Convertible Patents (Class 297/118)
  • Patent number: 6712711
    Abstract: A entertaining system for entertaining guests. The entertaining system includes a buffet assembly comprising a main member and a plurality of drawers. Each of the drawers is extendable into the main member whereby each of the drawers is designed for storing items. The main member of the buffet assembly is designed for supporting food items to be served to the guests. A cabinet member comprises a perimeter wall. The perimeter wall defines an interior space. The cabinet member comprises at least one shelf portion. The shelf portion is designed for supporting tableware whereby the tableware is stored in the interior space of the cabinet member. A table assembly comprises a top member and a plurality of leg members. Each of the leg members downwardly extends from the top member whereby the leg members are designed for engaging a support surface for supporting the top member above the support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Inventors: James Skelton, Roscoe Seller, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20040032152
    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 implements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Applicant: Lisle Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin L. Tally, John C. Lisle, William Meis
  • Patent number: 6692069
    Abstract: A reclining passenger seat, including a seat frame for being attached to a supporting deck, a seat bottom carried by the seat frame, and a seat back carried by the seat frame and moveable with the seat bottom from and between the upright and sleep positions. A legrest assembly is mounted adjacent a forward end of the seat bottom for being selectively extended generally downwardly and outwardly from the seat bottom for supporting the legs of the passenger. An armrest assembly is carried by the seat frame and includes an armrest moveable between a horizontal position with an upper support surface supporting a forearm of the seat occupant in the upright seat position and a forwardly-inclined, lowered position wherein the upper support surface is aligned with an upper surface of the seat bottom for providing a wider sleeping surface for the seat occupant when the seat is in the fully-reclined sleep position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: B E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael T. Beroth, Gregory Hall, Ross Laming, Bobby Lawson, Stacy McAnulty, Tracy Pence, Tommy G. Plant, Al Wenzler
  • Patent number: 6672659
    Abstract: A toy that is easily convertible between a toy lounge chair and a toy vanity for a doll. The toy has a main body with a base and a pair of sides with a number of movable sections secured to the base. The main body has two faces, one of which forms portions of the lounge chair and the other of which forms portions of the vanity. A separate leg assembly is selectively moved to act as a support for the lounge chair or the vanity. The movable sections are rotatable so as to reveal face portions that form a mirror and a box-like compartment or drawer of the vanity, or a seat back, seating base and a single or two piece leg rest for the lounge chair. The leg assembly may be hingedly attached to or be formed separate from the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Melohn, Yukha Ann Mo
  • Patent number: 6663174
    Abstract: A passenger chair which can be converted into a child chair, including a floor frame, a passenger back rest with side members which are linked with rear side portions of the frame for tilting the passenger back rest backwards and forwards, the passenger back rest having a first flap the top of which is linked with an upper portion of the passenger back rest and a second flap with a first end portion which is linked with a lower end portion of the first flap. The passenger chair has a mechanism which, when the passenger back rest is moved forwards, effects a forcible rotation of the second flap to an approximately horizontal position, while at the same time the first flap is moved forwards. The first flap thereby forms a back rest and the second flap a seat of a child chair which faces in the opposite direction relative to the passenger chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Sit Safe AS
    Inventors: Thorbjørn Drage, Erlend Langsrud
  • Patent number: 6659544
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a reconfigurable chair for home or restaurant use for supporting a toddler or small child in a sitting position or an infant in an infant carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventors: Stephen M. Hollett, Joann I. Hollett
  • Publication number: 20030222485
    Abstract: A convertible articulated support structure for cradle or ottoman has a base with an oscillating support structure attached to a mounting platform for removable attachment of a cradle or ottoman cushion. The articulated support structure moves in an oscillatory path relative to the stationary base, carrying the selected attachment through a gentle reciprocating motion. Removable fasteners enable easy exchange of the cradle attachment with a cushion attachment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventor: Neil J. Dwyer
  • Publication number: 20030218365
    Abstract: A single piece of furniture that is convertible to a number of different pieces of furniture, including a chair, desk, table and bed, shelves, and many other furniture types. This single piece of furniture fulfills many needs with its multiple uses and different styles while at the same time being cost efficient, space saving, and ergonomically adjustable. Currently, most home and office furniture serves a single use: chairs for sitting, beds for sleeping, shelving for storage, desks and tables for work surfaces, etc. There are a few dual-use pieces of furniture in common use, such as futons and fold-out beds which allow a couch to be converted to a bed. This is the limitation of their utility. The Modular, Transformable Furniture System is cost effective because a person or household only needs one piece of furniture to serve many needs. It is ideal for college students, budget-conscious, or nomadic people and people living in apartments with space constraints.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Inventor: Karolina Kawiaka
  • Patent number: 6637812
    Abstract: An upholstered foldable furniture system having a first assembled configuration for seating and a second unassembled configuration for storage and shipping. The furniture system has a horizontal seat support frame having front and rear support frame members, spaced left and right side support frame members, a back member having a bottom back member rotatably secured to the rear support frame member and left and right back side support members. The back member is rotatable between a position substantially parallel to the horizontal seat support frame and an angle of not less than 90° with respect to the horizontal seat support frame. Left and right arm members are provided, each having a rear arm frame and a lower arm frame. The left and right lower arm frames are secured to the left and right side support frame members respectively. The furniture system also provides left and right latch assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventors: Glenn M. Laughlin, Jeffrey A. Frank
  • Patent number: 6619734
    Abstract: A multi-purpose child support device comprises a frame having a base for placement on a floor surface and a support section positioned above said base. A seat element is configured for receiving a toddler child in a sitting position and is coupled with the support section above the floor surface for forming a high chair. The seat element is displaceably mounted to the frame and is operable for being selectively removed from the support section such that the support section receives an infant child carrier for supporting an infant child carrier above a floor surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventor: John A. Helmsderfer
  • Patent number: 6601864
    Abstract: A device for preventing a wheelchair or a walker from passing through a doorway, the doorway having a predetermined dimension, e.g., a predetermined height. The device includes a barrier and a coupling for securing the barrier to the; wheelchair or the walker such that a portion of the barrier extends from the wheelchair or the walker. The barrier has a primary dimension sized such that a combined dimension, e.g., a combined height, of the wheelchair or the walker and the portion of the barrier extending from the wheelchair or walker is greater than the predetermined height of the doorway, such that the barrier prevents the wheelchair or the walker from passing through the doorway. The present disclosure, therefore, provides a device for preventing a wheelchair or a walker from passing through a doorway to keep a patient in a defined area and prevent the patient from entering another area where the patient might be endangered or endanger others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Inventor: Ronald Hoyt
  • Patent number: 6588837
    Abstract: A chair is adapted to form a sitting surface and a sleeping surface and comprises a chair back and a seat. The chair back and seat are relatively movable to form the sitting surface and the sleeping surface. In the event that there are any questions related to this amendment or to the application in general, the undersigned would appreciate the opportunity to address those questions directly in a telephone interview to expedite the prosecution of this application for all concerned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott A. Schultz, G. Brent Fagan
  • Publication number: 20030098597
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a reconfigurable chair for home or restaurant use for supporting a toddler or small child in a sitting position or an infant in an infant carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventors: Stephen M. Hollett, Joann I. Hollett
  • Patent number: 6557867
    Abstract: A portable multi-activity outdoor recreation apparatus for providing a person not only with an apparatus for sleeping upon but also a means for carrying downed game, an injured or sick person, and equipment. The portable multi-activity outdoor recreation apparatus comprises a frame, a supporting assembly coupled to the frame for supporting a person and game, a wheel assembly coupled to the frame, an umbrella support member removably coupled to the frame, and leg members for supporting the frame on a ground surface. The apparatus is further configurable into a seatable position and includes a seat member for supporting a user and a table member for different activities, which includes a means for a hunter to gain a steadier and longer aim when game is approaching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventor: Bruce L. Angstadt
  • Patent number: 6540579
    Abstract: A convertible activity toy for promoting gross motor development in children includes a base receivable on a supporting surface and a top coupled to the base. The top includes a first portion and a second portion whereby the first portion is movable from a substantially coplanar orientation relative to the second portion to a substantially non-coplanar orientation relative to the second portion. The top and base define an opening and an interior space so that an infant can crawl through the opening into the interior space when the top is in the substantially coplanar orientation or so that the child may walk the opening and into the interior space or a portion thereof when the top is in the substantially non-coplanar orientation. The top includes activity items that are attractive to an infant and encourages the infant to reach up to the top by pulling up from a seated position to a standing position using handles or grips disposed on the toy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Domenic T. Gubitosi, Seth P. Frankel, Christopher D. Cimerman
  • Patent number: 6523890
    Abstract: A two-piece chair and furniture set for allowing the user to easily and quickly assembly and take apart the chairs and table assembly. The two-piece chair and furniture set includes chairs each having a backrest assembly including a backrest portion and a front legs portion; and also includes a seat assembly including a seat portion and a rear legs portion and being detachably attached to the backrest assembly; and further includes a table assembly including a base assembly and also including a tabletop assembly being mounted upon the base assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Inventor: Norman C. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20030030306
    Abstract: This invention provides an improved, economical layout for passenger aircraft or other vehicle, including two level convertible sleeping accommodation for passengers at night, and a safety harness for each sleeping person. For day the sleeping accommodation are converted back to an one level, regular seating arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: Mark Bogdan Raczkowski
  • Patent number: 6511123
    Abstract: A child support device that can be converted between a highchair configuration and a swing configuration. The support device includes a frame from which a U-shaped swing arm is rotably mounted. A child seat is located on the U-shaped arm such that it can be slid between a distal position at the bottom of the U-shaped swing arm (swing configuration) and a proximal position at the upper ends of the U-shaped swing arm (highchair configuration). When in the highchair configuration, a swing lock can be provided to rotably lock the U-shaped swing arm with respect to the frame such that the seat cannot swing. The swing lock can include a retractable post that can be extended to contact a portion of the frame to prevent rotation of the swing arm. An over rotation stop can also be provided to limit the angle of rotation through which the seat swings when in the swing configuration, and to work in conjunction with the retractable post to lock the swing arm in place when in the highchair configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald P. Sitarski, Chinawut Paul Paesang
  • Publication number: 20030015894
    Abstract: A transporter which can be used as an infant carseat or carrier has a body shell with a curved lower surface for use as a rocker and wheels which can be extended for use as a stroller. The wheels are carried on legs which can be retracted into opposed side cheeks by means of respective drive belts. A handle 25 is secured to inner members 55 to slide within tubular arms 23 which are pivotally secured to the side cheeks. The inner members are connected by pivotal links to the respective drive belts so that extending or retracting the handle rotates the belts to extend or retract the wheels. Release mechanisms at opposite ends of the handle 25 locks the arms in the retracted position so that the handle can be used to carry the transporter with the wheels retracted. A release handle 31 operates spring-loaded pins to lock the arms 23 in the carrying or pushing positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventors: Andrew Bargery, Geoff Brown, David Winton
  • Publication number: 20030011220
    Abstract: A passenger chair which can be converted into a child chair, comprising a floor frame (1), a passenger back rest (4) with side members (5, 6) which are linked with rear side portions (2, 3) of the frame (1) for tilting the passenger back rest (4) backwards and forwards, the passenger back rest having a first flap (20) the top of which is linked with an upper portion (7) of the passenger back rest (4) and a second flap (21) with a first end portion which is linked with a lower end portion of the first flap (20). The passenger chair has a mechanism (22, 23, 24, 25) which, when the passenger back rest is moved forwards, effects a forcible rotation of the second flap (20) to an approximately horizontal position, while at the same time the first flap (20) is moved forwards. The first flap (20) thereby forms a back rest and the second flap (21) a seat of a child chair which faces in the opposite direction relative to the passenger chair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Thorbjorn Drage, Erlend Langsrud
  • Publication number: 20020140256
    Abstract: An article of manufacture constructed from modified wheel rims to provide both utilitarian and esthetically pleasing articles utilizes one or more modified wheel rims. The wheel rim modifications provide an article of manufacture with a variety of functions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Applicant: The Wheel Tough Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Rudolph J. Stakeman, Jerry L. Walker, Chris D. Greene, Jeffrey P. Collins
  • Publication number: 20020130535
    Abstract: The present invention is for a method of converting a standard jack knife hinge into a new hinge, which allows access to a storage area underneath the seat bottom while retaining the ability to be used as a sofa and a bed. The new hinge is created by removing the seat bottom frame from the seat bottom bracket, fixably attaching a first attachment bracket to the seat bottom frame, pivotally attaching the first attachment bracket to a second attachment bracket, and fixably attaching the seat bottom bracket and the second attachment bracket to the seat base frame. The present invention also claims the finished combined hinge as well as a convertible sofa utilizing the new hinge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Applicant: Norco Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Dick, Alan Neterer
  • Patent number: 6439596
    Abstract: A collapsible handcart includes a main member equipped with a handgrip; a carrier member pivoted to the main member and turned between an extended position for supporting articles and a collapsed position attached to the main member; two wheeled assembles respectively pivoted two the main member at two sides and turned upwards and downwards between a collapsed position and an operative position, the wheeled assembles each comprising a leg with the proximal end pivoted at the main member, a wheeled carriage pivoted to the distal end of the leg, and a wheel pivoted to the wheeled carriage; and two gear sets respectively coupled between the main member and the legs of the wheeled assembles and adapted to drive the wheeled assembles to turn between the operative position and the collapsed position when turning the carrier member between the extended position and the collapsed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventor: James Tsai
  • Publication number: 20020074835
    Abstract: A device convertible to present a child's highchair, booster chair, child carrier holder, rocking chair, and/or step stool or child's table has, generally, a chair with a back support, seat, and arms, a chair support assembly coupled to the seat, a tray assembly removably coupled to the chair arms, and a rocking assembly. The tray assembly is removably coupled, in a generally horizontal plane, to and above the chair arms to present a conventional highchair. The tray assembly is removably coupled, in a generally vertical plane, to the chair arms to present a child carrier holder. The tray assembly is removed entirely from the device to present a booster chair. The device may also have a chair support assembly having upper and lower leg assemblies removably coupled to each other, and a tray assembly having an inner tray removably coupled to an outer tray frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventor: Beth Chalender
  • Patent number: 6367874
    Abstract: A multi-functional children's convertible furniture article which can be utilized for a number of different purposes including a bassinet, cradle, bench, desk, rocking bench, high chair, or changing table. The device includes a main frame h shaped member and two supported sides that are rotatable. The furniture article achieves all of its intended uses without disassembly. The main frame component is flat on one edge and curved on the opposite edge allowing for a rocking action in one disposition and stabilization when capsized. The main frame component allows for attachable legs to achieve its high position components. The rotatable sides have been designed to swivel up or down, singly or in unison. All of the furniture articles positions are achieved when combining one or more of the units actions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Inventor: Francesco Anthony Casini
  • Patent number: 6367873
    Abstract: An extendable chair and mechanism for use therewith to provide a substantially horizontal rest surface. A fully supported surface is available through extension of an attractive upright chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Nemschoff Chairs, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall L. Dorner, Scott Reynolds
  • Patent number: 6357824
    Abstract: A convertible beach/field apparatus comprises a one-piece seat/sled component fabricated of plastic or fiberglass. The component has a spoon-shaped front end and an inclined rear end. A frame is provided to support the component. The frame includes two quadrilateral members which share and are rotatable about a common side. The quadrilateral members may assume a first position whereby the apparatus can be used as an inclined seat. A second position of the quadrilateral members and the addition of wheels will allow the apparatus to be utilized as a cart. The component alone may function as a sled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Inventor: Bruce E. Whitacre
  • Publication number: 20020027381
    Abstract: An articulating chair having a knockdown frame including a pair of separate generally U-shaped frame portions. One of the frame portions constitutes a seat and the other constitutes a backrest. The frame also includes a pair of generally L-shaped connectors adapted for a telescopic fit with the ends of the U-shaped portions to form a rigid generally L-shaped frame. A unique removable cover is also provided to fit over the frame and to hold the component parts in assembly. The cover includes a top panel section sewn against a bottom panel section, a side panel section sewn therebetween to form an enclosure for holding a cushion there between. The cover is insertable over the frame and is pivotable relative to the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Inventors: Michael Clary, Donald Deuterman
  • Patent number: 6347831
    Abstract: A folding picnic table is positionable between a platform and a picnic table configuration. The foldable picnic table includes a table top and two benches on opposing sides. The table top is pivotally supported by two telescoping support pedestals and the two benches are pivotally supported by two telescoping bench support members. The telescoping supports permit the support pedestals and bench support members to be positioned between an extended and a retracted position. The first and second bench support members are attached to the first and second ends of the benches, respectively and include a substantially horizontal segment disposed between telescoping bench supports pivotally attached to opposing benches. When the foldable picnic table is disposed in the stage or platform configuration, the table top is positioned in the same plane as the opposing benches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen F. Nye, Carl R. Stanford, Glenn Merrill
  • Patent number: 6345862
    Abstract: A convertible backpack chair device is disclosed. The device has a first frame portion and a second frame portion. The two portions are independent of one another and are able to be slip fitted in a chair mode, a reclining mode, and a backpack mode. In the backpack mode, the second frame portion nests within the first frame portion for convenient carrying and storage. Backpack straps may also be present to facilitate convenient carrying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Inventor: Larry D. Meinburg
  • Publication number: 20020014792
    Abstract: A multi-functional children's convertible furniture article which can be utilized for a number of different purposes including a bassinet, cradle, bench, desk, rocking bench, high chair, or changing table. The device includes a main frame h shaped member and two supported sides that are rotatable. The furniture article achieves all of its intended uses without disassembly. The main frame component is flat on one edge and curved on the opposite edge allowing for a rocking action in one disposition and stabilization when capsized. The main frame component allows for attachable legs to achieve its high position components. The rotatable sides have been designed to swivel up or down, singly or in unison. All of the furniture articles positions are achieved when combining one or more of the units actions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Publication date: February 7, 2002
    Inventor: Francesco Anthony Casini
  • Publication number: 20020000741
    Abstract: A lightweight, portable sitting support for infants that provides back and side support for infants that can hold their heads up well and sit up for some amount of time unassisted but that do not yet have the skills to remain in a seated position without back and side support which is structurally sturdy and does not rely for stability on its own mass and weight or on the mass and weight or balance of the individual using it and which also has other applications during the child's infancy and as the child grows including as a lightweight, portable sleeping mat, chair and lounge chair. The base of the invention is a substantially rectangular-shaped, thinly padded base made of strong fabric such as nylon. Extending from the base are four cushions and four flaps with buckles. Two parallelepiped substantially rectangular-shaped cushions of the same width as the base extend horizontally over the base beginning at one of the base's horizontal edges and cover approximately two-thirds of the surface area of the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Publication date: January 3, 2002
    Inventors: Candace W. Clay, Marcheta F. Pennington
  • Publication number: 20010028184
    Abstract: A child support device is disclosed that can be converted between a highchair configuration and a swing configuration. The support device includes a frame from which a U-shaped swing arm is rotatably mounted. A child seat is located on the U-shaped arm such that it can be slid between a distal position at the bottom of the U-shaped swing arm (swing configuration) and a proximal position at the upper ends of the U-shaped swing arm (highchair configuration). When in the highchair configuration, a swing lock can be provided to rotatably lock the U-shaped swing arm with respect to the frame such that the seat cannot swing. The swing lock can include a retractable post that can be extended to contact a portion of the frame to prevent rotation of the swing arm. An over rotation stop can also be provided to limit the angle of rotation through which the seat swings when in the swing configuration, and to work in conjunction with the retractable post to lock the swing arm in place when in the highchair configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Applicant: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald P. Sitarski, Chinawut Paul Paesang
  • Publication number: 20010019219
    Abstract: A multi-purpose child support device comprises a frame having a base for placement on a floor surface and a support section positioned above said base. A seat element is configured for receiving a toddler child in a sitting position and is coupled with the support section above the floor surface for forming a high chair. The seat element is displaceably mounted to the frame and is operable for being selectively removed from the support section such that the support section receives an infant child carrier for supporting an infant child carrier above a floor surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Applicant: John A. Helmsderfer
    Inventor: John A. Helmsderfer
  • Patent number: 6283059
    Abstract: A convertible seat and deck apparatus includes a frame having a first guide wall and a second guide wall. The first guide wall has a first elongated slot and a second elongated slot. The second guide wall has a third elongated slot and a fourth elongated slot. A seat back has a first seating surface, an opposite second deck surface, a first side and a second side. A first guide pin and a second guide pin project from the first side. A third guide pin and a fourth guide pin project from the second side. The seat back is moveable with respect to the frame between a first seating position and a second deck position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Inventor: Elwood J. Scully, Jr.
  • 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: 6244481
    Abstract: A seat cushion comprising a large pad with a plurality of pocketed flaps attached thereto and foldable on the pad perimeter over the pad for carrying or away from the pad availing the pad as an unobstructed seat cushion. The flap pockets are directed inward toward the pad such that when the pad is in use as a cushion on a hard chair, such as a student's desk, the pockets are directed upward toward the user for convenient access. The most outside flap shares a zipper with the pad and when closed defines a cavity within in which the other flaps are secured, folded alternately over the pad. The cushion is transported on the user's back in the normal manner of a backpack by two arm loops through which the user may place his arm and shoulders, respectively, thus bringing the pad against the user's back as a cushion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventor: Kevin Brougher
  • Patent number: 6237994
    Abstract: Multi-function, adjustable seats and methods and systems for their manufacture and utilization are disclosed. Such seats are especially, although not exclusively, designed for use in commercial aircraft in response to consumer requests for enhanced comfort during long-haul flights. In addition to providing rocking motion, the seats have bottoms whose lengths are adjustable and provide stowable tables adapted not only to permit vertical adjustment, but also to tilt out of a horizontal plane and latch in an as-tilted position to function as a rest for a book, magazine, computer, or other object. Digital control technology, including a touch screen or similar device, may be employed to actuate features of the disclosed seats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Weber Aircraft, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Bentley, James Bridgeman, Cal Stringer, Lyn Arnold, John McCollum, Keith Porter, Terry Ward, Karl Baird
  • Patent number: 6224148
    Abstract: A multi-purpose child support device comprises a frame having a base for placement on a floor surface and a support section positioned above said base. A seat element is configured for receiving a toddler child in a sitting position and is coupled with the support section above the floor surface for forming a high chair. The seat element is removably mounted to the frame and is operable for being selectively removed from the support section such that the support section receives an infant child carrier for supporting an infant child carrier above a floor surface. A mounting element is positioned on the frame and engages the removed seat element for securing the removed seat element to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventors: Greg Lee, John A. Helmsderfer
  • Patent number: 6217113
    Abstract: A multipurpose backpack 22 having a seat member 50. The device discloses a pair of upright standing frame members 20 having a cross member 26 further having a larger 22 and smaller 24 storage member disposed thereon. A pair of backstraps 14 are used to secure the backpack to a user 12. The frame members 20 are hollow and house an inner, extendable member 42 having a tapered end 36 for being positioned in soil. Pins 34 are used to lock the inner legs 42 into position. A pair of rotatable secondary legs 36 are provided which when rotated comprise a seat member 50 upon which the user 12 can sit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Inventor: Kenneth Knatz
  • Patent number: 6203102
    Abstract: A multi-purpose child support device comprises a frame having a base for placement on a floor surface and a support section positioned above said base. A seat element is configured for receiving a toddler child in a sitting position and engaging the support section above the floor surface to form a high chair. The seat element is pivotally mounted to the frame and is operable for being selectively pivoted away from the support section such that the support section receives an infant child carrier for supporting an infant child carrier above a floor surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Inventors: John A. Helmsderfer, Greg Lee
  • Patent number: 6196560
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a combined luggage trolley and seat comprising a main frame and a supporting frame, which in the region for the first ends of the main frame and the supporting frame are rotatably connected with each other around a first shaft: a wheel arrangement situated in the region of the first shaft; a seat which is rotatably connected with the main frame around a second shaft parallel to the first shaft, for rotation of the seat between a folded-up position and a sitting position, wherein the seat in the folded-up position extends essentially in the same plane as the main frame; and a drawbar which, when the seat is in the folded-up position, extends in a plane substantially coplanar with the main frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Ohlssons Innovationsfabrik
    Inventor: Åke Ohlsson
  • Patent number: 6174585
    Abstract: A slat (116) is arranged to co-operate with substantially similar slats (117) for the construction of structures, primarily garden furniture. Each slat defines a substantially C-shaped cross section with a central element (501) and two longitudinal elements (502, 503) attached to the central element. Locking teeth (505) are applied to an external surface (504) of the central element, arranged to radially extend about a connecting hole (506). The connecting hole receives a spindle (507) arranged to securely hold the slats in position. With the spindle loosened, it is possible to re-configure the furniture for different purposes. However, with the spindle held tightly in place, the furniture becomes rigid and suitable for supporting body weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Inventor: John Radway Miles
  • Patent number: 6170908
    Abstract: A convertible foot stool including a pair of triangular padded sections hingedly coupled together for forming a footstool in a first orientation, a chair in a second orientation, and a recliner in a third orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventor: Richard Owen Jewell
  • Patent number: 6158641
    Abstract: A folding child frame carrier for carrying a child on a person's back, comprising: a collapsible front frame portion, the front frame portion having a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis, the front frame portion being symmetrical about the longitudinal axis and having a left side and a right side, and the front frame portion being collapsible about the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis from an extended position to a contracted position, the front frame portion having an upper portion, a lower portion, and a forward-extending portion, the forward-extending portion being pivotally connected to the upper portion at a first pivot point, and the upper portion being pivotally connected to the lower portion at a second pivot point; a flexible child holder attached to the front frame portion between the upper portion and the forward-extending portion; a rear frame portion also symmetrical about the longitudinal axis and having a forward end pivoting on the front frame portion at a third pivot point and a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: InSTEP, LLC
    Inventors: David W. Eyman, Jennifer A. Kelley, Thomas J. Schmidlin
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6131995
    Abstract: A multi-functional seat shield not only is adapted for protecting of a car seat by detachably covering its contact surfaces, but also can be used as an outdoor ground pad when it is not used on the seat. Therefore, when the seat shield is not in use for covering the seat, the seat shield can be turned inside out through the pocket opening so as to turn a front surface of a cover sheet and an inner surface of a pocket sheet out and invert a holding piece to store between the cover sheet and the pocket sheet. Thus, the seat shield is re-arranged to be used as a ground pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Inventor: Dennis Smith
  • Patent number: 6116682
    Abstract: A seating device including a frame, a seat fitted above the frame and surrounded by a seat shell and coverable by an upper half-shell. The upper half-shell is hinged to the seat shell and in covering relationship to the seat. The seat shell and the half-shell together form a ball and the half-shell further takes the form of a back rest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Inventor: Albert Baur
  • Patent number: 6095599
    Abstract: A combination canoe carrier and camp chair. The carrier supports an inverted canoe on a person's back and is also capable of being converted to a folding camp chair. The chair includes two rectangular frames pivotally connected intermediate their ends. Webbing is secured to the frame to provide seat and back portions and the frames are interconnected by straps to provide a chair configuration. In the canoe carrier mode a web interconnects upper ends of the frames to support the thwart of the inverted canoe. Suitable shoulder straps and a hip belt are also attached to the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Inventor: Michael Lambert
  • Patent number: 6095607
    Abstract: An adjustable-leg chair has four telescoping legs with provision for setting each leg at a desired length. The chair adjusts to very uneven terrain so that the user can sit in a generally level and comfortable position especially for fishing on the bank of a river or lake, uneven camp sites, graded spectator seating locations, etc. The folding aluminum chair has horizontal connecting braces extending across front and back at the bottom ends of upper leg sections which comprise tubes of the telescoping connection. When the lower extensions of the telescoping legs are fully removed, the chair serves as a beach chair with the connecting braces being the primary contacts with the sand or ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Inventor: William B. Wenzel