Patents Examined by Laurie K. Cranmer
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Patent number: 7954901Abstract: A configurable restraint system (10-10vi) for a vehicle seat (12, 12?) may comprise a first restraint harness (30-30?) coupled to a first engagement member (32), a second restraint harness (34-34?) coupled to a second engagement member (36), and a third engagement member (50-50??) configured to be movable between first and second positions relative to the vehicle seat. The first position may be located relative to the vehicle seat so that the first engagement member (32) may releasably engage the third engagement member (50-50??) to restrain a first occupant of the vehicle seat via the first restraint harness (30-30?). The second position may be located relative to the vehicle seat so that the second engagement member (36) may alternatively releasably engage the third engagement member (50-50??) to alternatively restrain the first occupant of the vehicle seat via the second restraint harness (34-34?).Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2007Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Inventors: Christopher W. Foye, Aaron J. Acton, Guy R. Dingman
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Patent number: 7954890Abstract: A folding chair is disclosed. The chair includes a plurality of legs, including front and back legs, a seat, and a folding unit. The folding unit is attached to the legs and the seat, and it is configured to fold the legs using a force applied to at least one of the legs. The front legs nest beside the back legs.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2008Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: Meco CorporationInventor: Douglas G. Wright
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Patent number: 7950744Abstract: A collapsible footrest for universal use with similarly collapsible outdoor chairs comprising a fabric footrest panel supported vertically by a first pair of crossed support members and supported horizontally in relation to a chair by a second pair of crossed support members affixed to the chair at its base. The ends of the second crossed support members are joined by bi-directional couplings and hinged couplings that allow the footrest to fold into and collapse with the associated chair for storage while also limiting the motion of the footrest during use such that the foot rest panel is optimally positioned in an upright position to comfortably support a seated user's legs.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2009Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Inventor: John A. Hallamek
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Patent number: 7950742Abstract: A connecting apparatus for rotatably connecting two object members of a vehicle seat relative to each other. The connecting apparatus may include first and second connecting members, a lock member and an operating member. The first and second connecting members are integrated to be able to rotate relative to each other. The lock member is able to lock the relative rotation between the connecting members by meshing outer peripheral teeth with inner peripheral teeth formed at the second connecting member. The operating member moves the lock member between a mesh state and a release state.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2009Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takayuki Endo, Hideki Uramichi
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Patent number: 7938487Abstract: A tilting fitting device enables a chair seat to be tiltable forwards and backwards against spring force of tilt-resisting springs, the tilting fitting having an upper part that is fastenable to the chair seat and a lower part that is fastenable to a chair base and tiltably connected to the upper part, wherein the tilting resistance is adjustable by adjusting spacing between the tilt-resisting springs and distance of each spring from a respective side of a tilting axis for the upper part. An actuating element is arranged for simultaneous engagement with two support members, an actuating element, along a part of each of its two sides in the element's direction of motion. On movement of the actuating element in the longitudinal direction of the tilting axis, it is adapted to cause rotation of the support members and springs mounted thereon, thereby changing the spacing of the springs.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2008Date of Patent: May 10, 2011Assignee: HAG ASAInventor: Olav H. Fismen
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Patent number: 7934769Abstract: A seat frame for a folding chair includes a U-shaped front frame, a linear rear frame and a seat cushion. The front frame has a first support surface between an upper surface and a lower surface of the front frame, the first support surface having a contour the same as that of the front frame. The rear frame has a second support surface between an upper surface and a lower surface of the rear frame, the second support surface having a contour the same as that of the rear frame. The seat cushion is clamped between the first and second support surfaces in a horizontal position. The peripheral edges of the seat cushion are thereby in tight contact with the first and second support surfaces. Brackets are then used to connect the front frame and the rear frame that surround the seat cushion therein.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2009Date of Patent: May 3, 2011Inventors: Mei Chuen Lin, Tzu Mei Wang
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Patent number: 7931337Abstract: A recliner adjustment system and method utilizing active material based actuation is adapted for use with a recliner defining an engaging surface and operable to adjust the angle of inclination of the surface, and includes a locking mechanism configured to selectively prevent the surface from pivoting, an unlocking actuator including at least one active material element configured to release the mechanism when activated or deactivated, a signal source operable to generate and deliver to the element an activation signal, and more preferably, a second adjusting actuator including a second active material element configured to rotationally displace the surface, so as to adjust the angle, when activated or deactivated and the mechanism has been released.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2008Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLCInventors: Jennifer P. Lawall, Diane K. McQueen, Nancy L. Johnson, Alan L. Browne, Paul W. Alexander
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Patent number: 7926876Abstract: A chair lift includes a jack movable between lowered and raised configurations and a motor in communication with the jack for moving the jack between the lowered and raised configurations. A switch is in communication with the motor to selectively actuate the motor. A mounting bracket is coupled to the jack to move vertically as the jack moves between the lowered and raised configurations, the mounting bracket having opposed first and second ends. First and second clamping mechanisms are configured for attachment to respective chair legs, the first and second clamping mechanisms being below the mounting bracket. A first flexible connecting link extends between and coupled to the mounting bracket first end and the first clamping mechanism. A second flexible connecting link extends between and coupled to the mounting bracket second end and the second clamping mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2008Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Inventors: Robert F. Zadai, Larry R. Elliott
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Patent number: 7922253Abstract: This invention concerns a sofa which solves the problems of the prior art by providing a sofa that can easily be assembled or disassembled by the end consumer at home. The disassembled sofa can be stored in 3 flat boxes. Storage in the flat boxes not only helps the warehouse to store the sofa, but when the end user has purchased the sofa it is easier in such flat boxes to transport it to the location where it will be assembled. The way this invention accomplishes these results is as follows: The parts of the sofa can be broken down into three boxes. Chaise sections can be assembled by placing the seat back flat on the ground and placing the seat frame/arm upright on top of the seat back. A metal threaded rod is used to connect the seat frame and the seat back. A metal nut is used to secure the seat frame to the back using a wrench that comes provided in the package of the kit. The legs are then twisted onto the bottom of the seat frame.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2009Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Inventor: Lionel T. Chen
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Patent number: 7922249Abstract: A workstation for a user comprising a basis, an shaft pivoted on the basis, a seat pivoted on the shaft, a back rest connected to the shaft, at least one shaft piston connecting the basis to the shaft and at least one seat piston connecting the shaft to the seat. The shaft and the seat are arranged to allow a user to sit at the workstation. The at least one shaft piston and at least one seat piston are arranged to allow changing the position of the shaft and of the seat. The orientation of the shaft and the orientation of the seat are adjustable by the user.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2008Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Inventor: Rafael Tal Marchand
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Patent number: 7922247Abstract: An adjustable chair and a tilt assembly for use therewith typically provides side to side tilting of the chair seat and preferably provides forward and backward tilting of the seat separately or in combination with the side to side tilting. A hydraulic system is provided for controlling the tilting movement. Progressive hydraulic valves are used to control the resistance to the tilting movement whereby the chair is useful for exercise while the user is seated and the rate at which the tilting occurs may be controlled. The seat may be locked in any tilted position or the user may shift weight on the seat to provide a continuous shifting of the tilt angle and tilt direction of the seat.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2008Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Spark Innovations, Inc.Inventor: Robert G. Dickie
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Patent number: 7918498Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a ventilated seat with a valve sheet having one or more valve assemblies. The valve sheet maybe on a frame of the seat. The valve assemblies open in response to a force such as a force applied by an individual occupying the seat. In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of thermally regulating a seat by occupying a seat with a valve sheet. By occupying the seat one or more valves assemblies open air moving though the open valve assemblies thermally regulates the seat.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2008Date of Patent: April 5, 2011Assignee: W.E.T. Automotive Systems AGInventors: Goran Bajic, Marinko Lazanja, Zoran Panic, Boris Zlotin, Peter Ulan, Vladimir Gerasimov, Vladimir Proseanik
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Patent number: 7914076Abstract: Dental devices with cylinders, trunnions, and limit switches, and a method are provided. The dental devices include a cylinder and a trunnion having a cavity and an outer surface. A portion of the cylinder is slidably mounted within the cavity of the trunnion, and a portion of the cylinder protrudes out of the trunnion. The limit switch is coupled to the outer surface of the trunnion, with the limit switch is operable to contact the cylinder. Separation of the limit switch and the cylinder causes actuation of the limit switch, and the actuation of the limit switch inhibits a downward movement of the device. Alternatively, the limit switch may be coupled to the portion of the cylinder that protrudes out of the trunnion, with the limit switch operable to contact the trunnion. As such, separation of the limit switch and the trunnion causes actuation of the limit switch.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2008Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: Midmark CorporationInventors: Jacob E. Broering, David C. Edelmann
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Patent number: 7905549Abstract: A highchair with a foot part and a seat element mounted thereon has a length-adjustable gas-filled strut therebetween for support and height adjustment of the seat element. The gas-filled strut may be length adjustable with two-handed safety operation. The seat element is held on two lateral support arms, on each of which an actuating element of the two-handed safety operation is arranged. Each actuating element is connected via a wire or rope pull to a pressure element acting on an actuating projection of the gas-filled strut. The seat element is pivotable and fixable about a horizontal transverse axis forwards and backwards in a tilting position. An inclination catch is provided on at least one support arm and has a rotary locking element acting between a spindle of the seat element and a support arm, which is transferable into a locking or release position by means of an actuation cam.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2007Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: iLinko Ltd.Inventors: Jon Lake, Davy Kho, Jason Lewis
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Patent number: 7905545Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat body that is configured for attachment to a floor surface of a vehicle. The seat body includes a seat back that is connected to a seat bottom. The seat back has a seat back frame and the seat bottom has a seat bottom frame. An electric component is mounted to the seat body. A first mounting member attaches the electric component to one of the seat back frame and the seat bottom frame. In this vehicle seat assembly, the first mounting member is configured to flex such that the electric component can move in a direction that is generally perpendicular to a plane of the one of the seat back frame and the seat bottom frame.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2008Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Christer Andersson, Odd Jaegtnes, Torbjoern Andersson
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Patent number: 7901008Abstract: A head restraint is guided and at least indirectly held in a frame part of a seat, in particular of a backrest of a motor vehicle seat, via at least one holding element which can be positioned at various height levels relative to the frame part by way of an actuating element. The actuating element interacts with at least one locking element. The actuating element is operated with a first, second, and third operating action. A first operating action of the actuating element permits height adjustment of the head restraint and a second operating action permits removal thereof from the frame part of the seat. The second operating action, for removing the head restraint, can be carried out in parallel with or after a third operating action on at least one blocking member that is integrated in the actuating element.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2008Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: Volkswagen AGInventors: Roberto Follesa, Peter Schmuda von Trzebiatowski
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Patent number: 7901007Abstract: A vehicle seat that is foldable can include a linkage mechanism for operatively withdrawing the headrest during fold down procedures and automatically extending the headrest to a use position during unfolding procedures of the seat.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2007Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Derek Lindsay
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Patent number: 7901002Abstract: A clip for use in a cushion for a vehicle seat, wherein the cushion includes a cushioned pad and a trim cover , the cushioned pad having a recess portion and a wire embedded in the cushioned pad so as to be partially exposed to the recess portion from the cushioned pad, the trim cover having a portion, a longitudinal tensioning cord attached to the portion of the trim cover, a longitudinal bulged member provided along a longitudinal edge portion of the cord, and a laterally elongated through-hole formed in the cord.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2008Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: TS Tech Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tomoyuki Mashimo
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Patent number: 7896441Abstract: A vehicle seat having a seat frame that in its rear region is adapted to be releasably arrested on structural elements by a left arresting device and a right arresting device, which are releasable separately relative to one another, preferably via different displacement processes. A back rest frame is preferably releasably arrested on the seat frame via a freely pivotable device, such as an arresting control. An actuating device, especially an actuating handle, that is activatable by the user is preferably provided for releasing the freely pivotable device. A first one of the arresting devices can be releasable by the actuating device, whereby different displacement paths can be provided for the release of the freely pivotable device and of the first arresting device. One or more driver systems can be provided for forming idle paths or free play.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2008Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: Faurecia Autositze GmbHInventors: Mareike Krahn-Lau, Klaus-Dieter Habendank
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Patent number: 7896434Abstract: A seat assembly for a vehicle includes a seat bottom and a seatback. The seatback includes a seatback frame and is selectively rotatable relative to the seat bottom from an upright position to a forward position. A seatbelt assembly includes a retractor coupled to the seatback frame and a belt selectively extendable from and retractable to the retractor. A first end of the belt is disposed in the retractor. A guide is coupled to the seatback frame and defines an orifice with the belt slideably extending through the orifice. The retractor and the guide are fixed relative to the seatback frame and the second end of the belt is fixed to the seatback frame. The retractor, the guide, and both ends of the belt rotate from the upright position to the forward position in response to a force exerted on the seatback frame during rapid deceleration of the seat assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2010Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: Syntec Seating Solutions LLCInventors: Ronald C. Lamparter, Patrick M. Glance