Combined Patents (Class 297/217.1)
  • Patent number: 8113517
    Abstract: A gaming chair for use with a gaming machine that conducts a wagering game, the chair includes a seat and a tactile device for providing tactile sensations via the seat according to at least one of events occurring in the wagering game, and player input through an input device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen A. Canterbury, Jacob C. Greenberg, Timothy C. Loose, Eric M. Pryzby, Norman R. Wurz
  • Patent number: 8109569
    Abstract: A vehicle passenger is provided with a console (1) for mounting an entertainment apparatus, the console being coupled to the back of a more forwardly located seat by headrest retaining clips (7) of the kind adapted to hold posts of a height adjustable headrest (6) for the seat at a height selected position. In one arrangement, the console is sandwiched between the headrest retaining clips and the top of the seat back. In an alternative arrangement, the console incorporates integral headrest retaining clips that replace the conventional headrest retaining clips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Audiovox Corporation
    Inventor: Ciaran Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20120019029
    Abstract: A vehicle seat with a function of absorbing volatile substances in an interior of a vehicle with the seat is disclosed. The vehicle seat comprises a seat frame structure, a cushioned padding member supported on the seat frame structure, and a volatile substances-absorbing member provided on a surface of the cushioned padding member which faces the seat frame structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventors: Junichi Takahashi, Takako Fukuda, Hideyuki Yanagita, Harutomi Nishide, Yoshiyuki Ito, Tetsushi Yamada
  • Publication number: 20120007391
    Abstract: A tackle bucket comprising a container, wherein said container comprises an open end and a closed end, and an inner surface and outer surface; at least one tackle box attached to said outer surface of said container; and a seat, wherein said seat is attached to said open end of said container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventor: Jim A. McCaslin
  • Publication number: 20110316316
    Abstract: A massage chair includes a main frame, a seat, and a backrest. The main frame includes a back frame configured to support the backrest and a base frame configured to support the seat. The base frame is formed by combining a plurality of structural members. The plurality of structural members are arranged on positions corresponding to edges of a hexahedron. Part of the back frame serves as part of the structural members of the base frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventors: Toshiaki Nanno, Akihiro Takaya, Nobuyuki Nishitani, Yoshimi Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20110285186
    Abstract: A method for automatically setting a component of a vehicle that can be automatically set, wherein the vehicle has a seat that can be electrically adjusted has the following steps: adjusting (101, 102) the seat (FS) or a seat part (SL) over a specified adjustment travel or adjustment angle, determining (201) the drive load occurring during adjustment of the seat or seat part and calculating a weight value (W) therefrom, comparing (301) the calculated weight value with weight values (W1, W2, . . . , Wm) calculated and stored in advance, setting (401) the component based on the comparison result. The method is used particularly in vehicles having seats that can be electrically adjusted and having vehicle components that can be adapted automatically, e.g., belt tensioner (G), airbag (AB), steering wheel (L), gas, brake, and clutch pedals (P), interior/exterior mirror, and much more.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
    Inventors: Gerhard Demmelmeier, Thomas Enders
  • Publication number: 20110278884
    Abstract: A seat for passengers comprising a seat body and at least one seat portion, wherein the seat comprises identification devices able to receive and verify the correctness of an identification code of the seat and activation devices, operatively connected to the identification devices, so as to be enabled and/or disabled depending on the result of verification of the identification code.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: CLERPREM S.p.A.
    Inventor: GianRoberto Marchesi
  • Publication number: 20110278874
    Abstract: A collapsible exhaust air duct for an automotive vehicle having a reconfigurable seat and an electric compartment rearward of the seat that contains heat-producing electric components. The collapsible exhaust duct is in fluid communication with the electric compartment to carry exhaust air therefrom. The duct extends forwardly beneath the seat, maintains an expanded condition when the seat is in a seating position, and is converted to a collapsed condition by movement of the seat to a stowed position. The disclosed apparatus provides a duct that maximizes usable space and flexibility in a vehicle having reconfigurable seating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Marc Jonathon Lucas
  • Publication number: 20110272979
    Abstract: A supporting shell for a seat is provided by carrying out in-seat measurements with a plurality of test subjects, wherein the test subjects sit down on a measuring mat placed on a neutral seat frame. The measuring mat has a readily displaceable filling and adapts to the contour of the body of the respective test subject. After the test subject has sat down on the measuring mat and before the test subject leaves the same, the filling inside the measuring mat is fixed in place by applying a negative pressure. The geometric data of the surface contour of the measuring mat are determined and stored for each test subject. The measured surface contours are then superimposed onto one another. This produces an average surface contour which can subsequently be further altered slightly for adaptation to large seat users, and therefore a modified surface contour is created as a basis for the production of the supporting shell of the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Matthias FRANZ, Alexander Durt, Uemit Kilincsoy, Peter Vink
  • Publication number: 20110266846
    Abstract: Transformable furniture is provided, which is a unitary structure which itself transforms between seating and a play space. More specifically, the furniture has first and second frame members which move towards each other to form a couch and away from each other to form a play space, such as a playhouse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventor: William MORGAN DIXON
  • Patent number: 8043255
    Abstract: A chair powered breast pump apparatus has at least one breast shield adapted to fit over a nipple of a breast, a pump having a stationary portion and a reciprocating portion engaged for reciprocating movement, one or more suction lines connected in series between the stationary portion and the breast shield, a first connecting bracket configured to secure the reciprocating portion to a first portion of a chair movement mechanism, and a second connecting bracket configured to secure the stationary portion to a second portion of a chair movement mechanism, the first and second portions being relatively movable, whereby movement of the chair by a user seated in the chair reciprocates the reciprocating portion in and out of the stationary portion so as to apply suction to the breast shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Inventor: Richard S. Weston
  • Publication number: 20110254332
    Abstract: A seat buckle apparatus for use in a vehicle seat assembly having a seat back, a seat base, and a base portion, the seat buckle apparatus comprising a bracket member having a first end and a second end, the bracket member for coupling to the vehicle seat; a first belt buckle portion for being movably supported to the vehicle seat and having an upper end, a lower end, and an engagement member for engaging the bracket member; and wherein the bracket member will prevent the upper end of the belt buckle from contacting the seat back when the seat back is folded down on the seat base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventors: Satish Parida, Kennelh C. Farkas, Allen W. Holmes, Joseph B.a. Rajkumar, Jeffrey P. Medvecky
  • Publication number: 20110248534
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cushion mat 1 for integration into an automotive seat, comprising a set of metal wire springs 10, plastic connectors 20, connecting the wire springs 10 with each other to form a cushion mat 1, and at least one pressure sensor 30 directly connected to one of the plastic connectors 20 for providing a seat occupation signal. Further a method for the production of cushion mats 1 for integration into an automotive seat is disclosed, comprising the following steps (a) injection molding of plastic material around a set of metal wire springs 10 to form a cushion mat 1 with plastic connectors 20, wherein the plastic connectors 20 having at least one assembly area 24 for a pressure sensor 30, (b) arranging at least one pressure sensor 30 at the assembly area 24, and (c) connecting the pressure sensor 30 at the assembly area 24.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Inventor: Susana Carla Pinto Ribeiro
  • Publication number: 20110241387
    Abstract: An infant support structure includes a frame member defining a central area, a seat disposed in the central area and coupled to the frame member, and a leg member pivotally coupled to the frame member and movable between a deployed position extending outwardly from the frame member and a folded position adjacent the frame member. A support member has a first end movably coupled to the frame member and an opposite second end pivotally and slidably coupled to the leg member. The second end is slidable along the leg member as the leg member is moved between the deployed position and the folded position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventor: Michael Lundeen
  • Publication number: 20110233976
    Abstract: A modular furniture assembly unit includes a box having a length, a width, and a depth, the box having first and second major sides in opposition to each other that define the length and the width of the box, and having third, fourth, fifth, and sixth sides therebetween, the first side having a first connector attached thereto at a distance from the third side of the box substantially equivalent to the depth of the box, the second side of the box having a plurality of second connectors attached near at least three of the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth sides of the box, wherein the first connector is configured to attach to a second connector of an identical box to couple the box to the identical box to form a modular furniture piece. In a further aspect, the first connector is a rotatable clamp and the second connectors are hooks to which the rotatable clamp is connectable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: Reliance International, LLC
    Inventors: Rolf Raymond Hanson, Eric B. Nicholes
  • Publication number: 20110227379
    Abstract: An apparatus for lifting and moving a person comprises a mobile base assembly and a lift assembly moveably mounted on the base assembly permitting the lift assembly to move upwardly and downwardly relative to the base assembly. The lift assembly includes a frame member moveably engaging the base assembly. A first support arm of a butterfly seat is rotatably attached to the frame member for rotation about an upwardly extending axis. A second support arm of the butterfly seat is rotatably attached to the frame member laterally spaced from the first support arm for rotation about an upwardly extending axis. The first and second support arms include weight bearing platforms adjacent the free distal ends of the support arms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventor: Boyd Carned Fogleman
  • Patent number: 8016351
    Abstract: A chair (1), bed, lounge or other similar type structure has electrical functions or features and also has an energy converter (21, 9, 59) which produces electrical power from conditions to which the structure is exposed on a regular basis to power the functions or features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventor: Terry Cassaday
  • Patent number: 8002349
    Abstract: A chair provisioned with an apparatus for converting solar energy to power electrical devices which comprises the chair having a seat member and a backrest member to support a person thereon. A mechanism stored in the chair, is for converting the solar energy into electrical energy. At least one socket in the chair is electrically connected to the solar energy converting mechanism, wherein at least one of the electrical devices can plug into the at least one socket to receive the electrical energy therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Inventor: Paul M. Pizzuto
  • Publication number: 20110198901
    Abstract: The invention relates to a roller blind arrangement for a motor vehicle, comprising a roller blind web which can be wound up by a winding device to form a wound body and which has a pulling device at its free end facing away from the wound body. Winding up and/or extending the roller blind web triggers actuation of a cleaning brush that removes any soiling from the roller blind web.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: HS Genion GmbH
    Inventor: Stefan Kaiser
  • Patent number: 7985143
    Abstract: A boxing ring corner mat includes a mat body having a mat upper surface; and a pan recess in the mat upper surface and a liquid collecting pan retained within the pan recess for gathering and retaining water and other liquids. The mat preferably additionally includes a spit bucket recess located forwardly of the pan recess and pan and a spit bucket retained within the spit bucket recess in fluid communication with the pan through a bucket drain hose. The mat preferably additionally includes shoe engaging and propping elevations having shoe sole engaging upper surfaces, and preferably additionally includes a separable display region removably fitted into a display region opening in the mat body. The shoe propping elevations optionally are hollow and have upwardly opening air flow ports and each contain a shoe drying fan for blowing a stream of air onto the soles of boxer shoes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Inventor: Moses F. Daxon
  • Patent number: 7980630
    Abstract: The invention relates to a monitoring and/or entertainment system (1), especially for a child seat (10), having at least one electronic assembly (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) for displaying and/or recording images, films or film sequences, and having a moulded body (2) in which the at least one electronic assembly (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) is mounted and held. In order that the monitoring/entertainment system (1) can be used for a child seat (10) when the seat shell (12) of the child seat (10) is aligned in the direction opposite to the direction of travel, according to the invention the moulded body (2) has at least one fixing element (3) which is arranged to form a force-based connection to the base frame (11) of the child seat (10), wherein when the moulded body (2) is in the state in which it is fixed to the base frame (11) of the child seat (10) the front side (2a) of the moulded body (2) and the electronic assembly (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) mounted in the moulded body (2) face towards the seat shell (12) of the child seat (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Cybex Industrial Ltd.
    Inventor: Martin Pos
  • Publication number: 20110163579
    Abstract: A child car seat cover, the child car seat cover is made of insulating materials and has a temperature measuring gauge within the child car seat cover. The temperature measuring gauge measures the temperature of a child car seat prior to placing a child in the child car seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventor: GREG WATSON
  • Publication number: 20110163580
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle seat back adapted for movement between an upright position and a lowered position has an air duct with an intake located adjacent an upper portion of the seat back and an outlet located adjacent a lower portion of the seat back. The air duct takes in ambient cabin air at its upper end and that air is directed to an electronics compartment located behind the seat in order to cool the electronics regardless of whether the seat back is in the raised or the lowered position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Marc Jonathon Lucas, Louis Paspal, Neil Robert Burrows
  • Publication number: 20110156458
    Abstract: A chair-type massage machine includes a backrest for the back of the user to bear on, a seat for the user to sit in, and a reclining mechanism for pivotally moving the backrest and the seat. The reclining mechanism includes a single drive source to recline the seat while permitting the user to hold a related posture, the drive source being coupled to the backrest and the seat by a link assembly. The link assembly is operable to pivotally move the backrest from a raised position to a reclined position via an intermediate position by operating the drive source, the seat being tiltable to raise a front end thereof when the backrest is pivotally moved from the raised position to the intermediate position, the seat being tiltable to lower the raised front end thereof when the backrest is pivotally moved from the intermediate position to the reclined position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventors: YOSHITOSHI MORITA, Tsuyoshi Watanabe, Hidefumi Nomura
  • Patent number: 7954894
    Abstract: A media system for a seat in a vehicle comprises a display electrically coupled to a media player, wherein the display and the media player are housed together in a first housing, and a second housing disposed substantially in the seat and adapted to secure the first housing including the display and the media player therein, wherein the first housing is selectively detachable from the second housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Audiovox Corporation
    Inventors: George C. Schedivy, David M. Shalam
  • Publication number: 20110130058
    Abstract: A rescue outfit is provided, which comprises a waterproof protecting cloth, a back frame, front and rear foldable hemispherical covers, and a fastener. The waterproof protecting cloth is for enclosing whole body of a user. A back frame is embedded in the waterproof protecting cloth. The front foldable hemispherical cover is partially connected to a front portion of the waterproof protecting cloth hermetically. The rear foldable hemispherical cover is partially connected to a rear portion of the waterproof protecting cloth hermetically. The fastener is for holding together and sealing portions of the front and rear foldable hemispherical covers. A substantial portion of the floating ball is kept above water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventor: Gu Young Kim
  • Publication number: 20110127815
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention broadly relate to a chair cushion adaptable for transport on a backpack and adaptable to industry-standard seating devices for safety and comfort. In one embodiment of the present invention, a portable chair cushion apparatus comprises a back support portion, having an outer casing surrounding a cushion material, and back support attachment means protruding from a rear surface thereof, a seat portion, having an outer casing surrounding a cushion material, and a backpack connection means protruding from a bottom surface thereof, and a connection strap attached to the rear surface of the back support portion on a first end, and attached to the bottom surface of a seat portion on a second end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventor: MICHAEL NICKERSON
  • Publication number: 20110115262
    Abstract: Gaming chairs include a seat sized to receive a user, a frame coupled to the seat, and a tension mechanism. The frame includes at least a foot-actuated-input-device support portion configured to support a foot-actuated input device, such as associated with a video game, in a position to receive inputs from a user's foot when the user is seated on the seat. The tension mechanism is in tension when a user is seated on the seat and applies pressure with a foot against a foot-actuated input device supported by the foot-actuated-input-device support portion and applies pressure against a back portion of the seat with the user's back. In some embodiments, the tension mechanism includes one or more straps and may be described as a strap system. In some embodiments, the gaming chair includes an extended configuration and a collapsed configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventor: Jason D. Hill
  • Publication number: 20110109114
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a lower seat cushion and a seatback. The vehicle seat includes a pivot point that is configured for rotating generally horizontally from an inboard position to an outboard position. An extended seat track may extend within an interior of the vehicle between a front row and a rear row. The vehicle seat is movably attached to the extended seat track and is configured to move along the extended seat track between the front row and the rear row. The vehicle seat may also be configured to provide individualized comfort to the user. The lower seat cushion and the seatback each include a surface. A controller is configured to actuate the lower seat and the seatback to selectively change a contour of the respective surface to match contours of the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Kevin G. Kolpasky, Wayne Manista, Mark Louis Kaski
  • Publication number: 20110095579
    Abstract: A bench or seat assembly including a decorative work bonded thereto in an essentially permanent fashion is provided wherein the work includes a photoluminescent material. The assembly includes a masonry seat member having an upper surface, a masonry back member having front and back surfaces and a support having exterior surfaces for supporting the seat member at a desired height. The work may include advertising or an image of which the photoluminescent material is a part of. The photoluminescent material may be photoluminescent particulate pigment or at least one photoluminescent stone which gives off light sufficient to allow at least a portion of the work to be viewed under limited ambient light conditions. In this way, the assembly is decorative not only in the daytime but also at night. The assembly may be an interlocking precast slab bench or seat assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventor: Dennis Michael Hill
  • Publication number: 20110095580
    Abstract: A seat occupant determining apparatus includes a first load detecting sensor at a right of a seat, a second load detecting sensor at a left of the seat, a third load detecting sensor at a front or a rear of the first and second load detecting sensors, in order to detect a part of the load, respectively, a right-left sum value calculating portion calculating a right-left sum value, a threshold changing portion for changing an occupant determining threshold on the basis of the load value of the third load detecting sensor, and an occupant determining portion determining an occupant of the seat to be an adult when the right-left sum value is equal to or more than the occupant determining threshold and determining an occupant of the seat to be a child in a child seat when the right-left sum value is less than the occupant determining threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Muneto INAYOSHI, Akira Enomoto, Hiroyuki Fujii
  • Publication number: 20110089729
    Abstract: A child car seat includes a seat base configured to hold a child seat carrier and a control console removably coupled to the seat base. The control console includes a user interface having at least one input and at least one output, circuitry configured to interface with other components of the child car seat, and a power source configured to provide power to the user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: SUMMER INFANT (USA), INC.
    Inventor: Steven Gibree
  • Patent number: 7922246
    Abstract: An apparatus for restraining an object in a vehicle may have a frame mounted within the vehicle, a clamp member movably mounted to the frame and a blocking member movably mounted to the frame. The frame may have a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The clamp member may be movable relative to the frame under quasi-static conditions to allow the object to be received between, and removed from between, the clamp member and the second end of the frame. The blocking member may be configured to move relative to the frame under dynamic loading conditions to a position that blocks movement of the clamp member sufficiently to retain the object between the clamp member and the second end of the frame under the dynamic loading conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Indiana Mills & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Gale, Douglas W. Bittner
  • Patent number: 7918502
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for attaching a child car seat (14) to luggage (12) is provided, including at least one strap (16) extending from an upper region of the luggage for attachment to a top (20) or back (22) portion of the child car seat, or to a separate strap extending from the top or back region of the child car seat. At least one additional strap may also extend from a side, front or bottom portion of such rolling luggage to attach to a side, back or bottom portion of the child car seat. In such embodiment, the at least one additional strap facilitates additional stability of the child car seat as attached to the rolling luggage. Additionally, a flat fabric material or bag (34) may be provided at least partially over the back of the luggage and may be attached to one or more of the various straps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Inventor: Douglas Bacon
  • Patent number: 7909397
    Abstract: An entertainment system for a vehicle includes an entertainment console which includes a display and at least one docking station. The at least one docking station receives a portable media player at least partially therein and operatively connects the media player to the entertainment console. The entertainment system may be mounted within a vehicle for use therein or used at a location outside of a vehicle (e.g. home or office) based upon the preference of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Audiovox Corporation
    Inventors: David M. Shalam, James R. Tranchina
  • Publication number: 20110057488
    Abstract: A bouncing baby chair comprising a seat assembly supported by a frame and a resilient biasing device provides a bouncing motion which parents or other caretakers may use to soothe a colicky baby. The baby chair provides a bouncing motion which is substantially vertical that is soothing without creating or exacerbating a baby's digestion problems. The baby chair also supports a parent in a seated position on a seat assembly which reduces fatigue. In one embodiment, the seat assembly is supported by one or more resilient biasing devices. The seat assembly may bounce by moving downward distorting the resilient biasing device and upward assisted by the biasing device returning to a substantially undistorted state. The soothing bouncing motion may be produced by repeating these motions on the bouncing baby chair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventors: Sinikka Marten, Josh Marten
  • Patent number: 7901001
    Abstract: A supporting structure for the console of a machine tool comprising a bending-resistant supporting beam pivotably mounted on the base of the machine tool with its machine-side end and carrying a console comprising a keyboard and a display unit on the free end of its portion directed transversely upward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Deckel Maho Pfronten GmbH
    Inventors: Reinhold Seitz, Karl Lechleiter, Dominic Schindler
  • Publication number: 20110049963
    Abstract: A motorized rocking chair includes a support frame, a seat pivotally mounted on the support frame, an actuating mechanism mounted between the support frame and the seat to drive the seat to move relative to the support frame, a backrest pivotally mounted on the seat, and a telescopic mechanism mounted between the seat and the backrest to drive the backrest to move relative to the seat. Thus, the actuating mechanism is controlled by an electrically control device to drive the seat to pivot relative to the support frame reciprocally in a pendulum manner so that the seat is pivoted relative to the support frame automatically. In addition, the telescopic mechanism is controlled by the electrically control device to adjust the inclined angle of the backrest so as to provide a comfortable sensation to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventor: Lung-Tan Shih
  • Publication number: 20110043006
    Abstract: An entertainment seat (10) including a seat back (18) and seat base (24) having a seat architecture for providing structural support relative to a base (floor) and also having two seat motion actuators (92, 94) located toward the front of the seat (10) for providing seat movement in response to a seat motion control system (16) for operating the seat motion actuators (92, 94), the seat (10) also includes armrests (26, 28) which form a portion of the seat back (18).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: JOHNSON CONTROLS TECHNOLOGY COMPANY
    Inventors: Timothy R. Butt, Robert E. Allen, Dinu V. Moraru, Dustin J. Shedlarski
  • Publication number: 20110037299
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a climbing attachment for a child's car seat comprising: a padding portion, where said padding portion is place under an existing child seat; a series of rungs, where said rungs hang from the padding portion; and a mechanism to attach said climbing attachment to a child's car seat. In one exemplary embodiment the mechanism to attach includes at least one anchor strap and preferably includes two anchor straps. The series of rungs may be evenly spaced. The present invention also contemplates a method of assembling a climbing attachment for a child's seat comprising the steps of: attaching a series of rungs to a padding portion, where said rungs hang vertically from the padding portion; inserting the padding portion under a child's car seat; and securely attaching the climbing attachment to the child's car seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventor: DENNIS KIRKPATRICK
  • Patent number: 7883072
    Abstract: A shaking apparatus for shaking a seat where a user sits down, including actuators, wherein the seat is supported by supporting parts at least at a front side, a rear left side and a right side, or a rear side, a front left side and a right side. The seat is inclined left or right by complementarily operating the actuators mounted to the left and right supporting parts to complementarily vary the distance from a floor of the left and right supporting parts, and the seat is inclined forward or backward by equally operating the actuators mounted to the left and right supporting parts to equally vary the distance of the left and right supporting parts from the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsujiro Kondo, Haruo Oba, Kenichiro Ueno, Takafumi Yamaki, Tetsushi Kokubo
  • Publication number: 20110025107
    Abstract: A system operable to detachably secure a bib to a restraint device (e.g. a strap in a vehicle). The system may include a clip having a strap section and a bib section that are rotatably interconnected. As such, the strap and bib sections may be rotated relative to each other in order to for a bib (engaged by the bib section) to hang in a desired position. The strap and bib section may be adapted to respectively detachably mount a strap and a bib. In one embodiment, a retention force between the strap section and a strap may be selected from the mechanical devices, magnetic devices, and combinations of mechanical and magnetic devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventor: Gordon J. Lee
  • Publication number: 20110025108
    Abstract: A driver interface assembly (10) is provided comprising a controller element (15) mounted to a body (16) which forms an integral part of an armrest (11) associated with a driver's seat (12). The body is rotatable with respect to the armrest between two positions: (a) an operating position, in which the controller element is exposed for operation thereof, and (b) a stowed position in which the controller element is concealed from use. The body remains substantially within the profile of the armrest when in both the operating position and the stowed position. The volume occupied by the armrest (11) can therefore be exploited to mount and stow a controller element (15). This is particularly advantageous in a working environment where space is at a premium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: VALTRA OY AB
    Inventor: Kimmo Wihinen
  • Patent number: 7878586
    Abstract: A system for anticipating the needs of at least one passenger onboard a mobile platform (such as a train, marine vessel, aircraft or automobile) is provided. The system includes a passenger seating area for receipt of the passenger. The passenger seating area includes a seat that has a seat back that moves into a reclined position, a tray table that is operable to be positioned to provide a surface for use by the at least one passenger, and a light source disposed for illumination of at least a portion of the passenger seating area. The system includes a camera that acquires an image of the passenger, and a gesture control module that generates activity data that includes at least one activity that the passenger is performing as recognized in the image of the at least one passenger acquired by the camera. The system further includes a smart control module that moves the seat back, positions the tray table, activates or deactivates the light source and performs combinations thereof based on the activity data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Heidi J. Kneller, Calsee N. Robb, William A. Harkness, Buddy L. Sharpe, James P. Schalla
  • Publication number: 20110012408
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an infant bouncer and activity stand for entertaining an infant. The bouncer and activity stand includes at least one removable infant seat configured to hold an infant therein, with the removable infant seat of at least one of a bounceable infant seat and rotatable infant seat type. The bouncer and activity stand also has an upright support configured to receive the removable infant seat and support the removable infant seat thereon. A jumping platform is detachably securable to the upright support beneath the removable infant seat. The bouncer and activity stand also optionally has one or more toys and activities attached thereto that are configured to entertain the infant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventors: Wicky Lee, Mike Miroewski, Paul C. Gilles, Michael Parness
  • Publication number: 20110001340
    Abstract: A portable seating support for use in a roof structure, for example in a building, including a saddle defined by a bridge portion and a pair of legs which are cantilevered downwardly from opposite edges of the bridge portion, and a seat supported on the bridge member by an upright post. The bridge portion has a pair of end edges which extend transversely between the legs, and at least one of these end edges defines thereon at least one tooth for engaging a support member of the roof structure. Additionally, the saddle is configured for positioning on a horizontally-oriented member of the roof structure, if space permits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventor: Gary W. Bannister
  • Patent number: 7857378
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a seating apparatus are set forth herein. In one embodiment, a seating apparatus includes a folding chair, bag, and blanket. The folding chair is movable between use and storage configurations. The bag has an internal area to receive the folding chair at the storage configuration. The bag has opposed ends and a length therebetween; an opening is at one end for passing the folding chair to and from the internal area. The blanket has a primary portion and at least one flap. An end of the primary portion is coupled to the bag and extends along at least a section of the bag length. The flap is sized to extend from the primary portion beyond a bag end and is not directly coupled to the bag. At least one fastener is configured to selectively couple the blanket to itself when the blanket is wrapped around the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Inventor: Zachary Lee Smith
  • Publication number: 20100314919
    Abstract: The invention is of a PORTABLE, LIGHTWEIGHT FOLDING, STOOL AND CARRYING CASE. The stool frame is easily folded together and placed into the upholstered seat top, which when zippered together, acts as a carrying case. In this folded and enclosed form the stool becomes easily transportable to any location where seating is desired. The stool framework and seat top consists of the following basic elements: a) A center threaded shaft with a graspable handle surface at mid point. b) An upper and lower threaded locking bolt freely turning on the threaded shaft, above and below the center handle. c) A minimum of three seat support arms, hinge-connected to an upper pinning device, which is securely anchored to the upper end of the center, threaded shaft. d) A minimum of three lower legs, hinge-connected to a lower pinning device, which is securely anchored to the lower end of the center, threaded shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventor: William Charles Jackson
  • Publication number: 20100301640
    Abstract: A mobile salon chair is provided that can include a mobile salon chair and optionally an auxiliary stool, a water system and/or a water module. The auxiliary stool can optionally be selectively stored within the mobile salon chair. The mobile salon chair is designed to be transportable from room to room within a facility by pushing or pulling the mobile salon chair so as to provide personal care services at various facilities and/or locations within a facility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventor: Lisa Heiser
  • Publication number: 20100301639
    Abstract: A combination bed seat and commode suitable for both purposes and having multiple additional features that provide the user with safety, comfort, and convenience, the apparatus comprising in a preferred embodiment a box-like base holding a bedpan under an open seat, a door for the removal of the bedpan without the need for the user to remove himself from the apparatus, an adjustable back rest pivotably connected at a hinge joint to the base housing unit, longitudinal base stabilization means preferably but not essentially in the form of a U-shaped retractable stabilizer longitudinally disposed within the base housing unit, lateral base stabilization means preferably but not essentially in the form of a pair of flange-like stabilizers projecting from the side walls of the base housing unit, and a pair of retractable armrests to facilitate movement onto and off of the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventor: Renee McPheeters