Into Armrest Patents (Class 297/188.16)
  • Patent number: 11089257
    Abstract: Provided is a ceiling-protruding type display position adjusting device, and more particularly, to a ceiling-protruding type display position adjusting device that is positioned above the ceiling when a display is not watched, and which descends from the ceiling and even automatically adjusts a watching angle when the display is watched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignees: TOP SYSTEM CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tae Wook Kang
  • Patent number: 10906446
    Abstract: A convenience assembly includes a work surface coupled to a support structure by a mounting structure. A switch protrudes from the support structure toward an underside of the mounting structure. A switch-actuation assembly is positioned between the support structure and the work surface and is movable between raised and lowered positions relative to the switch to indicate a rotational position of the work surface relative to the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David William Gaines, Benjamin Kulhawik, Diego Santillan gutierrez, Raul Javier Elias
  • Patent number: 10899258
    Abstract: An armrest includes an armrest arm having an upper support surface forming a support for the forearm of an occupant of the vehicle seat, and a user interface having at least one display portion of flattened shape, having a front face comprising a screen and a rear face formed by a shell. The user interface is mounted on the armrest arm so as to be movable between a retracted position where the screen is inaccessible and an extended position where the screen is accessible. In the retracted position of the user interface, the shell is integrated with the upper support surface of the armrest arm, and in the extended position of the user interface, the screen is at least partially projecting above the upper support surface of the armrest arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: FAURECIA SIÈGES D'AUTOMOBILE
    Inventor: David Gayon
  • Patent number: 10850849
    Abstract: An armrest with cup holder for a vehicle seat that includes an elongate armrest can of the armrest adapted to be carried by the seat. An elongate storage area is formed in the armrest can, and the cup holder is mounted for movement along a longitudinal axis of the armrest between a stowed position within the storage area of the armrest can and a deployed position forward of and to the exterior of the armrest. When stowed, the cup holder is positioned fully within the armrest can. The tray table of the seat can therefore be used for purposes other than supporting a beverage container, and can be used when the tray table is stowed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Green, Thomas C. Crumpler, Matthew T. Greninger
  • Patent number: 10377317
    Abstract: An apparatus for an interior vehicle compartment comprises a seat adapted for moving in a travel direction and a console coupled to the movable seat. The console may include one or more of the following: (a) a collapsible portion for collapsing as a body portion of the console travels with the movable seat in the travel direction; (b) a stepped interface for connecting with the movable seat; (c) a rear drawer with a tiltable door to facilitate access by rear passengers; and (d) a deployable holder for a mobile handheld computer. A stationary base may also be provided for supporting the console during movement, such as along guide rails, which base may contain HVAC components, such as ducts, or electronic components, such as wires. Instead of a mechanical connection using a stepped interface, the coupled movement may also be achieved by commonly controlled motors for the seat and console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Shivraj Karthik Ranganathan, Manjil M. Kale, Robert Michael Coury, Gary D. Mullen, Anthony Ligi, Jr., Glenn Biddinger
  • Patent number: 10369916
    Abstract: A vehicular article-accommodating structure, includes a lid front part provided with an opening of such size as to be larger than the cross-sectional diameter of a cup but also capable of preventing tipping and falling of the cup, a link mechanism for causing the lid front part to perform a translational movement between a first position and a second position, and a lower part of a bottom part and an upper part of a bottom part for receiving the bottom surface of the cup at the first position and the second position. The second position is a high position having a height greater than that of the first position, and is a position rearward from the first position. The height of the lid front part can be changed by a prescribed distance, and the distance from the lid front part to a passenger can be reduced by a prescribed distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: TACHI-S CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Takashi Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 10232788
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seat that is pivotable between an open position and a closed position. A cavity is formed in a support structure of the seat such that an occupant is supported on a support rib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Hagedorn, Kevin Wayne Preuss, Steven Camago, Jimmy Moua, Johnathan Andrew Line, Adam Ewel
  • Patent number: 10155463
    Abstract: Armrest apparatuses for motor vehicles are provided. In one example, an armrest apparatus comprises an armrest main base. A translating docking station arrangement for holding a nomadic device is operatively coupled to the armrest main base to move relative to the armrest main base between a retracted position and a deployed position. The translating docking station arrangement in the retracted position substantially covers the armrest main base. The translating docking station arrangement in the deployed position is shifted laterally relative to the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: Faurecia Interior Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Vander Sluis
  • Patent number: 9221581
    Abstract: A cup holder has a height adjuster that includes a lock member turnably held by the tray, a guide groove that is formed on a sidewall of the holder body and that enables the lock member to move in a perpendicular direction, a lower latch recessed portion and an upper latch recessed portion that are formed on a groove side surface which faces the guide groove on the sidewall and that cause the tray to be held at a lower position or an upper position by latching the lock member, a latch energizing member that energizes the lock member to a latch direction for latching the lock member with the lower latch recessed portion or the upper latch recessed portion, an operation member that cancels latch of the lock member with the lower latch recessed portion when the tray is located at the lower position, and a movement energizing member that energizes the tray upward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Nobuhiko Yokota, Hitoshi Fujisawa
  • 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: 8704960
    Abstract: A deployment system for user interface devices with enhanced interface capabilities and methods for manufacturing and using same. The deployment system includes a main rotating joint system and a device mounting assembly that are coupled via an extension support system. The main rotating joint system enables the deployment system to be installed at any suitable installation location, such as an armrest; whereas, the device mounting assembly is configured to receive a selected user interface device. Advantageously, the deployment system provides an enlarged internal channel for accommodating larger communication cables and a progressive clutch system for supporting the increased weight of the user interface devices. The deployment system thereby can maintain near-constant tension during deployment of the user interface devices, inhibiting drop injuries to users and damage to the user interface devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Avionics Corporation
    Inventor: Todd Weaver
  • Patent number: 8668258
    Abstract: An arm rest for a vehicle comprising a housing having a base portion mounted to the vehicle and a lid. The lid is pivotable about an axis with respect to the base portion from a closed position to a deployed position. The base portion defines a compartment. The lid forms an armrest surface in a closed position and a storage tray in an exposed position. The storage tray includes a foldable wall at the edge adjacent the axis. The wall is extended when the lid is in a deployed position and folded when the lid is in a closed position. The remaining edges of the storage tray further includes a wall such that a tray is provided in a deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Okunzuwa Uwague-Igharo
  • Patent number: 8336956
    Abstract: Described are table stop assemblies having a mounting block having at least one receptacle, at least one stop coupled to the receptacle, and at least one arm knuckle. The arm knuckle includes a side, a first end, and a second end, wherein the side is pivotally coupled to the mounting block, the first end is pivotally coupled to a tray table, and the second end is configured to contact the stop when the tray table is in a deployed position. As examples, the position of the stop is adjustable relative to the receptacle, and the tray table in the deployed position includes a surface that forms an angle relative to a horizontal axis that is controlled by the position of the stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Zodiac Seats US LLC
    Inventors: Rik Westerink, Brad Grunwald
  • Patent number: 8256837
    Abstract: A rear monitor mounting structure may include an armrest having a recess formed in an upper portion and an armrest hinge portion provided on one end thereof, a rear monitor mount provided in the one end of the armrest and pivotally coupled to the armrest hinge portion of the armrest, a vertical rotary motor fixed to the armrest hinge portion and coupled to the rear monitor mount to selectively rotate the rear monitor mount, wherein the vertical rotary motor is co-axially aligned with an armrest hinge shaft pivotally coupling the armrest and a center console, and a rear monitor connected to the rear monitor mount, wherein the rear monitor rotates toward or away from the recess according to a rotation angle of the rear monitor mount with respect to the armrest hinge shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Hun Soo Kim, Yong Ho Noh, June Kyu Park, Hee Sang Park, Jung Hwan Yun, Hyun Kim, Hee Jun Jeong
  • Patent number: 8070224
    Abstract: A vehicle entertainment system includes a video system mounted within an automobile armrest/console, the armrest/console including an upper support surface. The video system includes an integrated housing supporting a video monitor and a video source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Audiovox Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher J. Vitito
  • Patent number: 8042780
    Abstract: A cup holder, especially for a motor vehicle, has a box-like pedestal (12) that has a placement surface (14) on its top, and a box-like cover (16) that is arranged over the pedestal. The side surfaces of the pedestal (12) serve as a guide for the cover (16), the cover having a recess (18) that is concentric with the placement surface (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH
    Inventors: Joerg Wagner, Andreas Weber
  • Publication number: 20110193374
    Abstract: A convenience apparatus for automotive rear seats includes: a base gear fixed to at least one of the rear seats, a space between which an arm rest is movably mounted; a driver, which has a driving gear engaged with the base gear and a motor for rotating the driving gear, for folding or unfolding the arm rest into or from the space using a driving force of the motor; an integrated audio/video (AV) monitor which is rotatably coupled to a front end of the arm rest and is connected to the driving gear through a gear train so as to be able to be folded or unfolded with respect to the arm rest while the arm rest is folded or unfolded; and a cup holder which is mounted so as to be able to slide into or out of a hole defined in the front end of the arm rest and is connected to the driving gear through the gear train so as to be able to move into or out of the arm rest while the arm rest is folded or unfolded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Young Kim
  • Publication number: 20110175408
    Abstract: A docking system 10 having; a housing 14 and a support element 30 pivotally mounted with respect to the housing 14, an attachment mechanism 40,44 being provided on said support element 30 for releasably securing a remote control 12, the support element 30 being movable between a first position in which the remote control 12 mounted on the support element 30 would be contained within the housing 14 and a second position in which the remote control 12 mounted on the support element 30 would extend from the housing 14 and may be released from the support element 30. The support element 30 is resiliently biased towards the second position, latch means 36, 38 being provided to releasably retain the support element 30 in the first position and electrical contacts being provided for engagement of corresponding electrical contacts on an electrical device mounted on the support element 30.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventors: Nick Ridler, Peter Thomas, Duncan Robertson
  • Patent number: 7857382
    Abstract: A vehicle entertainment system includes a video system detachably mounted within an automobile arm rest/console, the armrest/console including an upper support surface. The video system includes an integrated housing supporting a video monitor and a video source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Audiovox Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher J. Vitito
  • Patent number: 7785109
    Abstract: A method for monitoring cleaning of a surface includes applying an amount of transparent indicator material to an area of a surface and measuring the amount of transparent indicator material remaining on the surface. The transparent indicator material may be fixed on the surface by drying and, when a fluorescent material, may be measured through exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Kleancheck Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Philip C. Carling
  • Patent number: 7780453
    Abstract: A method for monitoring cleaning of a surface includes applying an amount of transparent indicator material to an area of a surface and measuring the amount of transparent indicator material remaining on the surface. The transparent indicator material may be fixed on the surface by drying and, when a fluorescent material, may be measured through exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Kleancheck Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Philip C. Carling
  • Patent number: 7604291
    Abstract: A vehicle entertainment system includes a video system mounted within an automobile armrest/console, the armrest/console including an upper support surface. The video system includes an integrated housing supporting a video monitor and a video source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Inventor: Christopher J. Vitito
  • Patent number: 7585022
    Abstract: A vehicle seat system, especially for aircraft, has seat components such as a backrest (5) and a seat part (3) bordered at least on one side by a console (9) forming the arm rest. An arm-like operating part (13) extends at least partially above the plane of the head of the seat occupant (45), and has operating elements which are used at least in part to enhance comfort and/or suitable within the context of operation, especially flight operation, for this purpose. Because the arm-like operating part (13) forms a widening of the console (9) and extends forward proceeding from the area of the backrest (5) above the console (9) in an extension, and because the arm-like operating part (13) is configured as a rigid arched support, an aesthetically pleasing solution is obtained requiring little installation space, saving weight and providing a multifunction solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Recaro Aircraft Seating GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Sven Achilles, Hartmut Schurg
  • Patent number: 7568759
    Abstract: A passenger seat, an aircraft passenger seat in particular, has seat components such as a seat element (1), a backrest (3), and an arm rest (5). At least one component is mounted so as to be movable for adjustment of its position in relation to that of other seat components. A partition (19) is movable at option into a use position in which it extends into a lateral screen area of the seat and into a non-use position in which it clears the screen area. The partition (19) is connected to an associated arm rest (5) and may be moved between a non-use position and a use position by movement of the arm rest (5), changing the adjusted position of the arm rest (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: RECARO Aircraft Seating GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Hartmut Schürg
  • Publication number: 20090115230
    Abstract: A child safety seat having storage space includes a seating base, an armrest base, and a storage structure. The armrest base is disposed on a side of the seating base. The storage structure is disposed on the armrest base. A first storage space is formed inside the storage structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventor: Robert Evan Haut
  • Patent number: 7419211
    Abstract: A vehicle seat, especially an aircraft passenger seat, has seat components such as the seat part, backrest and at least one console (10) which laterally borders the seat part, which forms an armrest, and which has a holder (12). In the holder (12), at least one display screen (14, 16) can be lowered in to its rest position. The screen can be moved by an adjustment part (18) out of the rest position into the position of use and vice versa. In the position of use for a seat occupant, data displayed on the display screen can be viewed. The functional possibilities are expanded to the extent that the console holder is used to store the display screen, by which a seat occupant can access information, whether in the form of a television program or movie, or in the form of computer displays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Recaro Aircraft Seating GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Stefan Schikora
  • Patent number: 7413229
    Abstract: A center console has an armrest that is hinged to provide access to a storage bin, and in addition has a compartment for an electronic device such a cellular phone, MP3 player or a handheld GPS navigation unit. The compartment preferably has a pivoted cover that closes to conceal the device from sight. A cradle attached to the cover holds the device when the cover is open so that it is in a convenient position for use by a vehicle occupant. The armrest may be slid forward relative to the center console to position the device close to the radio, in the field of vision of the driver, and permitting connection of the device to the radio or to an external outlet if desired. A finger recess may be provided in the armrest to permit cables to pass from the interior of the compartment to the exterior of the compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Chrysler LLC
    Inventors: Richard J Kukucka, Brian M Chaloult
  • Patent number: 7278681
    Abstract: A vehicle console with unique utilitarian features. One feature includes a table member that extends from a compartment to provide at least a writing surface. Another feature includes a slideable armrest and tray device. The tray device includes a rotatable tray that alternately provides a tray and a writing surface. Yet another feature is a storage compartment that can be opened by rotating the compartment about an axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: NYX, Inc.
    Inventors: Lev Lilov, Chain S. Sandhu, John M. Kaczmarczyk
  • Publication number: 20070164589
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a tray on a chair having two arms. The apparatus includes a first support member coupled to a first arm of the chair, the first support member defining a top surface and being adapted to be slid from a use position in which the top surface is substantially accessible to support the tray, to a stowed position in which the top surface is not substantially accessible to support the tray, and a second support member coupled to a second arm of the chair, the second support member defining a top surface and being adapted to be slid from a use position in which the top surface is substantially accessible to support the tray, to a stowed position in which the top surface is not substantially accessible to support the tray. A tray adapted to sit on and span the distance between the two extended support members may also be included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2007
    Publication date: July 19, 2007
    Inventor: Alfred P. Rossini
  • Patent number: 7104609
    Abstract: There is provided a longitudinal extension mechanism of an armrest that includes a main body of an armrest, a fixed hinge shaft being non-rotatably fixed to a bracket and serving as a rotation axis of the armrest main body, an armrest extension provided at an end of the armrest main body so as to straightly move in the longitudinal direction of the armrest main body, and a length extending apparatus for allowing the armrest extension to straightly move with respect to the arm rest main body due to rotation of the armrest main body about the fixed hinge shaft. Therefore, when the armrest rotates to a horizontal posture, the armrest extension automatically protrudes by a certain length and the total length of the armrest is increased, thereby maximizing the convenience to a user. In addition, when the armrest rotates to a vertical posture, the total length of the armrest is decreased, thereby improving a reception ability and appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Seok-Hwan Kim
  • Patent number: 6997508
    Abstract: An armrest adapted to be pivotally mounted between a pair of rear vehicle seats includes an elongated base having a first end adapted to be pivotally mounted on a suitable armrest support structure located between the seats, for movement between a deployed position between the seats or in a stowed position defining a further backrest between the seats. A lid covering at least a portion of the base's upper surface is pivotally mounted on the base proximate to its second end, for movement between a closed position and an open position revealing both the upper surface of the base and a video display screen on the underside of the lid. The video display screen, which is preferably itself pivotally supported by the lid, is preferably driven by a video source housed within the base and accessible via the upper surface of the base, as controlled by a rear seat passenger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: John P. Jaaska, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6929304
    Abstract: A cell phone storage pocket for a vehicle console comprising a hinged armrest, a flip under tray, and a hinged mechanism. This invention provides secure storage for a driver or passenger's cell phone while maintaining it in an easy to read location. Also, this cell phone storage pocket allows a user to keep the cell in an accessible location which can lead to safer driving habits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Alan Dry, Bogdan Radu
  • Publication number: 20030197405
    Abstract: A privacy screen assembly, designed for use by a nursing mother, includes at least one cross member which carries a screen. The cross member is adapted to be connected to a wheeled transport device or the like for the nursing mother. Preferably, the cross member is movable between a stowed position, wherein the cross member placed in an unobtrusive location, and an in-use position, wherein the cross member extends across the torso of the nursing mother. The screen is slidably mounted on the cross member to provide the requisite privacy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventor: Anne Marie Stoline-Litwin
  • Patent number: 6619738
    Abstract: A storage device for a vehicle interior including a first portion connectable to a first vehicle component of the vehicle interior, a second portion releasably connected to a second vehicle component of the vehicle interior, and a middle portion located the first portion and the second portion. When the first portion is connected to the first vehicle component and the second portion is connected to the second vehicle component, the middle portion assumes a first form capable of storing objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventor: Michael M. Filipovich
  • Patent number: 6520576
    Abstract: Vehicle armrests configured to removably receive beverage container holders are provided. Armrests are configured to removably receive beverage container holders in end portions and/or intermediate portions thereof. Armrests pivotally mounted within passenger compartments of vehicles can be restrained from pivotal movement when beverage container holders are removably secured thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Collins & Aikman Products Co.
    Inventors: Patrick M. Burns, Duncan M. Carswell, Jim Gammon, Jeffrey Schultz, Edward R. Terris
  • Patent number: 6508508
    Abstract: An automotive seat assembly for a compartmentalized pull-out armrest assembly includes a cover, an armrest storage compartment, and a seat cushion With an understorage compartment. The armrest storage compartment includes maneuverable dividers for changing the storage compartment as desired, a removable coin holder and a power supply. The armrest assembly can be positioned so as to provide yet a third seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventor: David A Bargiel
  • Patent number: 6361105
    Abstract: A chair includes a chair arm (20) coupled to a frame (22, 28) and a cup holder (24) mounted to chair arm (20) for movement between a retracted position lying underneath chair arm (20) to an opened position lying away from the underside of chair arm (20) to hold a cup (26) therein. Cup holder (24) includes first and second arms (40, 42) mounted for pivotable movement about a pivot axis (44) relative to chair arm (20) and one another. When moved to the opened position, first and second arms (40, 42) cooperate to define a circular cup-receiving opening therebetween. Cup holder (24) also includes an interlock (90) to guide relative movement of first and second arms (40, 42) as those arms are moved between retracted and opened positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Cosco Management, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis M. Turner, Timothy D. Holtke, Andrew Mendenhall
  • Patent number: 6273502
    Abstract: An ergonomically designed chair having a keyboard support arrangement which is adjustable to suit the needs of individual workers, and which may be stored within the armrests of the chair when the keyboard is not in use. The support arrangement provides a position adjustment capability for a keyboard supported thereby and also enables the keyboard to be swung to one side so as to afford a user convenient entry to and exit from the chair. The chair has a seat and a pair of armrests, each including a compartment therein. Each compartment includes a compartment door, a vertical support member disposed in the compartment, and a multi-link extendable support arm. The multi-link arm is rotatable at one end about the support member for movement, when the door is open, between a storage position within the compartment and a support position outside of the compartment. One of the compartments is used to store a keyboard support frame for, in use, supporting a computer keyboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventor: Peter Yin-Guan Lo
  • Patent number: 6220658
    Abstract: A retractable tray table for use with a seat having an armrest on one side thereof includes a tray table connected to the armrest by a support arm and moveable to a first position and a second position. A pivot assembly mounts the tray table to the support arm. The tray table is rotatable about a first axis parallel to the support arm and a second axis perpendicular to the support arm to move the tray table from the first position to the second position. A locking mechanism cooperating with the support arm releasably secures the tray table in the first position and the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Traci J. Lukawski, Jeffrey L. Barber, Randy G. Eschelbach, James A. Dykla
  • Patent number: 6170786
    Abstract: A seat for, for example, an aircraft that has an open outer shell which embraces a seat portion, a seat back, a head rest and a foot rest when the seat is in an upright position. Also embraced by the shell are a pair of arm rests. The seat is reclinable into a bed configuration such that the seat portion is moved forwardly out of the open end of the shell. Simultaneously, the arm rests are movable between the raised position and the position substantially flush with the seat portion. In the bed configuration, the removal of the arm rests from the raised position significantly increases the width of the bed, thus enhancing the comfort of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Singapore Airlines, Ltd.
    Inventors: James William Park, Philip Haith