On Or Integral With Armrest (e.g., Beverage Cup Holder) Patents (Class 297/188.14)
  • Patent number: 11970271
    Abstract: A recline mechanism is described. The recline mechanism provides for adjusting an angle of a seatback of a passenger seat. The recline mechanism prevents angular adjustments of the seatback when a cylinder and piston assembly is in a locked state and permits the angular adjustments when in an unlocked state. A solenoid is provided to lock and unlock a valve of the recline mechanism. The solenoid is engaged and disengaged in response to receiving electrical signals from a button. The button generates an electrical signal when the button is depressed and again when the button is released. The button includes an electromagnet or a piezoelectric for generating the electrical signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark B. Dowty, David D. Nicolato, Alen Wyss
  • Patent number: 11838709
    Abstract: A system such as a vehicle, building, vessel, aircraft, or electronic device system may have a layer of material with invisible laser-drilled openings. The layer of material may include an outer layer of fabric overlapping an inner layer such as an inner foam layer. Laser-drilled openings may include outer openings in the fabric layer and inner openings in the foam layer. Each of the inner openings may be overlapped by multiple outer openings. The exposed surface of the fabric layer may have strands of material of different appearances and/or may otherwise be configured to help visually hide the laser-drilled openings. Laser-drilled openings may also have small sizes to help make the laser-drilled openings invisible. Laser-drilled openings may overlap components such as audio components, heating and cooling components, and/or light-emitting components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: James G. Griffin, II, Lukas Satas, Michael S. Nashner, Zuguang Chen, Jason T. Parker
  • Patent number: 11745632
    Abstract: A folding lifting device for automobile, comprising outer housing, lifting supporting plate, folding assembly and synchronous cushioning assembly. Outer housing comprises housing bottom, lifting supporting plate is provided in outer housing, and folding assembly is provided between lower side of lifting supporting plate and upper side of housing bottom; folding assembly is composed of two groups of same side V-shaped folding elements, and synchronous cushioning assembly is provided between lower sides of two groups of side V-shaped folding elements. Each of two groups of side V-shaped folding elements comprises front upper folding bar, front lower folding bar, rear upper folding bar and rear lower folding bar; first synchronous rack is fixedly provided at rear side of front lower folding bar, second synchronous rack is fixedly provided at the front side of the rear lower folding bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: NINGBO SHUAITELONG GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Zhiguang Wu, Bingfa Wu, Lixian Wang, Xiaopeng Cao
  • Patent number: 11697363
    Abstract: Adjustable seat device for a vehicle, comprising: -a base portion (10), -a seat portion (20) that is movable with respect to the base portion (10) between a first position, referred to as retracted, and a second position, referred to as extended, -an articulation system (30) forming a deformable parallelogram, which is connected to the base portion (10) and to the seat portion (20) and comprises at least one diagonal support arm (31) connected diagonally to the deformable parallelogram, characterized in that the diagonal support arm (31) is designed to have a first length when the seat portion (20) is in the first position and a second length when the seat portion (20) is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: AUTOLIV DEVELOPMENT AB
    Inventors: Erik Rydsmo, Anders Ahlqvist
  • Patent number: 11535135
    Abstract: Provided is an armrest device that can be positioned in an appropriate position suitable for the build of the vehicle occupant. The armrest device comprises an interior member provided on an inboard side of a vehicle door, and an armrest main body supported by the interior member so as to be moveable between an initial position and a projecting position more inboard and forward than the initial position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: TS TECH CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Takahiro Shimizu
  • Patent number: 11412842
    Abstract: A deployable chair and desk assembly allowing for facile repositioning to different locations includes a chair and a desk. A pair of posts is engaged to and extends upwardly from a back of the chair. A canopy engaged to the posts shades the chair. A beam is engaged to and extends between the back of the chair and the desk so that the desk is positioned proximate to a front edge of the chair and provides a work surface for a user seated in the chair. Each of a set of ports is engaged to one of the chair and the desk and can operationally engage an electronic device. A solar panel is engaged to an upper surface of the canopy and is operationally engaged to the ports. The solar panel converts light into an electrical current to power an electronic device engaged to a respective port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Inventor: Anthony Richards
  • Patent number: 11351900
    Abstract: A vehicle armrest that is provided at a seat transverse direction end portion of a vehicle seat and that extends in a seat front-rear direction, the vehicle armrest including: a front-side supporting portion that is provided at a seat front-side end portion, and that is configured to support a wrist end portion of a forearm of a vehicle occupant; a rear-side supporting portion that is provided at a seat rear-side end portion, and that is configured to support an elbow end portion of the forearm; and a terminal accommodating portion that is provided between the front-side supporting portion and the rear-side supporting portion, a seat upper side of the terminal accommodating portion being open, and the terminal accommodating portion being positioned at a seat lower side of the forearm that is placed on the vehicle armrest, and the terminal accommodating portion being able to accommodate a portable terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroshi Mizobata, Hiroyuki Mita
  • Patent number: 11259638
    Abstract: A chair with a footrest mechanism includes two upright rods, a seat cushion arranged between the two upright rods, and a footrest mechanism. A hanging part is arranged on each of both sides of the seat cushion, and both ends of the hanging part are fixedly connected to the seat cushion. The middle part of the hanging part is fixed to the upper end of the upright rod. The footrest mechanism includes a footrest part, a connecting rod and a pull belt. A first end portion of the connecting rod is fixedly connected to the footrest part, and a second end portion of the connecting rod is fixedly connected to the seat cushion. A first end portion of the pull belt is fixedly connected to the footrest part, and a second end portion of the pull belt is connected to the hanging part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Inventor: Libin Chen
  • Patent number: 10383450
    Abstract: A buoyant pool lounge chair is disclosed. In one embodiment of the buoyant pool lounge chair, frame members collectively form an open chair frame with buoyant cushions forming a chair seat and a backrest as well as a left arm rest and a right arm rest. The left arm rest and the right arm rest are each intersected by a cup holder. A recess in the cup holder has a forward tilt relative to a horizontal axis having an angle between approximately 20 degrees and approximately 40 degrees toward the front end of the buoyant pool lounge chair. In operation, when the buoyant pool lounge chair is supporting a person while the buoyant pool chair is floating in water, the forward tilt of the cup holder provides a compensating-leveling mechanism that mitigates spilling of liquid in the cup when the cup is placed within the cup holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: TRC Recreation, LP
    Inventors: Matthew J. Iles, Christopher B. Holland, Michael V. Nelson
  • Patent number: 10285505
    Abstract: Provided is a modular furniture apparatus comprising a chair, a first cup holder engaged with the chair, a first tablet, and a first engagement fixture. The first cup holder may define a substantially cylindrical first cavity having a substantially cylindrical first interior wall elongated along a first cylinder axis, the first interior wall bounded, by an inward-facing first bottom end wall, and by an open aperture opposite the first bottom end wall along the first cylinder axis. The first tablet may have a first tablet surface, and a second tablet surface opposite said first tablet surface. The first engagement fixture may be fixedly engaged with the first tablet, and may have a first protrusion defining a substantially cylindrical first exterior surface adapted to removably and securely engage with the substantially cylindrical first cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Regency Seating, Inc.
    Inventor: John Summerville
  • Patent number: 10220747
    Abstract: A collapsible vehicular armrest substrate includes load-bearing strips extending across a gap defined within a support frame. A first tunable element secures the load-bearing strips in a support position on the support frame. A first tension-adjusting portion sets a predetermined first tension limit of the first tunable element. The load-bearing strips disengage from the support position when the first tunable element experiences an actual tension greater than the predetermined first tension limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mangala A. Jayasuriya, Robert William McCoy, Kenneth S. Laird, Linh Doan
  • Patent number: 10188213
    Abstract: Provided is a dual motion recline mechanism for a seating assembling and seating assembly including the same. The seating assembly provides a user with the ability to both tilt the seat member so as to save space and the comfort of a back member capable of reclining. The recline mechanism includes a seat frame carrier assembly, a seat pivot pin, a seat carrier chassis plate, a rear pivot link, a chassis mounting plate, a back frame assembly, and a linear actuator connected by various pivotal, sliding or fixed connections. The linear actuator is remotely situated including for example behind the back frame assembly or under an arm rest. Optional elements include a seat front guide block, a seat front guide rod, back frame guide block and a back guide pin. The seating assembly may be a theater seat. The seating assembly may be mounted on a flat or sloped surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: VIP CINEMA, LLC
    Inventors: Terry Dale Johnson, Jeffrey Bowen, Stephen Simons
  • Patent number: 9986833
    Abstract: A modular cinema lounge chair including a seat member, a back and headrest support member that is adapted to be rockably and/or controllably and lockably displaceable between an upright/retracted position and a reclined/extended position, a left arm, a right arm, a floor-engaging frame sub-assembly, a left side, a right side, a front side or optional leg rest that is controllably and lockably displaceable between a lowered/retracted position and a raised/extended position via a hydraulic cylinder or electric motor, and a back side, wherein the frame sub-assembly includes a clean, simplified, and extremely sturdy structure which is adapted to accommodate the wear and tear associated with high volume use in today's cinemas, theaters, and auditoriums.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: First Class Seating, LLC
    Inventors: Charles S. Reid, Bill Foley, George Kinsella, Ron Lamer, Ernest White, Ryan Volgelheim
  • Patent number: 9902331
    Abstract: A stowable accessory holder includes a compartment and a door rotatably mounted with respect to the compartment. The door is rotatable between a first, stowed position in which a side of the door faces into the compartment and a second, accessible position in which the side faces outwards from the compartment. At least one resilient retainer on the door is configured to retain an object on the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: NYX, Inc.
    Inventors: Gurpreet S. Sidhu, Jeffrey Michael Bisson
  • Patent number: 9840179
    Abstract: A liftable container holder of the present invention includes a case part that defines a receiving space therein and has an opening of the receiving space, an outer cylinder part that is disposed in the receiving space and reciprocatingly movable through the opening in an outward direction of the receiving space, an inner cylinder part that is disposed in the receiving space and reciprocatingly movable through the opening in an inward direction of the receiving space, and a lifting part that displaces the inner cylinder part and the outer cylinder part in directions different from each other. The lifting part has a link member including a one-end part connected to the outer cylinder part, an other-end part connected to the inner cylinder part, and a rotating support part rotatably supported in the case part between the one-end part and the other-end part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shinichi Sawada, Kunihito Kondo, Yoshinori Masatsugu
  • Patent number: 9637059
    Abstract: A hinged sliding armrest subsystem for a motor vehicle console assembly includes a console storage compartment lid, a console storage compartment upper element, and a pivoting hinge connecting the console lid and the console storage compartment upper element, all fabricated as a unit. A molded track for receiving a sliding armrest may be included in the console storage compartment lid. A torque hinge may be included as a hinge pin for the pivoting hinge. At least the console storage compartment lid and the pivoting hinge are fabricated of a suitably durable and lubricious material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher Emery Fesenmyer
  • Patent number: 9598025
    Abstract: A child's seat assembly includes components enabling mental stimulation, entertainment and comfort for a child or infant while they are sitting in a car seat assembly. A car seat assembly includes a car seat, a cup-holder and an interchangeable cup-holder control enabling access to media, educational tools and two-way, person-to-person communication. A car seat assembly includes a car seat, safety straps for securing occupant in the seat, handle, a canopy to block sunlight or receive a projection, car seat mounting base, crush barrier and a projector. A car seat assembly includes a removable handle pad for holding a smart phone. A removable handle pad for holding for holding a smart phone includes a pad and a smart phone pouch on the surface of the pad. The car seat assembly of the invention is intended for use with an infant or toddler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: IQmagine
    Inventors: Chris Scheppegrell, Ronald Carter, Daniel Lee Bizzell
  • Patent number: 9531145
    Abstract: A branched electrical system is adapted for providing multiple users with access to high and/or low voltage electrical power in work areas or high density seating areas, such as stadium or theater seating, work rooms, lecture halls, and public transportation vehicles. The system includes a main line and a plurality of branch lines, each branch line having at least one high voltage or low voltage electrical receptacle that is accessible to a user located at the seating, such as for powering a portable electronic device. The branch lines may be coupled to the main line via a splice or other electrical-mechanical connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Inventors: Norman R. Byrne, Daniel P. Byrne, Timothy J. Warwick, Thomas A. Petersen, Randell E. Pate
  • Patent number: 9192246
    Abstract: A rotatable tray is installed on a child seat for accommodating a container, and the rotatable tray includes a platform, a fixing base, a positioning base, a resilient component and a supporting base. The platform includes a communicating chamber, and the fixing base is fixed in the communicating chamber. The positioning base includes a first engaging portion, and the positioning base is slidably disposed in the communicating chamber. The resilient component is disposed between the fixing base and the positioning base. The supporting base is connected to the platform, an engaging base protrudes from an end of the supporting base, and a second engaging portion is disposed on the supporting base. The engaging base is pivoted in the communicating chamber so that the platform can rotate relative to the supporting base. The resilient component drives the first engaging portion to selectively engage with the second engaging portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Wonderland Nurserygoods Company Limited
    Inventors: Ruibin Chen, Xiao-Jian Zhang
  • Patent number: 9032651
    Abstract: An advertising apparatus including a body portion adapted to be one or both of connected to or disposed on a support structure accessible for advertising purposes and, an interchangeable and/or replaceable advertising device, the advertising device being adapted to be one or both of connected to or disposed on the body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Branded Seats, LLC.
    Inventor: Shad E. Bruce
  • Patent number: 9022466
    Abstract: An armrest assembly may include a base member, an armrest member, a mechanism and a biasing member. The armrest member may be linearly movable relative to the base member between a first position and a second position. The mechanism may be associated with the armrest member and may be movable between an engaged configuration restricting linear movement of the armrest member relative to the base member and a disengaged configuration allowing linear movement of the armrest member relative to the base member. The biasing member may bias the armrest member in a linear direction from the second position toward the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventor: Omar Cinco
  • Publication number: 20150102641
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a first seating unit having a backrest, which includes a front side and a back side. An armrest I operably coupled with an intermediate portion of the back side and is configured for use by a passenger seated in a second seating unit disposed behind but laterally offset from the first seating unit. The armrest is moveable between an in-use position, wherein an upper surface of the armrest is generally horizontally positioned and available to support the passenger, and a stowed position, wherein the armrest is generally adjacent to a rear face of the backrest of the first seating unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Teresa Mendicino, Torsten Gerhardt, David Woodhouse, Lewis Blaber
  • Publication number: 20150061333
    Abstract: A furniture piece is provided. The furniture piece includes a back assembly having a plurality of horizontal supports and a plurality of vertical supports coupled to the plurality of horizontal support. The plurality of vertical supports includes a first indicia shape. An arm assembly is coupled to the plurality of horizontal supports and includes a plurality of arm supports, wherein the plurality of arm supports includes a second indicia shape. The furniture piece includes a leg assembly coupled to the plurality of vertical supports and to the plurality of arm supports. The leg assembly includes a plurality of leg supports, wherein the plurality of leg supports includes a third indicia shape. A seat assembly is coupled to the plurality of vertical supports and the plurality of leg supports. The first indicia shape, the second indicia shape and the third indicia shape include at least one of a profile, silhouette, pattern and scheme of a firearm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventor: Andrew Hoedebecke
  • Patent number: 8955242
    Abstract: An advertising apparatus including a body portion adapted to be one or both of connected to or disposed on a support structure accessible for advertising purposes and, an interchangeable and/or replaceable advertising device, the advertising device being adapted to be one or both of connected to or disposed on the body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Branded Seats, LLC
    Inventor: Shad E. Bruce
  • Patent number: 8944499
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an armrest for a vehicle, the armrest having a front end, a rear end, and two sides; an intake port formed in the front end of an armrest body; an exhaust port formed in the rear end of the armrest body; a blower installed in the armrest body, the blower being connected to the exhaust port by an exhaust duct, and to the intake port by an intake duct, wherein the intake duct is configured to extend rearward from the intake port, branch off into a plurality of diverged parts, and converge prior to connection with the blower; a plurality of cup holders arranged in a row and positioned forward of the blower and proximate to the diverge parts of the intake duct; and a thermoelement disposed on each of the cup holders, the thermoelement being brought into close contact with the intake duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Man Ju Oh, Jae Woong Kim, Jae Woo Park
  • Patent number: 8944500
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an armrest that includes a rotating shaft, an intake port, an exhaust port, an internal duct and a cup holder. The rotating shaft is disposed in the rear end of the armrest body and configured to pivotally connect the armrest body to a seat so that the armrest body may alternate between a retracted position in which the armrest functions as a seatback and an unfolded position in which the armrest functions as an armrest. The intake port, exhaust port, and internal duct are configured to provide heating and cooling of the cup holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Man Ju Oh, Jae Woong Kim, Jae Woo Park, Tae Soo Sung
  • Publication number: 20150008708
    Abstract: A seat for a vehicle includes a seat pan, where the seat pan front edge defines a first pivot point and the seat pan rear edge defines a second pivot point, a backrest articulately disposed adjacent to the seat pan rear edge, a headrest articulately disposed adjacent to the backrest top edge, and two armrests positioned adjacent lateral sides of the seat pan. The armrests define top surfaces that are disposed a predetermined height above the seat pan top surface. The seat is configurable into at least one of a taxi, takeoff and landing position, a napping position, and a sleeping position. The first pivot point remains in a substantially fixed position for the taxi, takeoff and landing position, the napping position, and the sleeping position. The predetermined height varies for each of the taxi, takeoff and landing position, the napping position, and the sleeping position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventor: Philippe ERHEL
  • Publication number: 20150008707
    Abstract: A seat includes a seat pan, having a seat pan front edge and a seat pan rear edge. The seat pan front edge defines a first pivot point and the seat pan rear edge defines a second pivot point. A lumbar cushion, having a lumbar cushion top edge and a lumbar cushion bottom edge, is articulately disposed adjacent to the seat pan rear edge. A backrest, having a backrest top edge and a backrest bottom edge, is articulately disposed adjacent to the lumbar cushion top edge. A headrest, having a headrest top edge and a headrest bottom edge, is articulately disposed adjacent to the backrest top edge. The seat pan, the lumbar cushion, the backrest, and the headrest are positionable with respect to one another such that seat is configurable into at least one of a taxi, takeoff and landing position, a limited recline position, a napping position, and a sleeping position. The first pivot point remains in a substantially fixed position for each of the positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: BOMBARDIER INC.
    Inventor: BOMBARDIER INC.
  • Patent number: 8915412
    Abstract: A cup holder assembly for use in an automotive vehicle is provided. The cup holder assembly includes a panel and cup holder. The panel includes a top surface. The top surface includes at least one beverage container opening configured to receive a cup holder. A pocket is formed on the top surface of the panel and a cushion is disposed within the pocket. The panel may be covered with a skin such as a synthetic leather so as to cover the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Lauren M. Abro, Benjamin Warren Penner
  • Patent number: 8911011
    Abstract: An armrest assembly includes a body and a pair of elongate side members at an outer side periphery of the body. The assembly further includes a tray extending between the side members, wherein the tray defines a beverage holder and is slidably mounted relative to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Christer Andersson, Odd Jaegtnes
  • Patent number: 8864221
    Abstract: A folding massage chair that includes a chair with attached front and rear support frames. The chair includes a seat portion and a backing portion, and also includes a massage and heating pad that is placed over the seat portion and a backing portion. The massage and heating pad includes a number of heating units and heating coils, along with a number of vibrator units. The chair also includes a cup holder and a music player holder, along with a foot rest attached to the front support frame. The chair also has a canopy that is attached to the backing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Inventor: Antonio J. Delvilla
  • Patent number: 8857911
    Abstract: Described are passenger seat assemblies having at least one seat back support and at least one seat pan coupled to the at least one seat back support. The passenger seat assemblies may also include at least one pair of armrests coupled to the at least one seat back support, a seat support structure having at least one seat pan mounting surface and a framework, wherein the at least one seat pan is coupled to the at least one seat pan mounting surface, and/or at least one headrest pivotally coupled to the at least one seat back support with at least one pair of extensions coupled to the at least one headrest or the at least one seat back support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Zodiac Seats US LLC
    Inventors: Raul Daniel Flores Aguirre, Oscar Ruiz Lara
  • Publication number: 20140300149
    Abstract: A sidewall integrated armrest includes a plurality of armrest segments upon which an arm may rest. Each of the plurality of armrest segments are supported by a structure proximate a sidewall and adjacent to but not supported by a seat. Each of the seats is disposed in a line along the sidewall and spaced apart at a seating pitch. The armrest further includes at least one armrest spacer disposed between the plurality of armrest segments. The at least one armrest spacer has a combined length between the plurality of armrest segments to establish a pitch between the plurality of armrest segments substantially equal to the seating pitch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: B/E AEROSPACE, INC.
    Inventors: Stephanie N. Lightbody, Jefferey M. McKee
  • Patent number: 8807504
    Abstract: A diameter acceptance mechanism for a cup holder has a base, a contact member, and an urging device (for example, one torsion coil spring). The contact member has at least a hollow first flap member supported movably into and out from an open part of the base and having a projection orifice facing a cup insertion part, and a second flap member fitted into a hollow part of the first flap member and supported movably into and out from the projection orifice. The second flap member projects from the projection orifice to contact with an outer perimeter of a cup inserted into the cup insertion part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventor: Atsushi Ogawa
  • Patent number: 8777307
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cup-holding device configured to be retrofitted to an seat arm or other horizontal support structure. The cup-holding device has a basket in a seat-mounting portion wherein there is sufficient rigidity of the structure to hold a cup or similar small item(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventors: Jeff Nelson, Jenise Nelson
  • Patent number: 8757572
    Abstract: An apparatus for adapting a cup holder to securely hold a variety of objects that may be of different configurations, sizes and shapes. The apparatus comprises a lower portion with extending members for positioning the base of the apparatus within the opening of a cup holder or other open space. An upper portion is adapted to securely hold objects including but not limited to stemware such as wine glasses, an ash tray, coffee mugs, other oversized or small beverage containers, a portable lamp, a portable music player such as an iPod or other MP3 player, a portable computing device including but not limited to an iPhone or other smart phone, an iPad or other tablet computer, a laptop computer, a Kindle or other electronic reader, as well as any other item which a user would like to hold securely and usually within arm's reach of a seating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Inventors: Judd E. Starr, Joseph L Gauntt, Robert Lee Biddlecome
  • Patent number: 8708408
    Abstract: A cupholder assembly has a housing with an opening and first and second support members movably mounted on the housing. The first support member moves along a first direction between a retracted position and an extended position. The second moves along a second direction that is normal to the first direction between a first position and a second position that is further spaced from a distal portion of the first support member. The distal portion of the second support member includes a support surface adapted to provide support for an item when the distal portion of the second support member is in the second position. A support rod has a first end connected to the first support member and a second end connected to the second support member. The support rod is angled relative to a third direction normal to the first and second directions when the distal portion of the second support member is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Christer Andersson, Adam Alfredsson
  • Patent number: 8696058
    Abstract: An armrest may be adjustable between a down position where a cupholder is accessible to hold a cup and an upright position where the cupholder can be used to cushion an occupant that is supported to it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Okunzuwa Uwague-Igharo
  • Patent number: 8690254
    Abstract: In herringbone seats of the prior art, armrests on the closed angle side form an obstacle for the passengers in the seat in case of a shock, since the latter are generally projected along the axis of the vehicle and thus towards the armrest thus creating a high risk of injury for the passenger in case of a shock. The present invention provides a secure herringbone arrangement for the armrest of a seat i.e. making it possible to reduce the risk of injuries caused by the armrest, in case of a shock. Therefore, the present invention provides to leave a space between the seating part structure and the armrest to enable the passenger on the seat to be projected along the axis of the airplane in case of a shock without hitting the armrest. More precisely, the aim of the invention is a herringbone arrangement for the armrest of a seat wherein the armrest is angularly shifted with respect to the seat, so as to form a free space (33) between the seat and the armrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Zodiac Seats France
    Inventor: Jeremy Cailleteau
  • Patent number: 8672402
    Abstract: Devices, apparatus and methods of assembling and mounting a removable net basket on hoops/rings that can be attached to armrests on child car seats. Two hoops can sandwich a rim end of a tubular net/mesh material. The hoops can be located with one within the other and have snapable bendable fasteners that snap into like slots. The bottom end of the tubular mesh material can be closed off by sandwiching a pair of elongated strips together, with the strips having mateable enlarged heads that pass through slots such as cross shaped slots. The mesh/net bag can be removed by reversing the assembly. The assembled hoops can be hunger by a hanger onto an armrest of a juvenile car seat so that items, such as but not limited to beverage holders, food stuffs, toys and the like, can be placed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Inventors: Aletha Arnold, Bettye Arnold
  • Patent number: 8662580
    Abstract: An arm rest with a drinking vessel holder is particularly intended for use as a back center arm rest for integration in the back rest of a vehicle. The need for a soft back rest and at the same time for integration of a drinking vessel holder is satisfied by the aspect that the drinking vessel holder is formed of a soft material in the bottom region. Moreover, the foam body for provision of padding is functionally employed for generating the retaining force required for retaining the drinking vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: F.S. Fehrer Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Hans Henke, Andreas Sulzbacher, Kerstin Weckert
  • Publication number: 20130334375
    Abstract: A bag-holding apparatus includes a generally L-shaped body adapted to be mounted to a surface. The generally L-shaped body has a horizontal portion and a vertical portion. The bag-holding apparatus further includes a bag opener mounted to and extending away from the vertical portion. The bag opener includes at least one hook, proximate to a distal end of the bag opener. The at least one hook is configured to support a bag suspended therefrom and retain the bag in an open position, generally adjacent to the surface, to collect trash.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventor: Michael B. CHIARELLA
  • Patent number: 8567860
    Abstract: A multipurpose folding chair is disclosed. The chair includes a frame that may be configured for a variety of applications. Locking mechanisms may secure leg portions, a backrest portion, and a footrest portion of the chair in multiple positions relative to a seat of the chair. The chair may be configured to receive a container such as a backpack. In the container receiving configuration, a shoulder strap of the container may be used to carry both the container and the chair. The chair may be equipped with wheels to facilitate portability. The chair includes an integral lumbar support element to support the back of the user. The chair may be optionally equipped with a footrest, armrests, and/or a headrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Inventor: Ambert Jue
  • Patent number: 8556339
    Abstract: A latch lock out assembly for use with an armrest of a vehicle is disclosed. The latch lock out assembly comprises a flexible body secured to the armrest on an end of the body. The latch lock out assembly also comprises a generally cylindrically shaped blocking member arranged on an end of the body. The blocking member will be used to block the disengagement of a latch from a locking surface when the armrest is in a generally vertical or seat back position but flex or bend to a secondary or disengaged position when the armrest is in a generally horizontal position within the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Irvin Automotive Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Shane A. DeVoe
  • Patent number: 8544945
    Abstract: A chair 10 for seating in rows is disclosed. In particular, an armrest arrangement 21 for such chairs is disclosed. The arrangement has an arm support 22 which is pivoted to a support brace 23. When the seat 15 is pivoted into its standby position the arm support 22 and support brace 23 lie alongside each other and have a transverse width D6 which is less than the front to rear dimension D5 of the adjacent seat 15 and backrest 14. In particular, the armrest arrangement can be provided with a cup holder 145 which remains horizontal, notwithstanding the pivoting action of the chair armrest arrangement. This reduces the incidence of beverage and food spillage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: The Product People Pty. Limited
    Inventor: Sheldon King
  • Publication number: 20130249256
    Abstract: A chair, such as, e.g., an easy chair or, a recliner, may include a compartment, a tray, or both. The compartment may have an open position and a closed position and may include a panel configured for a specific purpose. For example, the panel may include a cup holder, a storage slot, and an outlet. The outlet may include a power outlet, a USB port, an ethernet port, or the like. The tray may rotate about a shaft and/or an arm of the chair so that does not pose a nuisance to a user of the chair. The tray may include a mechanism to slide the tray between a first position and a second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: Meco Corporation
    Inventors: Don Payne, JR., Linda West Schumann, Kenneth C. Peacock, Steven Ralph McNay
  • Patent number: 8465090
    Abstract: A chair for use during wade fishing in order to allow the user to sit above the water line has a director's chair with four feet, two forwardly located and two rearwardly located. Extensions are threadably removed within receivers attached to each foot, the extensions having pointed ends that are received within the sandy bottom below the water line. Steps are located just below the feet to help a user get into the chair. Weight distribution disks are frictionally held on the extensions to prevent undue sinking of the chair. Pouches, both mesh and waterproof, are attached to the arm rests and the seat of the chair. A rod holder is receivable within an opening on the arm rest. A receiver is attached to the frame of an upper portion of the chair to hold an umbrella.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventor: Joel Brandon O'Connor
  • Patent number: 8459742
    Abstract: A seating unit for an aircraft including at least one seat and a pivoting device for pivoting the seat around a vertical axis, wherein each seat includes: a plate on which the seat is pivotably assembled; a platform configured to fasten onto rails for accommodating the seat; a translatory movement device for a translatory movement of the plate in relation to the platform along a horizontal direction; and an immobilization device for immobilizing the plate relative to the platform in the translatory movement of the plate, and immobilizing the seat in relation to the plate in a rotary movement of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Airbus
    Inventors: Bruno Saint-Jalmes, Jason Zaneboni, Bernard Rumeau
  • Patent number: 8439438
    Abstract: A cupholder has a substantially tubular shell configured to be mounted with a longitudinal axis oriented substantially vertically. A floor received in the shell is vertically movable along the longitudinal axis for defining a variable depth cup well. A ring coaxially atop the shell has a plurality of vertical guide extensions disposed around a periphery of the shell. The ring is vertically movable. A linkage is provided between the floor and the guide extensions providing reciprocal motion of the floor and the ring wherein pushing down the floor raises the ring and wherein pushing down the ring raises the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Raymond A. Oldani, Scott Simon
  • Patent number: 8419124
    Abstract: A reclining chair is provided. The reclining chair has back, seat, and leg sections. The reclining chair has movable arm rests. In some embodiments, storage units are provided as part of the reclining chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Kramer, Marshall S. Dahneke, Reed N. Wilcox, Franz Gaag, David T. Schwanemann, Rainer B. Teufel, Peter A. Koloski, Thornton K. Lothrop, Ryan R. Berger