From Back Patents (Class 297/146)
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Patent number: 7651160Abstract: The present invention can include a vehicle seat having a table, the table including a table main body, a shaft member, a first hinge structure that pivotably connects the table main body to one face of the vehicle seat and a second hinge structure that pivotably connects the shaft member to the one face of the vehicle seat. The table main body includes a holding member which is capable of slidably holding a front end portion of the shaft member and a lock member which is capable of engaging with the shaft member, and the lock member is provided at a position different from the holding member.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2009Date of Patent: January 26, 2010Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yasuyuki Okumura, Teruyuki Hadatsuki, Noboru Kadokura
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Patent number: 7621593Abstract: A meal tray for a passenger seat includes a removable insert. The insert carries a sheet of graphics or advertisements in a protected, viewable position when the meal tray is stowed. Tamper-resistant latches secure the insert to the meal tray.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2007Date of Patent: November 24, 2009Assignee: BE Aerospace, Inc.Inventor: Martin Ian Dickinson
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Patent number: 7611198Abstract: An aircraft passenger seat (10) having at least one seat component and a backrest structure (16). The backrest structure (16) has in its rear area a mounting option (18) for an electronic device (30,20). A retaining device (22) on the backrest structure (16) is adapted to retain the electronic device (30,20) while permitting the electronic device (30,20) to be removed for transportation to another location. Connections (40) can be formed in the retaining device (22) for connecting to corresponding connections, or plugs (42), on the electronic device (30,20) for connecting the electronic device (30,20) to a data network or a power supply.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2006Date of Patent: November 3, 2009Assignee: RECARO Aircraft Seating GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Oliver Schweizer
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Patent number: 7607726Abstract: A vehicle seat has a seat bottom and a seat back, which pivots at a rear side of the seat bottom. Within the rearward-facing surface of the seat back, a seat back tray is housed. When in a front passenger seat that is folded forward, the seat back tray is easily assessable by a vehicle driver. To adjust the tray horizontally, a pivotable tray top pivots relative to and above a non-pivoting tray top. A track within the tray provides a guide for movement of the pivotable tray top. A scissor lift coupled to an adjustment mechanism including either a hand crank or electric motor, may raise and lower the tray from a retracted position to an extended position, and be fixed at any intermediary position. The tray may be equipped to be lifted to any intermediary position without a hand crank or electric motor in a low-cost, yet effective scissor mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2007Date of Patent: October 27, 2009Assignee: Chrysler Group LLCInventors: Kenneth Micheal Orlo, Christopher Scott Welch, Ronald Andrew Mueller
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Patent number: 7500716Abstract: The present invention is an entertainment device coupled to a tray table. The present invention includes a tray table, and a display device mounted to the tray table. The display device is rotatably attached to the tray table. The tray table includes a first section that is rotatably attached to a second section and the second section table is slideably attached to at least one of a bulkhead or a seatback. The present invention also includes a processing device coupled to the display, a user interface device coupled to the processing device, a passenger control unit/telephone headset, head phone jack, and personal computer jack (data and power). The processing device is electrically coupled to at least one of an on-board entertainment system or telecommunications system.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2002Date of Patent: March 10, 2009Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Jeanne Guerin, Shawn A. Cleflin, Mark E. Wentland
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Patent number: 7469966Abstract: The chair has a seat that folds down about a horizontal axle 24 and which is intended, in particular, to equip halls that receive the public, such as lecture theatres and/or show halls. This chair comprises at least an underframe having an essentially longitudinal axis 14 and to which a backrest 16 may be fixed, and with respect to which a fixed horizontal axle 24 is determined. The seat 20 comprises a first part 32 projecting forwards with respect to the horizontal axle 24, and a second part 30 projecting towards the underframe 12. The underframe 12 contains a gas strut 40, one end 48 of which is fixed to the underframe 12, and the other end 50 of which is fixed to the second part 30 of the seat 20.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2000Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Delagrave S.A.Inventor: Bernard Vallee
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Publication number: 20080208694Abstract: A concession tray that selectively supports a plurality of concessions or light-weight items in a substantially horizontal position relative to a stadium seat. Generally, the concession tray comprises a supporting tray portion, a transitional mechanism, and/or a coupling mechanism. The tray portion comprises a substantially planar surface configured to support light-weight items when in the horizontal position. The transitional mechanism allows the concession tray to be pivotally moved between a substantially vertical stowed position and the substantially horizontal use position. The coupling mechanism is configured to mount or selectively couple the concession tray to a supporting object, such as a one or more stadium seats. The concession tray may incorporate advertising thereon as a means to generate revenue for a stadium, theater, or arena in which it resides.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2008Publication date: August 28, 2008Inventor: David I. Baggott
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Publication number: 20080121774Abstract: A drink holder assembly includes a drink holder which is mountable above a tray, such as an airline table tray mounted on the back of an airline chair. Typically, a support extends downwardly from the drink holder and a mounting mechanism connected to the support removably mounts the drink holder on the tray. A reading light is preferably mounted on the drink holder to provide light directed toward the tray. The assembly may include another light so that the assembly serves as a flashlight useful for emergency purposes. The assembly is collapsible to fit within a purse or briefcase. The drink holder may be spaced sufficiently above the tray to accommodate a laptop computer seated on the tray.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2006Publication date: May 29, 2008Inventor: Theodore C. Johnson
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Patent number: 7306282Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 25, 2001Date of Patent: December 11, 2007Assignee: Recaro Aircraft Seating GmbH & Co.Inventors: Uwe Salzer, Hartmut Schürg
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Patent number: 7287817Abstract: A method and device for enabling an aft passenger on a conveyance to establish protection from a forward seatback, irrespective of a conventional effort by a forward passenger to cause reclining of the forward seatback. A device is disclosed that includes a main body and additional elements appended to the main body. The device is adapted for access by the aft passenger to activate it in order to inhibit such reclining. In one preferred embodiment, the device is adapted for use on an airplane to engage the forward seatback and an arm of a tray table designated for use by the aft passenger. In another preferred embodiment, the device comprises a recline inhibitor component connected to a depressible safety input control which is integrated with a rearward portion of a seat for access by the aft passenger.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2004Date of Patent: October 30, 2007Inventor: Ira H. Goldman
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Patent number: 7104599Abstract: A folding table for the rear of a backrest, the table having a surface with a depression therein in which a carrier for visible material, like an advertisement, is disposed. The carrier is received in an undercut in the depression. Alternatively, a frame around the edge of the carrier has projections received in grooves in the table for holding the frame and thereby the carrier to the surface.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2003Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Assignees: E.I.S. Aircraft GmbHInventors: Georg Berger, Hans-Jörg Brandt
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Patent number: 7004430Abstract: A detachable tray of the type usually pivotally attached to the seat back of a conventional airliner includes a layer of threat-resistant material for precluding penetration of a projectile from a firearm or sharp edged or sharp pointed weapon and serves in the manner of a shield to prevent injury to a person's shielded body parts. Where the economics of manufactur permit, the whole tray may be made of threat-resistant material. One or more handles or straps may be disposed on the bottom side of the tray to facilitate manipulation in positioning the tray to render it most effective to ward off an attack.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2002Date of Patent: February 28, 2006Inventor: Roy L. Weekly
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Patent number: 6994401Abstract: A seat assembly includes a seat back frame having a pair of spaced apart side rails. A cover is fastened to the frame and extends between the pair of side rails. A rigid cross member is preferably integrally molded in an upper portion of the cover. The cover and the cross member cooperate to provide structural rigidity to the seat back frame.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2001Date of Patent: February 7, 2006Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Harald Fischer, Hans Jorg Walk, Volker Schumm, Bernd Rager
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Patent number: 6830292Abstract: A table supporting device is provided at an upper end thereof with a loop. The loop is hung on the headrest of the motor vehicle seat so that the table supporting device is positioned substantially vertically. The loop 9 is removable from the headrest. A plate-shaped table has a table holding mechanism. The table holding mechanism holds the table vertically rotatably by means of a horizontal shaft. The table holding mechanism is provided with a vertical hole. The vertical hole has a larger diameter than the table supporting device. The table supporting device is passed through the vertical hole of the table holding mechanism. A vertical bolt is threadedly engaged with the table holding mechanism. A lower end of the vertical bolt is in contact with a base portion of the table so as to maintain the table at a desired angle.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2004Date of Patent: December 14, 2004Inventor: Mitsuhiro Yoda
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Patent number: 6814404Abstract: A passenger headrest is platform deployable and stowable from a passenger seat. The platform operates as a rear headrest and is pivoted to a forward position to serve as a forward leaning face-headrest. The headrest includes a headrest platform that is attached to an adjustable post made of tubular construction and having a plurality of holes. The adjustable post is concentrically dimensioned to be slidably received by a tubular bar. The tubular bar has a set of holes and is pivotably attached to the passenger seat. A first connector secures the adjustable post and tubular bar to each other. The headrest is pivotable through a range of motion adjusted by a passenger, wherein the passenger selects an inclination angle. The inclination angle used by the passenger is established via a second connector that secures the tubular bar to the seat.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2003Date of Patent: November 9, 2004Inventor: Thomas M. Jensen
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Patent number: 6805403Abstract: The invention facilitates Sleeping in sitting position by supporting and/or the body (torso) of a person in various positions. This invention combines one or more of: straps, sound barrier, light barrier, Headrest and backrest to improve the Sleeping.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2002Date of Patent: October 19, 2004Inventor: Pradip Chandrakant Buch
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Patent number: 6773059Abstract: A convertible device for seating has a back; a seat, wheels for rolling the device, walls forming a receptacle for storing goods under the seat, the seat being turnable between a sitting position in which it is located substantially horizontally and covers the receptacle from above so that a person can sit on the seat, and a loading position in which the seat is turned and located substantially vertically at a distance from back so that goods can be loaded into the receptacle.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2002Date of Patent: August 10, 2004Inventor: Dmitriy Volotsenko
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Patent number: 6761398Abstract: Structures and assemblies for stowable tables and similar objects are detailed. Versions of the assemblies may cooperate with pivoting covers mounted to vehicle seats for purposes of deploying and retaining the tables. Other versions may include tables biased to fit snugly in recessed portions of backrests of seats, with compression of the biasing mechanism occurring sometimes when backrests are reclined and expansion of the mechanism occurring sometimes when the tables are deployed. Yet other versions may include tables latching to bars or other objects protruding rearward from the backrests.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2002Date of Patent: July 13, 2004Assignee: Weber Aircraft LPInventors: Paul Bentley, Adrianus W. N. Ruiter, Matthew G. Durocher
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Patent number: 6758518Abstract: A vehicle seat has a mechanism supporting a table for articulation between a stowed position and an extended position. A surface of the table extends generally horizontally from an integral part of the seat, a cover overlies the table surface, and the cover is detachably secured to the table in a manner that will allow the table to be moved to the stowed position and back to the extended position without damaging the cover.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 1998Date of Patent: July 6, 2004Assignee: MHM Holdings LimitedInventors: Michael Peter Ingram, Jeremy Robert Goddin
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Publication number: 20040124675Abstract: A vehicle seat is disclosed having a mechanism supporting a table for articulation between a stowed position and an extended position. A surface of the table extends generally horizontally from an integral part of the seat, a cover overlies the table surface, and the cover is detachably secured to the table in a manner that will allow the table to be moved to the stowed position and back to the extended position without damaging the cover.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2003Publication date: July 1, 2004Applicant: MHM Holdings LimitedInventors: Michael Peter Ingram, Jeremy Robert Goddin
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Publication number: 20040094998Abstract: A meal tray assembly including a meal tray for being mounted for movement between a stowage position flush against a seat back and a lowered, horizontal use position. A latch access port extends through the meal tray from the top side to the bottom side thereof. A latch is carried on the seat back for cooperation with the latch access port in the meal tray. The latch is mounted for movement between a release position wherein the latch is extendable through the latch access port for permitting movement of the meal tray to and from the stowage position and the use position, and a locking position wherein the latch locks the meal tray in the stowage position against the surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2003Publication date: May 20, 2004Applicant: B/E AEROSPACE, INC.Inventors: John Williamson, John H. Pratt
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Publication number: 20030193220Abstract: A passenger headrest is platform deployable and stowable from a passenger seat. The platform operates as a rear headrest and is pivoted to a forward position to serve as a forward leaning face-headrest. The headrest includes a headrest platform that is attached to an adjustable post made of tubular construction and having a plurality of holes. The adjustable post is concentrically dimensioned to be slidably received by a tubular bar. The tubular bar has a set of holes and is pivotably attached to the passenger seat. A first connector secures the adjustable post and tubular bar to each other. The headrest is pivotable through a range of motion adjusted by a passenger, wherein the passenger selects an inclination angle. The inclination angle used by the passenger is established via a second connector that secures the tubular bar to the seat.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2003Publication date: October 16, 2003Inventor: Thomas M. Jensen
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Patent number: 6601523Abstract: A table that is stowable and deployable from a seatback of a passenger seat includes a substantially planar food tray with a first surface and a second surface substantially parallel to the first surface. The tray is stowed in a substantially vertical position with the first surface facing a seated passenger. The stowed tray is held in position with a moveable switch engaged against the first surface. A device for stowing and deploying the tray is mounted on the second surface. A pair of legs is mounted to the device. Each leg has a first end attached to the device and a second end attached to the seat. Upon turning the switch clear of the first surface, the device slidably urges the first surface from its stowed position to a deployed, substantially horizontal position, with the first surface facing upwards.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2001Date of Patent: August 5, 2003Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Tom M. Jensen
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Publication number: 20030132648Abstract: A settee includes an elongated seat unit and a tray-support unit. The seat unit includes a seat frame having opposing front and rear frame portions, and a backrest frame which extends uprightly from the rear frame portion and which defines a tray-accommodating space. The tray-support unit includes a tray-support frame that has a lower frame section with a rear end pivoted to the rear frame portion of the seat frame in such a manner that the tray-support frame is rotatable relative to the seat frame between a storing position, in which, the tray-support frame is turned to and retained within the tray-accommodating space, and a used position, in which, the front end of the tray-support frame is seated on the seat frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2002Publication date: July 17, 2003Inventor: Chuen-Jong Tseng
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Patent number: 6592179Abstract: A seat has a backrest and a housing space to house a movable tray table in the backrest. The housing space is accessible from the posterior surface of the seat. The movable tray table is movable between a state of nonuse and a state of use. Advertising material is located in the housing space of the backrest and is viewable when the movable tray table is in a state of use by a person facing the posterior surface of the seat. The advertising material is viewable when the movable tray table is in a state of use and is not viewable and inaccessible when the movable tray table is in a state of nonuse.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2000Date of Patent: July 15, 2003Assignee: KWJ International, LLCInventor: Koki Miyazaki
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Patent number: 6547323Abstract: A folding seat part of a motor vehicle seat including an integrated table with a base and a tabletop. The tabletop includes a center leaf and at least one side leaf hinged to the center leaf. The tabletop is mounted to the base for rotational movement such that its rotational movement causes the side leaf to lock in a horizontal plane with the center leaf.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2000Date of Patent: April 15, 2003Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Thomas Aitken, Michael Snook
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Publication number: 20030066462Abstract: A tray assembly for mounting on the back of a first seat, such as a front seat of a car, that is disposed substantially in front of a second seat, such as a back seat of a car, to permit a user to sit on the second seat and utilize the tray assembly. The tray assembly includes first and second inverted generally U-shaped hooks. Each of the hooks has first and second legs. Each of the first legs extends along a front face of the first seat and each of the second legs extends along the rear face of the seat back of the first seat. First and second laterally spaced cross members extend between the second legs of the first and second inverted generally U-shaped members along the rear face of the first seat.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2001Publication date: April 10, 2003Inventor: Kenneth Getfield
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Patent number: 6494533Abstract: On a motor vehicle seat, a tray on back of the backrest may be pivoted around a horizontal transverse axis that is fixed to the rest from a contact position in which it lies against the back, into a horizontal position. An additional tray is likewise articulated on the back, with a horizontal transverse axis that is firmly attached to the rest, and it, too, may be pivoted from a position of contact into a horizontal position. The transverse axes run adjacent to various longitudinal edges of the various trays.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2000Date of Patent: December 17, 2002Assignee: Faurecia Autositze GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Stefan Böhler
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Publication number: 20020163230Abstract: The tray-supporting device for a wheelchair includes an attachment member attached to the back of the wheelchair. A holding member that receives and holds items is positioned in front of the user. An elongated support member connects to the attachment member. The support member forms two substantially ninety-degree bends, so that the elongated support member travels vertically from the attachment member and horizontally over a shoulder of the user, when the user is seated in the wheelchair.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2001Publication date: November 7, 2002Inventor: Simon Suh
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Patent number: 6454349Abstract: A tray table assembly is provided that includes a tray table and an arm connected to the tray table which extends from the rear portion of a seatback. The tray table is pivotable with respect to the support arm so that the same surface of the tray that faces upwardly during use that may become soiled also faces outwardly when the tray table is stowed in the seatback. A seat assembly is also provided that includes a passenger seat having a seatback defining a recess for permitting the tray table assembly to be stowed in the seatback. The seatback recess is shaped and positioned in such a way that a major surface of the tray table can only be positioned outwardly when stowed in the seatback recess, thus preventing the seat from facing the seat in the stowed position.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2001Date of Patent: September 24, 2002Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Kazuhide Konya
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Patent number: 6412861Abstract: A beverage holder for use in vehicles that prevents beverages placed within the holder from spilling. The beverage holder includes a tray and drink well housed within the tray. Additionally, the tray may have a pivot member mounted to it which connects the tray to a beverage guard. The beverage guard may be moved in a range of positions so that it completely covers the drink well and also leaves the drink well free for a cup to be placed within. The beverage guard is slightly larger than the size of the drink well and can be rotated to cover the drink well when a cup or glass has been placed within it. When not in use, the beverage guard may be moved in a position not covering the drink well.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 1998Date of Patent: July 2, 2002Inventors: Corey Herman, Zachary Herman, Marc Herman
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Publication number: 20020043826Abstract: A vehicle seat is disclosed which has a mechanism supporting a table for articulation between a stowed position and an extended position. A surface of the table extends generally horizontally from an integral part of the seat, a cover overlies the table surface, and the cover is detachably secured to the table in a manner that will allow the table to be moved to the stowed position and back to the extended position without damaging the cover.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 1998Publication date: April 18, 2002Inventors: MICHAEL PETER INGRAM, JEREMY ROBERT GODDIN
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Patent number: 6279992Abstract: A folding table for fitting to a rear side of a back of a seat in a motor-coach or an aircraft has a folding table element, pivotal articulation means formed so that the folding table element is pivotable back and forth between an out-of-use position in which the folding table element lyes substantially flat against a rear side of a back of a seat and an in-use position in which the folding table element projects approximately horizontally from the rear side of the back of the seat, a holder provided for holding a drink container and movably connected to the holding table element, a guide connecting the holder with the holding table element so that the holder, when the folding table element is in the in-use position is movable back and forth between an out-of-use position in which the holder is stowed in the holding table element, and an in-use position in which a drink container can be placed into the holder.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 1999Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignees: Fischerwerke Artur Fischer GmbH & Co. KG, Evobus GmbHInventors: Bernd Plocher, Stefan Kuehn, Andre Hein, Michael Keller, Soeren Groth, Monika Jessberger, Franz Kriegelsteiner
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Patent number: 6220660Abstract: An activity center for a motor vehicle in which a platform is provided in the vehicle interior, preferably mounted to a seat back. The platform is movable from a stowed position to a horizontal use position overlying a seat cushion and seat back at a seating position for use as a work surface or a play surface. In addition, the activity center includes a storage compartment for toys and other items and may include cup holders, pencil holders, etc. Furthermore, toys such as a stud panel for use with building blocks and drawing toys, such as Etch-a-Sketch®, can be integrated into the activity center.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 1998Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Ronald Bedro, Jeffrey Arnoldy, David Ekern, John James Flannery, Vernon A. Stubbe, Mark Caye, Mark Symonik
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Patent number: 6082815Abstract: A tray table for a vehicle seat assembly which has a stowed position within the seat back in which the tray table forms a portion of the seat back seating surface. The tray table is mounted to the frame structure of the seat assembly by a multiple axis pivot mount to rotate first to a generally horizontal position in which it extends forward from the seat back. The pivot mount enables the tray table to then rotate about an upright axis to swing the tray table laterally toward an adjacent seat assembly. The pivot mount is located along one side edge of the tray table such that the tray table is cantilever supported to the seat back.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1998Date of Patent: July 4, 2000Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Nick G. Xiromeritis, Susan M. Kennedy, Neil J. Bush, Jay M. Frankhouse
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Patent number: 6059358Abstract: A seat back mounted fold down auto office having a bin portion mounted to the seat back of a vehicle seat assembly on the rear side thereof including a recessed storage area therein. A cover is provided for the recessed storage area and is rotatable upon a hinge to move the cover from a closed position to an open position to access the recessed storage area. Additional features include a fold out support panel that can rotate out from the storage bin toward a user after which the storage bin can be closed while the support panel extends from the storage bin. The support panel can be used to attach a notepad or and/or cellular telephone. In addition, the cover can be equipped with a light to illuminate the storage area in the bin.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 1998Date of Patent: May 9, 2000Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Robert L. Demick, Howard R. Nordlund, Larry E. Halse
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Patent number: 5984347Abstract: An attache case type accessory is provided for motor vehicles or the like having at least two seats arranged one behind the other, the front seat 2 having a head-rest 10 or the like. The accessory is adapted to be removably mounted to the back of the front seat 2 so as to form a functional platform for a passenger sitting on the back seat. The attache case accessory includes a casing 20, a rigid frame 22 and a stabilizing means 24. The attache case type accessory is rotatably mounted about a shaft 30 so that it can be, in a non-use position, in a substantially vertical plane, and; in use position, in a substantially horizontal plane. The upper portion of the rigid frame 22 is suspended by a suspending and height adjustment means to the vertical supports of the head-rest 10 of the front seat 2. The stabilizing means comprises a pair of arms 24 that engage the back 4 of the seat so as to adjust and maintain the accessory in its substantially horizontal and vertical planes respectively.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 1997Date of Patent: November 16, 1999Inventor: Andre Blanc-Rosset
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Patent number: 5954394Abstract: An airplane seat assembly comprises an airplane seat and a beverage cup holder. The airplane seat is configured to be mounted in an airplane cabin in side-by-side relationship with another similar seat. The airplane seat comprises a seat portion and a back portion extending up from the seat portion. The beverage cup holder has a holder body shaped and configured for holding at least one beverage container. The holder body is operatively connected to the airplane seat for pivotal movement between a stowed position in which the holder body is positioned adjacent a side of the back portion of the airplane seat and a use position in which the holder body extends generally rearwardly from the back portion of the airplane seat. The holder body is configured to support a beverage container when the holder body is in its use position.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 1996Date of Patent: September 21, 1999Inventor: Thaddeus Czyzewski
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Patent number: 5931527Abstract: A shelf assembly is configured to be supported on a vehicular seat back. The assembly includes a shelf which is pivotably adjustable relative to the seat back. The shelf may be adjusted to retain items on its top surface, and it may also be angularly adjusted downward to retain items therebeneath. The assembly includes a cargo net for retaining loose items. When not in use it is folded into the seat for storage.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 1997Date of Patent: August 3, 1999Inventors: Giulio D'Onofrio, Theresa M. Delpup-Smith
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Patent number: 5876092Abstract: A modular foldaway table is disclosed to be installed behind a backrest of a seat. It includes: (a) a pair of spaced table legs, each table leg having a top bent portion and a bottom bent portion; (b) the top bent portion having a spindle aperture and a curved groove spaced from the spindle aperture; (c) a front board having two lateral sides and a spindle and a pin on each of the two lateral sides, wherein the pin is spaced from the spindle, the spindle is pivotedly screwed to the spindle aperture of the top bent portion of the table leg, the pin is movably engaged with the curved groove for limiting the swinging angle of the front board about the spindle; and a rear board pivotedly engaged with the front board via a pair of spaced hinges. The bottom bent portion has an opening with a slit for snap-installation to the seat and a protrusive ankle spaced from the opening for substantially conforming the bottom bent portion of the table leg against the seat.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 1997Date of Patent: March 2, 1999Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventor: Chao-Chyun An
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Patent number: 5813354Abstract: A vehicle seatback tray assembly that includes a main tray assembly; a two-sided, two-way pivoting mirror assembly; two user formable, upper attachment hooks; and two adjustable length lower securing strap assemblies. The main tray assembly includes a main housing, a pivoting tray member and a tray member angular adjustment mechanism. The main housing includes a forward storage tray, a main housing compartment, a light compartment for housing a light bulb socket, and a light bulb socket controlling on/off switch. The pivoting tray member is pivotally connected to the main housing and includes a light opening that pivots over the light compartment of the main housing when the pivoting tray member is pivoted into a closed position blocking. The angular adjustment mechanism includes a curved locking bar and a locking pin assembly.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 1997Date of Patent: September 29, 1998Inventor: Richard H. Scott
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Patent number: 5765909Abstract: A chair with self storable tray is composed of a chair component and a tray component. The chair component is composed of a chair, preferably folding, having a chair seat, chair back, a pair of front legs, a pair of rear legs, and a sheath. The tray component includes a pair of articulated arms, each composed of a first arm segment, a second arm segment and a pivot therebetween. The first and second arm segments are slidably received into a respective sheath. A tray is slidably interconnected with the second arm segments. Located within each of the second arm segments is a support rod which is pivotal from a received position to a support position wherein it is engaged with the chair seat. In operation, a user pulls upon the tray component so that it raises up from behind the chair back, wherein the articulated arms slide outwardly with respect to the sheaths until the pivots thereof are exposed.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 1997Date of Patent: June 16, 1998Inventor: Thomas J. Catrinar
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Patent number: 5645319Abstract: An inflatable pillow on which passengers seated in rows of forward-facing seats may lean forward, rest their heads, and relax. The pillow's shape, once inflated, is predetermined to substantially occupy the space in front of such passengers. In one embodiment, the predetermined shape includes faces that fit snugly against a support means, such as a tray table, and abuts against a vertical restraint, such as the back of the seat in front. The predetermined shape nonetheless allows the vertical restraint to recline towards the pillow without causing the pillow to move. In another embodiment, the predetermined shape includes a plurality of flexibly connected cells that may be folded to form a shape that substantially occupies the available space while still allowing the seat in front to recline. A means is also included to inflate the pillow optionally with air supply from an external climate control near the passenger such as an air conditioning vent, where such an external climate control is available.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 1995Date of Patent: July 8, 1997Inventor: Robert R. Parks, Jr.
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Patent number: 5575535Abstract: An improved couch is provided of the type having a base, a first and second opposing arm rest, a back portion, a seating surface and a front couch surface. The improvement to the couch comprises: a front guard detachably connectable to the front couch surface for enclosing a portion of the seating surface on three sides, the front guard may be retractable for storage beneath the couch, and a tray may be extendable from the front guard for placing objects such as food, drinks, books, remote controls and the like.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 1995Date of Patent: November 19, 1996Inventors: Mark R. Burchett, Samuel W. Bibles
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Patent number: 5531506Abstract: A seating unit includes a seat frame, a foldable table assembly that includes a foldable panel pivotally attached to its rear edge, a four bar linkage which moves the table assembly between an open position and a closed position, and a roller which controls the rotational movement of the foldable panel about the rear edge of the table assembly. The seat frame includes a seat having a generally horizontal seat surface and a backrest having a recessed area and mounting panels positioned laterally of the recessed area. The foldable table assembly includes a decorative surface and a support surface generally opposed to the decorative surface. The foldable panel has an upper surface and a lower surface generally opposed to the upper surface.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 1995Date of Patent: July 2, 1996Assignee: Action IndustriesInventor: Donald G. Scott
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Patent number: 5303976Abstract: A multi-functional furniture component has a frame, with a seat portion and a backrest portion, first motion means connected to the frame and connected to a conversion member. The conversion member has a first upholstered side and a second substantially planar side. Actuation of the first motion means enable arcuate movement of the conversion member between a first orientation to service a backrest and a second orientation in which the planar side is generally horizontal. The conversion member may also include a container member with a top panel, a bottom panel spaced apart from the top panel, and at least one side panel interconnecting the top and bottom panels and defining an interior storage region. Preferably, access to the interior storage region is provided by arcuate motion of the top of the container.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 1992Date of Patent: April 19, 1994Assignee: Mohasco Upholstered Furniture CorporationInventors: Charles B. Nobile, Robert E. Cook
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Patent number: 5169209Abstract: A seat-back tray table assembly attached to a vehicle passenger seat including a seat bottom, seat back and seat frame. The tray table assembly includes a tray table, a pair of elongate legs on which the tray table is mounted. The legs include first and second extensions projecting outwardly from the end of the pair of legs remote from the tray table and define respective stud-receiving recesses between the first and second extensions. A seat back pivot mounts the seat back on the seat frame for movement between a seating position with the seat back substantially upright and substantially perpendicular to the seat bottom and da break back position with the seat back forward and substantially parallel to the seat bottom. A tray table pivot is carried on the seat frame and include first and second pivot studs positioned on respective sides of the seat frame for being received in the stud receiving recesses of the tray table legs.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 1991Date of Patent: December 8, 1992Inventor: Michael T. Beroth
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Patent number: 5133587Abstract: An improved adjustable seat having a supporting frame, a seat bucket type removable seat, and a connect-disconnect member disconnectably attaching the removable seat to the frame. The seat bucket and frame are provided with slides which permit relative change in attitude between the seat bucket and the frame in response to manipulation of seat reclining controls by the seat occupant. Included in the base frame are legs which are deformable under high acceleration-deceleration forces to absorb a portion of the energy resulting from the application of such excessive forces.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 1989Date of Patent: July 28, 1992Inventor: James R. Hadden, Jr.
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Patent number: 5092652Abstract: A stowable seat back tray table for pivotal support on a pair of support arms pivotally attached to a seat back comprises a first tray table section having upper and lower parallel planar surfaces pivotally attached to a pair of support arms for pivoting between a generally vertical stowed position and a horizontal operative position, second generally rectangular planar panel member slideably mounted on the first member and having a planar support surface selectably positionable to a stowed position overlying the first support surface and an operative position providing an extension of the first support surface, and an extensible drink container well formed in the first panel member and having a vertically extensible container support member extending below the support surface for selectively extending the depth of the well.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 1990Date of Patent: March 3, 1992Inventor: Raymond R. Macaluso
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Patent number: 4973017Abstract: A locking mechanism for a tray of an automotive seat, in which the seat is formed with a recess and the tray is rotatably secured in the recess, includes a lock lever secured rotatably on the tray and a lock rod provided in the recess in a manner projectable or retractable therefrom or thereinto. Simply rotating the lock lever releases the tray from the locked state, and simply pressing the tray back into the recess or opening causes the lock rod to lock the tray into a non-use position.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1989Date of Patent: November 27, 1990Assignee: Tachi-S Co., Ltd.Inventor: Genjiro Takagi