Accessible By Displacement Of Seating Surface Patents (Class 297/188.09)
  • Patent number: 11833660
    Abstract: A tool holder having a bib shaped plate mounted on a U-shaped collar configured to nest inside a rim of a utility bucket. The plate has a cutout with a web that overhangs the inside of the bucket and a skirt around the periphery of the plate. The skirt terminates at ends of the cutout with insert tab extensions, each of which has a foot with an outwardly sloped arch, an inwardly projection heel and a horizontal toe. The web provides an edge to scrape off materials from a tool into the bucket while the heel secures the holder to the rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Inventor: Eric J. Ross
  • Patent number: 10966538
    Abstract: The studio couch of the subject invention is a seating unit having an end unit with a cushion which may be raised and lowered from a closed position to an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: HHG IPCO, LLC
    Inventors: Beth Tucker, Jeffrey Plunk, Michael Riggs
  • Patent number: 10925253
    Abstract: A method for recycling plastic and manufacturing filler involves collecting discarded plastic articles, and grinding/shredding the articles up together without substantive sorting out of the articles by plastic type, color, etc. The plastic articles are shredded into shredded plastic particles which are used as filler for various consumer products, such as weight training equipment and cushions. For products requiring additional weight, higher-density shredded recycled plastic particles are added to the filler for increased weight. For products requiring less weight and/or buoyancy, lower-density recycled plastic particles and/or foam is added to the filler for decreased weight/density. Weight training bags, pet training devices, cushions pillows, flotation devices, ski racks, and other products may be formed using the filler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Inventor: Charles Croughwell
  • Patent number: 10647228
    Abstract: A vehicle seating apparatus includes a structural tub and a protective seat load floor wherein the protective seat load floor includes an anti-submarining feature. The apparatus can also be disposed on top of the structural tub housing a battery for an electrified vehicle, wherein the seat load floor serves as the battery cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Vikas Bhatia, Luke A. McKean, Peter J. Moegling
  • Patent number: 10531743
    Abstract: An active chair system incorporates a tilt sensor to detect and measure the tilt of the seat above a pivot point and displays data about that tilt to the user to enable posture corrections to address subtle posture issues that a user might not otherwise recognize.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Inventor: Robert E Marsh
  • Patent number: 10219628
    Abstract: An office, work and leisure chair and retrofit kit for subliminal motions of the seated person. The chair has a cruciform base (1) with rollers (4), a pneumatic spring-action post (2) with an interface plate (5) for a seat panel (21) and seat pad (19), and a backrest (22). The seat panel is mounted with wobble capability on a pneumatic cushion, which has deformable air chambers (18, 35) connected by connecting hoses (27) and lies on an elastically deformable hollow body (14). The hollow body pumps the air chambers when a person sits down and stands up. A pump hose (12) with a one-way valve leads from the hollow body to compensate for leakage losses. Connecting hoses between the air chambers have valves (31; 75; 89) such that the wobbling distance of the seat panel and the damping of the wobbling motion is variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: iii solutions GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Reinhard
  • Patent number: 10046709
    Abstract: A storage container for a vehicular seat includes a cushion pan for supporting a cushion. A lateral support bar extends between opposing side members and is positioned below the cushion pan. A container housing is disposed between the opposing side members and is fixedly attached to an underside of the cushion pan. A rear clamp of the container housing defines a containment region within which the lateral support bar is disposed. The rear clamp defines a surface engagement with the lateral support bar and is slidably engaged with the lateral support bar. Generally vertical displacement of the container housing relative to the lateral support bar biases the lateral support bar against the rear clamp to define an absorbing state of the rear clamp that receives at least a portion of the generally vertical displacement of the container housing relative to the lateral support bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: José Alfredo Peregrina Loera, Omar Antonio Ramirez Pavón, Francisco Ronquillo Meléndez, Mario Garcia Lannoy
  • Patent number: 9156407
    Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a storage assembly for use with a vehicle that includes a front instrument panel. The storage assembly can include a housing defining an interior space and a front exterior surface; and an external storage portion disposed adjacent the front exterior surface of the housing. The external storage portion can define an open storage area extending between the front exterior surface of the housing and the front instrument panel. The storage assembly can also include a moveable storage receptacle that defines a movable storage area. The moveable storage receptacle can be configured to move between a closed position in which at least a portion of the moveable storage receptacle is disposed within the interior space of the housing, and an open position in which at least a portion of the moveable storage receptacle is disposed proximate the open storage area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kevin Kramer, Neal W. Luginbill, Nathaniel Joseph Buchheit, Michael Wiedeman
  • Patent number: 9126689
    Abstract: A seating arrangement for location at the longitudinal center line of a commercial passenger vehicle that has a longitudinally extending passenger seating area. The seating arrangement includes a pair of seats disposed alongside and secured to each other. Each seat comprising a backrest portion, and a seat pan portion, wherein the seats face at an acute angle to each other, and wherein the backrest portions of the respective seats are nearest the vertex of the acute angle than the seat pan portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Air New Zealand Limited
    Inventor: Glen Wilson Porter
  • Patent number: 9044091
    Abstract: A seating device for use in a liquid, the seating device including a body having a closed first end, an open second end and a wall running between the closed first end and the open second end, the closed first end and the wall defining a cavity that is accessible through the open second end, the closed first end defining a seating surface having one or more holes formed therethrough, the one or more holes enabling flow of a fluid therethrough as the seating device is submerged in the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Pure Liquid Pool Products, LLC
    Inventors: Jennifer Walker, Damon Chavez, Michael Sykes
  • Patent number: 9016778
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly comprises a base having an upper rim and a receptacle below the rim, a seatback having upper and lower sections operable at an intermediate hinge between opened and closed positions and frame members operably coupling the base with the seatback, and operable between a use position, wherein the seatback is above the base, and a stowed position, wherein the seatback is in front of and below the rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kristin Ann Hellman, Ryan Welch, Christopher Harold Stone, Jeffrey M. Nowak, Artur Sakarian, Annette Lynn Huebner
  • Patent number: 8985685
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly having a seat back including a polymeric body portion defining a forward support frame having a plurality of forwardly extending connection pins on a front surface thereof. A flexible comfort carrier is disposed on the polymeric body portion and includes a plurality of slots configured to receive the plurality of forwardly extending connection pins. A seat includes a seat pan that is rotatable over a seat bin between open and closed positions. The seat pan includes a forward upwardly-rounded hump configured to lessen the potential of a passenger to slide forward in the seat. The seat pan includes a storage compartment on an underside thereof that includes a latchable lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan Andrew Line, Robert Damerow, Mandeep Singh Sidhu, Brandon Guinn, Bernard Gerard Marchetti, Daniel Ferretti, Chad Hoover
  • Publication number: 20150001900
    Abstract: A storage stool provided includes a stool stand and a stool lid. The stool stand includes a bottom face and a side wall extending upward along the bottom face edge. The bottom face and the side wall together form a storage chamber with an upper end having an opening. The side wall includes an inner face layer, an outer surface layer and an interlayer clamped between the former two. The interlayer has at least one layer made of a rigid material. The bottom of the stool stand is detachably connected to a rotary base. With a paperboard as the interlayer of the side wall, the storage stool is greatly improved in bearing capacity and safer in use. With the rotary base at the bottom, the stool stand can rotate 360°, so users can change direction without adjusting their sitting posture. The use is very convenient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventor: Chunsong Wang
  • Publication number: 20140375090
    Abstract: Described are passenger seat assemblies including spreaders (18) with a transitional region having a forward surface with a radius of curvature of about 3.5 to 3.7 inches and an aft surface with an angular profile configured so that the aft surface is located forward of a plane formed by a surface of the at least one seat back (12) in a fully upright position. The passenger seat assemblies also include leg assemblies (22 with a forward leg portion having a forward surface that is substantially aligned with a forward base frame tube, and an aft surface with an angular profile having a shape of an “r.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: Zodiac Seats US LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Wegenka, Allen Shirey, Aram Krikorian, Shreyas Krishna
  • Patent number: 8876204
    Abstract: A multi-purpose support assembly includes a housing that has a bottom wall and a perimeter wall coupled to and extending upwardly from the bottom wall. A lid is hingedly coupled to the housing. A stop is coupled to and extends upwardly from the perimeter wall of the housing. A shaft is coupled to and extends downwardly from the bottom wall of the housing. A base is coupled to a bottom end of the shaft. The base abuts a support surface so the base may support the housing above the support surface. The base is positionable proximate a toilet so a top of the lid may be accessible to a user seated on the toilet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventor: Edward E. Jewett
  • Patent number: 8857882
    Abstract: A combination toolbox and seating assembly is provided. The toolbox seating assembly is installed in the bed of a pickup truck, wherein the toolbox includes a hinged lid, and wherein a bench style seat may be stored the toolbox when not in use, and may be positioned within the upper portion of the toolbox when in use to provide comfortable rearward seating within the bed of the truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Inventor: Frederick Augustus Daniels, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8740300
    Abstract: A combination toolbox and seating assembly is provided. The toolbox seating assembly is installed in the bed of a pickup truck, wherein the toolbox includes a hinged lid, and wherein a bench style seat may be stored the toolbox when not in use, and may be positioned within the upper portion of the toolbox when in use to provide comfortable rearward seating within the bed of the truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Inventor: Frederick Augustus Daniels, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8616631
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a passenger seat with a seat frame having at least one coupling projection and a seat pan assembly having at least one coupling retainer. The coupling retainer is configured to releasably engage the coupling projection via at least one locking device. The seat pan assembly is disengaged from the passenger seat by removing the locking device, disengaging the coupling retainer, and rotating the seat pan assembly to an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Zodiac Seats US LLC
    Inventors: Rik Westerink, Armando Valdes, Brad Grunwald
  • Patent number: 8596714
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a lower seat portion with a bin defining a compartment within the lower seat portion for storing an item. A lid is connected to the bin and has a closed position in which the compartment is closed by the lid and an open position in which the compartment is substantially uncovered. The bin and the lid are configured so that the lid slides forward of the lower seat portion to the open position. The lid may slide along an arc defined by slots in the bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Daniel W. Whitman
  • Patent number: 8596718
    Abstract: A child restraint includes an adjustable base for installation on a vehicle seat and a detachable infant carrier associated with the adjustable base. The base is configured to be adjusted to tilt the infant carrier relative to the vehicle seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Cosco Management, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul D. Gaudreau, Jr., Raul G. Pereira, Gaetano D. Desimone
  • Publication number: 20130313869
    Abstract: A seating assembly for a vehicle including a seat movable between a raised vertical position and a lowered horizontal position. A storage cavity is defined by an underside of the seat. The storage cavity includes a plurality of vehicle emergency items. Retaining features are disposed on the underside of the seat and secure the plurality of vehicle emergency items. An access opening is disposed on the underside of the seat. A door covers the access opening and is pivotally connected to the underside of the seat. The door is maintained in a latched condition until the seat is moved to the raised vertical position. The door moves to an unlatched condition when the seat is in the raised vertical position and access to the access opening is possible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Adrian Aguirre, Pedro Antonio Romero Oceguera, Alberto Soto Marin
  • Publication number: 20130300162
    Abstract: An improved bean bag chair is disclosed that not only provides conforming support for a person's body in a variety of positions, but also provides a closable storage compartment for storing a large number of miscellaneous articles of varying size, shape and hardness, all without compromising the chair's effectiveness in providing conforming support. The chair includes an upper flexible bag defining an upper compartment that carries an adaptable filler material, and it further includes a lower flexible bag defining a lower compartment for receiving and storing the miscellaneous articles. A closure, e.g., a zipper, secures the upper and lower flexible bags together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventors: Amber I. Goldman, Andrea Soto-Camacho, Karen G. Stash
  • Patent number: 8534753
    Abstract: An entertainment chair system for providing a comfortable means of resting and being entertained. The system features a first half platform and a second half platform mounted atop a base, the first half platform can be reclined or elevated. An inner storage compartment is disposed in the base, wherein a door disposed in the base allows and prevents access to the inner compartment of the base. A television with a mounting system is pivotally attached to the first half platform. The mounting system functions to position the television parallel to the first half platform. A dispensing system is disposed below the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventor: Luis Paul Perez
  • Publication number: 20130049414
    Abstract: Furniture pieces which incorporate load-bearing or non-load bearing structures in which water or other material may be stored. By incorporating such storage capacity within furniture, a user may take advantage of space that would otherwise be unused or unusable to unobtrusively and conveniently store an emergency water supply or other desired material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventor: Tonia Walstad Miller
  • Publication number: 20130026801
    Abstract: An improved bean bag chair is disclosed that not only provides conforming support for a person's body in a variety of positions, but also provides a closable storage compartment for storing a large number of miscellaneous articles of varying size, shape and hardness, all without compromising the chair's effectiveness in providing conforming support. The chair includes an upper flexible bag defining an upper compartment that carries an adaptable filler material, and it further includes a lower flexible bag defining a lower compartment for receiving and storing the miscellaneous articles. A closure, e.g., a zipper, secures the upper and lower flexible bags together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventors: Amber I. Goldman, Andrea Soto-Camacho, Karen G. Stash
  • Patent number: 8316977
    Abstract: A utility vehicle comprises a vehicle body frame to which the engine is mounted; a seat frame fastened to the vehicle body frame and including a seat bottom support member; and a seat bottom detachably fastened to the seat bottom support member; wherein a portion of an upper wall surface of an engine room in which the engine is disposed is defined by at least a portion of a lower surface of the seat bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshinori Tsumiyama, Hidetoshi Kaku, Tyler Furman, Kazuhiro Maeda
  • Patent number: 8308238
    Abstract: In a seatbelt device for a sub seat, a retractor to wind up a webbing is attached to a sub-seat back support member. A buckle to detachably hold a tongue provided at the webbing is provided on a side of the sub-seat cushion which is opposite to a disposition side of the main seat in a vehicle width direction. Accordingly, the seat device for a vehicle which can ensure the sufficient sitting rigidity of the sub seat and the proper support rigidity of the retractor can be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Naohiro Imaoka
  • Patent number: 8282164
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly has a seat bottom that is adapted for attachment to a vehicle. The seat bottom has a foam layer and an expanded polymer layer that defines a first cavity. The first cavity is configured to receive an electrical component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Ashford Allen Galbreath, Asad S. Ali
  • Publication number: 20120242118
    Abstract: A seat structure for a saddle-ride type vehicle, the seat structure including an outer frame portion in which a through-hole is formed at least at a seating position for the occupant to sit on; a seat skin that has elasticity is fixed to the outer frame portion while predetermined tensile force is applied thereto, and is disposed to cover a portion facing the through-hole; and a cushion member that is disposed between an upper surface of the outer frame portion and the seat skin, and bulges above an outer edge of the outer frame portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shinji Kawatani, Mitsuo Nakagawa, Yukinori Kurakawa
  • Patent number: 8262159
    Abstract: A combination toolbox and seating assembly is provided. The toolbox seating assembly is installed in the bed of a pickup truck, wherein the toolbox includes a hinged lid, and wherein a bench style seat may be stored within the lid of the toolbox when not in use, and may be positioned within the upper portion of the toolbox when in use to provide comfortable rearward seating within the bed of the truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Inventor: Frederick Augustus Daniels, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20120169095
    Abstract: A cushion structure for a motor vehicle seat including a retractable stop piece capable of preventing an object placed under the cushion from moving towards the front, and means capable of arranging said cushion in a position preventing a passenger from sitting on it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: Faurecia Sieges d'Automobile
    Inventors: Jean-Noël PETIT, Patrice COURTOIS, Farouk BOUZID, Claude DUBOULET
  • Publication number: 20120086243
    Abstract: A combination toolbox and seating assembly is provided. The toolbox seating assembly is installed in the bed of a pickup truck, wherein the toolbox includes a hinged lid, and wherein a bench style seat may be stored the toolbox when not in use, and may be positioned within the upper portion of the toolbox when in use to provide comfortable rearward seating within the bed of the truck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventor: Frederick Augustus DANIELS, JR.
  • Patent number: 8132856
    Abstract: An article of furniture for storing and powering electronic equipment including a seating area, at least one slidable drawer located under the seating area, and a power source located within the drawer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Inventors: Edward Earl Wilson, Patrick Priest
  • Publication number: 20110181081
    Abstract: A bucket seat (10) formed from a bucket body (12) that may be a generally cylindrical, self-supporting structure that is at least partially fabric covered and forming at least one inner chamber (14) is disclosed. The bucket seat (10) is sized to be used as a seat by a worker and to contain all of the worker's tools either inside the bucket (10) or within pockets (34) on the outer surfaces (18) of the bucket body (12). The bucket seat (10) may also include a knee pad system (24) formed from two knee pads (23) that are coupled together and stored within a pocket (22) on an inner side (21) of a removable lid (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: Union Rich USA LLC
    Inventors: Matthew G. Williams, Terrence P. Kinskey
  • Publication number: 20110062738
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle seat (1) comprising at least one first segment (3, 3?) with a seat part (6) as well as a second segment (2) with a seat part (5) and a backrest (4). The second segment can be stowed underneath the seat part (6) while the backrest (4) is collapsible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: Johnson Controls GmbH
    Inventors: Miles Lindley, Joerg Tabellion, Ponnarasu Annal Ganesan, Michael Fahl, Raghu Balla
  • Patent number: 7862097
    Abstract: A combination storage and tread unit has a housing which is installed beneath a second row of seating in an automotive vehicle body. The housing has a tread pad at each end which a person can step on to reach a third row of seating when a seat in the second row is tumbled forwardly. The housing has two module-receiving compartments for storing electrical control modules and related wiring. The compartments are covered and protected by the second row of seating when the seats in the second row are in a normal occupant-supporting position, but are readily accessible when the seats are tumbled forwardly, so that the modules may be removed and serviced without removing the seats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Alexander J Maceri, Scott B Perry, Eberhard Krueger, Jr., Mark A Rice
  • Publication number: 20100314916
    Abstract: The invention relates to a chair (20) comprising a gas-filled ball (8) and a base (1) which encloses the ball (8) at least in a lower region of the ball (8), the base (1) comprising a base plate (4). The base (1) has an internal diameter which is chosen in relation to the diameter of the ball (8) in such a manner as to laterally immobilize the ball (8) in the base (1). The ball (8) is at least partially covered by a fabric or netting (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: Sylvia Tepe-Walser
    Inventor: Thomas Walser
  • Patent number: 7604290
    Abstract: A cooler whereby a user may store cold stored commodities while additionally serving as a location whereby one or more users may sit upon like a bench. The present invention provides seating by a combination of provided padding on its top surface, a telescopic back rest that folds up or down to provide back support and extendable legs to raise and lower the device to a suitable height whereby a user may comfortably sit upon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Inventor: Robert Giordano
  • Patent number: 7527315
    Abstract: A armrest portion moving forward away from seat backs for allowing an object to be placed thereon is provided at the central portion of the seat backs of a rear row seat, and a movable cushion provided at a central portion of seat cushions in the vehicle width direction. The movable cushion is operative to move upward and forward away from the seat cushions to the location near a front end of the armrest portion. Accordingly, a large-scaled console can be formed at the proper level with the armrest portion and the movable cushion, thereby improving convenience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Kazue Sumida, Minoru Toyota, Naomune Moriyama
  • Patent number: 7523989
    Abstract: A corner unit for an article of sectional furniture. In an exemplary embodiment, the corner unit includes a frame having a plurality of frame members. The frame may include two internal frame members which are disposed substantially perpendicular to each other. The internal frame members provide rigidity and strength to the frame without requiring other angled cuts and connections for the frame. The frame may also include a cover assembly which provides a seat and at least one storage compartment. The frame members may be interconnected by interlocking protrusions and cutout portions, as well as by threaded fasteners received in push-in connector elements which are held in recesses within the frame members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Home Reserve, Inc.
    Inventors: Blaine L. Wieland, Byron T. Shank, Wesley S. Anspach, Randolph Brown
  • Patent number: 7517014
    Abstract: A passenger seat having a substructure that comprises a hollow space. The hollow space is designed to accommodate an object such as a luggage item. Accommodating an object in the substructure makes it possible to optimize the space requirement in an aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Jan Schroeder, Werner Granzeier, Andreas Wietzke
  • Patent number: 7467590
    Abstract: A portable tabletop for use while mounted atop a convention bucket is disclosed. The tabletop contains integrated recess forming semi-circular projections for receiving the annular projection or lip of a conventional bucket. The recess is sufficiently deep and reinforced to securely attach the tabletop to a bucket allowing it to support multiple items. An opening in the center of the tabletop allows for the retrieval of items from, or the discarding of items into, the interior of a bucket while the tabletop is mounted in place on a bucket. Additionally, when not mounted on a bucket, the opening aids in the portability of the tabletop by allowing a person to grip the center of the device and carry it one-handed parallel to the body. The tabletop also incorporates slot shaped openings, which allow the bail of the bucket to protrude vertically through the tabletop providing for the tabletop and bucket to be easily moved as a whole while the tabletop is mounted in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Inventor: Peter Joseph Meller
  • Patent number: 7396083
    Abstract: A body support system for providing support to a user is provided. In certain embodiments, a body support system comprises a single leg having a first end and a second end; a seat attached to the first end of the single leg; a base attached to the second end of the single leg, the base having a curved surface capable of securely engaging a ground surface at a range of angles; and a strap having a first end and a second end wherein the first end of the strap is attached to the single-legged body support system and wherein the second end of the strap is capable of attaching to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Inventor: Curtis E. Kasner
  • Patent number: 7341314
    Abstract: A lightweight interchangeable shield device to protect and prevent injury to individuals involved in baseball related sports activity. The shield device extends integrally from a seat between the legs of the individual protecting the crotch region from being hit with a baseball during practice. The seat can be configured as a closure lid for upright containers having an open end or can be of a contoured cushion configuration. The shield is adaptable to conform to other seat structures independently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Inventor: Ray Boyd
  • Patent number: 7328943
    Abstract: An adjustable storage seat for recreation and utility vehicles is disclosed. The adjustable storage seat may be used for snowmobiles, watercraft, all-terrain vehicles, or other similar small vehicle intended for entertainment and transportation. The adjustable storage seat comprises a cushion mounted over a frame which is attached to the chassis of the vehicle. The seat is provided with an adjustable backrest which can be adjusted forward or backward in increments to increase the comfort of the rider when a button on the seat is pushed, but otherwise remains fixed in place. The adjustable backrest can also be removed from the seat to reveal a storage compartment after turning it 90 degrees. The seat may be provided with a lock to secure the storage compartment. Additional embodiments of the adjustable storage seat are convertible for one or two person use, and may be provided with internal storage or item racks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Barry Johnson, Norman Berg, Timothy Storo, Robert Aronson
  • Patent number: 7147281
    Abstract: A motorcycle having a loading space for stably loading luggage. Luggage may be loaded onto a rear loading space with the luggage being fixed by fastening a rope to a grab rail. A seat back is provided that also functions as a passenger seat. When only one person rides, luggage can be loaded onto the rear space and can be fastened by hanging the luggage on a hook directly or indirectly using the rope. As the hook disappears when a seat back that also functions as a passenger seat is positioned to be substantially horizontal, the appearance quality is not damaged. Therefore, luggage can be stably loaded and a larger quantity of luggage can be carried by the motorcycle. Left and right slider are provided for permitting free longitudinal movement of the seat from a substantially horizontal position to a raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Susumu Michisaka, Masao Ogawa, Tomokatsu Suda
  • Patent number: 7140658
    Abstract: A combination storage and tread unit has a housing which is installed beneath a second row of seating in an automotive vehicle body. The housing has a tread pad at each end which a person can step on to reach a third row of seating when a seat in the second row is tumbled forwardly. The housing has two module-receiving compartments for storing electrical control modules and related wiring. The compartments are covered and protected by the second row of seating when the seats in the second row are in a normal occupant-supporting position, but are readily accessible when the seats are tumbled forwardly, so that the modules may be removed and serviced without removing the seats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander J Maceri, Scott B Perry, Eberhard Krueger, Jr., Mark A Rice
  • Patent number: 7017708
    Abstract: This device will allow the user access to a platform and also use the device as an additional step. It will be easy to move and easy to stow. Unlike a footstool it can be easily stowed under cabinets or chairs. A hole in the center section, which is the step, allows the user to easily move it from location to location. Hinges on the sides of the steps allow the step to be raised and lowered at will and a stop mechanism is provided to allow the step to be raised and stay in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventor: Darla Lynn
  • Patent number: 6976278
    Abstract: A wheelchair, containing a seat having an opening, seat sections that substantially fill the opening, a commode, wherein the commode is beneath the opening in the seat, wherein the seat sections move vertically and horizontally to provide access to the commode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Inventors: Martha Oetting, Wayne Oetting, William Koeneker
  • Patent number: 6929321
    Abstract: A fold-up seat mountable in mobile living quarters has a sidewall defining a storage space covered by a seat platform. The seat platform can be opened and closed about a hinge apparatus to provide access to the storage area when the seat platform is open and provides a place for sitting when the seat platform is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Inventor: Scott J. Shrock