Seating Device Reorients As Unit Patents (Class 297/1)
  • Patent number: 11805918
    Abstract: A yoga or exercise stool may have a seat portion and a base portion; the base portion having window slot(s) formed in a front side, a rear side, or both; a handle slot formed at least in one side, such as the front side, at or near the top; horizontal gripping slot(s) formed in the left side, the right side, or both, at or near the top; and vertical gripping slot(s) formed in the left side, the right side, or both, at or near the bottom; advantageously four such slots being formed near the bottom corners of the left and right sides. A yoga stool also may have a base portion, and a seat portion on top of the base portion, wherein the seat portion has an internal firm support member such as a solid slat, and preferably softer material such as foam rubber surrounding the support member, at least on the left and right sides. The yoga stool may include opposed side elements joined by a rear element and front element with a removable top element that may be U-Shaped to allow for additional poses or exercises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: BOBO HOLDINGS INC.
    Inventor: Lou Lan
  • Patent number: 11412857
    Abstract: A convertible seat including: a support frame; and a user support having a support surface on one side defining a rounded periphery, the user support being movable from a first configuration supported by the support frame with the rounded periphery presented upwardly, to a second configuration supported by the support frame such that a seat or seat base is presented upwardly, the seat or seat base being substantially flat or at least less rounded than the rounded periphery, with the support surface being stowed substantially below the seat or seat base in the second configuration. The seat allows the attainment in a single unit both the healthy balance/core-strengthening of a fitness chair and a conventional chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: ERGOFLIP INTERNATIONAL PTY LTD.
    Inventors: Annick Marie Lourdes Rochecouste, John Rochecouste
  • Patent number: 11267539
    Abstract: Boats can include seating assemblies that can be configured in a variety of different arrangements. In one configuration of the seating assemblies described herein, a forward-facing seat and a rearward-facing seat are arranged back-to-back above a seat bottom. In another configuration, the seating assembly can be arranged as a forward-facing reclined seat such that a forward rotation of the forward-facing seat to a flat position with the seat bottom causes a rearward rotation of the rearward-facing seat to a reclined position. In still another configuration, the seating assembly can be configured form a reclined seat in a rearward-facing configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: Chaparral Boats, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Fafard, Gerren Shea Smith, Dale Norris Exum
  • Patent number: 11173975
    Abstract: A bicycle seat assembly includes a seat pan that is configured to be attached to a frame of a bicycle. The seat pan includes a pair of cutouts that are spaced apart from one another. When the bicycle seat assembly is in an unstressed condition no structures are positioned within the cutouts. The bicycle seat assembly can further include a resilient layer that is positioned adjacent to the seat pan. The resilient layer extends over the cutouts when the bicycle seat assembly is in the unstressed condition. The bicycle seat assembly can also include an air cell pad that is positioned over the seat pan. The air cell pad includes a base and a plurality of upstanding air cells that are coupled to the base, each of the plurality of air cells being configured to retain air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Airhawk International, LLC
    Inventors: Anthony Eric Sprouse, II, Don L. Mahoney
  • Patent number: 10905243
    Abstract: A yoga or exercise stool may have a seat portion and a base portion; the base portion having window slot(s) formed in a front side, a rear side, or both; a handle slot formed at least in one side, such as the front side, at or near the top; horizontal gripping slot(s) formed in the left side, the right side, or both, at or near the top; and vertical gripping slot(s) formed in the left side, the right side, or both, at or near the bottom; advantageously four such slots being formed near the bottom corners of the left and right sides. A yoga stool also may have a base portion, and a seat portion on top of the base portion, wherein the seat portion has an internal firm support member such as a solid slat, and preferably softer material such as foam rubber surrounding the support member, at least on the left and right sides. The yoga stool may include opposed side elements joined by a rear element and front element with a removable top element that may be U-Shaped to allow for additional poses or exercises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: WeMesh, LLC
    Inventor: Lou Lan
  • Patent number: 10542824
    Abstract: A convertible inflatable device includes a first inflatable bed, a second inflatable bed, a front chamber, a left chamber, a right chamber, and a rear chamber. The first inflatable bed is surrounded by the front chamber, the left chamber, the right chamber, and the rear chamber. The front chamber, the left chamber, the rear chamber, and the right chamber are connected to each other sequentially. A first end of the second inflatable bed is connected to the junction of the first inflatable bed and the rear chamber. The convertible inflatable device can be converted to an inflatable bed, an inflatable boat, an inflatable water slide or an inflatable recliner chair, and the conversion between any of them is mutual and convenient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Inventor: Yi Wei Huang
  • Patent number: 10130188
    Abstract: A convertible furniture piece includes a base frame, pivotable arms connected to the base frame, and a back member rotatably connected to the pivotable arms, the back member comprising first and second portions coupled together by a linkage system. The connection of the pair of pivotable arms to the base frame comprises a first pivot point that enables translation of the back member between a generally upright couch position and a horizontal table position, with the first and second portions of the back member being joined in each of the couch position and the table position. The connection of the back member to the pair of pivotable arms comprises a second pivot point that enables translation of the back member between a generally upright couch position and a bed position, with the first and second portions of the back member being rotated relative to one another in the bed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Inventor: Joseph Neighbours
  • Patent number: 9776576
    Abstract: A system and kit with curved upright arms that can be configured into different configurations for supporting a chair or a hammock, where the support can be either from a vehicle hitch or a porch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Inventors: Scott D. McDermott, Robert D. McDermott
  • Patent number: 9750240
    Abstract: A portable lay-down blind including a gurney-style seat comprises a framework supporting a covering which forms an enclosure sized for accommodating an occupant, the covering having a top opening providing access to the enclosure, the framework including a seat frame having lateral support arms extending from the head end to the toe end of the framework, the gurney-style seat suspended from the lateral support arms and capable of supporting the weight of the occupant in a position elevated above a support surface; one embodiment the seat frame including a transversely extending bottom brace for reinforcing the lateral support arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Inventor: Timothy Parsons
  • Patent number: 9701090
    Abstract: A piece of furniture such as a standing desk is constructed of intersecting folded prisms provided with a novel slot joint system which affords lateral and torsional stability, simplicity, and long life to such furniture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Inventor: Zachary Rotholz
  • Patent number: 9669737
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a back portion, a seat portion, and two driving assemblies. The back portion includes a resisting portion and a movable portion. The seat portion is coupled to the back portion and includes a bottom wall and a movable wall. One driving assembly is positioned in the back portion and the other driving assembly is positioned in the seat portion. The driving assembly positioned in the back portion is coupled to the movable portion and is configured to drive the movable portion to move relative to the resisting portion. The driving assembly positioned in the seat portion is coupled to the movable wall and is configured to drive the movable wall to move relative to the bottom wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chia-Yen Lee
  • Patent number: 9579240
    Abstract: A mechanical lift features the low profile of a traditional wood and cloth cot stretcher allowing patients to be easily rolled or moved upon a flat surface. An integrated mechanical lift system then lifts a patient to a raised or seated position without need for manual lifting. The lift allows patients to be moved and transported without back strain to health care workers or first responders. The lift may be raised by the mechanical movement or expansion of a piston. A seat plate 420 may rest upon a non-tilting seat strut 310 and become a seat as the lift rises. During the lifting process, a back plate 400, attached to a back strut 205 gently rises to place the patient in a seated position as a leg plate 440 lowers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Inventors: Robert S Krolick, Sanford Shapiro, Duane Carling
  • Patent number: 9565944
    Abstract: An adjustable height chair has a pair of side frames and a seat frame with two seat/backrest portions secured together, with the seat frame pivotably mounted in the side frames. The chair height is changed by rotating the side frames in a direction opposite to the rotation of the seat frame, so that a seat panel which previously served as a platform to sit on becomes a backrest, and vice-versa. The chair preferably has one or more crossbars to serve the double duty of strengthening the frame of the chair, and supporting the seat panels in both sitting positions of the chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Inventor: Frederick J. Yestadt
  • Patent number: 9517817
    Abstract: A personal floatation assembly includes a housing that has a first end, a second end, a first lateral side, a second lateral side, a top wall and a bottom wall. The housing is comprised of a flexible and air impermeable material such that the housing can be inflated to support a body on water. A torso support is positioned on the top wall. The torso support is elongated and extends between the first lateral edge and the second lateral edge. The torso support is spaced between 2.0 feet and 3.0 feet from the first end and is spaced from the second end at least 2.0 feet. The torso support is comprised of a flexible and air impermeable material such that the torso support can be inflated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Inventor: Jeanine Scheidler
  • Patent number: 9179770
    Abstract: A multi-orientation modular furniture piece includes a work surface; a seat surface; a stool surface; and a base surface. The base surface has a non-flat surface to facilitate a minimal left to right rocking motion of the multi-orientation modular furniture piece when the multi-orientation modular furniture piece is in a seat orientation. The minimal left to right rocking motion of the multi-orientation modular furniture piece allows the participant to realize a positive non-disruptive distraction to facilitate a non-disruptive release of energy so as to assist in re-focusing the occupant during the learning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Viggi Kids, Corp.
    Inventor: Sandra Turner
  • Patent number: 9055818
    Abstract: A covering (3) for seating or reclining furniture (1), which is composed of a knit and aligned essentially in parallel with the mounting direction in a mounted condition transversely to a mounting direction, is elastically deformable, at least in one area, when under load transversely to the mounting direction. Accordingly it is suitable for adapting well to a body shape of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignees: Kobleder Strickmode GmbH & Co., Ludeke Design
    Inventors: Christine Ludeke, Christina Ziltener, Franz Stollberger
  • Patent number: 9050236
    Abstract: A walking assistance device includes a seating member configured to provide seating for a user; and leg links connected to the seating member. The seating member includes: a seating frame having at least two frames movably connected to each other; a bag member secured to the seating frame; filler contained in the bag member and freely movable in the bag member; and a valve provided on the bag member and capable of switching between a first state in which an inside of the bag member is in communication with an outside of the bag member and a second state in which the communication between the inside and the outside of the bag member is interrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Kudoh
  • Patent number: 8954240
    Abstract: An active suspension seat for use in a vehicle incorporates a swivel enabling the active suspension seat to be rotated about a vertical axis towards and away from a position appropriate for use in driving the vehicle, and incorporates a seat controller operating a brake to prevent such rotation away from that appropriate position in response to an indication that the vehicle is in motion, and limiting the active suspension to being enabled only when the seat is in the appropriate position for use in driving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventor: Linda Scully
  • Patent number: 8870277
    Abstract: An adjustable height chair has a pair of side frames and a seat frame with two seat/backrest portions secured together, with the seat frame pivotably mounted in the side frames. The chair height is changed by rotating the side frames in a direction opposite to the rotation of the seat frame, so that a seat panel which previously served as a platform to sit on becomes a backrest, and vice-versa. The chair preferably has one or more crossbars to serve the double duty of strengthening the frame of the chair, and supporting the seat panels in both sitting positions of the chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Inventor: Frederick J. Yestadt
  • Patent number: 8789887
    Abstract: A vehicle seat can be configured to include a variety of types of cushions. The seat may include primary and secondary cushions that are joined together such that the secondary cushion has a stored position under the seating surface of the primary seat cushion and a deployed position where the secondary seat cushion is positioned adjacent the primary seat cushion. The effective width of the seat may be greater when it is in one position than when it is in the other position. The back cushion may include first and second portions and a third portion intermediate the first and second positions. A vehicle may include left, right, and middle seats, the middle seat being configured to have two positions, the effective width of the middle seat in one position being greater than in the other position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Osamu Kyogoku, Daiju Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 8777304
    Abstract: Transformable furniture is provided, which is a unitary structure which itself transforms between seating and a play space. More specifically, the furniture has first and second frame members which move towards each other to form a couch and away from each other to form a play space, such as a playhouse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: William Morgan Dixon
  • Patent number: 8744694
    Abstract: An active suspension seat for use in a vehicle incorporates a swivel enabling the active suspension seat to be rotated about a vertical axis towards and away from a position appropriate for use in driving the vehicle, and incorporates a seat controller operating a brake to prevent such rotation away from that appropriate position in response to an indication that the vehicle is in motion, and limiting the active suspension to being enabled only when the seat is in the appropriate position for use in driving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventor: Linda Ystueta
  • Patent number: 8655554
    Abstract: An autonomous seat system of an automotive vehicle and a performing method thereof are disclosed. The system and method are aimed to reduce discomfort of a passenger due to centrifugal forces resulted from vehicle's turning motion. The system includes a lane prediction unit, a control unit, and a seat adjusting unit. The lane prediction unit is utilized for obtaining lane information in front of the automotive vehicle. According to the lane information the control unit calculates the centrifugal force which the passenger experiences while sitting in a seat of the automotive vehicle, and a seat tilt angle which is required for the seat to compensate the centrifugal force after a predetermined time interval. The seat adjusting unit adjusts the seat to the seat tilt angle after the predetermined time interval so as to reduce or eliminate the ill-effect on the passenger resulted from the centrifugal force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: National Taiwan University of Science and Technology
    Inventor: Chyi-yeu Lin
  • Patent number: 8449028
    Abstract: A vehicle seat can be configured to include a variety of types of cushions. The seat may include primary and secondary cushions that are joined together such that the secondary cushion has a stored position under the seating surface of the primary seat cushion and a deployed position where the secondary seat cushion is positioned adjacent the primary seat cushion. The effective width of the seat may be greater when it is in one position than when it is in the other position. The back cushion may include first and second portions and a third portion intermediate the first and second positions. A vehicle may include left, right, and middle seats, the middle seat being configured to have two positions, the effective width of the middle seat in one position being greater than in the other position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Osamu Kyogoku, Daiju Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 8444218
    Abstract: A vehicle seat can be configured to include a variety of types of cushions. The seat may include primary and secondary cushions that are joined together such that the secondary cushion has a stored position under the seating surface of the primary seat cushion and a deployed position where the secondary seat cushion is positioned adjacent the primary seat cushion. The effective width of the seat may be greater when it is in one position than when it is in the other position. The back cushion may include first and second portions and a third portion intermediate the first and second positions. A vehicle may include left, right, and middle seats, the middle seat being configured to have two positions, the effective width of the middle seat in one position being greater than in the other position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Osamu Kyogoku, Daiju Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 8251441
    Abstract: Disclosed is a chair comprising a seat, a base, a pair of parallel spaced apart uprights extending from the base positioned to opposed sides of the spine of a user seated on the chair, the uprights supporting the seat and a body support member extending from each upright in opposed directions, said body support members being substantially parallel to the back of said user. Each body support members may integrally formed with an upright with have an arcuate portion therebetween. The chair may further comprise first and second pairs of body support members and be rotatable between first and second orientations in which either the first or second body support members may form the seat or back support for the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Inventor: Barbara Elisabeth Alink
  • Publication number: 20120043788
    Abstract: Disclosed is a chair comprising a seat, a base, a pair of parallel spaced apart uprights extending from the base positioned to opposed sides of the spine of a user seated on the chair, the uprights supporting the seat and a body support member extending from each upright in opposed directions, said body support members being substantially parallel to the back of said user. Each body support members may integrally formed with an upright with have an arcuate portion therebetween. The chair may further comprise first and second pairs of body support members and be rotatable between first and second orientations in which either the first or second body support members may form the seat or back support for the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Inventor: Barbara Elisabeth Alink
  • Patent number: 8118359
    Abstract: A vehicle seat can be configured to include a variety of types of cushions. The seat may include primary and secondary cushions that are joined together such that the secondary cushion has a stored position under the seating surface of the primary seat cushion and a deployed position where the secondary seat cushion is positioned adjacent the primary seat cushion. The effective width of the seat may be greater when it is in one position than when it is in the other position. The back cushion may include first and second portions and a third portion intermediate the first and second positions. A vehicle may include left, right, and middle seats, the middle seat being configured to have two positions, the effective width of the middle seat in one position being greater than in the other position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Osamu Kyogoku, Daiju Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 7802490
    Abstract: A multifunction seat control system includes a pulley mechanism in an enclosure, an actuation shaft to attach an external handle, and multiple latch actuation cables. The pulley mechanism includes multiple circumferential slots in which the cables ride, and cable-end entryways through which associated cables ends can be inserted. A lockout device detects a seat-back position to selectively limit the rotational travel of the pulley mechanism. The pulley mechanism is rotationally actuated to a predetermined angle to release a seat-back latch so the seat back can recline or fold forward, and beyond the predetermined angle to release seat-bottom latches so the seat can tumble into a stowage configuration. The control system optionally includes a headrest cable to release a headrest as the seat back is folded forward, and a release strap to actuate the pulley mechanism from behind the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Kongsberg Automotive Holding ASA
    Inventor: Derek Ingraham
  • Patent number: 7726730
    Abstract: A passenger seat for use in a motor vehicle includes a first and a second substantially planar region. The seat is pivotable about a horizontal axis between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the first region is horizontal and acts as the seat, and the second region is vertical and acts as the seat back, such that the passenger is facing forward. In the second position, the first region is vertical and acts as the seat back, and the second region is horizontal and acts as the seat, such that the passenger is facing backward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Center GmbH
    Inventors: Classen Peter, Hofer Carsten
  • Patent number: 7614639
    Abstract: A modular standing frame is described herein. The modular standing frame has a chair module adapted to raise and lower a user between sitting and standing postures without inducing shear between the user and the seat and seat back of the chair module. The chair module may be selectively coupled to one of a glider module adapted to provide walking-type exercise to a standing user, a workstation module that provides a work surface for a sitting or standing user, and a mobility module that allows the standing frame to be moved about by a user much like a wheel chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Invacare Corporation
    Inventors: Alan L. Tholkes, Wesley Ovre, Gabriel Routh, Jeffrey Schmidt, Michael Lokken, Duffy Trotter, Tamera Trotter, legal representative
  • Publication number: 20090152907
    Abstract: An apparatus for exchanging a driver's seat with a passenger's seat of a vehicle comprises seat bases on which a driver's seat and a passenger's seat are provided, a main body assembly provided between the seats, and a link mechanism for linking the main body assembly to the respective seat bases. Seat motor(s) and a main motor of the main body assembly are controlled so as to directly exchange the seats.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Jeong Hoon Lee
  • Patent number: 7416248
    Abstract: The adjustable configuration seating has a pair of opposed lateral rigid frame members with seat and back panels extending therebetween. In some embodiments, the chair includes flexible panels secured in place between the two frame members by crossmembers extending between the frame members, with a single adjustably positionable tension crossmember also extending between the frame members to hold the seat and back panel taut. Conversion between relatively upright and reclining configurations is accomplished by repositioning the tension crossmember between the frames, and turning the assembly ninety degrees to position the selected seating surface to face generally upwardly. Other embodiments have rigid seating and back panels, with the backrest panel articulating between the frame members to allow the seating configuration to change. The backrest panel may be secured to the seating panels by a rigid or flexible intermediate panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Inventor: Robert R. Rojas
  • Patent number: 7399031
    Abstract: This dinette for use in a recreational vehicle includes a collapsible table assembly, which shifts vertically between a raised table position and a lowered bed position and eliminates the need for support posts or legs. The collapsible table assembly includes a table top/bed deck mounted to a vertically shiftable carriage and supported by a four point linkage. The carriage rides on four wheels, which are seated in two opposed tracks of a wall bracket. The support linkage allows the table top to be raised and lowered between the table and bed positions. A gas piston or spring biases the table top toward the raised table position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: R-N-R International, Inc.
    Inventor: Stewart E. Gardner
  • Patent number: 7387332
    Abstract: Chair convertible into chaise-longue, comprising a stationary base structure, a first support section fixed relative to the base structure, a second support structure movable relative to the base structure and able to be moved from a substantially horizontal position to an inclined position in which the second support section forms an upward extension of the first support section, and a movable support element having a third and a fourth support section, fixed relative to each other and mutually inclined. The movable support element is movable relative to the base structure between a first and a second position. In the first position, the third support section is parallel and opposite to the first support section and the fourth support section extends upwards starting from the third support section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Pro-Cord SpA
    Inventor: Alessandro Piretti
  • Publication number: 20070278832
    Abstract: The invention is related to an actuator, especially for seat adjusting devices with at least one electrical engine having subordinated reduction gear and a disconnecting device for manual operation. The task of the present invention is to provide a generic actuator with a disconnecting device that can be used in all operating processes in a large number of different applications and that guarantees reliable functioning of the disconnecting device without being over-dimensioned and thus uneconomical. This problem is solved according to the invention as follows: The disconnecting device has a coupling insertion spring which determines the release force of the disconnecting device and a reset spring is provided which resets an actuating means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventor: Stefan Weber
  • Patent number: 7293825
    Abstract: A multi-position chair may be positioned into multiple positions including one or more sitting positions at different heights, one or more leaning positions at different angles, and one or more storage positions. The multi-position chair may include a seat, a back and a support for supporting the seat and the back with respect to the floor. The seat and the back may be pivotable with respect to each other and with respect to the support. The seat includes a seating surface configured to receive the user's buttocks in a sitting position. The back may include a front seating surface configured to receive the user's back in a sitting position and a rear leaning surface configured to receive the user's buttocks in a leaning position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Advantage Branch & Office Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander Vergara, Harold Turner
  • Publication number: 20070194607
    Abstract: A motor vehicle chair system for wheelchair users. The chair system comprises a driver seat having a fixed portion, a mobile seat portion and a lifting mechanism. The fixed portion is secured inside a motor vehicle. The mobile seat portion is moveably coupled to the fixed portion and the lifting mechanism. The lifting mechanism includes a lifting portion, a horizontal arm and a drive mechanism. The horizontal arm is capable of pivoting and sliding in a generally horizontal plane. The drive mechanism is operatively coupled to the lifting portion for horizontal and vertical movement. The lifting portion is operatively coupled to the horizontal arm whereby the drive mechanism moves the mobile seat portion relative to the horizontal arm in such that the mobile seat portion is capable of swiveling around within a space between a steering wheel and B column, moving horizontally and vertically and exiting and re-entering a motor vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Publication date: August 23, 2007
    Inventor: Simon Dudai
  • Patent number: 7097241
    Abstract: A combination step stool and mechanic's seat in the form of a molded plastic, generally parallelepiped configuration includes a seat on one side supported on casters on the opposite side with a step stool surface adjacent the backside of the seat and spaced from a front side surface of the seat which includes a recess tray for tools and other items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Lisle Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin L. Tally, John C. Lisle, William Meis
  • Patent number: 7052084
    Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing shampoos in cooperation with a counter-top sink has a chair seat, with legs hingedly attached for movement between a first extended, seat supporting position and a second, folded position for portability; a seat back hingedly attached to the chair seat for movement between an erect position and a folded, portable position, a bowl assembly with a drain adapted for being located over the counter-top sink and at least two extensible support members attached to the bowl at the underside thereof, for movement between a first, bowl supporting position and a second, portable position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventor: Elnora Sheri Gillespie
  • Patent number: 6976732
    Abstract: Modular convertible furniture systems include a pair of similar open-ended box frame assemblies which are nestable one within the other. A pair of slotted support rails are attached pivotally at respective opposing corners of one of the box frame assemblies so as to be movable between raised and lowered positions. When in a raised position, the rails provide a support for a solid board plank thereby becoming a seat back (e.g., for a chair, love seat, or sofa-type arrangement). When the rails are in a lowered position substantially parallel to the ground, the two box frame assemblies may be oriented back-to-back so as to provide a support for a mattress thereby converting the structure into a bed arrangement, for example. The box frame assemblies can be positioned on different sides and ends thereby allowing formation of tables and/or shelving as may be desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Inventors: David L. Thomas, Mark D. Thomas
  • Patent number: 6938952
    Abstract: A high chair is provided that can be used in different modes. The high chair is provided with a seating surface for supporting a child in an elevated position in one mode. The chair can be inverted and used to support a child carrier at an elevated position in a second mode. The chair is configured so that it rests on a generally flat support surface in a non-tilted orientation. A stabilizer may also be provided to further stabilize the chair. A stabilizer is also provided for use with the high chair or high chair of conventional design when such chairs are inverted and used to support child carriers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Shoreworks, LLC
    Inventor: Paul E. Dauterive
  • Patent number: 6929321
    Abstract: A fold-up seat mountable in mobile living quarters has a sidewall defining a storage space covered by a seat platform. The seat platform can be opened and closed about a hinge apparatus to provide access to the storage area when the seat platform is open and provides a place for sitting when the seat platform is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Inventor: Scott J. Shrock
  • Patent number: 6857696
    Abstract: The present invention describes a furniture unit or a toy which employs base, top, and curved members along with a support member which extends along the inner surfaces of the top, base, and curved members. The shape of the invention allows it to be selectively positioned such that it can be adapted for a plurality of uses. For example, one embodiment of the present invention may be adapted for use as a desk, sofa, chair, or rocking toy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Inventor: Ben Usagani
  • Patent number: 6820932
    Abstract: A bench is provided for use by at least two persons of similar or differing heights. The bench includes a seat, a back, pivotal members and a support. The pivotal members are held in a substantially vertical position adjacent to the back by a release mechanism. Unlocking the release mechanism results in the pivotal member pivoting to a substantially horizontal position adjacent to the seat. The pivotal member may be locked in this position by a locking mechanism. In addition, in one embodiment of the invention, the back may be horizontally displaced towards the front of the seat, when the pivotal member is in the substantially horizontal position. Thus, the bench may accommodate two persons simultaneously, such as an adult and a child.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: KMCOR LLC
    Inventors: Krisann Misthos, Chris N. Misthos, Vincent Foullois
  • Publication number: 20030071491
    Abstract: A weight measurement system is disclosed for measuring the weight of an occupant in a vehicle seat. In a preferred embodiment, a sensor is positioned at the rear portion of the vehicle seat and a load transfer link is used to transfer the weight from the front portion of the vehicle seat to the rear portion, to be measured by the sensor. The transfer link is a selectively compliant beam having a first rigid section and a second rigid section connected to each other via a flexible area. The first and second rigid sections preferably include wing portions for increasing the rigidity of the sections. The flexible area is more compliant than the rigid sections. The load transfer link is configured to transition a load placed on the front portion of the link to the rear portion. In a more preferred embodiment of the invention, the load transfer link is made of a high strength, low alloy steel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Applicant: Kavlico Corporation
    Inventors: Gary Casey, Alan Cross
  • Publication number: 20020164917
    Abstract: A child's activity center that may alternately be assembled as a stationary activity center with a seat for very young children and as a floor play set for older children. As a stationary activity center the assembly has a base that rests on the floor with upwardly extending legs that support a tray above the base. The tray may be removed from the base and placed on the floor next to it and a connector unites the tray and base together. Toys are provided on the tray and base that have a common theme to allow the activity center to grow as the young child grows so as to hold the child's interest for a long period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2001
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventors: Charles Keegan, Brian Sundberg, Kurt Nygren, William St. Pierre, Nancy Johnson
  • Publication number: 20010030453
    Abstract: A backrest for a chair comprising a frame, a membrane and a back support member. The membrane, at least a portion of which is transparent, is attached to the frame and has a first body-contacting surface and an opposite second surface. The back support member is attached to the frame and has a support surface. At least a portion of the support surface contacts the second surface of the membrane, and at least a portion of the back support member is visible through the membrane from the first body-contacting surface thereof. In another aspect, a backrest for a chair comprises a frame having a pair of side members, wherein each of the side members has a lower section and an upper section. The upper section extends rearwardly and outwardly from the lower section so as to form a bowed section therewith. A flexible membrane is attached to and extends between the side members, and has a bowed section corresponding to the bowed section of the side members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Inventors: William E. Stumpf, Rodney C. Schoenfelder, Donald Chadwick, Carolyn keller, Timothy P. Coffield, Randy J. Sayers, Jeffrey W. Bruner, Eric Cammenga
  • Patent number: 6270155
    Abstract: A folding chaise lounge is made from three foam cushions individually covered in fabric and shaped to form a seat, a leg rest, and an ottoman. The leg rest is attached to the front edge of the seat by an elongated fabric hinge. The leg rest has a gently contoured, convex side which complements a concave contour of the seat, which when opened combine to form a chaise lounge having a gentle, lazy, S-shaped body supporting surface. The opposite side of the leg rest is concavely contoured to complement the upper contour of the ottoman. The ottoman is a separate piece, unconnected to either the seat or leg rest. When folded in repose, the leg rest nests within the concave seat, and when the ottoman is placed within the concave contour of the leg rest, the assemblage forms a cube for easy storage, shipping and handling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Umbra, Inc.
    Inventor: Karim Rashid
  • Patent number: 6155641
    Abstract: A variable height chair provides variable seat height measurements from the floor to the planar surface of the seat. The seat planar surfaces consist of seat panels forming a polygonal core and are supported at each end by two end frame panels. The central axis of the core is offset from the respective centers of the two end frame panels. The end frame panels have a number of identical dimensioned edges placed substantially parallel and apart from each other. The variation in height is achieved by the asymmetrical or offset location of the axis of the polygonal core. Through successive rotation forward or backward, different heights emerge for each planar seat surface. These different heights of the seat planar surfaces provide selectively different heights for persons of varied statures within the same age bracket and in different age brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Inventor: Beverly J. Frost