Patents Issued in February 6, 2003
  • Publication number: 20030025328
    Abstract: A connection for threaded pipes and other tubular sections including a gasket for interposition between a first and an opposing second interface surface of the connection. The gasket includes a retainer and a generally annular seal element received in a groove formed into at least one side of the retainer. Such retainer side further is formed as having one or more channels extending extend radially through the groove and the inner or outer perimeter of the retainer. Each such channel defines a vent for relieving hydrostatic fluid pressure as the gasket is compressed between the interface surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: Douglas C. Schenk, Eugene J. Mannella
  • Publication number: 20030025329
    Abstract: A spacer-less pipe joint includes a press ring fitted to an outer periphery of a jointed pipe. A joint main body has a protruding portion opposing the press ring and a receiving opening which extends toward the press ring and which is fitted to the jointed pipe with a peripheral clearance being formed there between. A securing tool moves the press ring toward the joint main body. A packing ring, between the joint main body and the jointed pipe is fitted into the receiving opening portion. The packing ring can be temporarily fixed to an entrance of the receiving opening portion, so that a stopper abutting a peripheral edge outer surface of the receiving opening portion is formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: Kikuo Saito, Akihito Totsugi
  • Publication number: 20030025330
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pipe coupling comprising a socket component and an insert component which is partially insertable to securely fit into the socket component. A ring groove between the socket component and the insert component is sealed by a ring seal. The socket component is releasably connected to the insert component by means of a union nut which contacts a shoulder of the insert component rearwardly for joined movement into the closed position. The union nut is screwed onto the socket component along a cylindrical and/or conical exterior thread. The ring gap between the union nut and the insert component is sealed. The ring gap between the union nut and the socket component is also sealed. The thread connection between the socket component and the union nut is positioned between the two sealing positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventor: Karl Weinhold
  • Publication number: 20030025331
    Abstract: High localized loading, galling, and high torque forces have been generally eliminated or greatly reduced in a two ferrule tube fitting assembly through suitable modification of the rear ferrule so as to redirect the reaction forces acting between the front ferrule and the drive nut. The rear ferrule has a cylindrical interior wall that closely surrounds the tube end and is provided on the interior cylindrical wall with a circumferentially continuous radial recess that is located between the nose and rear wall of the rear ferrule. The rear ferrule also has a radially external wall that is substantially conical and additionally shaped to extend radially outward toward the enlarged diameter portion or flange of the rear ferrule. The rear ferrule further includes a contoured face on the rear driven surface of the ferrule that engages the drive surface of the drive nut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 1999
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: PETER C. WILLIAMS, HOWARD C. KUHNS
  • Publication number: 20030025332
    Abstract: A cylindrical flange for the end of an air duct is produced by compressing a panel by differing amounts to cause the panel to take on an arcuate cylindrical shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2001
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventor: Robert Issagholian-Havai
  • Publication number: 20030025333
    Abstract: Installation method of turbine-generator equipment controlling a turbine-generator is described. The method includes manufacturing a thyristor excitation equipment as a package including a circuit breaker, an excitation transformer, a power rectifier coupled with the excitation transformer, and an excitation control panel controlling a thyristor ignition angle of the power rectifier. After the manufacturing, positioning the thyristor excitation equipment where the power rectifier is connectable to the turbine-generator, and after the positioning, wiring between the turbine-generator and the thyristor excitation equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Tetsumasa Tamura, Masayuki Yamakawa
  • Publication number: 20030025334
    Abstract: A fluid-powered energy conversion device converts energy in a moving fluid into mechanical energy. A rigid cylindrical frame of toroidal baffles forms an upstream annular chamber and a downstream annular chamber, each of the chambers having open sides to allow entry of the fluid. The toroidal baffles create an upstream drive vortex in an upstream central vortex chamber, and a downstream extraction vortex rotating in the opposite direction in a downstream central vortex chamber. A plurality of hinged louvers surround the vortex chambers and allow the fluid to enter each chamber only in the direction of vortex rotation, and prevent the fluid from exiting through the sides of the device. The drive vortex passes through and rotates a turbine in a central aperture between the chambers. The turbine is rotated by rotational momentum of the drive vortex, lift from each turbine blade, and additional momentum imparted by the vortex reversal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventor: William K. McDavid
  • Publication number: 20030025335
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved turbine used to convert wind into mechanical energy, more specifically, a long axis type of vertical-axis turbine allowing large columns of wind to be harnessed. These devices differ from horizontal-axis (propeller) type windmills which typically rotate about a vertical axis in order that they may face directly into a wind. The improvement includes constructing the components of the invention from lightweight materials which allow the enhanced conversion of wind kinetic energy into mechanical energy by the wind turbine. The preferred materials include honeycomb sandwich panels manufactured from non-metallic materials such as aramid fiber. The present invention is designed to be employed as a cost effective alternate power source in any wind from a breeze to a gale wind.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventor: Dillyn M. Elder
  • Publication number: 20030025336
    Abstract: A locking mechanism having a serrated rod that fits into an aperture of a rotatably mounted block when biasing which pushes the block toward the direction of insertion is reduced. Pulling the serrated rod, after insertion, in the direction from which insertion occurred tends to increase biasing and, consequently, decrease diameter of the aperture projected perpendicular to the length of the serrated rod thereby retaining the serrated rod within the aperture. An end of the serrated rod that does not have the serrations can be formed into a loop for attaching a belt or have screw thread for connection to a bar. The belt or bar would restrain a person or physical object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventor: Stanley J. Checketts
  • Publication number: 20030025337
    Abstract: A vehicle is provided with an opening and closing device for opening and closing the vehicle door. A hook mechanism holds the door in an open condition, an electric releasing actuator is operatively connected to the hook mechanism to unhook the hook mechanism for permitting the door to be moved in the closing direction, an electric driving device is adapted to move the door in the closing direction, and an operation means generates a signal for directing that the door be moved in the closing direction. In addition, a control device controls the operation of the electric releasing actuator based upon the signal from the operation means, and controls the electric driving device to initiate driving operation of the electric driving device after initiation of the operation of the electric releasing actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: Shintaro Suzuki, Eiji Itami, Ichiro Kondo, Hiroyuki Yogo
  • Publication number: 20030025338
    Abstract: A lock system is made in a combination of a rotatable latch and a release lever for restricting the turn of the latch in a disengaging direction. The lock system further includes a release lever disengagement maintaining mechanism which engages with the release lever to maintain it in its disengaging condition wherein the latch is disengaged from the release lever. The release lever disengagement maintaining mechanism is designed to release the release lever from its disengaging condition when the latch turns through a specified rotation angle. Lock mechanisms are provided for a lift open type window which can be housed by moving a movable window frame upward from a window closing upright position, being guided by a pair of guide rails. The lock mechanisms are respectively attached to both ends of a top part of the window frame, so as to be exterior to the window frame and interior to and under the guide rails.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Applicant: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Tadashi Mori, Masanori Sogo, Hiroyuki Shioji
  • Publication number: 20030025339
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a latching device for securing two panels together such as those of storage structures in which an enclosure is secured by means of a door or panel which will remain in a closed position until released. The present latching system is usually used in connection with automobile glove boxes or other compartments which are to be secured for storage of items therein. The latching device has a housing, actuation means and a pawl in communication with a movable retention means. The latching device can be electrically or manually operated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: Fabrice Vitry, Ana Pinto, Ivica Sekulovic
  • Publication number: 20030025340
    Abstract: The device is suitable for a vehicle window and comprises a first attachment member for fixing to the window, an elongate handle articulated to the first attachment member, a second attachment member for fixing to the vehicle bodywork, and a connecting link connecting the second attachment member to the handle. The length of the link is less than half the length of the handle, and one end of the link is rotatable about an axis in the second attachment member, the other end of the link being rotatable about an axis in the handle which is parallel to the first axis. A locking mechanism acts between the handle and the second attachment member to prevent unauthorised opening of the window. For improved security, the mechanism may pass through an aperture in the handle and into the second attachment member, where it is shielded by sidewalls. The locking mechanism may also lock automatically on closure of the window, and preferably requires rotation of a knob to release the mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventor: Salvatore Colicino
  • Publication number: 20030025341
    Abstract: An improved bumper facebar, as well as a method of manufacturing the improved bumper facebar, are disclosed. The bumper facebar includes a steel body having at least one area with improved strength exhibiting selective austinitic-martensitic hardening and a Rockwell hardness greater than 41. Moreover, the steel body includes a metallic coating or plating such as chrome plating to provide a decorative finish. The austinitic-martensitic hardening is not exhibited in the steel at those points providing coupling to other objects. The method of manufacturing the improved bumper facebar includes the steps of stamping a bumper blank from a sheet of steel, forming the desired bumper shape from the bumper blank, and hardening select portions of the bumper shape by heating and cooling the select portions to produce a rockwell hardness greater than 41. The method is well adapted to receive additional steps to improve the facebar hardness and impact characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: Joseph Kollaritsch, Todd William Jilles Tjoelker
  • Publication number: 20030025342
    Abstract: An automobile which affords increased safety to its occupants and sustains minimal damage during a frontal collision includes elongated force-transmitting members that extend between front and rear bumpers in slidably telescopic interaction with the chassis of the automobile. Energy-absorbing springs receive force from a rearwardly displaced rear bumper during a frontal collision, and impart a rearward pulling effect on the automobile. The automobile may also be equipped with a passenger module that moves forwardly and tilts upwardly during a frontal collision. An air bag device may be disposed between the front bumper and the passenger module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventor: Gregorio M. Belloso
  • Publication number: 20030025343
    Abstract: The present invention is an extension handle for use with containers having a. pour spout. The extension handle consists of an elongated member having opposite first and second ends, with a spout retaining means formed towards the first end and a handle formed towards the second end. The elongated member preferably consists of a flexible web like material which is sufficiently long to wrap at least part way around the outside of the container. The spout retaining means may consist, of an aperture dimensioned to receive the spout. To accommodate containers of different sizes, the web may be provided with several apertures positioned adjacent each other towards the first end. The handle portion may be formed from a simple aperture positioned adjacent the second end of the web- The invention is well suited for use with gasoline containers, and provides the user with a mechanical advantage to aid in tilting the container to empty its contents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventor: Robert Joseph Conforti
  • Publication number: 20030025344
    Abstract: An snow removal tool having an insert-molded wearstrip is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the tool includes: a plastic blade portion and a wearstrip attached to each other by insert molding. Insert molding is performed by placing the wearstrip, which has one or more openings therethrough, in a recess of a mold cavity. Plastic is injected into the mold cavity and flows through the openings in the wearstrip. Upon solidification of the plastic, the final molded product has a cutting edge of the wearstrip protruding from a front edge of said snowtool. Preferably the wearstrip is made from galvanized steel and has a fold or ridge across it to increase stiffness of said snowtool in bending.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: Jan E. Schultice, Thomas Parker
  • Publication number: 20030025345
    Abstract: A tool includes a tool bit and a handle. The tool bit includes a shank formed at an end thereof. The handle includes a joint formed at an end thereof for connection with the shank of the tool bit in a releasable manner. The joint defmes a space for receiving the shank of the tool bit. The shank of the tool bit defines at least one recess. The joint includes at least one ball that can partially enters the at least one recess defined in the shank of the tool bit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventor: Mou-Tang Liou
  • Publication number: 20030025346
    Abstract: A stationary frame (20) is in the form of a box body (28) by which mutually telescopic lateral extension frames (21, 22) are slidably supported, thereby providing a spreader (16) which is light in weight and has no bent or torsion of the extension frames. Support of the extension frames (21, 22) by the support rollers (37) mounted on the opposite ends of the stationary frame (20) reduces the drive force upon extension or contraction of the extension frames (21, 22), and provision of the rail (43) and cushioning member (44) between the extension frames (21, 22) and the stationary frame (20) reduces the impact load applied on the extension frames (21, 22) when the spreader (16) is hoisted down onto the container (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Applicant: ISHIKAWAJIMA-HARIMA JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Isao Miyazawa
  • Publication number: 20030025347
    Abstract: A lifting device is provided for lifting a large vehicle wheel and suspending the wheel from a cable. The device includes a main arm including a first hook member arranged to support the rim of the wheel thereon and a cable mount arranged to suspend the wheel from the cable. A support arm is pivotally coupled to the main arm and includes a second hook member mounted thereon confronting the first hook member for grasping the wheel therebetween. The support arm is arranged to extend over the tire of the wheel when the rim of the wheel is supported on the first hook member with the second hook member gripping the tire on the opposite side of the wheel. The support arm is shorter than the main arm and configured for gripping the tire of the wheel. The lifting device is particularly useful for laying large wheels on their respective sides on the ground while permitting the device to be readily secured to and removed from the wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventor: Ernie J. Shwaykowski
  • Publication number: 20030025348
    Abstract: A tailgate assembly for a cargo box having a support deck and a wall structure extending therefrom. The tailgate assembly comprises a pair of brackets positioned along the wall structure at spaced apart locations and a tailgate pivotally mounted between the brackets and releasably securable to the wall structure via a latch mechanism. The tailgate assembly has a hinge assembly which allows the tailgate to be installed and removed without tools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2001
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Applicant: CLUB CAR INC.
    Inventors: John Thomas Bobbitt, Byron J. Danielson, David N. Schult, Steven D. Smith
  • Publication number: 20030025349
    Abstract: A motor vehicle has a folding roof which can be opened and lowered into a rear storage space. Partitioning of the rear storage space into a folding-top space and a residual luggage space is provided by a separating arrangement which includes a dimensionally stable covering element that can be shifted vertically from a use position into a non-use position when the folding top is stored. The covering element extends over a rear sub-length of the separating arrangement and can be displaced forwards into the non-use position shortening the length of the separating arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: Thomas Foelster, Juergen Schrader, Reiner Wesenick
  • Publication number: 20030025350
    Abstract: A convertible has a car body and a lid part arranged to the rear of the car body. The convertible top can be stowed under the lid part. The lid part can open and close for releasing a through opening for the top adjacent to a forward end of the lid part and for releasing a loading opening for luggage adjacent to a rearward end of the lid part. An auxiliary frame is arranged underneath the lid part in a closed position of the lid part. The auxiliary frame is connected pivotably on the car body and is pivotable transversely to the travel direction about a pivot axis. The pivot axis of the auxiliary frame, in the travel direction of the convertible, is arranged in front of the rearward end of the lid part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventor: Holger im Sande
  • Publication number: 20030025351
    Abstract: A drainage arrangement for a folding roof of a hard-top vehicle having a front roof part and a rear window that can be moved into a storage position in the luggage compartment with the aid of pivotable C pillars, the rear window being pivotable relative to the C pillars (2). Associated with the bottom edge of the rear window is a seal which has a water-guiding channel formed therein. The channel opens in the area of the C pillars into a collecting trough (12), which in turn is connected by a flexible hose (13) to a moisture space of one of the vehicle side windows.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: Thomas Graf, Uwe Wacker
  • Publication number: 20030025352
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for coupling a vehicle body panel partition for pivotal movement between an upright and a retracted position. A mounting includes hinge sets formed from two hinge leafs, A hinge leaf being used to retain one of the ends of the torsion rod pin extending through aligned pivot portions on each hinge set. Preferably, each hinge set is integrally formed with the torsion pin by retainers holding ends of the torsion pin with respect to one leaf of each of the hinge sets. In the preferred embodiment, a return bent end of a common torsion pin is received in a first leaf of one of at least two hinge sets, while the other end of the rod is return bend and retained in a second leaf of a second hinge set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Applicant: M & C Corporation
    Inventor: Michael John Duffy
  • Publication number: 20030025353
    Abstract: The invention refers to a side impact support for incorporation into the door of a motor vehicle, wherein the side impact support has a longitudinal profile with end portion towards the door column, and which is configured asymmetrical with respect to the its center transverse plane MQ and which has a reinforcement in the portion adjacent and corresponding to the sitting position of a passenger, and wherein the cross section of the first portion is increased as compared to a second portion which is adjacent, and wherein the cross section of the profile along most of the length is preferably configured hat shaped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Applicant: BENTELER AUTOMOBIL TECHNIK GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Stefan Gosmann
  • Publication number: 20030025354
    Abstract: A new and improved apparatus is disclosed that will allow a driver of a vehicle the option of having a tinted window or a regular window present at one or more windows in a particular vehicle. The present invention would equip an automobile or other vehicle with a second, tinted window which would allow a user to choose between the regular window, which would remain present, and the tinted window. Each of the two windows would be positioned parallel to one another and operate on parallel, separate tracks. The windows each operate similar to that of a standard power window, with a switch being present for each window. A user would choose to use either the standard window or the tinted window based on existing state laws, weather conditions, and personal preferences.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: Femi Akintan, Ibikunle Yusuf
  • Publication number: 20030025355
    Abstract: A side visor fastener (1) includes a retainer (25) to be fixed to a mounting portion (11) of a frame (3), and an interconnected receiver clip element (26) and pin clip element (27) with the combination used to fasten a side visor (1) to a door frame (3). The receiver clip element (26) disposed on the rear side of the side visor (1), and a pin clip element (27) to be inserted from the front side of the side visor (1) into the receiver clip element (26) through the side visor (1) so as to engage with the receiver clip element (26). The receiver clip element (26) is hingedly connected with the retainer (25) through a shaft (29) and a bearing (30) in a swingable manner in response to the inclination of the side visor (1) with respect to the frame (3), and the receiver clip element (26) serves as a portion of the fastener (1) and extends from the retainer (25) to support the side visor (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Applicant: Emhart LLC
    Inventor: Hideki Kanie
  • Publication number: 20030025356
    Abstract: A cargo vehicle has lightweight rigid panels formed of metal skins and intervening paper layer. Laminate panels are formed using a heated press.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventor: David D?apos;Arcy Clifford
  • Publication number: 20030025357
    Abstract: A modularly constructed driver's cab construction series for heavy-goods vehicles can produce driver's cab variants with different length dimensions. A basic module is constructed as standard for all driver's cab variants, and a built-on module can be built on the basic module. Built-on modules can have different length dimensions for different driver's cab variants. The basic module has a front wall, two side walls, a door and door frame, a bottom and a roof, is made open to the rear, and possesses, at the rear, an annularly closed first flange-mounting region. The built-on module has a rear wall, two side-wall portions, a bottom portion and a roof portion, is made open to the front, and possesses, at the front, an annularly closed second flange-mounting region complementary to the first flange-mounting region. On the built-on module, the side-wall portions, the bottom portion and the roof portion have different length dimensions for each driver's cab variant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: Herbert Fischer, Karl-Heinz Schuller
  • Publication number: 20030025358
    Abstract: A vehicle front body structure including a framework member provided at a front end of an upper member which extends forwardly from a front pillar closest to a driver's seat. The framework member includes an inclined portion which extends forward over and beyond a front wheel, and a vertical portion which extends from a front end of the inclined portion in such a manner as to be suspended in front of the front wheel. When, in a collision between vehicles, a front side member of an oncoming vehicle collides with own vehicle at a position outside a front side member in a vehicle widthwise direction, a resulting impact is alleviated by the framework member, precluding the front pillar from being exerted with an excessive amount of impact force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Applicant: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshinori Taguchi, Kenichiro Soyama, Masuhiro Saito, Fumiko Saito
  • Publication number: 20030025359
    Abstract: A vehicle front structure including a pair of front side members extending in a fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle, each including a first front end portion with a first leading end, and a pair of subframes extending along the front side members on a lower side thereof, each including a second front end portion with a second leading end. The first and second front end portions are connected with each other via a connecting portion therebetween. An abutment member in the form of a tie-down hook or a first cross member is connected with the subframes via the connecting portion. The abutment member includes a front end forward offset from the first and second leading ends of the front side members and the subframes and a portion placed at substantially same height as the second front end portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Applicant: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Takahashi, Yasushi Murakami, Toshiyuki Asai
  • Publication number: 20030025360
    Abstract: A folding structure for chairs comprising a front support, a first loading member, a rear support, a second loading member and two armrests pivotally engaging with one another to form a folding chair that may be folded or extended rapidly. When the chair is folded, the rear support is located in the first loading member and the first loading member is located in the front support, and the front support and the two armrests are folded towards each other, and the first loading member and second loading member are folded towards each other. The resulting folding chair has a shorter length and smaller thickness, and makes carrying and storing more convenient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventor: Lausan Chung-Hsin Liu
  • Publication number: 20030025361
    Abstract: A chair folding structure comprises two handles being divided into two pivotal sections for being assembled with two front and rear chair legs; each of the rear chair leg being firmly secured to a first and a second axial connecting portion; a first shaft being axially connected to the axial covers connected with two connecting rods and sliding covers movable along the rear leg; a third axial connecting portion is installed on the sliding covers adjacent to the axial connecting covers; a back frame being assembled between the two handles; the back frame having two lateral rods assembled to the third axial connecting portion and a first joint rod set connected to the lateral rods. A force is applied to the first joint rod set to drive the two lateral rods to push the third axial connecting portion. Thereby, the sliding cover moves along the rear leg. Meanwhile, by the front leg, the driven rod is rotatable to drive the front chair leg by pivotally connecting the second axial means to move toward the rear leg.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventor: Lausan Chung-Hsin Liu
  • Publication number: 20030025362
    Abstract: An improved folding chair comprises two side frames each having a front leg, a rear leg, and a linkage bar bridged the front leg and the rear leg, and a first loading bracket and a second loading bracket. The linkage bars are coupled respectively with a tubular rod which is turnable on the linkage bar. The tubular rods respectively attach to a first and a second toggle bar which are pivotally engaged on a toggle joint. The first and the second loading bracket have respectively a first side bar and a second side bar which are pivotally engaged with the first and the second toggle bar in a cross and staggered manner. The first and the second side bar have respectively one end engaged with each other on another toggle joint, and connect respectively a first loading bar and a second loading bar to form a seating zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventor: Lausan Chung-Hsin Liu
  • Publication number: 20030025363
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a ventilated bicycle saddle which enables air to flow along the top surface of the saddle while the bicycle is in motion. Specifically, the saddle of the present invention has a seat surface on which a rider sits. The top of the seat surface has a vent recess. An air distribution channel is positioned underneath the seat surface. The air distribution channel is engaged with one or more discharge openings disposed within the vent recess so that while the bicycle moves forwardly, air flows through the air distribution channel, through the air discharge openings disposed within the vent recess and then through the rear portion of the seat surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventor: Raffaele Gaggiola
  • Publication number: 20030025364
    Abstract: An improved saddle, in particular for sports bicycles, mountain trail bicycles, city bicycles and others is of the type which has an opening with a longitudinal profile. This opening engages substantially the central portion of the bearing body and partially also the front portion which is more tapered. The saddle is characterized by the fact that the longitudinal opening is padded with a material different with respect to the material which constitutes the padding of the remainder of the saddle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventor: Girardi Antonio
  • Publication number: 20030025365
    Abstract: A seat structure for a vehicle has a deformation suppressant on at least one of a beam and an other region against deformation of the beam when a downward load acts on a front portion of the seat cushion upon for example vehicular collision or abrupt braking so that rigidity of the seat cushion can be enhanced with no reinforcement such as increase in diameter and/or thickness of the beam and/or a seat cushion frame, making the beam and/or the frame double-walled and/or use of high-strength material for the beam and/or the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Applicant: HINO MOTORS, LTD.
    Inventors: Yuji Sato, Toshiaki Orihara, Joutaro Shiino, Takahiro Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20030025366
    Abstract: A massage chair includes a base frame; a cradle in which a person sits, the cradle being rotatably mounted to the base frame on a cradle bearing structure and pivoting at a cradle axis, the cradle including a vibration generation mechanism mounted within the cradle for producing and delivering vibration into the body of a person seated in the cradle; and a having cradle pivot mechanism connected to the cradle for pivoting the cradle relative to the base frame to a sitting position in which the center of gravity of a person seated in the cradle is substantially over the cradle axis to evenly distribute the weight of a person seated in the cradle over the cradle, and for pivoting the cradle to at least one reclining position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2001
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventor: Armando Barreiro
  • Publication number: 20030025367
    Abstract: The invention concerns a vehicle seat with a head rest detachably fastenable at a backrest of the seat and with an integrated video screen, for which the head rest has a storing space. In order to obtain an improved possibility to mount the seat using simple constructive means and in order to guarantee a high security for the passengers of the vehicle in its mounted state the video screen is fastened in the storing space in a form-locking and/or force-locking manner between the head rest and the backrest. In particular in a first embodiment the video screen is fastened on a support piece of the backrest, which is provided with sleeves for supporting rods of the head rest and with a plug-in contact for the video screen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventor: Richard Boudinot
  • Publication number: 20030025368
    Abstract: A controllably rotatable seat having an arm to which one or more seats are attached. The arm is rotatably connected to a carrier. An electrical motor, pneumatics, hydraulics, or any other mechanism that is well known in the art for producing rotation rotates the arm and, consequently, the seat or seats. Initiation of rotation and returning of the seat or seats to their original orientation is accomplished by a timer, a sensor detecting targets, or the measurement of some physical criterion associated with movement of the carrier. Preferably, a lever arm connects the arm to the means for rotating so that the point of rotation of the means for rotating will be substantially aligned with the center of gravity of a participant sitting on the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventor: Stanley J. Checketts
  • Publication number: 20030025369
    Abstract: A reclining child's safety seat arrangement for a seat member (3) and base member (1) assembly. The seat member (3) is pivotally mounted to the base member (1) on a transverse axis (5) and a link (7) extends between the seat member and the base member and spaced apart from the transverse axis (5). Alteration of the angle of the link arm with respect to the base member such as by the use of an extendable arm (13), on either the link arm or the base member, varies the amount of recline of the child safety seat. Useful for convertible seats which may be used either as a rearwardly facing infant seat in a more prone position or a forwardly facing child safety seat with the child in a more upright position. The variable angle arrangement of the present invention can be used for reclining the seat in a selected amount when the seat is in the former orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventor: Wieslaw Maciejczyk
  • Publication number: 20030025370
    Abstract: An upper back support in a vehicle seat, with the vehicle seat having a base assembly including a seat support. The seat member is supported on the base assembly and a back frame is pivoted to the base assembly for movement. A back shell is connected to the back frame and an upper back support is coupled to the back shell. The upper back support comprises a panel having a lower portion and an upper portion, with the lower portion flexibly coupled to the back shell of the vehicle seat. A resilient member is coupled to the panel proximate the upper portion and to the back shell of the vehicle seat. An additional resilient member can be coupled to the panel proximate the upper portion and to the back shell of the vehicle seat in a spaced apart relationship to the other resilient member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: David M. Hensel, Jeffery A. DeBoer
  • Publication number: 20030025371
    Abstract: The invention concerns a chair with improved cradle motion, particularly for aircrafts, said chair providing a back portion (2, 2′), a seat portion (3, 3′), a basic frame (4, 4′), the chair being characterised in that means (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13; 5′, 6′, 7′, 8′, 9′, 12′, 13′) are provided for the forward sliding contemporaneously with the forward sliding of the back portion (2, 2′) and of the seat portion (3, 3′).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2000
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventor: Alberto Veneruso
  • Publication number: 20030025372
    Abstract: A chair seat that is movable between an upright and a forward position includes a spring mechanism that biases the seat toward the upright position. The spring mechanism includes camming structures that utilize both compressional and torsional forces from the spring to bias the seat toward the upright position. The compression of the spring exerts a positive force that must be overcome before the seat can be moved out of its upright position. The chair seat is constructed from a number of discrete components that are secured together without the use of welding or separate fasteners, such as via snap-fits. The discrete components include positioning tabs, special shapes, and other features that prevent them from being improperly assembled. The components of the chair seat may all be constructed out of suitable durable plastics, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polycarbonate, and glass filled thermoplastics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: John Conner, Tim Coffield, Robert Russell, Steve Finney
  • Publication number: 20030025373
    Abstract: In a seat in which the seat is placed so as to be freely moved by a slide rail 4, a striker lock 7 retained and mounted to a striker 8 standing up from a vehicle body floor F is provided in a lower portion close to a rear end of a lower rail 4b, and the seat is placed so as to be freely kicked up from a rear portion side to an upper side in a folded state around a supporting shaft 6 axially supporting and pivoting a front end side of the lower rail 4b corresponding to a supporting point, there is provided a switching mechanism 10 which makes it impossible to unlock the striker lock 7 by an operation lever when the seat is kept at a front seated position, and makes it possible to lock the striker lock 7 by the operation lever when the seat is moved to a predetermined rear position, whereby it is possible to mechanically execute a step of moving the seat to the predetermined position in the rear side within the vehicle, thereafter unlocking the striker lock 7 and kicking up the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventor: Katsuhiko Shinozaki
  • Publication number: 20030025374
    Abstract: A chair comprising a seat and a base connected by a cantilever arm wherein the seat is positioned on the projecting end of the cantilever arm. The cantilever arm is pivotally connected to the base such that the projecting end of the cantilever arm is free to rotate about the base. The projecting end of the cantilever arm is also displaceable relative to the base. The seat positioned on the projecting end of the cantilever arm may be positioned into a variety of different locations relative to the base by rotation and displacement of the projecting end of the cantilever arm. A brake may be releasably engaged to inhibit rotation and displacement of the projecting end of the cantilever arm relative to the base. The seat positioned on the projecting end of the cantilever arm and the seat may also rotate at the end of the arm, and is height adjustable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2001
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventor: Edward Moore
  • Publication number: 20030025375
    Abstract: A seat reclining and fold-flat mechanism for reclining the seat-back, folding the seat-back flat and locking the seat in an upright or reclined position. The mechanism includes an arm, a pawl and a locking member. The arm is pivoted to the frame at one end and attached to the seat-back at a second opposite end to pivot the seat-back relative to the frame. The pawl is pivoted to the frame and pivots between a locked position, in which the pawl engages the arm to prevent arm from pivoting, and a released position, in which the pawl releases arm allowing arm to pivot. The locking member secures the pawl in the locked position, thereby securing seat-back in an upright or reclined position even when substantial force is executed on the seat-back.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventor: Larry Gray
  • Publication number: 20030025376
    Abstract: A seat reclining device includes a first circular shaped concave portion formed in a first arm and a second concave portion which is concentric with the first concave portion and formed inwardly of the first concave portion. The device also includes an engaged portion which is engaged by an engaging portion. The engaged portion is dividing into two engaged portions in which a first engaged portion is formed on the inner surface of the first concave portion and a second engaged portion is formed on the inner surface of the second concave portion. The engaging portion is divided into two engaging portions such that a first engaging portion is engaged with the first engaged portion and a second engaging portion is engaged with the second engaged portion. All the engaging and engaged portion have gears possessing the same angular piths as each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: Genta Moriyama, Naoaki Hoshihara
  • Publication number: 20030025377
    Abstract: In the case of a fitting (5) for a vehicle seat, in particular a latching fitting for a motor vehicle seat, having a first fitting part (11), having a second fitting part (12) which can be rotated relative to the first fitting part (11) and can be locked, having at least one latch (21) which is arranged in a manner such that it can move in the radial direction in a guide (15) of the first fitting part (11) and, for locking purposes, interacts with the second fitting part (12), on its side placed radially outward, and having an eccentric (25) which can rotate relative to the fitting parts (11, 12) and acts on the latch (21), on its side placed radially inward, in order to move said latch radially outward, the eccentric (25) acts on the latch (21) via two spaced-apart points (23, 31).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Applicant: KEIPER GmbH & Co
    Inventor: Christopher Peters