Convertible Patents (Class 297/118)
  • Patent number: 8113585
    Abstract: A hinged fitting for an article of seating furniture, which has a supporting element which is capable of being swung, by means of a swing over joint, from a basic position to the side of the seat to an end position that is located in front of the seat to form a leg rest, with the top or lateral surface of the supporting element in the basic position becoming the bottom surface thereof in the end position, has a displacement device, by means of which the end position of the supporting element can be displaced to a position in front of the seat or the base frame of the article of seating furniture beyond the position defined by the swing over joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Vel Vega—Design e Technologia Ind. Unip. Lda.
    Inventor: Matthias Fischer
  • Patent number: 8083288
    Abstract: A chair with a coupling companion stool base includes a frame that has: a claw extending downward from a second portion of a lower portion of the frame; a latch extending downward from and movably connected with a first portion of the lower portion; two legs adapted to support the frame upon a supporting surface extending downward from the lower portion; and a receptacle defined between the claw and the latch. The base supports the frame above a supporting surface and has a saddle with opposite back and front edges and a top surface that faces away from the supporting surface. The top surface may also define at least one of a work surface, a writing surface, and a sitting surface. The base releasably couples with the frame, having the saddle seated in the receptacle, the front edge seated in the claw, and the back edge captured by the latch. When decoupled, the chair portion may be used as casual floor rocker seating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Sauder Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Anthony J. Warncke, Jeffrey A. Jameson, Thomas A. Hagerty
  • Patent number: 8056978
    Abstract: A convertible seating unit for a motor vehicle is provided. The convertible seating unit comprises a seat having an upper surface, a front edge and a rear edge. The convertible seating unit further includes a back support comprising a first back support panel and a second back support panel. Each of the first and second back support panels has a first edge and a second edge, and an upper surface and a lower surface. The second edge of the first back panel is hingeably connected to the first edge of the second back panel to define a first hinge axis. The first edge of the first back panel is hingeably connected to the seat proximate the rear edge of the seat to define a second hinge axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Sarah Shivers, Rex Lin, Juan Carlos Intriago Velez, Adina Klein, Sujoy Chandra, Randal Hong
  • Publication number: 20110272200
    Abstract: A selectively powered ambulatory stretcher chair has a bifurcated articulating base of free-wheeling casters at each of the corners thereof, with motor driven wheels on a transaxle interposed therebetween. Articulation of the bifurcated base causes deployment and retraction of the drive wheels to allow use of the stretcher chair in both a manual and power-driven mode, while ensuring stability in both. A u-shaped positionable bar is pivotally connected to a back of the stretcher chair and maintains a control box within a tight range of positions as the chair of the stretcher chair assembly translates between upright and horizontal positions. The back of the stretcher chair is of a radiolucent material, accommodating medical procedures in the stretcher chair in a broad range of positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventors: Timothy A. Clapp, Richard E. Cole, JR., Zackary D. McKee, Robert E. Herchick, Michael E. Maske
  • Publication number: 20110260507
    Abstract: A convertible infant rocker which is adapted for use with a conventional infant/child car seat. The infant rocker includes a frame which is placeable onto an underlying support surface, and includes a support assembly connected thereto. The support assembly itself includes a cradle which defines a cradle cavity. In addition to the cradle, the support assembly includes a liner which is selectively placeable into the cradle cavity and engageable to the cradle, the liner itself being sized and configured to accommodate an infant. The infant rocker is selectively convertible between a liner configuration and a car seat configuration. In the liner configuration, the liner is cooperatively engaged to the cradle, with a portion of the liner being received within the cradle cavity. In the car seat configuration, the liner is disengaged and removed from the cradle, thus allowing for the cradle to accommodate a conventional infant car seat in which the infant may be positioned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: Michael A. Parness, Wicky Lee, Paul C. Gilles
  • Patent number: 8020808
    Abstract: An aircraft subassembly including a shelf combined with a longitudinal banquette for a passenger, a mechanism for moving the shelf along one of the two longitudinal sides of the banquette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Airbus
    Inventors: Alexandra Collins, Mark Collins
  • Patent number: 8011723
    Abstract: A seating arrangement for an aircraft cabin is disclosed which includes seats having a backrest (16) which is pivotally moveable from an upright position to a flat position. A side ottoman (22) having a front portion (42) is located beside the seat base (14) of the seat. The seat has a footwell (32) into which the front portion of the side ottoman locates so that when the seat (16) is in the flat position a bed is formed by the rear surface (17), the front portion (42) located in the footwell of a front seat in front of the said seat and a base (34) of an open space (30) behind is the backrest (16) when in an upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Singapore Airlines Limited
    Inventors: James Park, Kim Chui Sim
  • Patent number: 7962975
    Abstract: A mechanism for mounting a foldable-bed unit in an article of furniture is described. A pair of mounting plates each including a first and second bracket is mounted on opposite ends of a cavity in the article of furniture. The brackets include a U-shaped slot configured to accept a fixture having an enlarged head. A retaining tab is included within one or more of the brackets to retain the fixture therein. The first brackets are located rearwardly of the second brackets and at an angle such that the slot therein is tilted forwardly. The second brackets are oriented to provide a generally vertical orientation to the slots therein. A foldable-bed unit having fixtures corresponding to each of the brackets is installed into the article of furniture by inserting corresponding fixtures into the first brackets. The foldable-bed unit is rotated to insert the remaining fixtures into the second brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: L & P Property Management Company
    Inventors: Michael F. Hartline, Kenneth R. Graham
  • Publication number: 20110140484
    Abstract: A multi-function includes a treadmill, elastic pull ropes for exercise and a massage device which is manually controlled. The treadmill is disposed under a chair seat. When in use, the treadmill is pulled out. When not in use, the treadmill is retracted under the chair. The elastic pull ropes are disposed at two sides of a back pad of the chair to be pulled up and down for the user to do hand exercises. The massage device is disposed behind the back pad of the chair. The massage device has a massage assembly which can be inclined forward to massage the user's head, neck and shoulder. When not in use, the massage assembly is inclined rearward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventor: CHIN AN CHANG
  • Patent number: 7918497
    Abstract: A chair includes a base portion, and a seat portion supported by the base portion. The seat portion is configurable in at least two modes. In the first mode, the seat portion is raised to a highest level and includes a frame that is adapted to arrange the seat portion in an upright position. In the second mode, the seat portion is lowered to a level that is lower than the highest level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Summer Infant (USA), Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Keegan
  • Patent number: 7900999
    Abstract: A convertible seat that has both a seat and bed position. The convertible seat includes a stationary bed section and folding bed section that pivots relative to the stationary bed section. The folding bed section serves as the seating surface when the seat is in the seat position and the foot end of the bed when the seat is in the bed position. An air mattress is located between the stationary bed section and folding bed section when the seat is in the seat position. Inflation of the air mattress causes the folding bed section to pivot outward to create the bed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: MC Marketing Resources, LLC
    Inventors: Clifton D. Reynolds, Perry A. Nichols
  • Publication number: 20110049942
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a frame having a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. A first membrane is coupled to the frame and includes a seat portion with first and second openings. A second membrane is couplable to the first membrane and/or the frame and is configured to be moved between a first position in which the second membrane covers the first and second openings, and a second position in which the first and second openings are not covered by the second membrane. The frame and the first membrane are configured to support a user in a seated position when the second membrane is in the first position and the frame is expanded, the first and second openings are each configured to receive a leg of a user when the second membrane is in the second position and the frame is expanded to support the user in a standing position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: Kristine Rose Gorinas, John P. Oliver
  • Publication number: 20110030747
    Abstract: A seat assembly for releasable attachment between crutches comprising crutches, the crutches comprising a center support and a pair of outer support members. The outer support members further comprise a plurality of opposed hand grip retention apertures. A seat support comprises a seat support pin received in a hand grip retention aperture of the first crutch, a support body engaged by the seat support pin, and a seat engagement pin that engages one end of the seat is attached to the first crutch. A seat retention pin received in a hand grip retention aperture of the second crutch engages the other end of the seat when the seat is deployed. There may be a brace attached to the seat bottom side and the first crutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventor: Loran L. Lee
  • Publication number: 20100327634
    Abstract: A passenger seat assembly and method for converting the seat assembly between a three-seat configuration and a two-seat configuration includes a seat assembly base and first, second, and third seats mounted on the seat assembly base. The first and third seats define outboard seats and the second seat defines an inboard seat disposed between the outboard seats. The seat back of the inboard seat includes an upper portion movably mounted to the lower portion. The seat bottom is removable and repositionable between the three-seat configuration and the two-seat configuration to form a convenience area between the outboard seats. A power console movably mounted on the seat assembly base supports the seat bottom of the inboard seat and provides at least one power outlet for supplying electrical power. In particular, the inboard seat is convertible between a seating configuration and a non-seating configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: BE Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventor: Glenn A. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20100320810
    Abstract: A child seat includes a main support frame, a swing frame connected pivotally to the main support frame, a seat frame connected to the swing frame and convertible between a high chair configuration and a swing configuration, a first locking mechanism including a latch disposed movably between the swing frame and the main support frame and engaged releasably with the main support frame, and a second locking mechanism including a protrusion provided on the swing frame and movable between a first position, where movement of the latch is prevented, and a second position, where movement of the latch is permitted so that the latch can move away from the main support frame, thereby converting the seat frame to the swing configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventor: Shun-Min CHEN
  • Patent number: 7845718
    Abstract: The present invention is a device which quickly and inexpensively transforms two, face to face aircraft passenger seats into a horizontal bed surface adapted to provide a user with a flat surface upon which a user may lie on their back, side or stomach. A collapsible foundation block is adapted to form a space filling function as to a space between two face to face seats that are secured to a floor structure forming a horizontal surface. The foundation block is preferably inflatable and is supported from a floor surface between the two face to face seats, whereafter a supporting structure of the foundation block rises to a top surface generally parallel to the floor. The elevation of the top surface is approximately a level of a top surface of seat cushions of the two facing seats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Inventor: Gerald Bosstick
  • Publication number: 20100301639
    Abstract: A combination bed seat and commode suitable for both purposes and having multiple additional features that provide the user with safety, comfort, and convenience, the apparatus comprising in a preferred embodiment a box-like base holding a bedpan under an open seat, a door for the removal of the bedpan without the need for the user to remove himself from the apparatus, an adjustable back rest pivotably connected at a hinge joint to the base housing unit, longitudinal base stabilization means preferably but not essentially in the form of a U-shaped retractable stabilizer longitudinally disposed within the base housing unit, lateral base stabilization means preferably but not essentially in the form of a pair of flange-like stabilizers projecting from the side walls of the base housing unit, and a pair of retractable armrests to facilitate movement onto and off of the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventor: Renee McPheeters
  • Patent number: 7837259
    Abstract: The invention relates to a seat, in particular air passenger seat, with seat components, such as a seat part (10) and a backrest (12) with a housing shell (20), which is part of the backrest (12) or which at least partially includes the backrest (12) at the back and which comprises at least two shell parts which are connected to each other, at least in an initial state, via a fixing device and of which the one shell part is moved under a sudden introduction of force, such as, for example, in the event of a crash, relative to the other shell part in such a manner that an engagement space between the shell parts is opened up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: RECARO Aircraft Seating GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Franz Staab, Frank Herold
  • Publication number: 20100244501
    Abstract: A cushion that converts into an ottoman includes a collapsible, hollow, rectangular container and a rigid, hollow, rectangular container including padding. The top of the collapsible container is open. The bottom of the rigid container is open, and a top and all sides of the rigid container are closed. The padding is disposed on the top of the rigid container. The collapsible container is configured to mate with the hollow portion of the rigid container when the collapsible container is collapsed to generate a cushion. The top of the collapsible container is configured to mate with the hollow portion of the rigid container when the ottoman is un-collapsed to generate an ottoman.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventor: Ming Chiang
  • Publication number: 20100244502
    Abstract: A seat assembly having a seat back and an armrest. The armrest is disposed on the seat back and is configured to pivot about an axis of rotation. The armrest has a headrest that is moveable between an extended position and a retracted position. The armrest is inhibited from pivoting about the axis of rotation when the headrest is in the extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Christer Andersson, Odd Jaegtnes
  • Patent number: 7784867
    Abstract: A seat assembly for a vehicle, such as a school bus, accommodates two or three passengers, depending on the size and stature of the passengers. The seat assembly is equipped with three seatbelts and five buckles spaced along a seatback. When three passengers are utilizing the seat assembly, each of the three seatbelts and three of the buckles are utilized. When two passengers are utilizing the seat assembly, two of the seatbelts and the remaining two buckles are utilized. The seatbelts and buckles are visually coded and/or keyed to prevent improper use. When the buckles are not being utilized, they are housed in cavities formed in the seatback to avoid interference with the passengers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Syntec Seating Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Ronald C. Lamparter
  • Patent number: 7770965
    Abstract: A chair having a base with a seating surface and a back support attached to the base for supporting a person seated on the seating surface. At least one attachment point is located on the chair for attaching an accessory for use in securing a person to the chair. The chair has a concealment means moveable between a concealment position for covering at least one attachment point and an uncovered position wherein the attachment point is accessible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Inventor: Shane Zwezdaryk
  • Publication number: 20100193379
    Abstract: A ball hopper comprising a frame, a divider, a plurality of elastic members and a seat, wherein the frame further comprises a lower, middle and upper portion and at least one rigid connector joining the lower, middle and upper portion, and wherein the divider separates the frame into a lower compartment and an upper compartment, and wherein the plurality of elastic members are removably secured to the lower potion of the frame. The ball hopper provides a method for collecting, distributing (while a user is standing or sitting) and transporting balls by pressing the ball hopper over an object, such that at least one of the plurality of elastic members allows the object to enter the lower compartment. Further, the ball hopper may be utilized as a seat, such that the divider forces collected balls towards the top of the ball hopper for easy removal from the lower compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventor: Christopher Howard Matthews
  • Publication number: 20100084895
    Abstract: This invention is related to an ottoman convertible to a seating unit comprising a back-support assembly, a seat-support assembly, a base frame, and a pair of opposed armrests. Additionally, the ottoman includes a linkage system comprising a plurality of pivotably interconnected linkages, where the linkage system is configured to rotatably couple the seat-support assembly to the back-support assembly, and translatably couple the seat-support assembly and the base frame. In operation, this furniture piece is moveable between a closed position, resembling an ottoman, and an open position, wherein the back-support assembly forms the backrest of a seating unit accessible to a seated occupant. Specifically, the pivotably interconnected linkages operate such that rearward rotational movement of the back-support assembly induces forward translation of the seat-support assembly in relation to the base frame. This movement coincidentally induces the pair of opposed armrests to raise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: L & P PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY
    Inventors: Glenn N. Wiecek, Gary Masters
  • Patent number: 7681945
    Abstract: This invention is related to an ottoman convertible to a seating unit comprising a back-support assembly, a seat-support assembly, a base frame, and a pair of opposed armrests. Additionally, the ottoman includes a linkage system comprising a plurality of pivotably interconnected linkages, where the linkage system is configured to rotatably couple the seat-support assembly to the back-support assembly, and translatably couple the seat-support assembly and the base frame. In operation, this furniture piece is moveable between a closed position, resembling an ottoman, and an open position, wherein the back-support assembly forms the backrest of a seating unit accessible to a seated occupant. Specifically, the pivotably interconnected linkages operate such that rearward rotational movement of the back-support assembly induces forward translation of the seat-support assembly in relation to the base frame. This movement coincidentally induces the pair of opposed armrests to raise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: L & P Property Management Company
    Inventors: Glenn N. Wiecek, Gary Masters
  • Publication number: 20100064440
    Abstract: A device for supporting a patient, the device comprising first and second support members adapted to support respective first and second parts of a patient's body and being operable to move between a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein when a patient is supported by the device and the device is in the first configuration, the patient is in a first bodily position and is supported by the first support member, with little or none of the patient's weight being supported by the second support member, and when a patient is supported by the device and the device is in the second configuration, the patient is in a second bodily position and is supported by the second support member, with little or none of the patient's weight being supported by the first support member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventors: Patrick Armstrong Finlay, Edmund Jan Bonikowski, Scot Glickman
  • Publication number: 20100045078
    Abstract: A portable seating device (100?) is disclosed that has a seat (104?) with one or more internal storage compartments (224/230). The seat (104?) includes an upper seat section (108?) that may be pivoted away from a platform (112?) to access one or more storage compartments (224) on a lower surface of the upper seat section (108?) and to access one or more storage compartments (230) on an upper surface of the platform (112?). The platform (112?) is rotatably interconnected with a base (152). A backrest assembly (127) is appropriately interconnected with the seat (104?), and a stand (172) is detachably interconnected with the base (152) to accommodate multiple configurations for the portable seating device (100?). Preferably, the backrest assembly (127) is movable between stowed and deployed positions, and includes one or more adjustment features when in its deployed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventors: Gordon J. Lee, Cristobal Molina, Paul J. Lee, David L. Carlson
  • Publication number: 20100019547
    Abstract: This invention is a car seat, which can be easily converted into a stroller by extending a stroller handle and tilting the car seat backwards until a pair of wheels contacts the ground. A pair of wheels is placed on the back surface of the car seat to convert the car seat into a stroller, if and when necessary. and a separate handle will be used to enable the user to tilt the car seat so that the device can be rolled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventors: Melissa Gray, Joseph Gray
  • Publication number: 20100001556
    Abstract: A foldable rest support including a frame has at least four sections articulated together about an axis to which is associated a bearing surface, two of the sections constituting the suspension arms. According to the disclosed embodiments, two other of the sections constituting the feet of the support present each one a truncated V shape, and the bearing surface links the sections constituting the suspension arms in order to at least partially cover at least one of the side faces of the foldable support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventors: Denis Fritsch, Frederic Frilloux
  • Patent number: 7641278
    Abstract: Disclosed is a passenger seat, especially an airline passenger seat, comprising seat components such as a seat part, a backrest, and an armrest (3), at least one of which is movably disposed relative to the other seat components to adjust the position, and a partition (9, 11) that can be transferred between an operational position in which the same extends in a lateral shielding area of the seat and a non-operational position in which the same unblocks the shielding area. The partition is composed of several wall parts (9, 11) which extend in the shielding area in the operational position and interact via a guiding device (43, 45) such that the movement of one wall part (9) during the transfer between the non-operational and the operational position entrains another wall part (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: RECARO Aircraft Seating GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ulrich Strasser, Hartmut SchĂĽrg
  • Publication number: 20090289478
    Abstract: A convertible, multi-purpose children's chair comprising a chair, further comprising a seat and a seat back; front legs inter-related with said seat, wherein said front legs comprise an articulable front leg portion and an unarticulable front leg portion, further wherein said articulable front leg portion and said unarticulable front leg portion are articulable in relation to each other; back legs which are inter-related to said seat, further wherein said back legs are articulably related with said seat back; a wheelbase comprising front wheels and back wheels, wherein said front wheels are inter-related with said front legs and said back wheels are inter-related with said seat and said back legs; and a tray which is inter-related with said seat back, wherein said tray is pivotably connected with said seat back, further wherein said tray further comprises a tray insert rotatable within said tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Inventor: Robert Piserchio
  • Publication number: 20090284050
    Abstract: A combination bassinet and toddler chair is disclosed. One dual-purpose frame is provided which is capable of supporting both the bassinet and the toddler chair with minimal reconfiguration effort by the parent or caretaker. In one configuration, a bassinet is held horizontally onto one or more frame members by coupling members mounted to the frame members and mounting mechanisms mounted on either side of the bottom panel of the bassinet. Easy-to-use lever mechanisms are provided on the sidewall of the bassinet that release the latches and allow for removal of the bassinet. With the bassinet removed, a toddler chair, with fabric loops on either side of the seating area, slides over the frame members and is frictionally held in place and suspended between the frame members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: BABY PLANET LLC
    Inventor: Peter Jonathan Myers
  • Publication number: 20090278387
    Abstract: An expandable and convertible sofa chair consisting of a base, backrest, two armrests, four small corner cushions, four long edge cushions, centre cushion, two straight connector cushions, two L shaped connector cushions, four feet, four decorative front/back side plates, tabletop plate, centre support board, and four locking mechanisms. The base is a hollowed out square box with a bottom and thick walls that house several cavities symmetrically aligned to mate with the parts that have extruding prongs. When two units are placed side by side the four small corner cushions are removed and replaced with two connector cushions twice the size. The armrests of the touching walls are replaced with long edge cushions and all are locked into place by a locking mechanism at the bottom of the base walls, creating a loveseat. Repeating this procedure creates several different styles, shapes and sizes of furnishings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: John Barbosa
  • Patent number: 7614414
    Abstract: Devices and methods are presented to provide a seating area on a common crutch. The convertible seat is low profile and maintained flat on a side of the crutch until needed. It may be opened easily and placed flat on the floor to provide the user with a convenient sitting or table area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Inventor: Anahita Jamshidi
  • Publication number: 20090270236
    Abstract: The invention relates to a supporting device for the back and head of a human being. Said device comprises a partial area of a back supporting section at the level of the shoulder blade, a central supporting surface in the region of a vertebral column and open areas which are arranged on the both sides of the central supporting surface in such a way that the shoulder blade regions can be lowered beyond the central supporting area. The invention can be used for furniture for the household or workplace.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventor: Joachim Berc
  • Patent number: 7594701
    Abstract: Aircrafts troop seating is lightweight and minimizes protruding features on which gear might snag. High strength webbing straps are added to a light weight seat fabric to add strength where strength is required, thus reducing the overall weight. The webbing is of a type used for seatbelts and meets fire regardant requirements. Seat belt style tension adjusters allow adjustment of the seating stretch to improve comfort and crash protection. Internal hardware attachment points are provided to reduce protruding features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Conax Florida Corporation
    Inventors: Eric Kawabata, Charlie VanDruff, Michael Duran
  • Publication number: 20090200839
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat part and a backrest. The backrest has a first axis of rotation and is rotatable about the first axis through at least 90° from a normal position into a loading position. The backrest has pivoting means and is transferable into an armrest position by the pivoting means. A predominant part of the backrest is mounted higher in the armrest position than in the loading position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: Johnson Control Technology Company
    Inventors: Helmut Mildt, James Abraham
  • Publication number: 20090184543
    Abstract: Briefcase Furniture is flat furniture cut out from any type of fabric or foldable materials and carried as a briefcase, purse or baglike item, to be laid down on a floor in a room to determine where the actual furniture should be placed before bringing the actual furniture into the room. It will eliminate the carrying and moving of the real furniture which can be heavy and very time consuming. The placement will already be decided by using the flat foldable furniture. The Briefcase Furniture is washable, durable and therefore usable for a continual use of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventor: Debra Wilburn Blanarik
  • Publication number: 20090181780
    Abstract: A child entertainment apparatus is convertible between a swing mode and a jumper mode. The apparatus includes a frame, and a support convertible between a swinging configuration and a bouncing configuration. In the jumper mode, the support suspends the seat from the frame by a substantially flexible section, and in the swing mode, the support suspends the seat from the frame by a substantially rigid section. A bypass section is movable between an engaged position wherein the bypass section provides a substantially rigid connection between the frame and the seat, and a disengaged position wherein the substantially flexible section of the first support provides a flexible connection between the frame and the seat. The seat may be convertible between a feet forward position for the swing mode and a feet down position for the jumper mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventors: Peter J. Myers, Joseph P. Sejnowki, Jeff Yaschur, Bill Mussig, Dan Nelsen, Traci J. Barron, Carl G. Ross
  • Publication number: 20090146469
    Abstract: A convertible seat that has both a seat and bed position. The convertible seat includes a stationary bed section and folding bed section that pivots relative to the stationary bed section. The folding bed section serves as the seating surface when the seat is in the seat position and the foot end of the bed when the seat is in the bed position. An air mattress is located between the stationary bed section and folding bed section when the seat is in the seat position. Inflation of the air mattress causes the folding bed section to pivot outward to create the bed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: MC MARKETING RESOURCES, LLC
    Inventors: Clifton D. Reynolds, Perry A. Nichols
  • Patent number: 7543886
    Abstract: An unique system and method for an improved infant car seat having an integral extra transportation apparatus combining the functionality of a car seat with a stroller into one device. The apparatus generally resembles a conventional infant car seat but with an overhead handle that can be extracted from behind the headrest with a set of two folding legs extending downward and locking in place. Each extended leg has a pair of wheels that when used in conjunction with the handle allows the entire apparatus to serve as an infant stroller in a manner similar to a wheelbarrow. A third brace leg has a stabilizing rubber foot that extends down from behind the seat to allow the apparatus to safely stand unassisted. This novel apparatus and system will permit a care giver to remove the apparatus from a vehicle with the infant remaining in the seat, and by extending the legs into place, transform the apparatus into a stroller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Inventors: Suzanne Gutierrez-Hedges, Ewward Hedges, Lisa Hubbard
  • Publication number: 20090134674
    Abstract: The present invention relates to therapeutic furniture and apparatus and therapeutic method wherein a recumbent or semi-recumbent therapist applies foot or hand pressure therapy to the patient seated in tandem configuration in front of therapist, and wherein both patient and therapist are supported by device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventor: Brent Douglas Deck
  • Publication number: 20090127892
    Abstract: A chair capable of being adjusted as a chaise comprises a cushion assembly including a first cushion, a second cushion and a third cushion; a first rotary shaft being used to pivotally connect the first cushion and the second cushion; a second rotary shaft being used to pivotally connect the second cushion and the third cushion; an adjusting unit installed below the first cushion; a chair support structure being installed between the first cushion, a second cushion and a third cushion; the chair support structure including an assisting support frame and a support frame; the assisting support frame installed between the first cushion and the third cushion; and the support frame being installed below the third cushion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventor: Huei-Mei Chen
  • Patent number: 7533930
    Abstract: Aircraft seats are provided which may be convertible between a seating condition and a bedding condition. According to exemplary embodiments, aircraft seats comprise a seat bottom, a seat back, and a pair of arm rests positioned laterally with respect to the seat bottom, the seat back being mounted to the seat bottom for pivotal movements between an upright position (wherein the seat back extends vertically upwardly relative to the seat bottom) and a reclined position (wherein the seat back extends substantially horizontally relative to the seat bottom), and each of arm rests being coupled to the seat back and the seat bottom so as to be moveable between raised and lowered positions in response to the seat back being pivoted from the upright position to the reclined position, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Embraer - Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A.
    Inventors: Armand Fissette, Magnus Aspergren
  • Patent number: 7517011
    Abstract: A combination child carrier for carrying a child. There is: a first horizontal seat member; a first vertical support member, coupled to a rear portion the first horizontal seat member and extending upwardly therefrom; an extendable handle member, coupled to a top of the first vertical support member; a plurality of rear wheels, coupled near a rear portion the first horizontal seat member; and a front leg support member, hingedly coupled to a front portion of the first horizontal seat member and extending downwardly therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Inventor: Adil Aliyevich Aliev
  • Patent number: 7517010
    Abstract: A seat for an aircraft includes a seating surface, a backrest and two armrests. The seat also includes a mechanism for guiding at least one of the armrests in translation in an essentially-vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Airbus
    Inventors: Bruno Saint-Jalmes, Andre Rezag, Jason Zaneboni
  • Publication number: 20090066121
    Abstract: A passenger accommodation assembly for a transportation vehicle, comprising a plurality of accommodation units placed along an aisle with each accommodation unit being convertible between an upright seat position and a reclined position. A first accommodation unit of the assembly is elevated relative to a second unit whereby the legs of a passenger reclining in the second unit can extend under a seat portion of the first unit and the backrest of the passenger in the first unit can extend over the legs of the passenger in the second unit. Other embodiments of the invention comprise multiple accommodation units and combinations of accommodation unit assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventor: Emil Jacob
  • Patent number: 7458635
    Abstract: A vehicle seat arrangement includes a child seat which is mounted in a rearward facing configuration to a backrest of an adult seat such that the backrest of another adult seat at least partially supports the backrest of the child seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kolita Mendis, John Downs, Benny Sommerfeld, Blair Taylor
  • Publication number: 20080272629
    Abstract: A collapsible emergency vehicle chair cot that includes a support system and a movement system is described. The movement system is coupled to the support system and utilizes rotational movement to assist in moving the chair cot over a surface. The support system and movement system are configured to be collapsible to facilitate using the chair cot with an emergency vehicle. The chair cot may include at least two removable platforms for supporting a patient in a seated position. Furthermore, the chair cot may include one or more options for transporting equipment, including an equipment transport basket that may take the place of the removable platforms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Nathan R. Walkingshaw, Tad Clark, Mark Wenzel
  • Publication number: 20080272628
    Abstract: A kit of office furniture fitness combined utilities for systematic and periodic working operators' posture changing with and by static body-spirit exercises, comprises ergonomic devices: A mobile torso-shield assembly connected to the operators desk, Two shin-rest supports, and cross-hinged sit, all connected to the operators chair. Said units are easily controlled means providing multiple and various body isometric fitness-positions to the operators entire body during working time. Posture changings with various chest-supports, spine relief, entire body isometric fitness exercising while operating, help office workers to improve their shape, physical and mental health, mood, spirit, and raise working output. Said utilities are designed as built-in-parts of modified furniture, and/or as additional kits of separate units to existing tables, desks and chairs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Yuriy B. Lazar