Patents by Inventor James Sortor

James Sortor 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).

  • Patent number: 10299595
    Abstract: A chair having an articulating backrest that deforms when reclined to support an occupant's head or shoulders. A backrest assembly includes a mesh insert secured to a frame, which includes an upper frame section and a lower frame section interconnected by a pair of articulated joints. A push arm pivotally connects to the chair's seat assembly and to the backrest's upper frame section. As the chair reclines, the push arm restricts the angular movement of the upper frame section relative to a floor. The lower frame section moves forward relative to the upper frame section. Consequently, an angle formed between the lower frame section and the upper frame section decreases during recline, thereby supporting the chair occupant's head or shoulders. Optionally, a tensioning member may connect the mesh insert to the push arm to offset any loss of tension caused by the deformation of the frame during reclined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: HUMANSCALE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Niels Diffrient, James Sortor, Shaun Smith, Mesve Vardar, Jeff Theesfeld, Cory Brechbill
  • Publication number: 20170354254
    Abstract: A chair having an articulating backrest that deforms when reclined to support an occupant's head or shoulders. A backrest assembly includes a mesh insert secured to a frame, which includes an upper frame section and a lower frame section interconnected by a pair of articulated joints. A push arm pivotally connects to the chair's seat assembly and to the backrest's upper frame section. As the chair reclines, the push arm restricts the angular movement of the upper frame section relative to a floor. The lower frame section moves forward relative to the upper frame section. Consequently, an angle formed between the lower frame section and the upper frame section decreases during recline, thereby supporting the chair occupant's head or shoulders. Optionally, a tensioning member may connect the mesh insert to the push arm to offset any loss of tension caused by the deformation of the frame during reclined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Publication date: December 14, 2017
    Applicant: Humanscale Corporation
    Inventors: Niels Diffrient, James Sortor, Shaun Smith, Mesve Vardar, Jeff Theesfeld, Cory Brechbill