Ends Raised Differentially Patents (Class 248/394)
  • Patent number: 11970090
    Abstract: A railess variable seatback type rear seat includes: a linear movement device configured to convert a rotation of a motor into a linear movement; a sliding movement device configured to convert the linear movement into a sliding movement in which a seat cushion is pushed forward or backward; and a reclining angle change device configured to convert the sliding movement into a reclining movement, and to fold a seatback, which is connected to the seat cushion, forward or to recline the seatback backward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, Kia Corporation, Daechang Seat Co.,LTD-Dongtan, Hyundai Transys Inc.
    Inventors: Seung-Hyun Kim, Sang-Hyun Lee, Min-Ju Lee, Byung-Yong Choi, Chan-Ho Jung, Seon-Chae Na, Young-Woon Choi, Jae-Jin Lee, Dong-Hwan Kim, In-Chang Hwang
  • Patent number: 11544635
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for reserving a vehicle with a desired vehicle characteristic are disclosed herein. A system includes a receiver to receive a request to reserve a vehicle, wherein the request indicates a desired vehicle characteristic. The system includes a controller configured to determine a change to the vehicle that will satisfy the vehicle characteristic, and the system includes an implementation component configured to implement the change to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Lisa Scaria, Candice Xu, Brielle Reiff, Henry Salvatore Savage, Sarah Houts, Jinhyong Oh, Erick Michael Lavoie
  • Patent number: 11420538
    Abstract: Disclosed is a seat elevating device including a support unit, a driving unit, and an elevating unit. The support unit is structured such that a first end is coupled to a body of a vehicle and a second end extends upward from the first end and is connected to a first end and a second end of a bar. The driving unit is coupled to an inner side surface of the support unit and equipped with a drive shaft on a side surface thereof. The elevating unit is connected to the drive shaft via a gear unit and is provided with a groove to receive the bar so that the bar slides along the groove. The elevating unit is slidable because it is engaged with the gear unit connected to the drive shaft via a rack gear that extends in parallel with a sliding movement direction of the elevating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: DAECHANG SEAT CO., LTD-DONGTAN
    Inventors: Chan Ki Cho, Bum Jin Hwang, Jun Kyu Park, Lyang Sun Kim
  • Patent number: 11345263
    Abstract: An apparatus of tilting a seat cushion of a rear seat may include a tilting function additionally provided to a seat cushion of a rear seat, so when a seatback reclines, it is possible to tilt up the front end portion of the seat cushion and sufficiently support the thighs of a passenger sitting in the rear seat using the front end portion of the seat cushion tilted upwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, Daewon Precision Industrial Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Ji Hwan Kim, Tae Hoon Lee, Byeong Seon Son, Sang Hoon Park, Seon Chae Na, Sang Ho Kim, Byoung Tae Seo
  • Patent number: 10779390
    Abstract: A printed circuit board includes a printed wiring board, an electronic element provided on a mounting surface of the printed wiring board, and a heat radiation member provided on an opposite side of a side on which the printed wiring board is positioned with respect to the electronic element, the heat radiation member thermally connected to the electronic element. An end portion of the heat radiation member is disposed closer to the printed wiring board than a connection portion with the electronic element in the heat radiation member, in a state where a space is provided between the end portion and the printed wiring board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Naoki Suematsu
  • Patent number: 10661684
    Abstract: An adjustment assembly or mechanism that permits adjustment of the height and angle of tilt of a vehicle seat includes front and rear latch gears with multiple cogs corresponding to discrete angular positions of the latch gears and consequently discrete heights of the front and rear of the adjustment assembly. The front latch gears pivot about a fixed pivot axis while the rear latch gears pivot about a sliding pivot axis to accommodate tilt angles for the seat. Torsion springs bias the four latch gears to a maximum rotation or pivot position in which the respective ends of the seat are at their highest vertical position. A spindle engages the cogs of the latch gears to hold the latch gears in a particular discrete angular position. Separate front and rear manual actuation levers at the front of the seat can be lifted to release a respective front and rear spindle from a particular cog and allow the driver to adjust the seat position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: Sears Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Cole T Brodersen
  • Patent number: 10618431
    Abstract: A sliding device of the present disclosure includes: a fixed rail; a movable rail; a rack fixed within the fixed rail, the rack extending along an axis parallel to a longitudinal axis of the fixed rail; a pinion provided to the movable rail, the pinion including multiple teeth to be engaged with the rack and rotating by receiving a driving force; and a restrictor slidingly displaced integrally with the movable rail, the restrictor contacting with the rack when the movable rail is sliding, to thereby restrict the rack from being displaced in a direction away from the pinion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tadasuke Higuchi
  • Patent number: 10583752
    Abstract: A sliding device of the present disclosure includes: a fixed rail; a movable rail; a rack; a pinion; an intermediate gear; a driving device; and a support member. The support member includes a first support body and a second support body. The first support body and the second support body being coupled below the pinion and integrally molded. The sliding device further includes a restricting body configured to restrict elastic displacement such that an end of the first support body above the pinion and an end of the second support body above the pinion separate from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tadasuke Higuchi
  • Patent number: 10556519
    Abstract: A vehicle cabin configuring apparatus includes a rail assembly and a seating assembly. The rail assembly includes a first channel that includes data and power connectors. The rail assembly also includes a second channel with a drive cable. The seating assembly includes a drive arm that is selectively engagable with the drive cable, locking pins that are selectively engagable with the rail assembly, and rollers that engage with a third channel of the rail assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alan George Dry, Johnathan Andrew Line
  • Patent number: 10522990
    Abstract: A seat-to-seat wiring system for an aircraft includes a floor panel and a wiring trough attached to the floor panel. The wiring trough includes a housing defining a raceway for receiving a wire and a first support member coupled to the housing. The first support member is attached to the floor panel is for securing the housing to the floor panel. The housing and the wire are disposed below the floor panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: Aaron Andrew Klein
  • Patent number: 10442320
    Abstract: A seating assembly includes a striker pin operably coupled to a track assembly, a sector arm operably coupled to a seat base and defining a first pivot axis and a second pivot axis, a dual cam latch disposed between the second pivot axis and the seat base when the sector arm is in a raised position and engageable with the striker pin when the sector arm is in a lowered position, wherein the dual cam latch is releasable by a forward movement of a seatback, a release cam operably coupled to the sector arm along the second pivot axis, wherein the release cam is configured to rotate downward when the sector arm is in the raised position, and a release bar including a front portion and a rear portion, wherein the rear portion is engageable by the release cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Michael Kish, Macit Aktas, Jeffrey Gabalski
  • Patent number: 10384568
    Abstract: Vehicle seat comprising a vehicle seat top part, a vehicle seat bottom part and a guide device for guiding the vehicle seat top part with respect to the vehicle seat bottom part when the vehicle seat top part is deflected relative to the vehicle seat bottom part. The guide device includes a first assembly having a first lever element, a second lever element and a lever element connector. The first lever element and the second lever element are arranged so as to extend forwards in a longitudinal direction. The guide device also includes a second assembly having a third lever element, a fourth lever element and the lever element connector. The third lever element and the fourth lever element are arranged so as to extend backwards in a longitudinal direction. The guide device further includes a stabilization device having a fifth lever element, a sixth lever element and a seventh lever element, which are pivotally connected by means of a shared pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: GRAMMER AG
    Inventor: Konstantin Lorey
  • Patent number: 10300813
    Abstract: A height adjustment apparatus for a vehicle seat may include a pinion gear mounted in a side frame having a front portion and a rear portion are connected to a seat bracket by links; a rack gear engaged with a top end of the pinion gear and coupled with the seat bracket via an hinge, the rack gear moving according to driving of the pinion gear to raise and lower the side frame; and a play adjustment bracket for guiding up and down motion of the moving rack gear by providing repulsive force to a top portion of the rack gear, the play adjustment bracket being fixedly positioned by being fastened with a plurality of support pins provided in the pinion gear and the side frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, HYUNDAI DYMOS INC., Faurecia Automotive Seating Korea Limited
    Inventors: Gil Ju Kim, Chan Ho Jung, Sang Do Park, Keun Gwack, Jong Moon Yoo, Sang Ho Kim, Jun Yeol Heo, Seon Chae Na, Byung Yong Choi, Sang Man Seo, Eom Seok Yoo, Jae Yong Jang, Erwan Guillouet
  • Patent number: 10077724
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a fuel injector coupled to mixing passages for entraining combustion chamber gases with a fuel injection to decrease formation of soot throughout a range of engine operating parameters. In one example, a method includes decreasing a combustion chamber temperature in response to an amount of sensed light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Eric Matthew Kurtz, Christopher Polonowski, Daniel William Kantrow, Daniel Joseph Styles, Paul Joseph Tennison
  • Patent number: 9994130
    Abstract: A transfer seat base for a vehicle, including a rail frame having rails; a carriage frame positioned to ride along the rails and configured for receipt of a seat mounted thereto; a powered motive mechanism for, upon actuation, longitudinally moving the carriage frame along the rails between a forward driving position and a rearward occupant transfer position; a locking mechanism operable upon cessation of actuation of the motive mechanism to automatically lock the carriage frame against longitudinal movement at various positions between the forward driving position and rearward occupant transfer position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Inventors: Larry Dean Michels, Jonathan D. Decker, John A. Evans
  • Patent number: 9919624
    Abstract: A track assembly includes an upper track that includes an interface member having a first end and a second end, a plurality of wheel assemblies, an anchor, and one or more locking blocks disposed on a side of the interface member. Embodiments of the system include a lower track with a first side and a second side, wherein a flat portion is disposed near a top of each of the first side and the second side. In embodiments, flat portions may extend along a longitudinal axis associated with the lower track. A plurality of gaps may be disposed on the flat portions, and the gaps may be configured to receive a locking block and an anchor. The anchor may be configured to guide the upper track as the upper track travels along the longitudinal axis associated with the lower track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Alfred Cziomer, Marc Laumeier, Klaus Walter, Michael Wojatzki, Torsten Bochert
  • Patent number: 9604550
    Abstract: A seat drive device is provided with: a single rotary motor; a plurality of operating members, which are arranged to correspond to a plurality of positioning mechanisms; a plurality of tubular members, which are arranged to correspond to the positioning mechanisms and selectively connect an output shaft to the positioning mechanism corresponding to the operating member operated with the operation of any one of the operating members and input shafts rotated by the rotary motor; and a single switch, which passes an electric current through the rotary motor with a polarity corresponding to the direction of the operation with the operation of any one of the operating members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Sadao Ito
  • Patent number: 9550437
    Abstract: In a seat (1) for a driver of a construction machine, in particular for a road roller, featuring a movable seating carriage (8) with seat adjustment in no less than one shifting direction via a drive motor (12) which is coupled to the seating carriage (8) via a transmission element (14), and featuring a control device (16) for the seat adjustment, it is provided for the following features to be achieved: for mechanical adjustment of the seating carriage (8), the drive motor (12) and/or the seating carriage (8) is decouplable from the transmission element (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Hamm AG
    Inventors: Gerhard Mahler, Axel Roemer
  • Patent number: 8967569
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a support structure. A main hinge of the structure is installed with a stop mechanism, so when an object to be supported is placed at a higher location while being in an unfolding state, the object to be supported is restrained from being rotated from a vertical state to a horizontal folding state, thereby preventing falling due to the unstable gravity center; when a connection unit is folded towards a base, an upper end of a first auxiliary connection member links the stop mechanism to rotate for gradually altering the stopping location, so the object to be supported is enabled to be horizontally folded; as such, the object to be supported can be maintained in a stable state during the folding process, thereby preventing the occurrence of falling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Jarllytec Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yu-Tsun Hsu
  • Patent number: 8556091
    Abstract: An updated version of the tradition shower caddy according to the present invention is designed to use retractable cords and removable clips as an aide to assist in storage of bathing/shower products instead of plastic racks or wire trays as used in traditional shower caddies. The device according to the present invention comprises an adjustable over-the-door hanger for the device to mount on a shower enclosure panel or door, at least one retractable reel and noncorrosive retractable cord attached to the over-the-door hanger, at least one removable clip attached to the retractable cord for securely holding shower articles such as shampoo, conditioner, body soap and the like, at least one hook for robe, body scrubber, and towels, and a soap dish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Inventor: Charlyne Cutler
  • Patent number: 8393590
    Abstract: A vehicle seat rail assembly has a lower rail having a guide groove opening upward in the vertical direction of the vehicle body, that extends in a direction coincident with the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and supported stationary relative to the vehicle body; an upper rail attached to a vehicle seat and guided by the lower rail to slide in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle; and a cover mechanism that is disposed between a pair of inner walls that define the guide groove of the lower rail and that closes the guide groove. The cover mechanism includes a stationary cover that remains stationary relative to the lower rail and a movable cover that slides relative to stationary cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideyuki Kato, Hiromasa Hayakawa, Masaharu Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7527233
    Abstract: An adjustable apparatus for adjusting the positions of a display is provided. The display includes a base, a supporting arm and a display unit. Two ends of the supporting arm are pivotably connected to the base and the unit. The adjustable apparatus at least comprises a leading rod disposed within the base and an operation block mounted on the leading rod. One end of the leading rod is connected to the supporting arm. There are an outer thread formed on the surface of the leading rod and an inner thread correspondingly formed within the operation block. When the operation block is operated, the inner thread of the operation block is engaged with the outer thread of the leading rod, and the leading rod can be moved forwards or backwards so as to drive the supporting arm to rotate and adjust the positions of the display unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Qisda Corporation
    Inventor: Ching-Hui Yen
  • Patent number: 6056362
    Abstract: Chair assembly, in particular a chair assembly for use in virtual reality devices, comprising a substructure which comprises a stationary bottom frame and situated above it a top frame bearing a chair, movement means being present between the bottom frame and the top frame, in order to make the top frame move relative to the bottom frame, which movement means comprise drive means and a connecting arm of fixed length which interacts hingedly by way of a top hinge axis with the top frame and hingedly by way of a bottom hinge axis with the bottom frame, wherein the top hinge axis and the bottom hinge axis extend substantially parallel to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: RPI Advanced Technology Group
    Inventor: Frans de la Haye
  • Patent number: 5775661
    Abstract: A seat lifter comprises a lifter shaft having a sector gear and rotated by a center gear to vertically move a seat frame with respect to a base frame through a link mechanism. The sector gear is formed with a stopper arm protruding from one side thereof, whereas the base frame is formed with a long arc-shaped hole with which a pointed end of the stopper arm is engaged. The long arc-shaped hole is partly covered by a vertical wall of the second frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Fuji Kiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadashi Matsumoto, Eiichi Kawai
  • Patent number: 5683140
    Abstract: A vehicle seat support frame includes inboard and outboard support assemblies each having a longitudinal base member providing an upstanding strut supporting an elevated front pivot pin. The base member aft end is formed with a downwardly and rearwardly angled brace having a foot pivotally connected to the lower end of a rear link. The link upper end is pivoted to an aft end of a longitudinal carriage having an elongated side slot receiving the elevated front pivot pin, wherein with the link inclined rearwardly the elevated pin is positioned at a front slot limit. A lower rail, fixed on the carriage, slidably supports an upper track member fixed to a seat cushion frame, for seat assembly adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Richard A. Roth, Thomas D. Novitsky, Gary C. George, Michael T. Twomley, Omar D. Tame, Phillip J. Hecksel
  • Patent number: 5613662
    Abstract: A seat adjustment mechanism principally for vehicle seats comprises a frame connected to a base by front and rear linkages. A mechanism is provided that is operated by a handle with a first movement of the handle unlocking the front linkages to allow the tilt of the frame to be adjusted relative to the base and continued movement of the handle unlocking both linkages to allow the height of the frame to be adjusted relative to the base. This is achieved by successively pivoting lever arms that successively unlock the pairs of links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: KAB Seating Limited
    Inventor: David C. Blackmore
  • Patent number: 5613402
    Abstract: An adjustable set bearing for a gear assembly for a power seat adjuster on a vehicle, wherein the gear assembly couples a motor output shaft to a lead screw. The gear assembly is contained in a housing assembly and includes a first gear rotatably mounted to the housing and having connecting means to the motor output shaft. The first gear has end journals and a worm disposed therebetween. A second gear is carried for rotation on the lead screw and is in meshing engagement with the first gear. The housing assembly includes adjustable supporting means for supporting an end journal. The adjustable supporting means includes an adjustable set bearing that is threadably insertable into an access port into contact with an end journal. The adjustable set bearing has an inner smooth concentric surface for supporting an end journal of the worm and allowing rotatable movement of the end journal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: ITT Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek K. Gauger, Kirk K. Horvet
  • Patent number: 5568908
    Abstract: An improved manually adjustable vehicle seat assembly is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Assignee: Atoma International Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Kisiel
  • Patent number: 5528959
    Abstract: A multi-driving assembly of a vehicle power seat for adjusting forward and backward movement and height of the front and rear portions of the seat. At a left side of the motor shaft of an electric motor (central portion of a vehicle) where no wide space is secured, a first tightening member having no clutch is screwed to a first rotating screw shaft, which is provided with a first clutch to adjust forward and backward movement of the seat. At a right side (door side), second tightening members each having a second clutch provided therein are screwed to a second rotating screw shaft to adjust the height of the front and rear portions of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Assignee: Mitsuba Electric Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Gensaku Yamakami
  • Patent number: 5470129
    Abstract: An adjustable vehicle seat wherein the frame supporting the seat portion is defined by two sides, each presenting a bottom portion sliding along a respective horizontal longitudinal guide, and a top portion integral with the seat portion and connected to the respective bottom portion so as to travel, in relation to the bottom portion, along a fixed vertical guide integral with the bottom portion and by virtue of two actuating devices located on either side of the fixed guide and each of which provides for rocking the respective top portion in relation to the respective bottom portion and about a respective axis perpendicular to the fixed guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: Ferrero Giulio, S.p.A.
    Inventor: Ferruccio Ferrero
  • Patent number: 5427345
    Abstract: A seat moving apparatus performs adjustments of a seat portion in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle as well as height or tilting adjustments using only one electric motor to decrease the number of elements of the apparatus and to reduce the weight and size of the apparatus. A linkage for driving a seat for a vehicle is disclosed which is arranged in such a manner that first and second nut members are matably attached to operational shafts connected to the single motor. The first nut members are fixed to a floor of the vehicle. The second nut members are attached to the seat through linkages. A clutch body of each nut member can be, by a clutch operation mechanism, selectively switched between a movement state and a non-movement state. In the movement state, a clutch body of the clutch mechanism is positioned at a second shifting position and the nut members are engaged with and longitudinal moved along the threaded operation shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignees: Mitsuba Electric Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Tachi-S Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Gensaku Yamakami, Takao Sakamoto, Akira Nemoto, Shigeru Nakahara
  • Patent number: 5400720
    Abstract: A lift and tilt table including an upper platform which is raised and lowered over a lower platform. A table is provided over the upper platform and at one end thereof is adapted for only horizontal movement over the platform. A pair of arms and a pair of selectively actuated hydraulic cylinders are pivotally connected between the upper platform and the table. Actuation of the hydraulic cylinders causes the table free end to be lifted above the platform while the table is caused to simultaneously move in a horizontal direction for retaining the center of gravity of the table generally over the same area on the platform. An apron is provided on the table for preventing articles placed on the table from sliding off therefrom and the apron moves horizontally with the table so as not to extend over the edge of the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Assignee: Vestil Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Jay B. Stevens
  • Patent number: 5337995
    Abstract: A power seat frame assembly includes a screw nut and rod assembly which is pre-assembled as a unit before being mounted on a bracket fixed to a rail for vehicle's seat. A gear box of the screw rod and nut assembly is disposed merely in a space between opposed walls on the bracket and the screw rod is received in an opening upper recess of the bracket. Thus, the arrangement of the screw rod and nut assembly on the bracket becomes easier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Assignee: Aisen Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Munetaka Satoh, Sadao Ito, Hiroshi Nawa
  • Patent number: 5310154
    Abstract: A vehicle seat-mounting structure, of which a cut-out portion is formed at an inner side of a seat frame in the transverse direction of a vehicle and extends from an edge portion of the seat frame behind a vehicle seat. In order that opposite edge portions of the cut-out portion in the transverse direction of the vehicle is fixed indirectly to an adjusting rail, a shaft is rotatably supported to a reclining lower arm so as to secure linking members to both ends of the shaft. Bracket members are rotatably supported to the linking members. The seat frame is secured to the bracket members, and the seat frame is then secured to the adjusting rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Katsuya Ueda, Kikuo Sugimura, Isao Morishita
  • Patent number: 5217195
    Abstract: A support mechanism for 6-way adjustable automotive seats has a base and a seat support mounted on the base by mechanical locks telescopable for adjusting the height and tilt of the seat support. The mechanism is improved in that spring biased levers compensate for variable spring force to apply an approximately constant seat lifting force throughout the adjustment range of the mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Assignee: P. L. Porter Company
    Inventors: Aki Tanaka, David E. Landis
  • Patent number: 5207480
    Abstract: A manually-operable six-way seat adjustment mechanism having a pair of laterally spaced tracks which are fixed securely to the vehicle's floor pan. A pair of carriages are slidably coupled to the tracks and are operable for synchronous longitudinal movement thereon. A seat assembly is fixedly secured to seat frame members supported from the elongated carriages for longitudinal movement therewith. A horizontal adjustment mechanism is operatively interconnected between each of the tracks and carriages to enable a seat occupant to selectively adjust the longitudinal position of the assembly. The manually-operable six-way seat adjustment mechanism also includes a front vertical adjustment mechanism and a rear vertical adjustment mechanism which are each operably interconnected between the laterally spaced seat frame members and the carriages to enable selective and independent vertical adjustment of their respective front and rear portions of the seat assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Assignee: Douglas & Lomason Company
    Inventors: Richard F. Johnson, Ashok K. Sahi
  • Patent number: 5203532
    Abstract: A seat adjuster is disclosed, which comprises a seat pan; parallel first and second base members; spaced first and second rod members, each being rotatably supported by the base members; first and second link mechanisms respecitvely connected to the first rod member and mounting thereon a front part of the seat pan, the first and second link mechanisms raising the front part of the seat pan when the first rod member is rotated about its axis in a given direction; third and fourth link mechanism respectively connected to the second rod member and mounting thereon a rear part of the seat pan, the third and fourth link mechanism raising the rear part of the seat pan when the second rod member is rotated about its axis in a given direction; and first and second drive mechanisms mounted to the first base plate for turning the first and second rod members respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Assignee: Fuji Kiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Matsuura
  • Patent number: 5203853
    Abstract: A locking chair tilt mechanism for a chair in which the backrest and rear seat portion tilt rearwardly and downwardly, and the front seat portion of the chair slides generally horizontally is disclosed. The chair is supported by a tilt mechanism mounted between the base and the chair. Front and rear support arms extend from the biasing member mounted on top of the base, to the chair frame. The front support arm is slidably and pivotably mounted to the chair frame to create the horizontal sliding movement of the front portion of the chair. The locking mechanism mounts immediately adjacent the elongated opening and comprises a pivotable locking bar, a high pitch screw fixedly attached to said bar, a rack with a first set of teeth and a gripping member threadably mounted on said screw with a second set of teeth. The first and second set of teeth are selectively cooperable upon rotation of the locking bar and screw through movement of the threadably mounted gripping member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerome Caruso
  • Patent number: 5201568
    Abstract: An adjustable foot rest includes an elliptically-shaped foot pad having an upper surface and lateral sides. A pair of legs are eccentrically pivoted to the sides of the foot pad. Rotation of the legs provides a plurality of different height positions for the foot pad. A ratchet mechanism between the legs and the pad restricts rotation of the legs to a single direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventor: Terry B. Christensen, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5199679
    Abstract: A height adjusting device for a seat comprises a seat-cushion, an operating mechanism for moving simultaneously a frontward portion and a rearward portion of a seat-cushion in the vertical direction, and a reclining mechanism for adjusting of the reclining angle of the seat-cushion by moving the frontward portion thereof in the vertical direction wherein the operating mechanism is operated without affecting the adjusted reclining angle of the seat-cushion established by the reclining mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Nakamura, Yukifumi Yamada
  • Patent number: 5123622
    Abstract: A power seat lifter device for an automotive seat assembly has electrically powered servo systems for adjusting height position at a front end portion and a rear end portion of the vehicular seat. The servo systems are concentrically arranged along one side of the vehicular seat so as to form enough space for permitting lowering of the seat cushion height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1992
    Assignee: Fuji Kiko Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadashi Matsumoto, Isao Ikegaya, Kuniyuki Sugimoto
  • Patent number: 5112018
    Abstract: A power seat track apparatus for selectively positioning an automotive vehicle seat is adapted to be powered by an electric motor drive, preferably with separate motors for each drive direction. The seat back is mounted on the upper track of the seat track mechanism for horizontal drive with the track. The vertical drive through front and rear torsion tubes or bars act on only the seat pan and seat cushion but not on the seat back. Since the vehicle shock loading requirements must be met by the structural seat pan or seat frame, the pan for holding only the seat cushion may be reduced in size as compared to the usual power seat frame. The front of the seat cushion is interconnected with the pan through a lost motion pivot and the rear portion of the seat cushion is interconnected with the seat pan through a fixed pivot connection whereby simultaneous elevation and shortening of the seat cushion with respect to the seat back is effected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1992
    Assignee: ITT Corporation
    Inventor: Robert J. Wahls
  • Patent number: 5094419
    Abstract: A power seat adjuster which allows a seat to be adjusted to a desired elevation and pitch replaces a lift plate of a lift assembly with a lift bar. The lift bar is slid into grooves on an upper channel of a top plate, and the top plate is connected to a rigid link. Jack screws with shafts that have a nonround portion are provided to take up torque and keep the lift bars from binding with the top plate so that there is no interference in the operation of the power seat adjuster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1992
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: James P. Nini, Thomas B. Blake
  • Patent number: 5088841
    Abstract: A power seat arrangement has concentrically arranged drives for a seat slide mechanism, a seat lifter mechanism and a reclining mechanism in a space defined in the vicinity of one rear end corner of a seat cushion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1992
    Assignee: Fuji Kiko Company, Limited
    Inventors: Isao Ikegaya, Tadashi Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 5046697
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment seat adjuster according to the present invention has a first link which is pivotally connected typically along its rearward end to the vehicle floor. A powered gear is connected to the first link and is meshed with a sector gear which is connected to the forward end of the vehicle seat adjuster. The sector gear is also connected to the vehicle floor. Slidably mounted to the first link is a second link having a sector gear connected to its rearward end. The vehicle seat (or frame) is pivotally connected along its forward end to the second link and the vehicle seat has a powered gear which in meshed with the rearward sector gear of the second link. Longitudinal movement of the seat is provided by a worm gear rotatably connected to the second link and meshed with a rack connected with the first link. Elevation of forward end of the vehicle is accomplished by the powered gear rotatably connected with the first link and meshed with the sector gear connected with the vehicle floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1991
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Clement A. Detloff, Joseph J. Magyar
  • Patent number: 5020762
    Abstract: A power seat for an automobile wherein the seat cushion is adjustable in height or in a fore-and-aft direction by means of an electric motor. In such power seat, an upstanding bracket is provided on a slide rail adapted to permit fore-and-aft sliding movement of the seat cushion, and the electric motor is disposed at the lateral surface of the bracket. Hence, there is no need to dispose the motor beneath the seat cushion, and the seating point is lowered more, giving a wide space in the cabin of the automobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1991
    Assignee: Tachi-S Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Susumu Hatta
  • Patent number: 5014958
    Abstract: A powered seat adjuster incorporating features including:(i) a double "J" moveable track contained within a generally U-shaped track which provides superior reinforcing and movement abilities;(ii) a novel joint to fasten the torque tube to the track;(iii) a novel joint for fastening the torque tube to the bell crank;(iv) an improved anti-chuck feature;(v) a novel nut assembly for resolving loads on the horizontal lead screws of the seat track, yet providing smooth quiet operation during normal use;(vi) an improved motor module assembly standardized in construction incorporating unique mounting features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1991
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventor: William J. Harney
  • Patent number: 4995580
    Abstract: A height adjusting device for a vehicle seat, in which are provided a height adjusting mechanism and a seat surface inclination adjusting mechanism. The height adjusting mechanism includes a linkage between a seat frame and base frame, with brackets fixed at the seat frame, whereas the seat surface inclination adjusting mechanism includes a tilt link connected with the linkage and bracket of the height adjusting mechainsm in a manner to be movable independently of the latter. Thus, the seat is adjusted in height and in inclination angle, independently, by operating each of those two mechanisms, without coactive influences therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1991
    Assignee: Tachi-S. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Harutoshi Fujii
  • Patent number: 4948081
    Abstract: A height adjusting device for an automotive seat comprising a forward seat height adjusting mechanism adapted for height adjustment of the forward part of a seat cushion, a rearward seat height adjusting mechanism adapted for height adjustment of the rearward part of the seat cushion, a control mechanism which is operatively connected with those two height adjusting mechanism, and a pair of first and second sprocket wheels with an endless chain wound thereabout are arranged between the rearward height adjusting mechanism and control mechanism. Thus, a rattling or wobbling is avoided in the rearward height adjusting mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1990
    Assignee: Tachi-S Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Susumu Hatta
  • Patent number: 4932290
    Abstract: A power seat apparatus in a vehicle body includes a first shaft through which the rotational torque is transmitted to a first mechaism for moving a front portion of a seat-cushion vertically, a second shaft through which the rotational torque is transmitted to a second mechanism for moving a rear portion of the seat-cushion vertically and a third shaft through which the rotational torque is transmitted to a third mechanism for moving the seat-cushion in the lengthwise direction. The power seat apparatus further includes a mechanical control device engaging a third clutch to the third shaft during the disengagement of a first clutch from the first shaft and a second clutch from the second shaft and disengaging the third clutch from the third shaft during either the engagement of the first clutch to the first shaft or the engagement of the second clutch to the second shaft. With this arrangement no solenoid needs to be used in the control device, and consequently noise emission is not generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1990
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kanshiro Toyoda, Tadasu Yoshida