Connected To Move To Inoperative Position Patents (Class 297/162)
  • Publication number: 20080203778
    Abstract: A seating implement has a base frame, a sitting surface, a back rest, and a tablet. The tablet is fastened to a support element provided on one side of the base frame by way of a linkage mechanism, so that the table can swivel between a substantially horizontal position of use and a position of non-use. The tablet is dimensioned to support a notebook computer and the support element has a section running in a substantially horizontal plane, on which the tablet is pivotally fastened by way of the linkage mechanism. The substantially horizontal section is oriented at an angle to the direction of the sitting surface, and the tablet can swivel about an axis substantially parallel to this section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: VS VEREINIGTE SPEZIALMOBELFABRIKEN GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Reinhard Weber, Friedrich Korte, Paul Sprafke
  • Publication number: 20080197678
    Abstract: A tablet assembly including a tablet movable between a generally vertical stored position and a generally horizontal in-use position, and a swivel joint operable between the tablet and a mount, the swivel joint comprising an elbow, a first plate, and a second plate, wherein the first plate is rotateably attached to a first surface of the elbow and the second plate is rotateably attached to a second surface of the elbow, and wherein the first plate is fixedly attached to the mount and the second plate is fixedly attached to the tablet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventor: Alvaro Mauricio Olarte
  • Patent number: 7413213
    Abstract: A stroller comprises a stroller frame, and a child seat positioned on the stroller frame and having a seat back, a seat bottom, and a seat bight. The stroller frame includes a cup holder forward of the seat bight. The stroller can further include a child barrier, such as a child tray or a child arm bar, movably coupled to the stroller frame such that the cup holder remains stationary relative to the stroller frame while the child barrier moves relative to the stroller frame. The child tray can also be movably coupled to the cup holder and releasably coupled to the stroller frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Graco Children's Products Inc.
    Inventors: Robert T. Pike, Todd D. Sorzano, Gregory S. Sellers, Dmitriy Faktorovich
  • Publication number: 20080164729
    Abstract: A stowable tray assembly for upholstered sitting furniture includes an elongated storage compartment adaptable to installation either inside or outside an arm rest of a chair and a vertical telescoping post anchored inside the storage compartment. In addition, there is a means for releasably locking members of the vertical telescoping post in a fully extended position. A short horizontal support member is attached substantially perpendicular to the unanchored end of the vertical telescoping post, and a substantially horizontal tray support arm is pivotally attached to the free end of this horizontal support member. A tray table is rotatably attached substantially parallel to the axis of and along a portion of the tray support arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventor: Brian Cavanaugh
  • Patent number: 7370910
    Abstract: A chair comprising a base structure (12) bearing a seat (14), a backrest (16) and a writing tablet (38) movable between a first lowered inoperative position and a raised operative position, in which in the first lowered inoperative position the tablet (38) is parallel to a vertical axis and is inclined relative to a vertical plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the chair, so that two or more chairs of the same type can be approached longitudinally to each other with the tablets of two adjacent chairs partially superposed on each other. The writing tablet (38) is also provided with a second lowered inoperative position in which the tablet is inclined relative to a vertical axis and is inclined relative to said vertical plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the chair, so that two or more chairs of the same type can also be superposed vertically on each other with the tablets of two adjacent chairs partially superposed on each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Pro-Cord SPA
    Inventor: Giancarlo Piretti
  • Patent number: 7360829
    Abstract: A small mouse table integrated with an ergonomic arm support. The table and arm support can be mounted to a conventional arm rest on an office chair. The arm support and table are positioned in order to place the user's arm in a healthy and stable orientation for use of the mouse. A forearm channel is provided to receive and hold the user's forearm. A wrist channel is provided—in combination with a downward offset—to attach the forearm channel to the small table on which the mouse resides. Two pivot joints are provided so that the mouse table can be swung out of the way when it is not needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Inventor: William J. Bufkin
  • Patent number: 7314248
    Abstract: A portable workstation apparatus having a collapsible frame, wheels, a seat, and work surface, whereby collapsing the frame and manipulating an articulated work surface attachment, permits the apparatus to be utilized as a hand truck. Also described is an enhanced version of the collapsible portable workstation apparatus having a scissors linkage lift mechanism allowing adjustment of the seating height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Inventors: Robert Alan Mabon, Crystal Elayne Mabon
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20070284920
    Abstract: According to various embodiments of the present invention, a tablet arm for a nesting chair including a first rigid support member affixed to a nesting chair, a second rigid support member swivelably coupled to the first rigid support member, a tablet rotatably and slidably coupled to the second rigid support member by a collar, a first stop coupled with the second rigid support member and configured to abut one end of the collar in the tablet's forward operable position, and a second stop coupled with the second rigid support member and configured to abut another end of the collar in the tablet's rearward operable position. According to some embodiments, a plurality of nesting chairs having swiveling rotatable tablets movable from an operable position to a nested position, the tablets positioned over seatbacks of the chairs in the nested position and configured to slide horizontally in the operable position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: HNI TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: David E. Mehaffey, John Robert Koch, Ogden R. Olson, Douglas Alan Schroeder, Jerry D. Zollars
  • Patent number: 7267400
    Abstract: A folding tray assembly is provided and includes a support member and a tray member, whereby the tray member is pivotably supported by the support member and moveable relative thereto between a use position and a stowed position. The folding tray assembly further includes a locking mechanism operable to selectively lock the tray member to the support member in one of either the use position or the stowed position. The locking mechanism is housed within the tray member such that the mechanism is not visible or accessible by an occupant, but rather remotely actuated by a handle or lever. In addition, the tray assembly eliminates external supports by providing support within the tray member, thereby providing an open space below the tray member and giving the tray assembly a generally L-shape in the use position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: E & E Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark L Cutshall, Joseph L Parker, Lawrence A Scott, John E Carlson
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20070145791
    Abstract: In the case of a locking device for a tray table system in a seat, in particular an aircraft passenger seat, with a first (3) and a second tray table part (5) that can be moved around swivel axes (25 or 37), different from one another, between horizontal use positions and non-use or stowed positions, closing parts (43, 47) are assigned to the two tray table parts (3, 5) and can be adjusted relative to one another in an active position, in which they close with respect to one another to keep them from raising a tray table part (3) in a use position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Publication date: June 28, 2007
    Inventor: Ulrich Strasser
  • 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: 7216929
    Abstract: Systems and methods for a wheelchair tray may include providing a tray portion and a connecting portion attached thereto. The connecting portion may be configured to attach to a wheelchair. The connecting portion may provide the tray portion with a first rotation in a plane substantially parallel to a plane of rotation of a non-pivoting wheel of the wheelchair and a second rotation in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of rotation of the non-pivoting wheel. The connecting portion may be releasably fixable against the first rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Inventors: Mary Frances Lang, Gordon R. Tupper
  • Patent number: 7210736
    Abstract: A tray attachment for a wheelchair. In an embodiment, the tray attachment includes a mounting tube for mounting the tray to a wheelchair. Further, a slider extension tube is disposed within the mounting tube for supporting the tray. In addition, a first ball knob assembly is mechanically coupled to the slider extension tube for supporting the tray. Moreover, a second ball knob assembly is mechanically coupled to the slider extension tube for supporting the tray. In the present aspect, the slider extension tube rotates as the tray is moved from a stored position to a utilization position, such rotation places the first ball knob assembly adjacent to an edge of the tray and the second ball knob assembly beneath the tray, thereby providing lateral and vertical support to the tray on the attachment side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Inventor: Richard L. Large
  • Patent number: 7210735
    Abstract: Systems and methods for a wheelchair tray may include providing a tray portion and a connecting portion attached thereto. The connecting portion may be configured to attach to a wheelchair. The connecting portion may provide the tray portion with a first rotation in a plane substantially parallel to a plane of rotation of a non-pivoting wheel of the wheelchair and a second rotation in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of rotation of the non-pivoting wheel. The first rotation of the tray portion may be between a first storage position in which at least most of the tray portion is disposed rearward of an axle of the non-pivoting wheel, a second storage position in which at least most of the tray portion is disposed forward of the axle of the non-pivoting wheel, and a position between the first and second storage positions in which the second rotation is permitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Inventor: Mary Frances Lang
  • Patent number: 7147280
    Abstract: A holding receptacle for vehicles, which, when installed, is integrated in a passenger compartment of the vehicle, has two side walls which are connected to each other in the region of their ends by transverse walls and a bottom to form an upwardly open box which can be used as a storage space. The suitability for a design which is advantageous with regard to weight is improved. It is proposed that a lightweight supporting frame having side wall structures and at least one crossmember structure is provided as the load-bearing structure of the holding receptacle, with a box-shaped insert containing the storage space being held by the supporting frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Bernhard Duerr, Frank Emhardt, Hermann Gaus, Thomas Geisel, Rainer Leucht, Ralf-Henning Schrom, Rainer Tiefenbacher
  • Patent number: 7059670
    Abstract: A chair-desk frame has a forward portion and a rearward portion. The forward portion has a pair of front legs and a desktop support structure. The rearward portion has a pair of rear legs and a seat support structure. The chair-desk frame includes at least three upper stacking contact points and at least three lower stacking contacting points, all of which are disposed so that a plurality of identical chair-desk frames can be vertically stacked on top of one another in a stable and generally vertical orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Virco Mgmt. Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Mills, Peter Glass
  • Patent number: 6976733
    Abstract: A folding chair suitable for outdoor use includes a table supporting arm and a foldable table that rotates between a position for use by one seated in the chair and a stowed position. The chair can be folded flat with the table parallel to the folded chair legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Bryant Park Restoration Corp.
    Inventors: Daniel A. Biederman, Ignacio Juan Ciocchini
  • Patent number: 6877806
    Abstract: A folding tray assembly is provided and includes a support member and a tray member, whereby the tray member is pivotably supported by the support member and moveable relative thereto between a use position and a stowed position. The folding tray assembly further includes a locking mechanism operable to selectively lock the tray member to the support member in one of either the use position or the stowed position. The locking mechanism is housed within the tray member such that the mechanism is not visible or accessible by an occupant, but rather remotely actuated by a handle or lever. In addition, the tray assembly eliminates external supports by providing support within the tray member, thereby providing an open space below the tray member and giving the tray assembly a generally L-shape in the use position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: E & E Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark L. Cutshall, Joe Parker, Lawrence Scott
  • Patent number: 6863344
    Abstract: A support for entertainment or personal electronic equipment associated with a passenger seat mounted to a floor in a passenger cabin having a base adapted to anchor to the cabin floor laterally adjacent and forward of said seat. A post extends upwardly from the base and has an elongate pocket for housing each articulated support arm. A proximal end of the arm is mounted to the post and a distal end includes an equipment mount. Each arm has independent deployment from a stowed position housed within an associated pocket and a deployed position extending upwardly and laterally from the post toward a central portion of the associated passenger seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Inflight Canada Inc.
    Inventor: George R. Smallhorn
  • Patent number: 6837539
    Abstract: A chair and tablet combination has a tablet movable from a generally horizontal, operative position above the seat and in front of the backrest to a vertical stored position beside the chair. The chair may have upright and reclined positions for the occupant, and the tablet remains stationary when the chair moves from one position to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Chromcraft Corp.
    Inventor: David Casey
  • Patent number: 6669282
    Abstract: A chair comprising a base structure (22) bearing a seat (32), backrest (36), and a writing table (42) which can be moved between a lowered, inoperative, position, and a raised, operative, position. In the aforesaid lowered, inoperative, position, the table (42) is inclined with respect to a vertical plane (A) parallel to the longitudinal plane of symmetry of the chair, in such a way that two or more chairs of the same type can be set longitudinally against one another, with the tables of two adjacent chairs partially overlapping one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Pro-Cord SpA
    Inventor: Giancarlo Piretti
  • Patent number: 6601865
    Abstract: A visually appealing rollable, collapsible chair comprising a cushioned seat, stability handles projecting outwardly from opposite sides of the seat and being foldable under the seat, wheeled front and rear legs, a seat back including a continuous upside down u-shaped rod and a seat back cushion, a pair of handle bars for pushing the occupant while seated, a substantially rectangular leg rest spanning the width of the chair and supported by a fifth wheel, a cane holder, a net and a removable arm rest assembly comprising a substantially flat arm rest having a clip on a bottom thereof, an L-shaped bar made of a short side, a long side and a vertical side perpendicular to the short side, the bottom of the arm rest clipping and resting on the long side of the L-shaped bar, the arm rest including a larger portion that is foldable upwardly for drawing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Inventor: Sebert Harper
  • 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: 6585314
    Abstract: A folding tablet arm attachment mounted on a metal folding chair which has a ganging feature includes an elongated rectilinear tubular attachment member which has longitudinally spaced apart female keyhole openings formed in a sidewall thereof and internally reinforced for mating coupling engagement with male ganging studs mounted in cantilever position on a rectilinear siderail of the chair whereby the folding tablet arm attachment is positioned and supported on the chair. Fastening tabs carried by the attaching member and disposed in overlying engagement with the chair siderail are fastened to the siderail and releasably secure the tablet arm attachment to the chair to provide a firm working or writing surface for a person seated on the chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Columbia Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: James Michael Richardson
  • Patent number: 6557307
    Abstract: An upright space-dividing panel which mounts thereon a cushion usable as a back rest. The cushion is secured to the panel by at least one strap which is secured to the panel and overlies a side face thereof in a generally vertical orientation. The cushion includes a mounting arrangement on the rear side thereof which cooperatively engages with the strap to permit vertical sliding movement of the cushion relative to the panel so as to define a back rest which is usable in conjunction with a furniture component disposed adjacent the panel and defining a seating surface thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Haworth, Inc.
    Inventor: Ralph E. Reddig
  • Patent number: 6523903
    Abstract: An adjustable armrest assembly for attachment to an armchair. The armrest assembly includes a flat work surface, an upper horizontal support member, and a lower horizontal support member. A vertical support member extends diagonally between the lower horizontal support member and the underside of the work surface, at the outer edge of the surface. The vertical support member has a mid point crease. A mid point hinge is attached to the vertical support member at the mid point crease. The vertical support member further comprises a top hinge extending between the top edge of the vertical support and the underside of the work surface. The bottom edge of the vertical support member rests on the front surface of the lower horizontal support member, and is wedged between the member and a block attached to the front surface of the member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Inventor: Alfred Rabenhorst
  • Patent number: 6520586
    Abstract: A seating structure includes a seat cooperating to define a space below the seat and at least one supporting member for supporting the seat. An armrest is movably mounted to the supporting member such that the armrest is movable between a first position, in which the armrest is positioned on a lateral side of the seat in an upright manner, and a second position, in which the armrest is positioned in the space such that it does not extend outwardly from the space. The armrest is movable to the second position for allowing the seating structure to be arranged with an identical seating structure in a side-by-side manner so as to form an array of seating structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Inventor: In Hyuk Park
  • Publication number: 20030030307
    Abstract: A folding tablet arm attachment mounted on a metal folding chair which has a ganging feature includes an elongated rectilinear tubular attachment member which has longitudinally spaced apart female keyhole openings formed in a sidewall thereof and internally reinforced for mating coupling engagement with male ganging studs mounted in cantilever position on a rectilinear siderail of the chair whereby the folding tablet arm attachment is positioned and supported on the chair. Fastening tabs carried by the attaching member and disposed in overlying engagement with the chair siderail are fastened to the siderail and releasably secure the tablet arm attachment to the chair to provide a firm working or writing surface for a person seated on the chair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: James Michael Richardson
  • Publication number: 20020190546
    Abstract: A chair comprising a base structure (22) bearing a seat (32), backrest (36), and a writing table (42) which can be moved between a lowered, inoperative, position, and a raised, operative, position. In the aforesaid lowered, inoperative, position, the table (42) is inclined with respect to a vertical plane (A) parallel to the longitudinal plane of symmetry of the chair, in such a way that two or more chairs of the same type can be set longitudinally against one another, with the tables of two adjacent chairs partially overlapping one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventor: Giancarlo Piretti
  • Patent number: 6450161
    Abstract: A portable cooking system comprising: leg units each having a pair of leg posts, first and second reinforcement mechanisms that connects the leg units to stand as well as to be folded together, a first cloth material over the first reinforcement mechanism, a second cloth material over the second reinforcement mechanist; a removable back cloth material between the leg posts on one side of the leg units, side tables rotatably installed to the opposite sides of the combined leg units, a removable lantern stand, and a removable wire net and top board, wherein the leg units, first and second reinforcement mechanisms, and cloth materials can form a bench, and wherein with the back cloth material removed, the leg units, reinforcement mechanisms, cloth materials, side tables, the lantern stand, and wire net and/or top board can form a kitchen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: On Way Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Satoshi Izumi
  • Patent number: 6375257
    Abstract: A tablet arm apparatus providing a re-positionable and stowable tablet work surface which is easily mounted on a chair or integrated into a chair design is described in which movement in each axis is independent and is accomplished by an articulating arm assembly or a single inexpensive two-axis hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: JOFCO, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Wooding, Joan Burgasser, Mark Blackgrave, John Stutsman, Gregory Saul
  • Patent number: 6237997
    Abstract: An ergonomic work station is disclosed which is comprised of a chair, at least one keyboard section and at least one support assembly. Initially, the support assembly connects the chair to the keyboard section. The support assembly is also movable between a first orientation and a second orientation such that the keyboard section in the first orientation extends outward from the chair in a plane generally parallel to the floor, and the keyboard section in the second orientation extends downward in a plane generally perpendicular to the floor. A method of using an ergonomic work station is also disclosed comprising the acts of positioning at least one keyboard section in a first orientation, wherein the keyboard section is positioned so as to extend generally horizontally outward from a user with the keys facing upwards when a user is using the workstation, and manipulating the keys on the at least one keyboard section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Micron Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Joshua Olson
  • Patent number: 6224149
    Abstract: An assembly for mounting a tablet to the support of a seating assembly includes inner and outer mounting collars which are attached to the tablet support. The inner and outer mounting collars define a passage within which a connecting shaft is supported. The connecting shaft extends from a hinge mechanism connected to the tablet. The connecting shaft includes a radially extending key member. The inner and outer collars form a shaft retaining structure which supports the connecting shaft for pivotal movement and also provides a chamber that accommodates rotation of the key member along an arcuate key path between a front key stop and a rear key stop. This mounting assembly provides two-dimensional rotational movement for the tablet arm, and provides convenient and quiet movement of the tablet arm from a lowered, stored position to a raised, vertical intermediate position and to an operative raised, horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Krueger International, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven C. Gevaert
  • Patent number: 6199325
    Abstract: A power system is provided for extending and retracting a telescopic seating structure. The power system includes a frame, a drum operably mounted on the frame for rotational movement, and a plurality of slidably interconnected telescoping members having a terminal telescoping member operably attached to the telescopic seating structure. A cable is wound about the drum and the plurality of telescoping members. Upon rotation of the drum in a selected direction, a tensional force is exerted upon the telescoping members causing their selective extension or retraction to thereby extend or retract the telescoping seating structure. A control assembly is operably connected to the drum shaft to thereby deactivate the power mechanism when the telescopic seating structure is filly extracted or retracted. A cable guide assembly is positioned below the drum to thereby ensure that the cable is properly wound upon the drum during rotation to thereby assure maximum efficiency of the power system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Irwin Seating Company
    Inventor: David W. Winship
  • Patent number: 6164726
    Abstract: A folding chair is described of the type having a seat portion and a back portion joined by a fabric hinge. The seat and back portions have an array of stiffeners, the stiffeners each having one end mounted in the hinge and another end retained in an end retainer. The outermost slats are provided with a slot through which a pair of stays are wound to limit the opening of the back and seat portions relative to each other. The retainers and the hinge capture the ends of the slats in an interference fit. Some or all of the slats may be glued in place with a waterproof glue. A dual purpose cover is provided for enveloping the chair in a folded position for carrying and also for overlaying the chair when in a position for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Inventors: Christina M. Reeves, Christopher J. Reeves
  • 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: 6135557
    Abstract: The foldable stool has a triangular shaped seat with three upper legs attached to the corners of the seat. A leg holder is attached to the bottom portion of each upper leg. Lower legs are inserted into the leg holders. The foldable stool may also have additional leg segments that include a first lower engagement mechanism that is attached to the first lower leg. The first lower engagement mechanism protrudes radially outwardly from the first lower leg and is automatically movable between a lock position and a release position and insertable through the first opening of the first upper leg to lock the first upper leg to the first lower leg. The first lower engagement mechanism has a lower release surface upwardly protruding at a first acute angle relative to the first lower leg and an upper release surface so that the lower release surface and the upper release surface form a second acute angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Multiw Inc.
    Inventor: Mats Gustafsson
  • Patent number: 6135487
    Abstract: A foldable baby stroller having a set of legs and a handle which are swingable relative to each other between operating and collapsed configurations. In the operating configuration, the front legs and handle lie generally on the same arc to provide a smooth transition from the legs to the handle. The rear legs are preferably curved as well. In the collapsed configuration, the front legs lie generally parallel to the rear legs. A stabilizing side section runs on each side of the stroller between respective front and rear legs. The stabilizing side section is swingably affixed to its respective front leg at a position closer to the handle than the wheels and is swingably affixed to its respective rear leg at a position closer to the wheel than the handle to provide for a stable baby stroller in the operating configuration and a baby stroller that is readily collapsible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Regalo International, LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Flannery, Timothy L. Edwards, Danial E. Julian
  • Patent number: 6125769
    Abstract: A folding table comprises a foldable table surface and a support frame. The table surface is formed with six pieces of wood boards and four clamps. The wood boards, or strips, are coupled one to the other, and the table surface is formed with clamps. The foot support includes a connecting device, four upper legs, four lower legs, four angle connectors and two rods. Wherein, the connecting device is a frame with four parallel boards, each board is connected to an upper leg and a lower leg, respectively. Each upper leg is connected to an angle connector and every two angle connectors are secured to a rod, thus, the table surface is secured to the rods and assembled with the legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Inventors: Ting-sheng Tsai, Wei-sin Chang
  • Patent number: 6113183
    Abstract: A privacy shroud assembly specifically designed to increase the privacy of an occupant of a chair structure when the chair structure is in a reclined position for extended periods of rest or sleep. The assembly includes a supporting base fixed to the support surface on which the chair structure is mounted and a shroud or shield portion movably coupled to the base so as to be selectively positionable between a stored position and an operative position. The operative position is at least partially defined by an upward and outward position of the shield portion in a somewhat rearward orientation to the chair structure and in at least partially surrounding relation to the reclined backrest and, of course, an upper body portion of an occupant thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Aircraft Modular Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Koch, Michael L. Oleson
  • Patent number: 6095598
    Abstract: A chair arm-rest comprises a rear portion secured to the supporting structure of the arm-rest, and a front portion which is pivotally mounted to the rear portion around an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the arm-rest and adapted to assume two different operative positions which are spaced from each other by about 180.degree.. The articulation axis is offset towards one side of the rear portion of the arm-rest, so that in one of said two operative positions the front portion projects towards the inner side of the arm-rest with respect to the rear portion, so as to provide adequate support for the arm of the occupant when the latter must perform an operation at the keyboard of a typewriter or a computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Desital Holland B.V.
    Inventor: Giancarlo Piretti
  • Patent number: 6092867
    Abstract: A gaming console that retains gaming devices in a cockpit-like arrangement for enhancing the experience of home video game playing. The gaming console includes a seat for the game player and armrests for the game player's arms. Each armrest is equipped with a device retainer that provides a sturdy mount for gaming devices. A game player can place the gaming console in an existing chair, thereby permitting the game player to sit on the seat of the gaming console at an elevation suitable for home video game playing. By grasping the gaming devices mounted on the device retainers, the game player can play the home video game. The armrests are tilted inward, providing the effect of being surrounded by a control panel. The gaming console is modular in that additional components can be added to the gaming console without changing the basic structure of the gaming console. Additional components include a laptop table, a mouse pad, a storage compartment, and a sound system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Inventor: Patrick Miller
  • Patent number: 6082813
    Abstract: A foldable chair includes four supporting legs, each having a top portion, a bottom portion, and an intermediate portion, and four stretchers, each disposed to brace two adjacent supporting legs. When upper hook ends of the stretchers are slidably moved to a folded position to be proximate to the top portions, the two adjacent supporting legs are closer to each other. Four first coupling members are slidably mounted on the intermediate portions, and are connected to the upper hook ends. Four second coupling members are slidably mounted on the intermediate portions, and are disposed above and are engageable with the first coupling members. A flexible seat sheet is disposed to be grasped by gripping portions of the second coupling members and is tensed when the supporting legs are in the spread position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventor: Kao-San Chen
  • Patent number: 6073997
    Abstract: A foldable table includes a seat secured to a chair, a shaft pivotally secured to the seat at a pivot axle and rotatable from a horizontal position to a vertical position, and a board pivotally secured to the shaft at a pivot pin and rotatable relative to the shaft to a horizontal working position. A casing is secured to the board and includes a hub for rotatably receiving the shaft. A plate is secured to the casing and has a curved slot for receiving a fastener extended from the shaft and for limiting the rotational movement of the shaft relative to the board and the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Inventor: Tuang Hock Koh
  • Patent number: 6015190
    Abstract: A portable, foldable chair having a seat back and a seat bottom, is provided, especially appropriate for hunting and similar outdoor uses. The seat bottom has a relieved area toward the rearward area that forms a handle. Flanking this relieved area are two apertures that accept curved brackets extending from the seat back. The brackets pivot within the apertures with pivot stops abutting both the front and back of these apertures when the seat back is in its upright position. When folded, the seat back nests within the seat bottom. Also provided are independently extendable front legs to accommodate uneven terrain, reinforcing seat bottom and seat back ribs, provisions for carrying the seat over the shoulder, vents for draining rainwater or dissipating heat, and use of camouflage colors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Inventor: Charles Albert Wend
  • Patent number: 6012773
    Abstract: Stackable row chairs can be provided with desk assemblies for lecture hall purposes by forming a holder for the desk assembly with a pair of struts upon stirrups at their lower ends engaging the legs of the chair provided with the assembly. Connecting members can run from the stirrups to an adjoining chair to allow the desk assembly simultaneously to serve as a connecting system for joining the chairs in the row.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Mauser Office GmbH
    Inventor: Klaus Best
  • Patent number: 6000752
    Abstract: A portable seat including a receptacle attached below the textile material that comprises a seat plane. The receptacle is a larger storage space than previously offered due to a set of the protrusions located on the leg assemblies that enable the foldable backrest to achieve an operative position for sitting without encroaching upon receptacle space. The zippers extending to three sides of the receptacle also provides greater access to the inside of the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Inventor: Michael H. Shyr
  • Patent number: 5988750
    Abstract: A substantially non-freestanding backrest for supporting a person in a reclining position. The rest assembly comprises a support structure of two preferably pivotally intersecting leg members having a torso support member coupled therebetween. A lower back support member and various supply holding configurations/embodiments are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Inventor: Robert H. Rubottom