Seat Inoperatively Positionable Beneath Table Patents (Class 297/140)
  • Patent number: 8911010
    Abstract: A swingable and pivotable seating system includes a base portion, a swing arm, a seat and a control system. The swing arm is pivotable about a generally vertical first pivot axis and has a first end pivotally mounted at the base portion and a second end opposite the first end. The seat is pivotally supported at or near the second end of the swing arm and pivotable about a generally vertical second pivot axis. The control system controls pivotal movement of the seat about the second pivot axis responsive to a degree of pivoting of the swing arm about the first pivot axis. The seating system may include a desk portion, and the control system may limit pivotal movement of the seat when the seat is near the desk portion and may allow greater pivotal movement of the seat when the seat is swung away from the desk portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Irwin Seating Company
    Inventor: John P. Conner
  • Patent number: 8540312
    Abstract: An infant support includes a seat and an upright portion that extends from the seat. A tray has a first member, a second member, and a third member. The first member of the tray is configured to be removably coupled to the upright portion. Additionally, the second member of the tray is configured to be removably coupled between the first member and the third member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald M. Asbach, Maarten Van Huystee
  • Patent number: 8388055
    Abstract: A portable table and seating combination is disclosed. The combination includes at least a first portion of a hinge attached to a tabletop portion. The tabletop portion includes at least a top surface, and a plurality of edge portions extending from the top surface. The top surface in combination with the plurality of edge portions forms a seating confinement compartment. The combination further includes at least a retractable leg support attached to the tabletop portion. The retractable leg support resides adjacent the seating confinement compartment, and in an extended position the retractable leg support, supports the tabletop portion at a predetermined distance above a surface. The combination also includes at least a seating portion configured for confinement within the seating confinement compartment. In a first embodiment, the seating portion is an integrated seating portion. In an alternate embodiment, the seating portion is a freestanding seating portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Inventor: Ravi K. Sawhney
  • Patent number: 8146859
    Abstract: An aircraft module comprising a unit that includes a horizontal working surface from which a vertical wall extends downward; a seat adjacent to the vertical wall; and at least one removable shelf that occupies several positions, and in one of these positions, referred to as working position, the at least one shelf extends horizontally from the horizontal working surface above the seat that is in folded-back position, so as to cover the entirety of the folded-back seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Airbus
    Inventor: Sylvain Mariat
  • Publication number: 20110220522
    Abstract: A table and stool seating arrangement includes a tabletop having an underside and an edge. A pedestal supports the tabletop. The pedestal includes an X-shaped base with a plurality of upwardly extending slotted pedestal sheets. Each sheet has a slot accommodating a respective slot in another sheet by sliding the slots together. One or more seat assemblies, such as stools, are horizontally movable between a use position on the ground and at least a portion of each seat is movable beyond the edge of the tabletop. In a storage position, the entire seat assembly is positioned with a predetermined area below the underside of the tabletop. Each seat assembly includes a seat support frame having two flat vertical walls joined by one arcuate wall, enclosing a hollow storage chamber therebetween; wherein the vertical walls are constructed to rest adjacent to the table pedestal in a storage position of non-use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventor: Ziming Shen
  • Publication number: 20110221240
    Abstract: A table and seating arrangement includes a tabletop having an underside and an edge. A pedestal supports the tabletop. The pedestal includes an X-shaped base with a plurality of upwardly extending slotted pedestal sheets. Each sheet has a slot accommodating a respective slot in another sheet by sliding the slots together. One or more seat assemblies, such as stools, are horizontally movable between a use position on the ground and at least a portion of each seat is movable beyond the edge of the tabletop. In a storage position, the entire seat assembly is positioned with a predetermined area below the underside of the tabletop. Each seat assembly includes a seat support frame having two flat vertical walls joined by one arcuate wall, enclosing a hollow storage chamber therebetween; wherein the vertical walls are constructed to rest adjacent to the table pedestal in a storage position of non-use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventor: Ziming Shen
  • Patent number: 7591506
    Abstract: A seat for a child that is engageable to an edge portion of a table and that is tuckable to an out-of-the-way position under the edge of the table. The seat includes jaws for engaging a base of the seat to the table. The seat includes a child seat frame on which the fabric of a child seat is engaged. Between the base and the child seat frame is provided a slide and a pivot. The slide permits the child seat frame to be drawn to and away from the table. The pivot permits the child seat frame to drop down in a swinging fashion and then, beyond the ninety degree bottommost point of the swing, continue its swinging so as to swing upwardly to a position underneath the table where the child seat frame is engaged in an out-of-the-way position underneath the table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Regale International, LLC
    Inventor: Mark A Flannery
  • Patent number: 7533940
    Abstract: A convertible multiple panel assembly includes a plurality of panels that carry complementary releasable interlocking components. The components are selectively interengagable in a first pattern such that the panels define a box. The components are selectively disengaged from one another and re-interengaged in an alternative, second pattern to define a table and at least one associated bench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Inventor: Jimmy D. Zook
  • Publication number: 20090121523
    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: June 5, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: BE AEROSPACE, INC.
    Inventor: Glenn A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7370909
    Abstract: A protective shroud for a swing arm includes a housing made of two shroud sections that are snapped together around the base of a fixed seating arrangement. The assembled shroud includes two rectangular openings on its sides configured to allow the swing arms of the fixed seating arrangement to pivot on their axes within the shroud. The rectangular openings also include grooves on their upper and lower edges configured to receive a slidable rectangular shield member with a circular opening in its center. The rectangular shields fit over the opposed swing arms and slide within the grooves in the shroud halves as the swing arms pivot, thereby restricting access to the pinch points of the swing arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Krueger International, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven C. Gevaert
  • Patent number: 7322642
    Abstract: A furniture system includes a desk having an upper surface and a pair of opposed depending ground-engaging side walls, at least one of the side walls defining means for storing books or the like. An overlay overlying the desk top provides a surface for erasable writing thereon. At least one bench is stowable beneath the desk top. The bench provides a storage area and a non-tiltable seat for at least one child by providing an area in which a child's feet can be emplaced and confined. When not used as a seat, the seating member can be rotated from a horizontal to a vertical position to expose a further stowage chamber. Optimally, a second seat can be secured to the exterior of the bench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Inventor: Nancy L. BoJack
  • Patent number: 6443521
    Abstract: A collapsible table selectively positionable between an upright position above a surface and a collapsible position for storage. The table includes a table top having an envelope defining an interior cavity that is configured with an internal periphery sufficient for receiving one or more seating members therein when the table is positioned in the collapsed position. In operation, pedestals of the table may be pivoted between an extended position such that the pedestals support the table above a surface and a retracted position such that the pedestals are introduced within the interior cavity of the table and thereby substantially rest against the underside of the table top. The disposition of the seating members within the cavity of the table, and in relation to each other, further facilitates a means for securing the pedestals of the table in a collapsed position within the interior cavity of the table during storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen F. Nye, Lynn C. Strong
  • Patent number: 6109687
    Abstract: A portable, storable table and bench system may be collapsed and nested. Benches may nest within the envelope of the table. Benches may be deployed independently from the table. The table may be deployed independently from the benches. The table may be deployed, with the benches maintained in nested storage within the table envelope, without requirement to deploy the benches. Tables may be formed by several suitable methods including fabrication from wood, framing with metal and wood, blow molding, tumble molding, vacuum forming, and the like. Cavities in the table for nesting the bench may fit within the envelope or cross-section of the table, or may be formed as recesses in outside surfaces underneath the table top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen F. Nye, Lynn C. Strong
  • Patent number: 6087952
    Abstract: According to the present invention, a technique for processing data is provided. The invention provides a flexible way to process data such that a user may conveniently enter and transfer data. Also, the user may have ready access to powerful data processing. In an embodiment of the present invention, a novel system (110) for mobile data processing is provided. The system includes an interface unit (116) that includes a processor (122). A positioning system (120) couples to a first antenna (126) and to the processor. A remote data terminal (118) electrically couples to the interface unit during at least a first time period. The remote data terminal is capable of data transfers with the interface unit during the first time period and with a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Mobile Information Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Sanjiv Prabhakaran
  • Patent number: 6068331
    Abstract: Stackable and nestable articles of furniture comprising a pair of chairs and a pair of tables. The individual components may be used separately, such as by two children, or as a stacked and mated unit, essentially in the form of a cube, as an upstanding single unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Inventor: Paul Gregory Barnes
  • Patent number: 5711572
    Abstract: A foldable seat is pivotally attached to at least one leg of the foldable table. In a folded position, the folded seat is positioned adjacent the bottom surface of the table. The spacing between the seat and the table, when disposed in an operable position, is selectively adjustable. The legs of the table are adjustable both for length and angular relationship with respect to the bottom surface of the table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Bonair Rehabilitation Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Shaukat A. Khan
  • Patent number: 5667272
    Abstract: A platform assembly is provided for use in combination with a vehicle including a vehicle seat having a seat bottom, seat back, and a head rest. The platform assembly is supported by the seat to carry articles for ready access by an occupant of the vehicle. The platform assembly includes a platform defining a flat slip-resistant surface area for supporting articles thereon, and for preventing substantial shifting of the articles while the vehicle is in motion. An adjustable attachment strap is secured to a back end of the platform, and extends upwardly from the platform adjacent to the seat back for removable attachment to the headrest. The attachment strap permits leveling adjustment of the platform, and unobstructed access by the vehicle occupant to the articles supported on the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Inventor: Michael Sutton
  • Patent number: 5577818
    Abstract: A pull-up table device with a generally C-shaped configuration. The base has a cut out recess for receiving and surrounding a sofa leg so that the assembly can be pulled up and the desk surface positioned over the sofa without the base impinging upon a sofa leg. The upright member may include, but is not required to include, a drawer or shelving assembly which allows for storage of items. Similarly, the upper desk surface may include, but is not required to include, a hinged top which may open to access a recess therein, or may include a sliding drawer housed between an upper and lower surface of a box-like member forming the upper portion of the pull-up table device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Inventor: Elmer Sayre
  • Patent number: 5547270
    Abstract: A novel compact work desk assembly which is completely contained within a single locking enclosure. The assembly includes a chair with a fold-down backrest, multiple drawers contained within a drawer assembly, at least two extendible work surfaces, and at least two footrests. The chair rests atop the drawer assembly which is slidably disposed within the enclosure. Since the seat is supported by the drawer assembly, virtually no extra space is required inside the enclosure to store the seat. Additional space saving is achieved by having the drawer assembly slide out of the enclosure in a first direction, with the individual drawers opening in the opposite direction. The footrest support has at least two footrest bars so that users of different height can be accommodated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Inventor: Anh H. Dang
  • Patent number: 4736998
    Abstract: The invention provides a compact work bench in which the seat is nestable within a cabinet-like base. A panel is provided to close the cabinet, concealing the seat that is nested within. The exterior of the cabinet is finished to resemble and be compatible with ordinary household furniture so that the work bench will not appear untidy or objectionable when not in use. Space is provided within the cabinet for the storage of tools and equipment for use with the work bench, as well as materials and supplies. The work bench is readily portable and may be used as classroom work benches for various schools, or may be used in the field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1988
    Inventors: Una H. Wilson, Hugh R. Wilson
  • Patent number: 4511177
    Abstract: A convenient baby chair comprises a slidable leaf cut from the top of a table and a seating structure secured to the underside of the table top directly beneath the slidable leaf. As the slidable leaf is drawn out from the table top the resulting opening in the table top exposes the seating structure. The seating structure is constructed so that an infant may be seated facing at or away from the table top area. When not in use the slidable leaf can be pushed back into the table top area and, in doing so, it pulls the seating structure close to the underside of the table top to improve the appearance of the table in this position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1985
    Inventor: Daniel J. O'Sullivan
  • Patent number: 4406495
    Abstract: A foldable bench assembly for attaching to a portable structure within a room is provided. The bench assembly includes a seat cushion, a seat platform, legs and at least two telescopable tubes. One end of the telescopable tubes is rotatably attached to the portable structure. The other end of the telescopable tubes is attached to the seat platform such that the seat platform can rotate around an axis in the same plane as the centerline of said telescopable tube. The legs are swingably attached to the seat platform. The seat cushion is attached to the top of the seat platform. A bracket is attached to the portable structure for the tubes to rest on when the bench assembly is in the down position. The bracket may have a pin protruding therefrom which engages holes in the tubes to prevent the tubes from sliding with respect to each other when the bench assembly is in the down position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1983
    Inventor: Clifton E. Turner
  • Patent number: 4337988
    Abstract: Mobile furniture modules can be releasably installed under a work surface structure, such as provided by a countertop or table top, with convenient rearrangement enabled by providing each module with roller structures, such as typical casters, which are releasably anchored in wheel mounts which receive the caster wheels in a depression seat at a level elevated from the floor in the installed position. In addition the work surface structure is provided with a retainer which prevents movement of installed modules from beneath the work surface structure, preferably by engaging the top of the module with adjustable elevation which levels the module following releasable anchoring of the wheels in the elevated depression seat.The modular furniture system can be employed with particular advantage for movable laboratory cabinets to provide continuous work surface between rearrangeably installed cabinets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1982
    Assignee: Curtin Matheson Scientific, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Schenck
  • Patent number: 4334722
    Abstract: A desk having a knee space includes a stop secured to the desk in the travel path of the chair such that the seat engages the stop before the back engages the desk for protecting the back against being marred by the desk. The stop may be connected to the top wall of the knee space or extend between the side walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1980
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1982
    Inventor: Willard D. Brittin