 20080290700
    Abstract: A reversible seat assembly includes a pair of spaced apart risers. A seat cushion is operatively coupled to the risers for movement between a first inclined position wherein a front end is farther from the floor than a rear end and a second inclined position wherein the rear end is farther from the floor than the front end. A seat back is operatively coupled to the risers for movement between first and second upright positions adjacent the rear and front ends of the seat cushion, respectively. A seat cushion control mechanism includes a pair of forward and rearward linkages operatively coupled between the front and rear ends of the seat cushion and the risers for automatically controlling the seat cushion between the first and second inclined positions in response to movement of the seat back between the first and second upright positions thereby defining forward and rearward-facing seating positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventor: Zbigniew A. Paluch
  • Patent number: 7281761
    Abstract: A unique and versatile seating system for automobiles is provided. The seating system includes aspects to improve the functionality of the seating arrangement while maintaining the safety and comfort of the automotive seats. In certain embodiments, the seating system includes a reversible automotive seat that includes a seat cushion and a backrest. The backrest is movable between a forward seating position and a rearward seating position and includes an integrated restraint system which is operable to secure an occupant seated when the backrest is in either the forward or rearward seating positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Philip Brown, Warren Nally, Thomas Green
  • Patent number: 7188883
    Abstract: A multi-positional collapsible seat assembly for a motor vehicle is disclosed. The seat assembly includes a seat bottom having a load surface provided on an underside thereof and a seat back having a load surface provided on the back side thereof. As the seat assembly is collapsed, the seat bottom is pivoted forward and the seat back is pivoted adjacent to the seat bottom such that the load surfaces collectively provide a load floor for receipt of cargo. An armrest assembly is disclosed that facilitates both passenger and cargo transport. A method is also disclosed for collapsing the seat assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Sino J. Van Dyk, Jon Nichols, Thomas Fritz
  • Patent number: 6991285
    Abstract: A reversible seat system for a vehicle is provided. A seatback includes at least one post-like element extending below a lower side of the seatback. At least one receiving slot is located on each of the anterior and posterior sides of the seat cushion. The receiving slots are configured to receive the post-like element. The seatback is removable and replaceable between a first position and a second position, where the first position is forward-facing and the second position is rearward-facing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Inventor: Michael S. Hemenway
  • Patent number: 6719366
    Abstract: A passenger seat having a walk-over seat back mounted for movement on a pair of rotatable shafts through a pair of of levers mounted on each end of the shafts. The levers contact each other at opposite seat positions to support the seat back. The pair of shafts include a torsion section at each end portion capable of undergoing plastic deformation upon a lock mechanism detecting predetermined deceleration forces. A lever and link element are operatively connected between the seat cushion frame to permit movement. The seat cushion is removable secured to the seat cushion frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventor: Jon Lane
  • Patent number: 6715825
    Abstract: A multi-positionable and reversible seat assembly (10) for use in an automotive vehicle includes a seat cushion (12) and a seat back operatively connected to the seat cushion. The seat cushion (12) and seat back (14) are supported above the floor of the vehicle by a pair of seat risers. The seat cushion (12) includes a front portion and an opposite rear portion and the seat back (14) includes an upper portion and a lower portion positioned adjacent the seat cushion. The seat assembly (10) is positionable between a plurality of upright and flat bed positions. The seat assembly (10) includes a pair of links for positioning the seat assembly (10) between a forward facing or rearward facing and upright seating position. The links also position the seat in a first or second flat, bed, position with the seat back extending horizontally from either the front portion or the rear portion of the seat cushion (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Magna Seating Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Omar D. Tame
  • Patent number: 6494531
    Abstract: A vehicle seat allowing an occupant to face in a first direction or a second direction comprising a seat frame and a seat base having a first seat back and a recess portion. Further, the vehicle seat provides a means for pivotally connecting the first seat back to the seat base and provides for the first seat back to be removably positioned within the recess. A back support assembly having a second seat back is operatively associated with said seat base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventor: Hoon Y. Kim
  • Patent number: 6488333
    Abstract: A vehicle seat allowing an occupant to either face in a first direction or a second opposed direction is provided. The seat comprises a base that allows for the back rest of the seat to be moved, alternatively, forward or back on a cushion such that the user may select whether he will ride facing towards the direction of the automobile's movement or facing away from the direction of movement. The seat further comprises a pop-up seat cushion which allows the occupant to open up the seat cushion to sit more securely within the seat cushion while having side cushions for added support and impact resistance. The present apparatus provides better security for small children and pregnant, elderly or otherwise more fragile adults. The seat allows children to be placed such that they do not face the direction of oncoming traffic and instead ride in the more generally agreed to be secure direction of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Inventor: Hoon Y. Kim
  • Patent number: 6199945
    Abstract: A vehicle seat comprising a seat frame and a seat base with a back support assembly including a first backrest and a second backrest longitudinally movable along the seat frame from a first position to a second position enabling a seated occupant to rest the his back against the first backrest and face in a first direction and reversibly enabling a seated occupant to rest his back against a second backrest and face in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Inventor: Hoon Y. Kim
  • Patent number: 5362124
    Abstract: The seat adjustment and inertial locking mechanism is suitable for use with walk-over seats, as well as with other vehicular seats that have a movable seat back. The inertial locking mechanism includes a first rotatable cam member that engages a linearly-movable first locking member when the vehicle is traveling in a first direction and undergoes rapid deceleration. A braking surface on the first cam member engages a braking surface on the locking member to prevent further movement of the seat back. In a walk-over seat when the seat back has been moved to the second position and when the vehicle is traveling in a second direction, the second rotatable cam member engages a linearly-movable second locking member upon rapid deceleration of the vehicle. An adjustment means is also provided for tilting the bottom seat cushion when the seat back is moved from the first position to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Inventor: Richard S. Schlidt
  • Patent number: 4322052
    Abstract: Recurring problems associated with the manufacturing tolerances of the links, slides, rollers and other componentry forming the carriages for adjustable and reversible seats are such that, after assembly, an undesirable and annoying amount of movement or "play" is introduced in the seat. The present invention is an improved latch assembly (15) for locking a vehicle operator's seat assembly (10) in either a forward or a reverse operating position (12,13) and includes a cam (92) selectively positionable in response to movement of the seat assembly (10) and an arm assembly (108) and a pin (118) for releasably engaging the cam (92) and cooperating therewith in locking the seat assembly (10) in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1982
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventors: Norman J. Hodge, John S. Logsdon