Seat Support Patents (Class 267/131)
  • Patent number: 11958390
    Abstract: A magnetic seat adjustment system includes a frame structure, a movable adjustment mechanism, and a control system. The frame structure includes a first magnetic portion fixedly coupled to the frame structure and including first magnetic members that independently generate a magnetic field. The movable adjustment mechanism includes a movable base and a second magnetic portion. The second magnetic portion is fixedly coupled to the movable base and includes second magnetic members that independently generate a magnetic field. The control system controls a change in the magnetic field of the second magnetic members and/or the first magnetic members. When the magnetic field of the second magnetic members interacts with the magnetic field of the first magnetic members, the seat is in a magnetic levitation state, so that movement of the movable base drives movement of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Foxtron Vehicle Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ting-Wei Chen
  • Patent number: 11160377
    Abstract: A synchronous chair mechanism is disclosed for simultaneously changing a seat and a backrest of a chair from a zero position in which the backrest is tilted to a minimum extent relative to the seat, into an end position in which the backrest is tilted to a maximum extent relative to the seat. The synchronous chair mechanism includes a base that is connectable to a substructure provided for setting up the chair. The synchronous chair mechanism also includes a backrest carrier on which the backrest is mountable, a seat support that is designed for holding a seat, and a spring element having a front end and a rear end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: VITRA AG
    Inventors: Hermann Bock, Thomas Schneider, Thomas Kamber
  • Patent number: 11019933
    Abstract: The present invention relates to beds having a support surface defined by a plurality of support members (104, 204, 240). According to some aspects the support members are sprung (104, 204) and the bed includes a damping system (106, 206), for example a damping arm (124), for damping vibrations of the springs (118, 218). According to some aspects the support members (204, 240) have laterally extending pusher members (236, 238) arranged to engage with adjacent support members (204, 240); the pusher members (236, 238) comprising damping material (254). According to some aspects the support members (104, 204) are received by a guide member (320, 420) made up of two parts (320a, 320b, 420a, 420b) arranged to retain a spring by engaging between the coils of the spring (418). The present invention also relates to bed frames comprising a plurality of movable side elements (568, 768, 1068) mounted for movement in a direction substantially normal to the body support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: AMMIQUE LIMITED
    Inventors: Marlene Claire Greenhalgh, Colin Jack Greenhalgh
  • Patent number: 10668968
    Abstract: A bypass device for a seating component such as an adjustable seating assembly for a bicycle may be provided to redistribute fluid preferentially by density. The bypass device may be operable to redistribute a low density compressible fluid or a mixed phase of low density compressible and high density non-compressible fluids within the seating component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Shipman, Brian Jordan
  • Patent number: 10661692
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a housing seat attachment portion with hooks in receipt of suspension wires. A housing bracket extends from a housing sidewall to provide a housing cavity and a housing opening. The housing bracket is spaced above the vehicle floor by at least fifty millimeters to provide clearance between the housing bracket and the vehicle floor. A pump is received within the housing cavity adjacent to the seat attachment portion. A cover is fastened to the housing seat attachment portion and the housing bracket to at least partially enclose the housing opening and to retain the pump within the housing. A light source is received within the housing cavity and is adjacent to the seat attachment portion to minimize a height of the housing. The light source is oriented away from the seat attachment portion to illuminate a region beneath the seat bottom frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Inventors: Jeremy Siegmann, Nick Schiller, Alexander Schleicher
  • Patent number: 10166889
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for a shock absorbing vehicle seating system. In one embodiment the seating system includes a seat moveably attached to a vehicle by a seat guide apparatus configured to constrain seat movement to a stroking direction. The system further includes a spring damper with opposed first and second ends, configured to compress along a longitudinal axis extending through the ends in response to an external compressive load, and an energy attenuating component with a deformable portion disposed between a first end and a second end thereof. The spring damper and energy attenuating component are arranged serially with respect to one another, and together form a seat supporting assembly disposed between the seat and the vehicle. The energy attenuating component is configured to deform in a predictable manner in response to a shock load that reaches a predefined threshold value, allowing the seat to stroke in the stroking direction as the energy attenuating component absorbs energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Armorworks Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Ken-An Lou, David A. Bosen, Valent Horvatich
  • Patent number: 10098466
    Abstract: A device for adjusting the tilt of a chair backrest having a backrest frame rotatable with respect to the base frame of the chair is provided. The device includes elastic means for returning the backrest and/or countering the rotation thereof, in addition to means for controlling the preload of the elastic means. The means for controlling the preload include at least one first connecting rod and at least one first crank. The first connecting rod is hinged to the first crank and constrained to the elastic means so as to move the point of application of the returning and/or countering force with respect to the backrest. Adjusting means to adjust the position of the first crank determine at least two distinct stable positions of the first crank corresponding to two distinct positions of the mentioned point of application of the returning and/or countering force with respect to the base frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Donati S.p.A.
    Inventor: Armando Donati
  • Patent number: 9908456
    Abstract: An ambulance cot platform system allows variably raising a cot platform to many different positions to accommodate patients with varying weights. After a cot with a patient is placed on the cot platform, the weight of the patient is determined, and a desired position of multiple defined positions of the cot platform is determined from the patient's weight. The multiple defined positions may be a function of air pressure in air bladders, or the physical location of the platform itself. The air bladders are then inflated or deflated until the desired position of the cot platform is achieved. The result is a cot platform that has different positions to accommodate patients of different weights, thereby providing a ride with comfort that is optimized according to the weight of the patient being transported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Inventor: Devon L. Bennett
  • Patent number: 9878644
    Abstract: A child safety seat includes a seat base, and a seat body assembly that is slidably coupled to the seat base. The seat base includes a bottom. The energy absorber is configured to translate front and rear portions of the seat body assembly substantially linearly towards the bottom and to reduce impact forces imposed on the seat body assembly during a deceleration of the child safety seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Clek Inc.
    Inventors: Yunzhen Larry Zhou, Giuseppe Rotiroti
  • Patent number: 9616962
    Abstract: A three-piece stem of a bicycle includes a stem body, a bottom pipe, and a middle element. A first torus portion and a second torus portion are disposed at two ends of the stem body, respectively. The bottom pipe is disposed in the second torus portion of the stem body. The middle element is disposed between the second torus portion of the stem body and the bottom pipe. A connecting element couples the second torus portion of the stem body, the bottom pipe, and the middle element together, such that the second torus portion of the stem body, the bottom pipe, and the middle element are fixed tightly to a front forked upright pipe collectively, thereby enhancing the ease of assembly and the binding strength upon completion of assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: J.D. Components Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Pin-Chien Feng, Kuan-Lin Chung
  • Patent number: 9549614
    Abstract: An office chair mechanism includes a base support for placement on a chair column, a seat support on the base support being movable relative to the base support and a backrest coupled to the seat support. Pivoting the backrest moves the seat support relative to the base support. A track element is movably connected at a base support connecting point to the base support and at a seat support connecting point to the seat support to adjust pivoting resistance of the backrest. Pivoting the backrest alters position and/or location of the track element. A spring element acting on the track element and on the seat support or on the backrest and/or a backrest support is acted upon with a movement of the seat support relative to the base support. An adjustment device alters the position of a point of action of the spring element on the track element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Bock 1 GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Hermann Bock
  • Patent number: 9239129
    Abstract: A holding force adjusting apparatus to be attached to a posture holding apparatus having a base, a supporting member which is attached onto the base so that the supporting member freely swings between a standby state where the supporting member does not support a substance on the base and an active state where the supporting member supports the substance in an inclination state, and a swinging support member having a biasing force for returning the supporting member to the standby state when the supporting member is inclined, the holding force adjusting apparatus being designed to adjust a biasing force of the swinging support member, the holding force adjusting apparatus including a weighting detection member for detecting weight of the substance to be placed, and a returning force adjusting member for adjusting the bias force according to a detected weight by the weight detecting means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: FUMOTO GIKEN CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ryouhei Yamamoto, Yuho Yamamoto, Naoyuki Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 9222535
    Abstract: The invention relates to a spring element (1) for a cushioning device of a piece of furniture for sitting or lying, in particular for a bed mattress, comprising a spring body (10) and an accommodating section (30) arranged thereon, wherein the spring body (10) and the accommodating section (30) are injection-molded from plastic as one piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Hermann Bock GmbH
    Inventor: Klaus Bock
  • Patent number: 9206873
    Abstract: A lockable gas spring arrangement includes a gas spring with a closed cylinder, a displaceably guided piston and piston rod. A fastening tube fastened with its one end in the region of the free end of the piston rod and on which a locking element is arranged. The locking element is able to be moved substantially radially to the piston rod between an unlocked position permitting a free insertion movement and a locked position bearing against the front face of the cylinder on the piston rod side when the piston rod is extended. The locking element is able to be urged by a spring into its locked position. The locking element is able to be moved manually from its locked position into its unlocked position and is able to be retained automatically in its unlocked position by a retaining device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Stabilus GmbH
    Inventors: James Kull, Patrick Hartman
  • Patent number: 9163687
    Abstract: A spring includes a first, inner, continuous frame and a second, continuous frame enveloping the first frame. The first and second frames is made of a flexible material of high yield stress. The first and second frame have a common frame portion constituting a minor proportion of the first frame compared to the remainder of the first frame. The first and second frames are plane arranged generally in a common plane in their unloaded state and arranged for being deformed generally in the common plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: COLICOT AS
    Inventor: Terje Rølvåg
  • Patent number: 8955832
    Abstract: An operator seat suspension apparatus includes a seat having a seat structure including longitudinal, upright flanges and a vehicle having a frame including longitudinal, upright flanges spaced away from the longitudinal, upright flanges of the seat structure. A set of isolators is fixed to and connects between the upright flanges of the seat structure and the upright flanges of the vehicle frame. The isolators are adapted to allow displacement in shear in the vertical and the longitudinal directions in response to shock forces in either direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Excel Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Harlan John Bartel
  • Publication number: 20150001772
    Abstract: Supporting spring systems for sleeping, reclining or sitting furniture must have spring characteristics that provide good sleeping, reclining and/or sitting comfort. In known supporting spring systems, this is achieved only by relatively high design expenditure. The invention aims to create a simple and flexible supporting spring system which nevertheless ensures high sleeping, reclining or sitting comfort. Support elements (13, 50, 60, 70, 80) for connecting two female connectors (10) of a pair of female connectors (11) are provided for this purpose. The support elements (13, 50, 60, 70, 80) exhibit spring arms (15, 72) that are guided from beneath the female connectors (10) of the pairs of female connectors (11) up around the outside of the pair of female connectors (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: Thomas Beteiligungs- Und Vermogens-GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dieter Fornoff, Andreas Ries
  • Publication number: 20140339872
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle vibration device of a vehicle seat or of a vehicle cab, comprising a lower part and an upper part which can be deflected relative to this lower part, in which device the upper part and the lower part are interconnected in a spring-loaded manner by means of at least one suspension apparatus and in which the suspension apparatus comprises a deformable fluid-spring part having a flexible pressure chamber element and a deformation apparatus having deformation elements, the deformable fluid element being deformed at least in part by the deformation elements when the upper part is deflected relative to the lower part, and wherein, according to the invention, an additional anti-abrasion element is arranged between the flexible pressure chamber element and the deformation elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: GRAMMER AG
    Inventor: Konstantin LOREY
  • Patent number: 8844894
    Abstract: A scissor suspension mechanism, optionally used as a seat base, comprising both small footprint base and movable element, a set of two pairs of crossed first and second scissor arms and a linkage assembly including a plurality of pivot interfaces and linkages; which are designed in a way that the crossed first and second scissor arms describe, during the total elevation stroke of the movable element with respect to the base element, both positive and negative angles with respect to each other while passing through a null angle at which the overall mechanism length is maximal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Baultar I.D. Inc.
    Inventor: Etienne Archambault
  • Patent number: 8820724
    Abstract: Spring-mounted vibration system to reduce vibration with a first spring-mounted part and a second spring-mounted part, wherein the first spring-mounted part and the second spring-mounted part can oscillate relative to each in at least one vibration direction and at least one of the spring-mounted parts can be exposed to a return force on a vibration movement. A control unit is arranged with at least one travel linkage which is connected with at least one of the spring-mounted parts and in which is arranged displaceably at least one guide element connected with a spring element generating the return force and/or the other spring-mounted part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Grammer AG
    Inventors: Johann Demi, Andreas Vogi, Alexander Lorey
  • Patent number: 8800977
    Abstract: The invention relates to a suspension device for vehicle seats and/or vehicle cabins for applying a spring force to a vibratory motion of a first component relative to a second component, preferably in the longitudinal and/or transverse direction of the vehicle, wherein at least one elongate spring member extending at least in the longitudinal and/or transverse direction of the vehicle is connected in at least one end region to the first component and in the central region thereof to the second component, wherein the elongate spring member is made from a flexible elastomer material that is formed to be rod-shaped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Grammer AG
    Inventor: Jens Kolb
  • Patent number: 8800980
    Abstract: A spring structure includes a clockwise spring and a counterclockwise spring that are coaxially arranged under a state in which a spring seat is interposed between a lower end portion of the clockwise spring and an upper end portion of the counterclockwise spring. An upper end portion of the clockwise spring is supported on an upper spring seat portion, and a lower end portion of the counterclockwise spring is supported on a lower spring seat portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Seiji Sawai, Yutaka Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 8800976
    Abstract: A vehicle seating system includes a top frame for mounting to a vehicle seat. The top frame has integral rails or channels with roller tracks at one end and vibration dampening systems at the other. An opposing pair of the roller tracks includes a vibratory dampening or regulation system that controls the amount of fore and aft travel of the top frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: CVG Management Corporation
    Inventors: Raju Bethina, Anurag Sharda, Andrew Schultz
  • Publication number: 20140217657
    Abstract: A seat support assembly including a substantially tubular containing jacket having a first end with an inwardly oriented return lip and a second end closable with a sealing closure, a guide portion adapted to be at least partially received by a seat stand, a resilient separator abutting a portion of the guide portion and the sealing closure, an adapter to attach to the guide portion and at least abut an inner surface of the containing jacket wherein the assembly damps oscillation between the adapter and the containing jacket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: MUDDIE'S HOLDINGS PTY LTD
    Inventor: Douglas Barrington Paul
  • Patent number: 8794408
    Abstract: There is provided a device for absorbing impact applied to a moving body that can exhibit high impact absorption performance in various collision aspects when a moving body collides with an obstacle or the like. A bladder 10 is provided on the back surface of a front portion of a high-strength frame 2 of an airplane M1. The bladder 10 includes first and second sealing members 11 and 12 that are formed of elastic bag bodies in which a lubricant is sealed. When an obstacle X collides with the bladder 10, the lubricant S generates pressure, which is substantially uniform and perpendicular to boundary surfaces of the first and second sealing members 11 and 12, on the basis of Pascal's principle, and transmits the pressure. Accordingly, when the airplane M1 collides with the obstacle X, high impact absorption performance is exhibited in various collision aspects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Eiji Itakura
  • Patent number: 8794402
    Abstract: A weight compensating shock isolator assembly includes at least one spring with preload to return the isolator to an initial position, the at least one spring exerting a spring force that changes during the isolator stroke. The isolator includes a hydraulic cylinder containing hydraulic fluid and a piston that moves relative to the hydraulic cylinder, wherein hydraulic fluid is forced through or around a piston head during relative movement thereof with respect to the hydraulic cylinder to create a resisting force that is stroke and velocity dependent, with the damping constant C changing with stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises LLC
    Inventors: Shubin Ruan, Jeffrey T. Kelly
  • Publication number: 20140203602
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for an adaptive, multi-axis suspension system providing both coarse and fine suspension for a passenger seat. Coarse suspension control is provided to maintain the passenger seat and passenger within a selected position regardless of the weight of the passenger seat and the passenger. Fine suspension control is provided by monitoring and analyzing vibration characteristics in time and/or frequency domains to determine a variable amount of damper resistance to be exerted by a magnetorheological (MR) device. A nominal damper resistance of the MR device is selected based on the combined weight of the passenger seat and the passenger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventors: Jody G. Robbins, William E. Woodbury, II, Scott A. Boster, Mark J. Miskill
  • Patent number: 8763981
    Abstract: An object support column with a vertical tube, a base part arranged at a first end of the vertical tube, a guide bush fastened to a second end of the vertical tube, a telescope tube arranged coaxially in the vertical tube and movable along a center longitudinal axis in the guide bush. A guide tube arranged in a pressure tube. A piston is guided in the guide tube. A piston rod is fastened to the piston, and extends through a second work chamber guided outward by a sealing and guiding device at a first end of the pressure tube and is arranged with its other end at the base part of the vertical tube. A flow connection between the first work chamber and the second work chamber can be shut off by a valve which can be actuated by an actuating device. The pressure tube is arranged to be movable along the center longitudinal axis relative to the telescope tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Stabilus GmbH
    Inventors: Vladimir Friesen, Stefan Probst
  • Patent number: 8757600
    Abstract: The invention concerns a pneumatic springing system for vehicles with at least a first and a second part (3, 4), wherein the two parts (3, 4) are mounted vibration-mobile and pneumatically sprung in relation to each other by means of at least one pneumatic spring (8), wherein a first control device (10) is arranged to supply air to and extract air from the pneumatic spring (8), which carries out the extraction of air after a first travel end zone (62) of the springing system has been reached in which the pneumatic spring (8) is in a compressed state, and which carries out the supply of air after a second travel end zone (63) of the springing system has been reached in which the pneumatic spring (8) is in an extended state, wherein a second control device (20) is provided to supply air to the pneumatic spring (8) and disable the extraction of air from the pneumatic spring (8) during a pre-determinable first time interval (61) after a first travel end stop (58) in the first travel end zone (62) has been reached
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Grammer AG
    Inventor: Erwin Haller
  • Patent number: 8690114
    Abstract: A support assembly includes a first support frame having a first bearing surface, and a second support frame spaced a vertical distance from the first support frame. A biasing member is connected to the first support frame and includes a first end and a second end. The first end bears against the first bearing surface. An adjustment assembly is connected to the second support frame and is adjustable with respect to the second support frame. The second end of the biasing member bears against the adjustment assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Seats, Inc.
    Inventor: Jesse C. Boyarski
  • Patent number: 8684339
    Abstract: A control device is shown to reduce a vibration movement of a device vibrating under spring force with at least two mobile parts vibrating in relation to each other, wherein the parts are connected together by means of mobile connecting arms, at least one of the connecting arms is connected with a first spring element end of at least one spring element and between the parts is arranged at least one damping element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Grammer AG
    Inventors: Johann Deml, Andreas Vogl
  • Patent number: 8662483
    Abstract: A shock absorber for vehicle seat is provided. The shock absorber is suspended on a seat frame so as to elastically support a pad. The shock absorber includes: a plurality of wires that are disposed in parallel to the seat frame, both ends of the wires being locked to the seat frame; and a resinous member that connects the wires to each other, the resinous member having a bent portion, wherein the resinous member is elastically deformable in a direction in which the wires are opposed each other in accordance with a deformation of the bent portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shigetomo Yamaguchi, Masayuki Kitou, Toshiyuki Ario, Ryuji Hayashi
  • Patent number: 8585004
    Abstract: An adjustable seat pedestal that allows a user to adjust the height of the seat without sacrificing ride quality. The seat pedestal has a top carrier onto which a seat is mounted and a base that is mounted to the floor of a vehicle. A scissor linkage is employed to allow movement of the carrier toward the base when force is applied through the seat to the carrier when the vehicle hits bumps and forces the user downward. An air bag biases the top carrier upward away from the base. As the upper ends of the scissor linkage move closer together by being pushed upward, a sliding end of the scissor linkage is restrained from movement inward and therefore, limits the maximum height of the pedestal. The pressure in the air bag may be varied which will not change the height above the maximum, but will change the ride quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Atwood Mobile Products LLC
    Inventors: Timothy J. Roeglin, Robert Cooling, Michael Pequignot, II
  • Patent number: 8579267
    Abstract: The invention concerns a vehicle oscillation device with a lower part (1) and an upper part (2, 2a, 2b) positioned higher and spring-mounted in relation to the lower part (1) in the vehicle longitudinal direction (21) and/or vehicle width direction (22) by a spring device (7, 7a, 7b, 8; 18), wherein the vehicle longitudinal direction (21) and/or the vehicle width direction (22) constitute spring travel directions (9, 11), wherein at least one damper (3, 3a; 4, 4a) is arranged which extends with its longitudinal extension in a plane defined by the vehicle longitudinal direction (21) and the vehicle width direction (22), is mounted on the lower part (1) pivotably about an axis (17, 24) oriented perpendicular to the plane, and is connected with a first end (5, 5a; 6, 6a; 16) to the upper part (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Grammer AG
    Inventors: Erwin Haller, Jens Kolb
  • Patent number: 8567770
    Abstract: To expand a body weight adjustment range and achieve thinning. An initial position adjusting member 15 which can adjust initial resilient forces of two torsion bars 31, 41 is provided. Therefore, a body weight adjustment range is expanded as compared with a conventional configuration where a resilient force of only one torsion bar is adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Delta Tooling Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Etsunori Fujita, Yutaka Sakamoto, Hiroki Oshimo
  • Patent number: 8534648
    Abstract: An elastomeric load bearing surface with different load support characteristics in different directions. In one embodiment, the surface includes an elastomeric membrane that is oriented in only a single direction, for example, by compression or stretching. In another embodiment, the surface includes mechanical structures, such as connectors, variations in thickness and apertures, that vary the load support characteristics in different directions. In another aspect, the present invention provides a multilayer load bearing surface in which the layers cooperate to provide a controlled force/deflection profile that is variable in different regions of the surface. In one embodiment, the upper layer includes a plurality of loosely connected nodes and a lower layer having a plurality of resilient elements that separately support each node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy P. Coffield, Daniel S. Sommerfeld, Joseph D. Ward
  • Patent number: 8439334
    Abstract: Spring-mounted vibration system to reduce vibration with a first spring-mounted part and a second spring-mounted part, wherein the first spring-mounted part and the second spring-mounted part can oscillate relative to each in at least one vibration direction and at least one of the spring-mounted parts can be exposed to a return force on a vibration movement. A control unit is arranged with at least one travel linkage which is connected with at least one of the spring-mounted parts and in which is arranged displaceably at least one guide element connected with a spring element generating the return force and/or the other spring-mounted part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Grammer AG
    Inventors: Johann Deml, Andreas Vogl, Alexander Lorey
  • Patent number: 8366195
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle seat comprising a base frame and comprising a seat frame which can be adjusted relative to the base frame, and comprising a gas spring which acts between this base frame and this seat frame and which is supported against the seat frame, wherein at least one pressure source and at least one valve device which is in fluid connection with this pressure source are provided, and in that furthermore a manually operated actuation element is provided for adjusting the vehicle seat, wherein this at least one valve device is arranged on or in the actuation element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Grammer AG
    Inventor: Erwin Haller
  • Patent number: 8342541
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle comprising a vehicle component moveable in an oscillating manner with respect to a first vehicle component, and a first measuring means for measuring at least one acceleration measuring value of said first vehicle component with respect to a ground surface, wherein a calculating means is provided for determining an optimum acceleration value of said second vehicle component to be applied at the moment of the presence of the acceleration measuring value, and at least one actuator arranged between the first and second vehicle components, with control and closed-loop control units, for minimizing a deviation of a real acceleration value of said second vehicle component from the optimum acceleration value by using at least one available spring path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Grammer, AG
    Inventors: Christoph Wurmthaler, Alexander Kuehnlein, Erwin Haller, Jens Kolb
  • Patent number: 8246020
    Abstract: A vibration isolator includes layered rubbers interposed between a support body and a movable body, and a pair of dampers attached to the support body at one ends and to the movable body at the other ends. The layered rubbers are arranged to be spaced apart in an anterior and posterior direction and in a left and right direction, with reference to a direction in which an operator faces when seated. One of the dampers is arranged at a position corresponding to a middle of the left and right direction between the layered rubbers arranged in the left and right direction, and aligned in the anterior and posterior direction. The other one of the dampers is arranged closer to an anterior side than a middle of the anterior and posterior direction between the layered rubbers arranged in the anterior and posterior direction, and aligned in the lift and right direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinya Nakamura, Toshio Yamashita, Shinji Mitsuta, Masatake Tamaru, Hiroyuki Itoh
  • Patent number: 8186658
    Abstract: A suspension system for a seat assembly of a machine includes an upper support member and a lower support member. A plurality of vertically aligned guide pins interconnect the upper and lower support members, and are telescopically movable to adjust a distance between the upper and lower support members. A plurality of suspension devices are operatively connected to the upper and lower support members for biasing the upper support member away from the lower support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Charles E. Lewis, II
  • Publication number: 20120125699
    Abstract: A spring is formed of a relatively thin sheet of spring material, which is constricted and held in place at each end forming a bell curve being located between two substantially planar members. As additional compressive force is applied in the vertical direction, the curve then compresses and starts to form sine waves. In an improved embodiment of the present invention, the sine wave spring is formed in a wedge shape, so that it is gradually taller and more progressive. This embodiment has been tested for use as a trailer spring with positive results. This wedge-shaped sine wave spring provides even more advantages over the Prior Art. The wedge-shaped prototype illustrates also how the present invention may be expanded to other shapes, in order to alter the spring characteristics, and also for packaging and other concerns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventor: Walker Lee Guthrie
  • Publication number: 20120098174
    Abstract: A weight compensating shock isolator assembly includes at least one spring with preload to return the isolator to an initial position, the at least one spring exerting a spring force that changes during the isolator stroke. The isolator includes a hydraulic cylinder containing hydraulic fluid and a piston that moves relative to the hydraulic cylinder, wherein hydraulic fluid is forced through or around a piston head during relative movement thereof with respect to the hydraulic cylinder to create a resisting force that is stroke and velocity dependent, with the damping constant C changing with stroke.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Shubin Ruan, Jeffrey T. Kelly
  • Patent number: 8146899
    Abstract: An isolation system for use in damping and isolating low frequency oscillations and shock loads between two members. An exemplary application is a seat isolation system for use with a vehicle such as a lawn mower. The seat isolation system may include two or more isolators interposed between a chassis of the vehicle, and a seat (e.g., operator's seat). The isolators may permit attenuation of shock or low frequency oscillation inputs via damping and isolation in both vertical and horizontal (fore-and-aft and side-to-side) directions. In some embodiments, the isolators include an elastomeric element that provides the seat with six degrees of freedom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Exmark Manufacturing Company, Incorporated
    Inventor: Nicholas R. Hiser
  • Publication number: 20120073884
    Abstract: A spring is formed of a relatively thin sheet of spring material which is constricted and held in place at each end forming a bell curve being located between two substantially planar members. As additional compressive force is applied in the vertical direction, the curve then compresses and starts to form sine waves. The greater the force, progressively higher the wave frequency with lower amplitude would form. When the force is removed, the flexible material returns to its original shape. The force needed to shift the curve (increase the number of waveform) increases at an exponential rate, as opposed to the linear rate of most normal springs. The maintenance force of new stable state is considerable less than the threshold force. Such a relatively flat spring with an exponential spring rate and self dampening through phase change has a number of useful applications for automotive and industrial use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventor: Walker Lee Guthrie
  • Publication number: 20120043798
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle suspension device for a vehicle seat (4, 4a, 4b) or a vehicle cab (3) comprising a lower part (20) and an upper part (4a, 4b) spring-mounted relative to the lower part (20) by means of at least one spring device, wherein the upper part (4a, 4b) is mounted relative to the lower part (20) in such a way that it is pivotable (17) about an imaginary or real axis (15) extending in the vehicle width direction or vehicle length direction (8) when vibrations occur between the upper part (4a, 4b) and the lower part (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: GRAMMER AG
    Inventors: Erwin HALLER, Jens KOLB
  • Patent number: 8118287
    Abstract: A shock-mitigating damper apparatus for vertical shocks has a scissor linkage extending vertically between a base and an object. A damper is also connected between the base, the object, and is mounted to the base for substantially horizontal reciprocating damper motion. An articulated arm assembly connects one end of the damper to the object at a point substantially in vertical alignment with an intermediate pivot point for the scissors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: STiDD Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Adam Schordine
  • Publication number: 20120007294
    Abstract: To expand a body weight adjustment range and achieve thinning. An initial position adjusting member 15 which can adjust initial resilient forces of two torsion bars 31, 41 is provided. Therefore, a body weight adjustment range is expanded as compared with a conventional configuration where a resilient force of only one torsion bar is adjusted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: DELTA TOOLING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Etsunori Fujita, Yutaka Sakamoto, Hiroki Oshimo
  • Patent number: 7975813
    Abstract: A suspension system for a seat assembly of a machine includes an upper support member and a lower support member. A pair of scissors linkages interconnect the upper and lower support members. Each of the scissors linkages includes first and second arms pivotably attached at central portions thereof. An electronic controller is in communication with a pair of electromagnetic devices positioned at first ends of the first arms. The electronic controller is configured to energize the electromagnetic devices in response to a sensor output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: John Spangler, Jonathan Chase Catton, Alexander Striegel
  • Patent number: 7934708
    Abstract: An air spring for a vehicle seat. The air spring includes a plurality of air spring components which delimit at least one air spring chamber. The air spring forms an intake air connection and a discharged air connection for controlling the height and/or level of the vehicle seat, wherein the air spring furthermore has, for controlling the height and/or level of the vehicle seat, a valve device which is integrated in the air spring or in at least one air spring component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Grammer AG
    Inventor: Erwin Haller