Patents by Inventor Rik Westerink
Rik Westerink 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).
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Patent number: 10322805Abstract: The present invention is generally related to video assemblies and more particularly video assemblies for on-board entertainment systems. The video assembly may include a video arm coupled with a video monitor. The video assembly may be manually moveable by a user between a stowed position and a deployed position. The video arm may include a friction torque device. The video arm may provide variable resistance depending on a direction of movement of the video assembly. In some embodiments, the video arm may provide less resistance to a user when the user moves the video assembly toward the deployed position compared to the resistance provided to a user when the user moves the video assembly away from the deployed position. Further, the video arm may provide for a low torque zone where the resistance provided to a user is reduced when the user moves the video assembly through low torque zone.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2014Date of Patent: June 18, 2019Assignee: Safran Seats USA LLCInventor: Rik Westerink
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Patent number: 9758248Abstract: Described are portable electronics device coupling assemblies including a cradle configured to electronically couple and releasably engage a portable electronics device, and an adaptor configured to electronically couple and releasably engage the cradle to a passenger seat. Other examples may include a passenger seat having an electronics port configured to electronically couple to the portable electronics device, and a receptacle coupled to the electronics port and configured to releasably engage the portable electronics device. As examples, the portable electronics device may be a tablet computer, a cell phone, a smart phone, a handheld video game system, a personal digital assistant, a palmtop computer, a DVD player, data or audio-video media, or a multi-media enabled device.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2015Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: Zodiac Seats US LLCInventors: John Procter, Rik Westerink
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Patent number: 9421919Abstract: Described are display assemblies having a display coupled to a passenger seat back, a video shroud coupled to the passenger seat back and with an inner opening positioned adjacent the display, wherein a gap is positioned between an outer edge of the display and an edge of the inner opening, and an adaptor having a lip and coupled to the video shroud, wherein the lip is positioned adjacent the gap. A portion of the lip may surround at least the outer edge of the display and/or may overlap a portion of the video shroud.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2014Date of Patent: August 23, 2016Assignee: Zodiac Seats US LLCInventors: Rik Westerink, Timothy W. Terleski, Per Magnus Skold, Alexander Gerard Saucier, Armando Valdes
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Patent number: 9227535Abstract: The present invention generally relates to passenger aircraft seats. Some examples provide systems for integrating a child seat into a certified aircraft seat. Some examples include a passenger seat backrest having an integrated child seat. An integrated child seat base may be moved between a stowed position and a deployed position. When in the stowed position, the integrated child seat base may fit within a recessed surface of the seat backrest and the seat may then accommodate an adult passenger. When in a deployed position, the integrated child seat may then accommodate a child passenger. The integrated seat may include a harness system that extends through the seat backrest and couples with an internal support structure of seat backrest. In some embodiments the mounting points of the harness system may be reinforced with stiff brackets attached to the internal support structure.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2013Date of Patent: January 5, 2016Assignee: Zodiac Seats US LLCInventors: Sorin Coman, Michael Romano, Aamir Jafri, Dianna Sabo, Rik Westerink, Armando Valdes
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Publication number: 20150246645Abstract: Described are portable electronics device coupling assemblies including a cradle configured to electronically couple and releasably engage a portable electronics device, and an adaptor configured to electronically couple and releasably engage the cradle to a passenger seat. Other examples may include a passenger seat having an electronics port configured to electronically couple to the portable electronics device, and a receptacle coupled to the electronics port and configured to releasably engage the portable electronics device. As examples, the portable electronics device may be a tablet computer, a cell phone, a smart phone, a handheld video game system, a personal digital assistant, a palmtop computer, a DVD player, data or audio-video media, or a multi-media enabled device.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2015Publication date: September 3, 2015Inventors: John Procter, Rik Westerink
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Patent number: 9067510Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a seat back assembly comprising a seat back with a recess and a tray table assembly. The table body is configured to substantially fit within the recess. An amenity compartment may also be coupled to the seat back above the tray table assembly and may be configured to also substantially fit within the recess. The amenity compartment may be a bezel or an upper literature pocket. A latching mechanism releasably engages the tray table assembly with the amenity compartment. The amenity compartment may be coupled to the seat back via a hook that engages a slotted bracket on the seat back and projections that engage receptacles on the seat back. A protective covering may be inserted between the seat back and the amenity compartment and coupled to the seat back without additional fasteners. The protective covering may be a full shroud, a partial shroud, or a dress cover.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2014Date of Patent: June 30, 2015Assignee: Zodiac Seats US LLCInventors: Rik Westerink, Jeffery P. Wegenka, Brad Grunwald, Elias Cardozo
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Patent number: 9045096Abstract: Described are portable electronics device coupling assemblies including a cradle configured to electronically couple and releasably engage a portable electronics device, and an adaptor configured to electronically couple and releasably engage the cradle to a passenger seat. Other examples may include a passenger seat having an electronics port configured to electronically couple to the portable electronics device, and a receptacle coupled to the electronics port and configured to releasably engage the portable electronics device. As examples, the portable electronics device may be a tablet computer, a cell phone, a smart phone, a handheld video game system, a personal digital assistant, a palmtop computer, a DVD player, data or audio-video media, or a multi-media enabled device.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2011Date of Patent: June 2, 2015Assignee: Zodiac Seats US LLCInventors: John Procter, Rik Westerink
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Patent number: 9004590Abstract: Described are display assemblies having a display coupled to a passenger seat back, a video shroud coupled to the passenger seat back and with an inner opening positioned adjacent the display, wherein a gap is positioned between an outer edge of the display and an edge of the inner opening, and a light apparatus having at least one lighting element coupled to the passenger seat back, wherein the at least one lighting element is positioned to emit light through the gap. The display assembly may also include a diffuser coupled to the video shroud and positioned adjacent the gap.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2011Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Zodiac Seats US LLCInventors: Rik Westerink, Timothy W. Terleski, Per Magnus Skold, Alexander Gerard Saucier, Armando Valdes
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Patent number: 8911020Abstract: Described are passenger seats having a seat back support and a head rest assembly coupled to the seat back support. The head rest assembly includes a head support and a lower head support with a rest bar and a pair of extensions, wherein a first end of each extension is slidingly coupled to the rest bar and a second end of each extension is pivotally coupled to the head support. The rest bar is positioned adjacent the head support when the lower head support is in a stowed position and is positioned a distance forward of the head support when the lower head support is in a deployed position.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2012Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: Zodiac Seats US LLCInventors: Rik Westerink, Timothy W. Terleski
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Publication number: 20140292046Abstract: Described are display assemblies having a display coupled to a passenger seat back, a video shroud coupled to the passenger seat back and with an inner opening positioned adjacent the display, wherein a gap is positioned between an outer edge of the display and an edge of the inner opening, and an adaptor having a lip and coupled to the video shroud, wherein the lip is positioned adjacent the gap. A portion of the lip may surround at least the outer edge of the display and/or may overlap a portion of the video shroud.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2014Publication date: October 2, 2014Inventors: Rik Westerink, Timothy W. Terleski, Per Magnus Skold, Alexander Gerard Saucier, Armando Valdes
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Patent number: 8783766Abstract: Described are display assemblies having a display coupled to a passenger seat back, a video shroud coupled to the passenger seat back and with an inner opening positioned adjacent the display, wherein a gap is positioned between an outer edge of the display and an edge of the inner opening, and an adaptor having a lip and coupled to the video shroud, wherein the lip is positioned adjacent the gap. A portion of the lip may surround at least the outer edge of the display and/or may overlap a portion of the video shroud.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2011Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Zodiac Seats US LLCInventors: Rik Westerink, Timothy W. Terleski, Per Magnus Skold, Alexander Gerard Saucier, Armando Valdes
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Patent number: 8777310Abstract: Described are seat back assemblies including a seat back with a recess and a bezel assembly having a bezel pivotally coupled to the recess and configured to substantially fit within the recess. Other examples may include a tray table assembly pivotally coupled to a lower section of the seat back. As examples, a protective covering may be positioned between the seat back and the bezel assembly, wherein the protective covering is a full shroud or a partial shroud. The protective covering may be coupled to the seat back via the coupling between the seat back and the bezel assembly without additional fasteners and may also include a shelf positioned below the bezel. Other examples may include an amenity tray positioned adjacent the bezel assembly.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2011Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Zodiac Seats US LLCInventors: Rik Westerink, Jeffrey P. Wegenka
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Publication number: 20140192271Abstract: The present invention is generally related to video assemblies and more particularly video assemblies for on-board entertainment systems. The video assembly may include a video arm coupled with a video monitor. The video assembly may be manually moveable by a user between a stowed position and a deployed position. The video arm may include a friction torque device. The video arm may provide variable resistance depending on a direction of movement of the video assembly. In some embodiments, the video arm may provide less resistance to a user when the user moves the video assembly toward the deployed position compared to the resistance provided to a user when the user moves the video assembly away from the deployed position. Further, the video arm may provide for a low torque zone where the resistance provided to a user is reduced when the user moves the video assembly through low torque zone.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2014Publication date: July 10, 2014Applicant: Zodiac Seats US LLCInventor: Rik Westerink
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Publication number: 20140175843Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a seat back assembly comprising a seat back with a recess and a tray table assembly. The table body is configured to substantially fit within the recess. An amenity compartment may also be coupled to the seat back above the tray table assembly and may be configured to also substantially fit within the recess. The amenity compartment may be a bezel or an upper literature pocket. A latching mechanism releasably engages the tray table assembly with the amenity compartment. The amenity compartment may be coupled to the seat back via a hook that engages a slotted bracket on the seat back and projections that engage receptacles on the seat back. A protective covering may be inserted between the seat back and the amenity compartment and coupled to the seat back without additional fasteners. The protective covering may be a full shroud, a partial shroud, or a dress cover.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2014Publication date: June 26, 2014Applicant: Zodiac Seats US LLCInventors: Rik Westerink, Jeffery P. Wegenka, Brad Grunwald, Elias Cardozo
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Patent number: 8733840Abstract: Described are seat pan assemblies for a passenger seat having a pan frame pivotally coupled to a seat back, a seat pan pivotally coupled to the pan frame, a tilting mechanism coupled to the seat pan and the pan frame, wherein the tilting mechanism is configured to rotate the seat pan between an upright position and a sleeper position, and an automatic release mechanism, wherein the automatic release mechanism is configured to return the seat pan to an upright position when the seat back is in an upright position.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2012Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Zodiac Seats US LLCInventors: Rik Westerink, Armando Valdes, Chirag Patel, Timothy W. Terleski
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Patent number: 8714647Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a seat back pivotally coupled to a seat frame via a pivot shaft, wherein a lower end of the seat back does not extend below the pivot shaft, a seat pan fixedly coupled to the seat frame, at least one quadrant arm fixedly coupled to the seat back and pivotally coupled to the pivot shaft, and a recline lock coupled to the one quadrant arm and the seat frame. The pivot shaft is coupled to the seat frame at a high pivot location, wherein the seat back is configured to pivot adjacent a lumbar region of a passenger's back. The seat pan may optionally include an extension from the seat pan that is configured to couple to the pivot shaft and fill a seat back aperture located between the lower end of the seat back and the seat pan.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2010Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Zodiac Seats US LLCInventors: Rik Westerink, Jeffrey P. Wegenka
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Patent number: 8702163Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a seat back assembly comprising a seat back with a recess and a tray table assembly. The table body is configured to substantially fit within the recess. An amenity compartment may also be coupled to the seat back above the tray table assembly and may be configured to also substantially fit within the recess. The amenity compartment may be a bezel or an upper literature pocket. A latching mechanism releasably engages the tray table assembly with the amenity compartment. The amenity compartment may be coupled to the seat back via a hook that engages a slotted bracket on the seat back and projections that engage receptacles on the seat back. A protective covering may be inserted between the seat back and the amenity compartment and coupled to the seat back without additional fasteners. The protective covering may be a full shroud, a partial shroud, or a dress cover.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2011Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Zodiac Seats US LLCInventors: Rik Westerink, Jeffrey P. Wegenka, Brad Grunwald, Elias Cardozo
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Publication number: 20140084651Abstract: The present invention generally relates to passenger aircraft seats. Some examples provide systems for integrating a child seat into a certified aircraft seat. Some examples include a passenger seat backrest having an integrated child seat. An integrated child seat base may be moved between a stowed position and a deployed position. When in the stowed position, the integrated child seat base may fit within a recessed surface of the seat backrest and the seat may then accommodate an adult passenger. When in a deployed position, the integrated child seat may then accommodate a child passenger. The integrated seat may include a harness system that extends through the seat backrest and couples with an internal support structure of seat backrest. In some embodiments the mounting points of the harness system may be reinforced with stiff brackets attached to the internal support structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2013Publication date: March 27, 2014Applicant: ZODIAC SEATS US LLCInventors: Sorin Coman, Michael Romano, Aamir Jafri, Dianna Sabo, Rik Westerink, Armando Valdes
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Patent number: 8616631Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a passenger seat with a seat frame having at least one coupling projection and a seat pan assembly having at least one coupling retainer. The coupling retainer is configured to releasably engage the coupling projection via at least one locking device. The seat pan assembly is disengaged from the passenger seat by removing the locking device, disengaging the coupling retainer, and rotating the seat pan assembly to an open position.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2010Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Zodiac Seats US LLCInventors: Rik Westerink, Armando Valdes, Brad Grunwald
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Patent number: 8602499Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a leg-rest assembly comprising a leg-rest pan, a first frame, a slider bar, a second frame, and at least one deployment link. In some embodiments, the first frame includes at least two slides that are coupled to the slider bar. In other embodiments, the leg-rest assembly includes at least two seat diaphragm mounts, wherein the at least two seat diaphragm mounts are coupled the leg-rest assembly to a seat diaphragm. In some embodiments, a cushion is coupled to the leg-rest pan exterior surface. In yet other embodiments, the leg-rest assembly includes a foot-rest pan and a single frame with at least two foot-rest slides, where the foot-rest pan is coupled to the foot-rest slides. In these embodiments, the leg-rest assembly may also include a foot-rest bar.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2013Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: Zodiac Seats US LLCInventors: Peter Driessen, Rik Westerink