From Armrest Patents (Class 297/145)
  • Publication number: 20130181490
    Abstract: A self-leveling apparatus, a tray table for use with a seat comprising such an apparatus, and a method of maintaining a horizontal level of a mounting member are provided. The self-leveling apparatus comprises: a gear train rotatable about a fixed reference point, the gear train comprising a first gear fixedly mounted to the reference point; a rotatable last gear, and an odd number of rotatable intermediate gears meshing between the first gear and the last gear; and a mounting member adapted to be coupled the last gear, the mounting member having a surface capable of being positioned horizontally; wherein the last gear is further adapted to rotate locally about its axis an equal and opposite amount to a system rotation by the gear train about the reference point, thereby maintaining the surface horizontal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: SINGAPORE TECHNOLOGIES AEROSPACE LTD
    Inventor: SINGAPORE TECHNOLOGIES AEROSPACE LTD
  • Patent number: 8479665
    Abstract: An rear seat table assembly for a vehicle, the rear seat table assembly may include a rear seat table placed in front of a rear seat console, wherein the rear seat table includes an upper table and a lower table which may be selectively foldable around a table hinge portion pivotally connecting the upper table and the lower table, a locking unit arranged in the rear seat console and selectively lock the rear seat table to the rear seat console so as to maintain or release a locking state of the rear seat table, a rotation unit rotatably connecting the rear seat table and the rear seat console for allowing the rear seat table to be fixed after the rear seat table may be rotated upward centering around a rotation axis (axis X) which may be fixed to an upper side of the rear seat console, and a swiveling unit connected between the rotation unit and the rear seat table for allowing the rear seat table to swivel centering around a swiveling axis (axis Z).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Hyun Kim, Hee Sang Park, June Kyu Park, Jung Hwan Yun, Ho Sik Choi
  • Patent number: 8336956
    Abstract: Described are table stop assemblies having a mounting block having at least one receptacle, at least one stop coupled to the receptacle, and at least one arm knuckle. The arm knuckle includes a side, a first end, and a second end, wherein the side is pivotally coupled to the mounting block, the first end is pivotally coupled to a tray table, and the second end is configured to contact the stop when the tray table is in a deployed position. As examples, the position of the stop is adjustable relative to the receptacle, and the tray table in the deployed position includes a surface that forms an angle relative to a horizontal axis that is controlled by the position of the stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Zodiac Seats US LLC
    Inventors: Rik Westerink, Brad Grunwald
  • Patent number: 8267472
    Abstract: The general field of the invention is that of seats comprising foldaway trays. More precisely, the seat according to the invention is specifically adapted in order to fold away large-dimension screens. It comprises at least one armrest and a foldaway display screen. The screen comprises an articulated supporting arm mounted on a movable carriage and the armrest comprises a circularly arcuate rail, the top end of the rail being substantially vertical and the bottom portion substantially horizontal, the carriage being secured to said rail and being able to move in translation between a first bottom position for stowage of the screen and a second top position of the screen. The screen may also comprise a cover so that it can be used as a tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Thales
    Inventors: Serge Large, Stéphane Poveda, Patrick Vouillon
  • Patent number: 8256835
    Abstract: A tablet adjustment mechanism is provided to control the movement of a tablet of a seat assembly between a lowered non-use or stowed position under the armrest and a raised or use position, and further control the tablet's movement between an inward use position and an outward use position. The adjustment mechanism includes a plunger inside of a pivot element, the plunger's longitudinal and rotational or pivotal movements being controlled by a pin engaging a slot in the plunger, and also by a guide pin traversing an arcuate slot in a tablet support arm. The adjustment mechanism may limit lateral or sideward movement of the tablet when the tablet is in its fully lowered or stowed position and during at least some of the pivotal movement toward its raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Irwin Seating Company
    Inventors: James M. Brink, John P. Conner
  • Patent number: 8109566
    Abstract: A collapsible desk assembly includes a desk board, an elbow joint, a positioning board, and a connecting portion. The elbow joint has a groove defined therein and is mounted to the desk board. The positioning board has a pin disposed thereon and the positioning board is connected to the elbow joint. The pin is inserted into the groove. A pivoting shaft is extending from the positioning board. The connecting portion has a receiving hole defined therein for receiving the pivoting shaft. A bolt is inserted into the receiving hole and passing through the pivoting shaft, and is threaded to the elbow joint. When the desk board is descended, the positioning board is rotated downwardly and blocking the elbow joint from pivotally bending relative to the connecting portion, such that the desk board is stably suspended beside the connecting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Inventor: Tuang Hock Koh
  • Publication number: 20110109114
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a lower seat cushion and a seatback. The vehicle seat includes a pivot point that is configured for rotating generally horizontally from an inboard position to an outboard position. An extended seat track may extend within an interior of the vehicle between a front row and a rear row. The vehicle seat is movably attached to the extended seat track and is configured to move along the extended seat track between the front row and the rear row. The vehicle seat may also be configured to provide individualized comfort to the user. The lower seat cushion and the seatback each include a surface. A controller is configured to actuate the lower seat and the seatback to selectively change a contour of the respective surface to match contours of the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Kevin G. Kolpasky, Wayne Manista, Mark Louis Kaski
  • Patent number: 7922249
    Abstract: A workstation for a user comprising a basis, an shaft pivoted on the basis, a seat pivoted on the shaft, a back rest connected to the shaft, at least one shaft piston connecting the basis to the shaft and at least one seat piston connecting the shaft to the seat. The shaft and the seat are arranged to allow a user to sit at the workstation. The at least one shaft piston and at least one seat piston are arranged to allow changing the position of the shaft and of the seat. The orientation of the shaft and the orientation of the seat are adjustable by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventor: Rafael Tal Marchand
  • Patent number: 7874614
    Abstract: A system for mounting writing tablets to armchairs includes a slide guide mounted inside the armrest of the armchair. The writing tablet is slidable on the slide guide between a concealed position inside the armrest and a projecting position outside the armrest. A support is rotatably attached to the armrest and includes an upper stop element that can be adjusted to ensure the writing tablet is horizontal when in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Figueras International Seating, S.A.
    Inventor: José Figueras Mitjans
  • Patent number: 7798072
    Abstract: A stowable table assembly comprising a hinge block, a tabletop, and a support carrying the tabletop. The support is pivotably attached to the hinge block for rotation about a hinge axis. The tabletop is thereby rotatable about the hinge axis between a use position and a stowing position. The tabletop is furthermore movable relative to the support. A releasable locking mechanism associated with the hinge block and the support prevents rotation of the tabletop unless the tabletop is in a predetermined position relative to the support. The locking mechanism is released in response to movement of the tabletop to the predetermined position thereby permitting the tabletop to be rotated toward its stowing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Becker Automotive Design, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard B. Becker, Ronald T. Weaver
  • Patent number: 7478868
    Abstract: The invention relates to an armchair tablet hinge system. According to the invention, the tablet (1) is mounted to an armrest of the armchair by means of a support (4), said support containing a hollow shaft (5). The end of the hollow shaft is provided with a head (6) to which the tablet (1) is articulated by means of a cam-shaped element (7). In addition, rod (10) is housed in the aforementioned shaft (5) and is pushed against the cam-shaped element (7) by means of a spring (11). Moreover, the end of the rod (10) can be inserted into a notch (13) in the cam (7) in order provisionally to block the rotation of the tablet (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Figureas International Seating, S.A.
    Inventor: Jose Figueras Mitjans
  • Patent number: 7311354
    Abstract: A seat for aircraft provided with integrated components for the user's comfort includes an outboard armrest to which is mounted a folding table that is movable between a stowed position where it lies on top of the armrest to an operational position. The armrest also includes a monitor and other components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: 3861589 Canada Inc.
    Inventor: Brigitte Giasson
  • Patent number: 7306282
    Abstract: A table unit for seats in vehicles, especially airplane seats, includes a first table element (10) provided with the functions of a table, and a second table element (12) provided with at least one other table function. Both table elements (10, 12) can be rotated relative to each other about a first pivotal axis (14) by a hinge (18, 20), and can be fixed in a predetermined position. Various table functions can be integrated in a single table unit since both table elements (10, 12) can be rotated about a pivotal axis (16) by another joint (20, 22), and can be fixed in a predetermined position. The possible table surface and position thereof can be varied in such that certain table functions are protected and service personnel can have access to them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Recaro Aircraft Seating GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Uwe Salzer, Hartmut Schürg
  • Patent number: 7290746
    Abstract: The multi-purpose beverage container holder supported tray assembly: includes a beverage container holder component and a tray component hingedly coupled to the beverage container holder component and provides one or more utilitarian support surfaces that may be used for various functions such as food and beverage placement, writing, and other activities where a stable, conveniently positioned surface is desired; and is adapted for use in theaters, stadiums, indoor and outdoor sports arenas, convention halls, home entertainment centers, and the like. The multi-purpose tray assembly is portable and removably supported in the seat arm beverage container holders (cup holders) normally found on the seating in the locations listed above. The position of the tray component of the tray assembly can be easily adjusted to suit the user and position the utilitarian support surface of the tray component in a location most convenient for the intended use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Inventors: Nicky B. Macias, Raul A. Landa
  • Patent number: 7261369
    Abstract: An aircraft passenger convenience apparatus comprising: a seat assembly; a support device attached to the seat assembly; and a platform having a top and bottom, the platform at least partially supported by the support device. In the preferred embodiment, the support device is selectable between at least a tray support and an armrest position. Also in the preferred embodiment, the seat assembly includes a seat back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Inventor: Sam J Ahad
  • Patent number: 7216930
    Abstract: A multi-functional adjustable tray that mounts on the arm of a chair to provide a comfortably accessible work surface to support a computer mouse and other devices. The adjustable tray may be easily mounted to either arm of a chair and provides width, length, rotation, and storage adjustments. The adjustable tray includes a generally planar platform and is pivotally connected to an armchair stop supported by adjustable guides secured to the chair arm by a compression element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Inventor: Daniel V. Steenson
  • Patent number: 7201439
    Abstract: A passenger seat, an aircraft passenger seat in particular, has seat components such as a back rest, a seat component, at least one console component delimiting the seat component on the side, and a table top (9) adjustable to an initial position and a use position. The console component has an interior compartment in which the table top (9) may be displaced in a guide (1) between the lowered initial position and a ready position when extracted from the upper end of the console component along the plane of the table top. At the upper end of the guide (1), a bearing configuration (19, 21, 25, 27) functions as support of the table top (9) and permits pivoting of the table top (9) from the ready position into the horizontal use position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Recaro Aircraft Seating GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Oliver Schweizer
  • Patent number: 7143701
    Abstract: A vehicle collapsible table (28) unfoldable from a vertical rest position between rear seats to a horizontal use position. The table includes a swivel hinge having a profile claw (9) gripping around the edge region of the table board (8) with the said profile claw being attached to a rotary device for swivelling about a swivel axis (11, 34), orientated parallel to the edge (10) gripped around by a profile claw (9), through an angle of approximately 90° such that the table board (28) can be rotated through a rotational angle of approximately 90° about an essentially horizontal rotational axis (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Martin Lindström, Volker Stein
  • Patent number: 7131688
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a multi-functional adjustable mouse tray that mounts on the arm of a chair to provide a comfortably accessible work surface to support and use a computer mouse and other devices. The adjustable tray is easily mounted to either arm of a chair and provides width, length, rotation and storage adjustments. The adjustable tray includes a platform and is pivotally connected to an armchair attachment body. The armchair attachment body includes an armchair stop pivotally connected to the platform, parallel guides that are adjustably attached to the armchair stop, and at least one compression element for securing the parallel guides against the chair arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Inventor: Daniel V. Steenson
  • Patent number: 7017988
    Abstract: A retractable work surface for a chair is provided for a chair that has a pair of arms. The work surface has a removable plate that can be coupled to one of the chair arms or the other. An L-shaped rod is coupled on one end to the plate so that is can rotate with respect to the plate. The other end of the rod has a bracket on one side and a tray on the other side. The bracket and tray can rotate as a unit with respect to the rod. The work surface is easily moved from one arm to the other by removing the plate from one arm and moving it to the other, and by reversing the rod and bracket. The work surface can also easily be retrofit to existing chairs by simply mounting the plate to one of the chair arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: L & P Property Management Company
    Inventors: Marta Tornero, LeRoy Johnson
  • Patent number: 6598934
    Abstract: A tray table mounted to the armrest of a vehicle seat assembly via a four-bar linkage. The linkage operates to raise the armrest during movement of the tray table between its stowed and use positions. Raising the armrest provides increased clearance between the tray table and the vehicle floor and between the tray table and the seat back of the next forward seat assembly. A second four-bar linkage is provided to maintain the armrest in a fixed attitude relative to the vehicle body regardless of the seat back recline angle. This enables the tray table to remain in a given attitude relative to the vehicle body, such as a horizontal attitude, regardless of the seat back recline position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventor: Rick A. Anderson
  • Patent number: 6554354
    Abstract: A seating unit comprises: an armrest having an inwardly facing surface that includes an aperture; a table having a support surface mounted on and above a mounting post; and a mounting bracket mounted within the armrest. The mounting bracket is configured to receive the mounting post through the aperture in the armrest and to detachably secure the mounting post such that the support surface is generally horizontally disposed. In this configuration, the seating unit can provide a table-type surface in a convenient location for an occupant of the seating unit, yet the table can be removed when its presence is undesirable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Ultra-Mek, Inc.
    Inventors: D. Stephen Hoffman, Marcus L. Murphy
  • Publication number: 20030071497
    Abstract: A piece of stuffed sitting furniture comprising a supporting framework, a back and at least one arm is described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Applicant: Rossin GmbH - SRL
    Inventor: Martin Ballendat
  • Patent number: 6347590
    Abstract: A tray table for a vehicle that is extensible from and may be stored in a center console. The center console has longitudinally shiftable lateral side walls that define a pocket for storing the tray table. The lateral walls of the center console are moveable along a track to permit fore and aft adjustment of the location of the table relative to a seat in the vehicle. A push button is provided on a pivot locking mechanism to lock and unlock a tray support arm. A cup holder may be provided on the tray support arm that is moveable between a storage position in which it is parallel to the tray support arm and a use position in which it is perpendicular to the tray support arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Gary D'Annunzio, Todd A. Mysliwiec, Patrick M. Murray, Jason P. Baldas, Jeff A. Kempf, Frank Olson
  • Patent number: 6273502
    Abstract: An ergonomically designed chair having a keyboard support arrangement which is adjustable to suit the needs of individual workers, and which may be stored within the armrests of the chair when the keyboard is not in use. The support arrangement provides a position adjustment capability for a keyboard supported thereby and also enables the keyboard to be swung to one side so as to afford a user convenient entry to and exit from the chair. The chair has a seat and a pair of armrests, each including a compartment therein. Each compartment includes a compartment door, a vertical support member disposed in the compartment, and a multi-link extendable support arm. The multi-link arm is rotatable at one end about the support member for movement, when the door is open, between a storage position within the compartment and a support position outside of the compartment. One of the compartments is used to store a keyboard support frame for, in use, supporting a computer keyboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventor: Peter Yin-Guan Lo
  • Patent number: 6220658
    Abstract: A retractable tray table for use with a seat having an armrest on one side thereof includes a tray table connected to the armrest by a support arm and moveable to a first position and a second position. A pivot assembly mounts the tray table to the support arm. The tray table is rotatable about a first axis parallel to the support arm and a second axis perpendicular to the support arm to move the tray table from the first position to the second position. A locking mechanism cooperating with the support arm releasably secures the tray table in the first position and the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Traci J. Lukawski, Jeffrey L. Barber, Randy G. Eschelbach, James A. Dykla
  • Patent number: 6142559
    Abstract: A seating product is disclosed. The seating product includes a base having a base frame assembly with a pair of side panels. At least one of the side panels has a slot. The seating product also includes a mounting arm having a mounting assembly with a first mounting, bracket adapted to be inserted through the slot in the side panel of the base frame assembly for attachment to the base. An improvement to a seating product with a base and a surface supported by a mounting arm is also disclosed. The improvement includes the base having a base frame assembly with a pair of side panels. The improvement also includes a mounting arm having a mounting assembly with a first mounting bracket adapted to be inserted through a slot in a side panel of the base frame assembly for attachment to the base. The mounting arm may include a worksurface (tablet). The tablet may be coupled for pivotal and/or translating movement with respect to the base. The seating product may be an upholstered chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Inc.
    Inventors: Jess Allen Sorel, Christopher Lyle Domina, David Eric Simon
  • Patent number: 5927799
    Abstract: A chair comprises a stowable tray in which the tray is shaped like a rhomboid and folds across the seat of the chair at an angle with respect to the chair back. A spring provides assistance when the stowable tray is drawn from its housing. Additionally, a number of noise mufflers are provided, which make the chair well suited for use in settings where silence is valued.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Carson's Inc.
    Inventor: Marta V. Tornero
  • Patent number: 5799964
    Abstract: An armrest assembly for a wheelchair which includes a seat, two support braces, two front legs, and two rear legs. The armrest assembly includes at least one box placed on an associated support brace. At least one fastener is secured to a front end of an associated support brace. At least one first tube has an upper end fixedly mounted on a front end portion of the box and a lower end detachably engaged with the fastener. At least one second tube has an upper end fixedly mounted to a rear end portion of the box and a lower end pivotally engaged with an associated rear leg. At least one pivot base is secured to the front end portion of the box. At least one pivot block is pivotally mounted on the pivot base. At least one pivot arm is pivotally engaged with an extension of the pivot block and is releasably mounted in a chamber of the box. At least one holding table is fixedly mounted on the pivot arm and is releasably received in the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Inventor: Ya-chen Chao
  • Patent number: 5709155
    Abstract: A tray table assembly which can be positioned horizontally for use by a person in a chair. When not in use, the tray table can be folded against the side of the chair. A mount bracket is attached to the arm of the chair. Pin tracks are disposed in the mount bracket. A hinge bracket is attached to a tray table. Pin holes are disposed in the hinge bracket. The hinge bracket is pivotally engaged to the mount bracket by a clevis pin that extends through the pin holes and the pin tracks. The tray table can be moved from a first position where the tray table is maintained in a horizontal position, to a second position in which the tray table is free to rotate to the side of the chair. In the horizontal position, tabs on the hinge bracket engage slots in the mount bracket, thereby retaining the tray table in the horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: MUL Acquisition Corp. II
    Inventor: James M. Terracciano
  • Patent number: 5630642
    Abstract: A table assembly includes a table top and support arm which are stored within an arm rest of a recliner when the table is not in use. When the table is to be used, the support arm pivots up and the table top is connected to the support arm. The table top is rotatable relative to the support arm and any of three holes in the table top can be used to connect the support arm thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Assignee: Plastic Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew S. Grimmett, Robert O. Giltnane, Laurence A. Nelson
  • Patent number: 5584534
    Abstract: A seat having a movable armrest which is retractable to a lowermost position so that a user can obtain greater access to the seat. In a first embodiment, a horizontal shaft pivotably supports a rear portion of the armrest to allow the forward portion of the armrest to be pivoted downwardly. When the armrest is in the unretracted position, a locking device is provided for firmly locking the forward portion of the armrest to the seat frame. In the second embodiment of the invention, a pair of rails are secured to the frame of the seat and a pair of guides are respectively secured to the forward and rear portions of the armrest. The guides are respectively received in the rails to allow the rails to be translated downwardly to allow greater access to the seat. When the armrest is in the unretracted position, the guides are secured to the rails so that the armrest is retained firmly in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Koito Industries Limited
    Inventor: Shunji Kuranami
  • Patent number: 5562049
    Abstract: A table having a pair of laterally extendable table surfaces. The table includes a base having a horizontally disposed periphery that defines a footprint on an underlying surface, first and second generally planar table surfaces, a table surface forward extension mechanism interconnected with the base and the first and second table surfaces, and a table surface lateral extension mechanism interconnected with the base and the first and second table surfaces. The table surface forward extension mechanism and the table surface lateral extension mechanism are each constructed and arranged so that each of the first and second table surfaces is movable between a retracted position, in which the first and second table surfaces are positioned generally above the base footprint, and a laterally extended position, in which the major portions of the first and second table surfaces are generally horizontally disposed and are positioned above, forwardly and laterally of the base footprint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignees: Helton, Inc., Ultra-Mek, Inc.
    Inventors: D. Stephen Hoffman, J. Steven Helton
  • Patent number: 5547247
    Abstract: A stowable seat tray table for use with a seat, such as a passenger seat, having a tray table stowage compartment on one side of the seat. The tray table includes a tray table having a long side and a perpendicular short side with the table connected to a seat for permitting the table to be moved into and out of the stowage compartment. The table pivots and translates. The pivot movement and the translating movement permit the table to be moved when out of the stowage compartment between a use position wherein the long side of the table extends across the seat from one side to an opposing side for use by the occupant and an ingress/egress position wherein the table is pivoted about a vertical axis and laterally translated towards the stowage compartment to provide sufficient room for the passenger to ingress or to egress from the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: Burns Aerospace Corporation
    Inventor: Richard W. Dixon
  • Patent number: 5547248
    Abstract: The invention relates to a passenger seat for a public transport vehicle, in particular an aircraft, the seat including at least one armrest 1 and at least one individual video display 2 associated with the armrest 1, said seat being characterized in that the video display 2 is retractably mounted via a slot 3 provided in a top wall 4 of the front portion 5 of the armrest 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: Societe Industrielle et Commerciale De Materiel Aeronautique
    Inventor: Robert R. Marechal
  • Patent number: 5516191
    Abstract: A desk structure for use in association with vehicles, exemplified by an automobile, which is so constructed as to be positioned in substitution for the conventional swingable arm rest, or to be seated in a cavity formed in the typical arm rest or console. Means are provided for adjustably pivoting the desk structure into various positions, and for locking or securing the desk in the position selected. Cavities are provided in the desk structure for receiving a variety of accessories, exemplified by personal communication means such as a cellular telephone, telecopier, pager, computer, and the like. In accordance with the invention, the cavities and accessories are so positioned with respect to the vehicle driver as to permit their use without interference with or distraction from safe operation of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Inventor: Carl B. McKee
  • Patent number: 5372403
    Abstract: An armrest provided with a writing surface for a seated user, such armrest being of narrow, elongate construction and having a rear end, a front end, an interior portion and an upper portion. A usable surface of elongate configuration is disposed in the upper portion of the armrest, with this usable surface being supported in a manner enabling the usable surface to be slidably withdrawn from the front end of the armrest, and thereafter to be returned at the option of the user to a retracted location in the interior of the armrest. The usable surface is unimpaired as a writing surface by virtue of the slidable mounting for this member being located on the underside of the usable surface. A tiltable writing surface may be hingedly mounted on the usable surface, with the tiltable writing surface having a device thereon by which writing material can be removably attached to the tiltable writing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Inventor: Juan R. Puerto
  • Patent number: 5322231
    Abstract: A media loader for a media roll having a pair of endcaps. The media loader has a handle portion, a support portion adapted to partially encircle the endcap and a flexible midportion having an opening narrower than a selected portion of the endcap and adapted to flex to allow the passage therethrough of the selected portion of the endcap. The support portion is substantially the same cross-sectional size as the selected portion of the endcap but is adapted to remain stationary when the endcap rotates therein. The handle portion is adapted to accept therethrough portions of the endcap of larger cross-sectional size than the selected portion of the endcap while the flexible midportion is sufficiently stiff so as not to flex under the weight of the media loader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1994
    Assignee: CalComp Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Greenberg, Donald L. Barber
  • Patent number: 5282671
    Abstract: A chair member includes first and second arms, with the first arm pivotally mounted to the chair to permit ease of access to individuals of diminished physical capacity permitting ease of access and exit relative to the chair. The swing arm includes a latch mechanism to permit ease of latching of the swing arm relative to the chair structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Inventor: Sonya E. Funk
  • Patent number: 5217277
    Abstract: A collapsible table is concealed and stored in the hollow chamber of an upholstered seat arm. The table is pivotally connected to the seat arm by a two-segment spar which supports the table in the extended position and is collapsible for returning the table to the stored position in the arm chamber. A handle is easily manipulable by a seat occupant for collapsing the spar and returning the table to its storage position. The outer upholstered panel of the arm carries the male member of a latch for pivotal movement of the panel to permit access to the chamber and extension of the table. The table carries a cup holder which is pivotal between concealed and extended positions and which is automatically returned to its concealed position by engagement with the front post of the arm when the table is returned to its storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Assignee: The Berkline Corporation
    Inventors: Glen L. Rasnick, Larry Smith, James Mitchell, Kenneth C. Peacock, Ronald H. Cordover
  • Patent number: 5141194
    Abstract: A retractable container holder is stowed in a generally upright flat pocket 12 and has four hinged plates which open into an inverted triangle shape, the top of which has apertures for receiving containers and the side plates of which are also apertured to allow the containers to stand on a flat base. The holder includes appropriate springs so that when a storage latch 58 is released, the holder is raised into its operative position by spring action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Martin Burgess, John A. G. Percy
  • Patent number: 5139309
    Abstract: The tray assembly for mounting to a wheelchair includes a tray having a top surface and bottom surface, a member for supporting the tray to an arm rest of the wheelchair, the member being mountable on the arm rest of the wheelchair, and a double hinge for pivotably affixing the tray surface to the member for supporting the tray surface. The double hinge has a first and second pivotal axis where pivotal movement of the tray from the use position to an intermediate position occurs about a first pivotal axis and pivotal movement of the tray from an intermediate position to a storage position occurs about the second pivotal axis. The tray assembly enables the tray surface to extend on the outerside on the arm rest and allows the tray to be folded into a non-use position alongside the wheelchair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1992
    Inventor: David Kornreich
  • Patent number: 5087096
    Abstract: An unique apparatus for displacing an extensible/contractible board for a chair in case of an occurrence of emergency is disclosed. The apparatus includes a board support, an engagement piece, a turn guide plate, a stationary guide plate and an opposing pair of base members. The board assumes a horizontal attitude during normal use. In case of emergency, an excessive magnitude of outer force in excess of resilient force derived from Belleville springs is imparted to the board by an user's hand so that the engagement piece is disengaged from the turn guide plate via operative engagement of an eccentric projection on the board shaft with an engagement recess on the engagement piece. This causes the board to be displaced from the horizontal attitude to a vertical attitude, whereby a sufficiently wide space is provided in front of the user so as to enable him to quickly escape from his chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1992
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kotobuki
    Inventor: Ryokichi Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 5050929
    Abstract: An auxiliary furniture tray system for hidden installation in conventional furniture can be quickly moved between a hidden, rest position and an adjustable, deployable orientation. The system is mounted within the arm or arm rest. The frame comprises a pair of spaced apart, rectangular sidewalls secured together by an upper corner strut and a lower, spaced apart pivot strut extending between the top, inside of the frame. A lower, transverse mounting strut is fastened to interior portions of the furniture frame. A rigid tray slidably associated with the frame is displaceable between a vertically oriented rest position, and a substantially withdrawn horizontally oriented service position. Pairs of guide tracks attached to the opposite sidewalls define a slot for guiding and aligning the tray during vertical movements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1991
    Inventors: John M. Gueringer, Paul A. Reesnes
  • Patent number: 5026114
    Abstract: A wheelchair tray assembly is provided which includes a horizontal tray and a vertical rod for pivotally mounting the tray to the leg of the wheelchair. A tubular member is mounted to the wheelchair leg for receiving the rod in a manner which allows the pivotal movement of the tray from in front of an individual in the wheelchair to an out of use position to the side of a wheelchair. The tray is preferably releasably coupled to the rod so that it can be selectively removed from the wheelchair for cleaning or transport of goods thereon. A locking mechanism can be provided so as to prevent inadvertent removal of the tray from the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1991
    Assignee: Tasrop, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert L. Miller
  • Patent number: 5022706
    Abstract: Support tables suitable for supporting a computer keyboard in front of a user and adapted for rotatable attachment to the side arms of a chair are provided. Each support table is hingedly attached to the front of each side arm so as to be pivotable about each of two orthogonal axes. The support tables are foldable from a generally horizontal position disposed above the seat of the chair and in front of the chair side arms and the user to a stored position disposed adjacent the outside sides the chair and side arms when the support tables are not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1991
    Inventor: Jed A. Bryan
  • Patent number: 4944552
    Abstract: A stowable table system for use with a compartment in a vehicle seat, or the like, comprises a pivot block mounted for pivotal movement with respect to the compartment and a pivot stud mounted for pivotal movement in the pivot block and, in turn, mounting a table base that attaches a table structure for pivotal movement with respect to the pivot stud. A first set of shoulder forming limit stops enables the table structure, when in its use position, to be angularly displaced to a predetermined extent and a second set of shoulders prevents angular displacement between the table base and the compartment when the table structure is disposed in a position preparatory to stowing it in the compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1990
    Assignee: Weber Aircraft, Inc.
    Inventor: David S. Harris
  • Patent number: 4852940
    Abstract: A support system for a stowable table is described in which the need for separate hinge mechanisms to accommodate pivotal movement of the table in the principle planes of its movement is obviated by means of a single, spherical hinge arrangement permitting substantially universal movement of the table between its stowed position and various positions of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1989
    Assignee: Weber Aircraft Corporation
    Inventor: Andrzej S. Kanigowski
  • Patent number: 4834449
    Abstract: A collapsible table capable of being supported either in an obvious location such as being mounted on a wall or in a somewhat hidden location such as in the arm of a furniture structure such as a chair, couch, etc. A base is fixed to the supporting wall or furniture piece structure and a carriage member is slidably movable thereon. A table top is pivotal relative to the carriage but movable therewith relative to the base so that the table top may selectively be disposed in an operative, substantially horizontal orientation or in an inoperative, stored location. A top support structure is also carried by the carriage and is selectively positionable beneath and in supporting relation to an under surface of the table top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1989
    Inventor: Fred Engelman
  • Patent number: 4818017
    Abstract: A container holder for a vehicle is stored in an armrest and can be moved to a use position exposing a container supporting element. The container supporting element includes an aperture with adjustable dimensions for engaging the sides of different diameter containers and a movable floor permitting compact storage and improved stability for holding containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1989
    Assignee: Prince Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald A. Dykstra, James H. Hoeve