With Electrical Feature Patents (Class 297/217.3)
  • Publication number: 20150036060
    Abstract: A passenger seat assembly comprising an assembly of seating modules arranged for relative pivotal movement; a membranous mesh fixed about each module for providing support to a passenger in said passenger seat assembly; said mesh comprising a passenger support face and a reaction face on an opposed face of each of said modules; said mesh fixed so as to permit relative movement between the passenger face and reaction face and arranged to redistribute tension between the passenger face and the reaction face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: Airgo Design Pte. Ltd.
    Inventor: Alireza Yaghoubi
  • Patent number: 8947869
    Abstract: Display apparatuses and mounting devices are disclosed. The display apparatuses may include a display panel for displaying visual information and a mounting device coupled with the display panel and movably coupled with a supporting base. The mounting device may comprise a panel-mount interface coupled with the display panel and a receiving device capable of being configured to be at least partially embedded into the supporting base. The panel-mount interface may be coupled with the receiving device through a coupling device comprising a joining piece and at least one of a plurality of receiving holes or at least one sliding groove. The joining piece may be movable among the plurality of the receiving holes or within the at least one sliding groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Tzeng-Shii Tsai, Yueh-Hua Lee, Wen-Tung Wang
  • Patent number: 8939500
    Abstract: An ergonomic workstation that includes a base; an effective hip axis affixed to the base; a seat bottom that rotates about the effective hip axis; a seat back that rotates about the effective hip axis; an effective shoulder axis positionally fixed to the seat back; an effective elbow axis positionally fixed to the seat back; a monitor support having a monitor mount that rotates about the shoulder axis; and an input device tray support configured such that an input device tray on the support rotates about the elbow axis. As the workstation moves through a broad range of operational zones, it maintains a fixed eye-to-monitor distance and fixed angle between the user's head and the monitor throughout a significant portion of the range of motion, and a fixed distance from the user's elbow to an input device throughout the entire range of motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: SV Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Che Voigt, John M. Speicher
  • Patent number: 8942892
    Abstract: A vehicle seating system includes a vehicle seat and a seat control motor coupled to the vehicle seat. The seat control motor is configured to move the vehicle seat to an occupant-desired position. The vehicle seating system also includes a controller communicatively coupled to the seat control motor. The controller is configured to output a signal to the seat control motor to induce a vibration within the vehicle seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Gerald R. Veen, William M. Jarocha
  • Publication number: 20150020308
    Abstract: An apparatus has an accessory for a child. The accessory has at least one structural element. A vibration element is secured to the at least one structural element. A controller is in communication with the vibration element for controlling the vibration element. A power source for powering at least one of the controller and the vibration element in included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventor: Sheila Reichle
  • Patent number: 8936307
    Abstract: Described are multipurpose tray table systems including a passenger seat back, at least one tray table arm pivotally coupled to the passenger seat back, and a tray table pivotally coupled to the at least one tray table arm, comprising a first surface and a second surface, wherein the tray table may be deployed away from the passenger seat back via rotation of the at least one tray table arm about the passenger seat back to a first deployed position, and the tray table may be rotated about the at least one tray table arm into an adjusted deployed position such that the first surface of the tray table faces generally toward the passenger seat back and the second surface of the tray table faces generally away from the passenger seat back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Zodiac Seats US LLC
    Inventor: Homero Heredia
  • Publication number: 20150015036
    Abstract: A rocker includes a frame and a seat coupled to the frame for receiving an infant therein. The frame includes a front and a rear frame portion generally oppositely extending along a longitudinal axis. The first and second frame portions are pivotally coupled together to move between an upright configuration and a collapsed configuration. The front and rear frame portions include rocking surfaces that are configured to rock on a support surface in a side-to-side motion transverse to the longitudinal axis, with the infant positioned in the seat in a head-to-foot longitudinal orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: KIDS II, INC.
    Inventor: Alex SORIANO
  • Patent number: 8931839
    Abstract: An infant stimulation and learning apparatus includes an isolation device and an environmental monitoring and control system. The isolation device is constructed as an infant carrier having an isolation canopy hingedly affixed thereto. The environmental monitoring and control system includes an audio-visual display system, media player, fresh air circulation system and infant monitoring system. A video screen, forming part of the audio-visual display system, is mounted to the interior surface of the isolation canopy. The fresh air circulation system includes a blower for conveying air into and through the interior space of the isolation device and a filter for removing particulate matter from the airflow prior to introduction to the isolation device. Means for securing the infant stimulation and learning apparatus in an automobile seat and an infant stroller and an infant restraint are provided. The infant monitoring system transmits video, sound and temperature to a remote location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Inventor: Roberto J. Laurel, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20150008710
    Abstract: A seat monitoring system comprises a first layer of one or more fluid bladders packaged within a seat, a pump in fluid communication with the first layer, the pump operable to increase fluid pressure of each bladder within the first layer, an array of one or more sensors in fluid communication with the first layer and operative to sense pressure and pressure changes within each bladder within the first layer and a controller configured to: collect pressure data; determine from the pressure data a monitored parameter relevant to a subject in the seat; and change an aspect of the seat based on the monitored parameter. Methods of using the seat monitoring system can include determining a drowsiness threshold and altering a user that he or she is getting drowsy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Steven J. Young, Carl Hewitt, Al Luckow
  • Publication number: 20140375093
    Abstract: A harness apparatus including a first adjustable harness strap, a second adjustable harness strap, and a retainer apparatus. The retainer apparatus includes a first retainer portion slidably attached to the first harness strap, a second retainer portion slidably attached to the second harness strap, and a braking mechanism configured to prevent the first retainer portion and the second retainer portion from moving along the first harness strap and the second harness strap. The first retainer portion is removably attached to the second retainer portion. The braking mechanism includes a braking device configured to apply resistance to the first harness strap and/or the second harness strap and to hold the retainer apparatus in a stationary position along the first harness strap and the second harness strap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventor: Mark J. Friedman
  • Patent number: 8911019
    Abstract: Certain embodiments provide a head array system for a power wheelchair, including a head array body and one or more lateral arms. The head array body includes shafts. Each of the shafts includes lateral arm receiving sections. The one or more lateral arms are detachably coupled to one of the lateral arm receiving sections of one of the shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Permobil AB
    Inventors: Johannes Engelmundus Leonardus Mathias Josten, Jeremy Michael Sedlak, Hymie Pogir, Hans Leon Fraeyman
  • Publication number: 20140361585
    Abstract: A passenger suite seating arrangement that includes first and second passenger suites positioned side-by-side and including respective first and second seats and first and second video monitors respectively positioned in a viewing position directly forward of the first seat and second seats. Third and fourth passenger suites are positioned side-by-side and facing the first and second passenger suites, and include respective third and fourth video monitors positioned and adapted to move between a stowed position laterally offset from a viewing position and a deployed viewing position forward of the third and fourth seats. In the deployed viewing position the third and fourth video monitors block visual contact between occupants of the first and second seats and the occupants of the third and fourth seats.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventor: Robert J. Henshaw
  • Patent number: 8894487
    Abstract: A gaming system includes a gaming machine and a gaming chair for playing a wagering game. The gaming machine includes at least one display configured to display outcomes of the wagering game. The gaming machine further includes at least one wager input device configured to receive wagers from players. The gaming chair includes a seat assembly attached to a base, a cable harness for providing electrical input, and a backrest assembly having an inner structure and a back housing. The back housing is mounted to the inner structure and has a modular mounting feature for receiving one of at least two modular back panels. The modular back panels are received one at a time and include a non-illuminated back panel and an illuminated back panel. The illuminated back panel has a connector for accepting the cable harness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Toriono A. Granger, Eric T. Miner, Norman R. Wurz
  • Publication number: 20140333100
    Abstract: An aircraft seating assembly having a back support, a seat bottom, a connection frame, and a convertible armrest. The width of the back support being such that, when two back supports are placed adjacent, the gap between adjacent sides is minor. The convertible armrest having a design which allows the armrest to pivot downward, from a first or deployed position, to a second or stowed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: Encore Interiors, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeremy Wilkens
  • Publication number: 20140312665
    Abstract: A monitor-mounting system for a headrest of a land vehicle includes a bushing subsystem constructed to be coupled to the headrest; and a monitor-mounting plate constructed to be coupled to the bushing subsystem. The monitor-mounting region extends outwardly of the headrest and is constructed for fixedly receiving a monitor. The headrest is constructed with dual posts and dual post guides, and the bushing system is constructed with dual bushings, each being constructed to couple to a corresponding one of the dual post guides, or to a corresponding one of the posts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventor: Curtis C. Kucera
  • Publication number: 20140306498
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a children's bouncer apparatus. In various embodiments, the apparatus includes a support frame, seat assembly configured to support a child, and bouncer control device. The support frame includes one or more semi-rigid support arms that extend above a base portion and suspend the seat assembly above the base portion. The bouncer control device is configured to impart a driving force on the seat assembly, thereby causing the seat assembly to continuously oscillate at the natural frequency of the children's bouncer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventors: David Gilbert, Peter D Jackson, Alex E Soriano, Jing Ru Chen
  • Publication number: 20140306838
    Abstract: In some aspects, a portable car-seat assembly for installation in a vehicle includes a temperature sensor that detects an ambient temperature inside the vehicle. The portable car-seat assembly also includes a location detector that detects a location of the car-seat assembly. The car-seat assembly is configured to initiate a predetermined action in response to detecting an unsafe passenger-condition based on the temperature. For example, a message indicating the temperature and the location of the car-seat assembly can be sent to a remote recipient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventor: Justin Edward Beumler
  • Publication number: 20140292047
    Abstract: A detachable seat mounted audio-visual entertainment system. The system has locally storable, selectable, and updatable content. The passenger in-flight entertainment device terminal has passenger selectable controls, a video display, an audio output, storage media such as a magnetic or “hard disk”, and a payment interface device such as a card swipe, all located in a seat which has been wired with power, local network, and audio wiring. A local, transport vehicle mounted local host computer provides supports the local network, and may be used to collect revenue slips resulting from passenger input to the payment interface device. Revenue slips may be posted to a remote server during a trip segment via satellite or direct radio frequency communication to receiving facilities providing connection to the internet, or alternately collected and posted batchwise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: William J. Boyer, Jr., Robert Ray Henson
  • Publication number: 20140292046
    Abstract: Described are display assemblies having a display coupled to a passenger seat back, a video shroud coupled to the passenger seat back and with an inner opening positioned adjacent the display, wherein a gap is positioned between an outer edge of the display and an edge of the inner opening, and an adaptor having a lip and coupled to the video shroud, wherein the lip is positioned adjacent the gap. A portion of the lip may surround at least the outer edge of the display and/or may overlap a portion of the video shroud.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Rik Westerink, Timothy W. Terleski, Per Magnus Skold, Alexander Gerard Saucier, Armando Valdes
  • Patent number: 8840181
    Abstract: A monitoring and/or entertainment system, especially for a child seat, having at least one electronic assembly for displaying/recording images, films or film sequences, and having a moulded body in which the at least one electronic assembly is mounted and held. In order that the monitoring/entertainment system can be used for a child seat when the seat shell of the child seat is aligned in the direction opposite to the direction of travel, the moulded body has at least one fixing element which is arranged to form a force-based connection to the base frame of the child seat, wherein when the moulded body is in the state in which it is fixed to the base frame of the child seat the front side of the moulded body and the electronic assembly mounted in the moulded body face towards the seat shell of the child seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Cybex Industrial Ltd.
    Inventor: Martin Pos
  • Patent number: 8840184
    Abstract: Provided is a child restraint system (CRS) with automated installation that provides automated feedback and control of seat installation angle, belt latching and tightening, and confirmation of correct install. The CRS utilizes sensors to monitor CRS base angle relative to level, confirm correct latching of the CRS to its base and then to the vehicle seat, and confirm tightening of the belts to the required tension to be crashworthy. The stepwise operation and confirmation of the installation procedure may be operated via button(s) or other tactical input, and relayed to the user via electronic visual display and/or audible means. All operations will be overseen and processed by an integrated control system, affording minimal user decision or interface. An intelligent latching device which can be adapted for use with an existing CRS is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Thorley Industries LLC
    Inventors: Dave Szakelyhidi, Robert D. Daley, Henry F. Thorne, Frederick Karl Hopke, John J. Walker
  • Publication number: 20140265478
    Abstract: An adjustable seat indicating assembly is provided and includes a stationary component attached to a stationary part of an adjustable seat assembly, a movable component attached to a movable part of the adjustable seat assembly, and an indicating component that changes state upon an interaction between the stationary component and the movable component, wherein the indicating component indicates that the movable part of the seat is in a desired seating position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: COMMERCIAL VEHICLE GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew Schultz, Robert A. Maston
  • Publication number: 20140265477
    Abstract: A vehicle seat adjustment assembly has an actuator adapted to move a component of the vehicle seat assembly, and a generally planar sensor array in communication with the controller and accessible from an outer surface of the vehicle seat assembly. The sensor array has a plurality of adjacent sensors accessible from an outer surface of the vehicle seat assembly. A controller is in communication with the actuator for controlling the actuator and in communication with the sensor array. The controller is configured to control the actuator to move the component in response to receiving a signal indicative of a touch input of the sensor array by a user such that the movement of the component correlates with the input to the sensor array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Arjun Yetukuri, David A. Hein, Gerald S. Locke
  • Publication number: 20140252813
    Abstract: A system for powering components in a vehicle seat enables electronic components within the vehicle seat to receive power without wires connecting the seat to a vehicle body. The system includes a power transmitter that generates an electromagnetic field, and a power receiver located within the vehicle seat and the electromagnetic field. The power receiver is configured to generate electrical power from the electromagnetic field and deliver the power to at least one component in the vehicle seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Huang Lee, Martin Coors, Vivek Jain, Abtin Keshavarzian, Horace Arlen Olive, JR., Murat Senel, Lakshmi Venkatraman
  • Publication number: 20140246887
    Abstract: A pressure-responsive B-surface seat occupancy sensor unit for detecting an occupancy state of a seat comprises a pressure sensor arranged on a base plate. The pressure sensor includes a printed circuit board having a first surface with at least two electrodes and a second surface, with which the PCB is arranged on the base plate, and a membrane element arranged in facing relationship with and spaced from the electrodes so as to deflect under pressure and establish an electrical contact between the electrodes. The base plate includes one or more fixation elements, by means of which the base plate is fixable to the structural frame, the seat cushion and/or the cushion-supporting springs of the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: IEE INTERNATIONAL ELECTRONICS & ENGINEERING S.A.
    Inventors: Harald Clos, Laurent Federspiel, Peter Jonas, Guenter Goedert, Philippe Boyer, Roberto Orsello, Christian Bour
  • Patent number: 8820832
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a wire harness assembly for routing a wire harness through a vehicle seat back having an active head restraint system. The assembly can comprise a movable member configured to move relative to a seat frame in a vehicle fore-aft direction and can have a sleeve with a first end configured to receive a headrest. A harness guide is included with a guide tube and an attachment member that is connected to the guide tube and to the movable member, the guide tube having a first open end and a second open, and a guide passage that extends through the guide tube from the first open end to the second open end. A second end of the sleeve opposite the first end is located within the attachment member and configured such that the sleeve and the attachment member move with the movable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Dumont
  • Publication number: 20140239685
    Abstract: A head rest position adjusting device has a capacitance sensor unit and a drive motor unit, and the capacitance sensor unit has plural detection electrodes which are arranged in such a way that the long sides are aligned along the height direction. A detection circuit has plural capacitance detection circuits connected to the detection electrodes, respectively, and an arithmetic processing circuit, and the drive motor unit has a motor drive circuit and a drive motor. Even if the head restraint is in an initial condition, the detection circuit detects an estimated center position of a head in the height direction or a detection electrode having the highest output as a reference position from detection signals from individual detection electrodes, and adjusts a position of the head restraint relative to a seat with reference to the reference position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: FUJIKURA LTD.
    Inventor: Yuichiro Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 8814262
    Abstract: A vehicle seat heater, which is to be fitted to a vehicle seat, includes a base sheet and a heater wire laid in the base sheet. The heater wire is laid in the base sheet so as not to orthogonally intersect its predicted wrinkle lines R. As a result, disconnections of the heater wire caused by repeated deformations of the vehicle seat heater can be suppressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Norio Abe, Yoshimitsu Fujiwara, Kazuaki Hioki, Masanori Nishikawa, Kazumi Nagayama
  • Patent number: 8807650
    Abstract: Improvements in a car seat where the car seat is adjustable to accommodate infants to adults. The seat has adjustments for the sides, seat, back and belt position. The seat uses servo motors with an intelligent controller that utilizes a memory position feature along with preset locations based upon different weight, age or height information. The seat pads can move separately or collectively to position the seat prior to an adult, toddler or child being seated. Side supports can elevate and or fold inward to reduce side-to-side motion. The back rest may also be movable to push the child further forward in the seat. The setting can be altered and or stored when different children are seated or as the child grows until they can be seated in the flat adult position. An insert is used to place a newborn in a backward facing reclined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventors: Barbara Ascher, Lenard Ascher
  • Patent number: 8806543
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying in-flight passenger information. In-flight passenger information for flight of an aircraft is identified during operation of the aircraft. A timeline and the in-flight passenger information in association with the timeline are displayed on a display system during the operation of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Vicki Ann Curtis, Menaka Apana, Peizhong Xu, Lixia Zhang, Joel Vanboening, Sooshin Choi
  • Patent number: 8794700
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for securing an entertainment device to a vehicle seat having a pair of spaced headrest post guides extending through a top surface of the vehicle seat is provided. The mounting assembly includes a first bracket member having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end and the second end each configured to attach to a respective headrest post guide with the first bracket member extending between the headrest post guides. A second bracket member is configured to support an entertainment device and is slidingly attached to the first bracket member and is selectively securable between forward and aft locations relative to the first bracket member to position the entertainment device rearwardly of the vehicle seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Brawner
  • Patent number: 8794698
    Abstract: A foldable, deployable chair for video game controller presentation has a folding frame supporting a chair seat, a back support, and left and right armrests, a substantially planar hand controller support surface extending from the forward end of one of the left and right armrests to the forward end of the other left and right armrest, the controller support surface pivoted to a frame extension at one end, and resting on a frame extension at the other end, surface is substantially horizontal and may be raised and rotated about the pivot at the frame extension at the one end, allowing a user to be seated and then lowered about the pivot, presenting the controller support surface the seated user in a position within comfortable reach of a user's hands, and a fastening interface on the hand controller support surface adapted to fasten the hand-operable controller devices to the support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Inventor: Bryan K. Halsey
  • Patent number: 8783766
    Abstract: Described are display assemblies having a display coupled to a passenger seat back, a video shroud coupled to the passenger seat back and with an inner opening positioned adjacent the display, wherein a gap is positioned between an outer edge of the display and an edge of the inner opening, and an adaptor having a lip and coupled to the video shroud, wherein the lip is positioned adjacent the gap. A portion of the lip may surround at least the outer edge of the display and/or may overlap a portion of the video shroud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Zodiac Seats US LLC
    Inventors: Rik Westerink, Timothy W. Terleski, Per Magnus Skold, Alexander Gerard Saucier, Armando Valdes
  • Patent number: 8783769
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a children's bouncer apparatus. In various embodiments, the apparatus includes a support frame, seat assembly configured to support a child, and bouncer control device. The support frame includes one or more semi-rigid support arms that extend above a base portion and suspend the seat assembly above the base portion. The bouncer control device is configured to impart a driving force on the seat assembly via a magnetic drive assembly, thereby causing the seat assembly to continuously oscillate at the natural frequency of the children's bouncer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Kids II, Inc.
    Inventors: David Gilbert, Peter D Jackson, Alex E Soriano, Jing Ru Chen
  • Publication number: 20140197666
    Abstract: A furniture control (100) for the installation into an electrically adjustable piece of seating furniture (200) comprises a control housing (10) that contains control components for activating motors of the piece of seating furniture and features a recess (15) into which an operating part (20) can be inserted, the operating part and a sensor for detecting whether the operating part (20) is inserted into the control housing (10). The operating part features a flat sensor module (30) with a touch-sensitive surface. The operating part (20) is designed for detecting a respective position-dependent touch actuation of the surface of the sensor module (30) and for generating a respective actuation signal for the control components based on a detected touch actuation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: LOGICDATA Electronic & Software Entwicklungs GmbH
    Inventor: Walter KOCH
  • Patent number: 8777310
    Abstract: Described are seat back assemblies including a seat back with a recess and a bezel assembly having a bezel pivotally coupled to the recess and configured to substantially fit within the recess. Other examples may include a tray table assembly pivotally coupled to a lower section of the seat back. As examples, a protective covering may be positioned between the seat back and the bezel assembly, wherein the protective covering is a full shroud or a partial shroud. The protective covering may be coupled to the seat back via the coupling between the seat back and the bezel assembly without additional fasteners and may also include a shelf positioned below the bezel. Other examples may include an amenity tray positioned adjacent the bezel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Zodiac Seats US LLC
    Inventors: Rik Westerink, Jeffrey P. Wegenka
  • Patent number: 8777311
    Abstract: An infant stimulation and learning apparatus includes an isolation device and an environmental monitoring and control system. The isolation device is constructed as an infant carrier having an isolation canopy hingedly affixed thereto. The environmental monitoring and control system includes an audio-visual display system, media player, fresh air circulation system and infant monitoring system. A video screen, forming part of the audio-visual display system, is mounted to the interior surface of the isolation canopy. The fresh air circulation system includes a blower for conveying air into and through the interior space of the isolation device and a filter for removing particulate matter from the airflow prior to introduction to the isolation device. Means for securing the infant stimulation and learning apparatus in an automobile seat and an infant stroller and an infant restraint are provided. The infant monitoring system transmits video, sound and temperature to a remote location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: Roberto J. Laurel, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8757716
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a piezoelectric motion sensing apparatus and a bouncer control device configured to control the oscillation of a children's bouncer based on feedback from the piezoelectric motion sensing apparatus. In various embodiments, the piezoelectric motion sensing apparatus is configured to sense the motion of a body to which it is attached, such as a children's bouncer, and provide a feedback signal indicative of the motion. In addition, various embodiments of the present invention are directed to an infant support control device configured to impart soothing sensation to a child positioned in the infant support. In particular, the infant support control device is configured to impart gentle, repetitive pulses to an infant support that mimic the heartbeat of a parent or caregiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Kids II, Inc.
    Inventors: Chen Jing Ru, David Gilbert, Zheng Qiao Xing
  • Publication number: 20140159447
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention may include a vehicle seat apparatus of a vehicle seat. The vehicle seat apparatus may have a seat pad, a plate member connected to the seat pad, and a linear member mounted to the plate member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: Takao SAITOU, Teruya KIMURA, Kyousuke II, Yorihisa INAGAKI, Tomonori YAMAOKA, Jing ZHU
  • Patent number: 8747225
    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: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen A. Canterbury, Jacob C. Greenberg, Timothy C. Loose, Eric M. Pryzby, Norman R. Wurz
  • Patent number: 8740144
    Abstract: A passenger supply arrangement provides a communications system and comfort system for a passenger of an aeroplane. The passenger supply arrangement includes a presentation surface configured to be integrated into a backrest of a passenger seat of an aeroplane and a passenger supply module configured to be disposed above the passengers seats of the aeroplane. The passenger supply module includes at least one projector configured to project an image onto the presentation surface. The image includes a monitoring area for playback of video and an operating area for displaying and for actuation of operating elements of the passenger supply module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Robert Alexander Goehlich, Holger Frauen, Cihangir Sayilgan
  • Patent number: 8740301
    Abstract: A headrest for mounting on a vehicle seat of a vehicle includes a head pillow and an entertainment system. The entertainment system includes a display screen and a communication tool. The communication tool is electrically connected with the display screen, and is arranged to electrically communicate with an external electronic device in such a manner that the communication tool is arranged to electrically link the display screen with the external electronic appliance for establishing an interaction between the display screen and the external electronic appliance, such that a user is able to operate and control the external electronic appliance on the display screen through the communication tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Inventor: Calvin Liu
  • Patent number: 8733831
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for securing an entertainment device to a vehicle seat having a pair of spaced headrest post guides extending through a top surface of the vehicle seat is provided. The mounting assembly includes a first bracket member having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end and the second end each configured to attach to a respective headrest post guide with the first bracket member extending between the headrest post guides. A second bracket member is configured to support an entertainment device and is slidingly attached to the first bracket member and is selectively securable between forward and aft locations relative to the first bracket member to position the entertainment device rearwardly of the vehicle seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Brawner
  • Publication number: 20140125097
    Abstract: Vehicle mounted control device and display allow a driver to control vehicle accessories and functions while minimizing distraction. The control device may be mounted at a forward position on the armrest or consul, and is preferably angled forward and downward at about a 45 degree angle. A display is electrically connected to the control device and placed remotely at a convenient viewing position ahead of the driver. The control device may controlled in a tactile manner by mounting it in an open top enclosure having about one inch high walls around the surface of the control device and about a one third inch wide depression margin between the walls and edges of the control device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Inventor: Dan Marius Andreiu
  • Patent number: 8714646
    Abstract: A mobile task chair with a control mechanism with adjustment mechanisms and setting indicators. The mobile task chair has a mobile base structure, a control mechanism supported by the base structure, a seat bottom structure supported by the base structure, a seat back structure supported by the base structure, a mechanism for adjusting a physical setting of the mobile task chair, such as the pivoting resistance of the back structure, and a mechanism for providing a visual indication of the pivoting resistance of the mobile task chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventor: Sava Cvek
  • Publication number: 20140091604
    Abstract: The assembly for aircraft cockpit comprising a seat in which a crew member is intended to sit and a display and control device. The display and control device is configured to be mounted relative to the seat displaceable between a first position in which the display and control device is arranged to be used in front by the crew member when the latter is sitting in the seat and a second position in which the display and control device is arranged to be used by said crew member to the side and leave free the frontal zone of the crew member when the latter is sitting in the seat. The invention also relates to an aircraft cockpit and an aircraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventors: Nicolas Chatrenet, Eric Petit, Laurent Saint-Marc
  • Patent number: 8684457
    Abstract: There is provided a chair and multimedia player comprising a sound transmission apparatus performing human-body communications. The chair and multimedia player comprise at least one sound transmission apparatus, wherein the sound transmission apparatus is disposed in a surface of the chair and multimedia player to allow a user to hear a sound signal when the user is in contact with or adjacent to the surface, and the sound transmission apparatus generates a composite signal including a sound signal and a demodulation signal restoring only the sound signal from the composite signal and outputs the generated composite signal and demodulation signal into a human body in order to restore the sound signal within the vicinity of the ears of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Sung-Eun Kim, Sung-Weon Kang, Tae-Wook Kang, In-Gi Lim, Hyung-Il Park, Chang-Hee Hyoung, Jung-Hwan Hwang, Jin-Kyung Kim, Jung-Bum Kim, Kyung-Soo Kim, Ki-Hyuk Park, Jae-Hoon Shim
  • Publication number: 20140084648
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a monitor, comprising a housing, a screen, a button zone and some circuits inside the housing. Side and rear portions of the screen are wrapped by the housing, and its front portion is exposed outside to display images. The button zone includes a plurality of functional buttons that assist users to input instructions and select functions. The housing is treated with gloss finish so that it has a lustrous appearance and looks shiny.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventors: Michael Tai-Hao Wen, Chen-Hung Tai
  • Publication number: 20140077539
    Abstract: A vehicle entertainment system includes a console positioned behind a vehicle seat and houses electronics of the vehicle entertainment system. A mount extends rearwardly from the console and is attached to headrest post guides of the vehicle seat by which the console is attached to the vehicle seat. A display screen is movably attached to the console for positioning between stowed and extended positions, wherein the display screen extends vertically upward from the console and is positioned behind and at about the same elevation of a headrest of the vehicle seat when in the extended position. The mount is low profile and does not interfere with the standard operation of the vehicle headrest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: ATOM, ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Brawner
  • Patent number: 8672409
    Abstract: A vehicle seat with an adjustable head restraint assembly is provided with a controller configured to receive an instruction signal to actuate a head restraint from a use position to a stowed position. A detection signal indicates whether an object is within a predetermined range of the head restraint. A stow signal is transmitted to an actuator to actuate the head restraint to the stowed position in response to the instruction signal and in response to the detection signal indicating that an object is not within the predetermined range of the head restraint. A use signal is transmitted to the actuator to maintain the head restraint in the use position in response to the instruction signal and in response to the detection signal indicating that an object is within the predetermined range of the head restraint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Arjun Yetukuri, David A. Hein, Gerald S. Locke