Patents by Inventor Alan C. Prettyman

Alan C. Prettyman has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20230355462
    Abstract: A seating system includes a configurable electro-pneumatic mechanical device designed to be installed on any seat that is occupied for an extended period. The seating system incorporates a sequential stimulus process that is programmable and configurable to a user's needs. The seating system is adaptable and can be used in automotive, commercial vehicles, office chairs, lounging chairs, gaming chairs, hospitals, waiting rooms, theaters, schools, aviation and many military environments. In various embodiments, this invention is a completely new seating experience. The seating system, when added to any chair, combats static seating fatigue due to the absence of muscular contraction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2023
    Publication date: November 9, 2023
    Inventors: Elias C. Ghanime, Anthony P. Hall, Alan C. Prettyman
  • Patent number: 10889214
    Abstract: A lumbar support system for a seat backrest, the lumbar support system includes a carrier having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The carrier is movable with respect to the seat backrest in a first direction and in a second direction opposite the first direction. The lumbar support system further includes a first bladder coupled to the first end of the carrier, a second bladder coupled to the second end of the carrier, and a third bladder coupled to the carrier. The third bladder has a contact surface and is configured to move with the carrier. The first bladder is inflatable to move the carrier in the first direction, and the second bladder is inflatable to move the carrier in the second direction. The third bladder is inflatable such that the contact surface is extendable in a third direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: LEGGETT & PLATT CANADA CO.
    Inventors: Robert J. McMillen, Wade O'Moore, Horia Blendea, Renato Colja, Alan C. Prettyman
  • Publication number: 20190337431
    Abstract: A lumbar support system for a seat backrest, the lumbar support system includes a carrier having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The carrier is movable with respect to the seat backrest in a first direction and in a second direction opposite the first direction. The lumbar support system further includes a first bladder coupled to the first end of the carrier, a second bladder coupled to the second end of the carrier, and a third bladder coupled to the carrier. The third bladder has a contact surface and is configured to move with the carrier. The first bladder is inflatable to move the carrier in the first direction, and the second bladder is inflatable to move the carrier in the second direction. The third bladder is inflatable such that the contact surface is extendable in a third direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2019
    Publication date: November 7, 2019
    Inventors: Robert J. McMillen, Wade O'Moore, Horia Blendea, Renato Colja, Alan C. Prettyman
  • Patent number: 10358065
    Abstract: A lumbar support system for a seat backrest, the lumbar support system includes a carrier having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The carrier is movable with respect to the seat backrest in a first direction and in a second direction opposite the first direction. The lumbar support system further includes a first bladder coupled to the first end of the carrier, a second bladder coupled to the second end of the carrier, and a third bladder coupled to the carrier. The third bladder has a contact surface and is configured to move with the carrier. The first bladder is inflatable to move the carrier in the first direction, and the second bladder is inflatable to move the carrier in the second direction. The third bladder is inflatable such that the contact surface is extendable in a third direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: LEGGETT & PLATT CANADA CO.
    Inventors: Robert J. McMillen, Wade O'Moore, Horia Blendea, Renato Colja, Alan C. Prettyman
  • Publication number: 20180178694
    Abstract: A lumbar support system for a seat backrest, the lumbar support system includes a carrier having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The carrier is movable with respect to the seat backrest in a first direction and in a second direction opposite the first direction. The lumbar support system further includes a first bladder coupled to the first end of the carrier, a second bladder coupled to the second end of the carrier, and a third bladder coupled to the carrier. The third bladder has a contact surface and is configured to move with the carrier. The first bladder is inflatable to move the carrier in the first direction, and the second bladder is inflatable to move the carrier in the second direction. The third bladder is inflatable such that the contact surface is extendable in a third direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2016
    Publication date: June 28, 2018
    Inventors: Robert J. McMillen, Wade O'Moore, Horia Blendea, Renato Colja, Alan C. Prettyman
  • Patent number: 7997650
    Abstract: The present invention is a lumbar support system that retreats into the seat back when reclined, providing a constant pressure support. The lumbar support system has a lumbar support basket that can retreat into the seat back. The lumbar support basket is supported by a crossbar that is pivotably connected to opposite sides of a seat frame via a pair of connecting members. A spring is provided for biasing the connecting members to a biased position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Schukra of North America
    Inventors: Robert J. McMillen, Larry D. Janzen, Alan C. Prettyman
  • Publication number: 20090212616
    Abstract: The present invention is a lumbar support system that retreats into the seat back when reclined, providing a constant pressure support. The lumbar support system has a lumbar support basket that can retreat into the seat back. The lumbar support basket is supported by a crossbar that is pivotably connected to opposite sides of a seat frame via a pair of connecting members. A spring is provided for biasing the connecting members to a biased position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: Schukra of North America
    Inventors: Robert J. McMillen, Larry D. Janzen, Alan C. Prettyman