With Electrical Feature Patents (Class 297/217.3)
  • Patent number: 7866746
    Abstract: The present invention can include a frame member which attaches the monitor panel at a back side of a vehicle seat, a skin member covering the vehicle seat, a pad member having a seat outer shape, the frame member is harder than the pad member, and the frame member is arranged at a back side of the vehicle seat in place of the pad member and covered by the skin member and the monitor panel is attached to the frame member through the skin member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toyotaka Watanabe, Takayuki Niwa, Nobuhiko Kazui, Masahiro Iwamoto, Satoshi Sugiyama, Kenji Obara, Naoki Mitsuoka, Hideyuki Yamanaka, Yuji Nishiyama
  • Publication number: 20100327634
    Abstract: A passenger seat assembly and method for converting the seat assembly between a three-seat configuration and a two-seat configuration includes a seat assembly base and first, second, and third seats mounted on the seat assembly base. The first and third seats define outboard seats and the second seat defines an inboard seat disposed between the outboard seats. The seat back of the inboard seat includes an upper portion movably mounted to the lower portion. The seat bottom is removable and repositionable between the three-seat configuration and the two-seat configuration to form a convenience area between the outboard seats. A power console movably mounted on the seat assembly base supports the seat bottom of the inboard seat and provides at least one power outlet for supplying electrical power. In particular, the inboard seat is convertible between a seating configuration and a non-seating configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: BE Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventor: Glenn A. Johnson
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20100320819
    Abstract: The present invention is a chair or similar body-supporting apparatus for sitting on, reclining on or lying upon. The chair or similar apparatus is capable of transmitting sound and vibrations generated by a sound source and/or a vibration source to a user's body. The sound and vibrations are transmitted through speakers, transducers, or a combination thereof which are connected to the chair or similar apparatus. The transmitted sound and vibrations may include translated frequencies that are generated by a translation of higher frequencies that can mainly be heard to lower frequencies that can mainly be felt. The present invention is also a method of providing vibrational energy to a user, including regulating sound and vibrations transmitted through speakers, transducers, or a combination thereof which are connected to a chair or similar body-supporting apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2008
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventors: Daniel Cohen, David Cohen, Todd Lewis
  • Publication number: 20100323861
    Abstract: An article of furniture suitable for sitting comprising of a seat, a hinging and lowering seatback, and a coaster wheeled pedestal base with a means of securing human feet; whereby providing its user with a fast, convenient, and safe means of seating, stretching, exercising, and laying flat to rest without the article of furniture having to be laboriously manipulated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventor: Sihar Ahmad Karwan
  • Publication number: 20100320818
    Abstract: A fluid filled seat support comprising a bladder, a seat and a rigid or semi-rigid partition therebetween. The seat support allows free proprioceptive motion of user's body on the bladder but prevents the bladder from conforming to user's body, which, in many cases, will significantly improve user's comfort.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventor: Conghua Li
  • Publication number: 20100314920
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a side support capable of supporting a side portion of the torso of an occupant seated in the seat. The seat has a seatback capable of being tilted up or down relative to a seat cushion. A support shaft extending from a lateral surface part of the seatback in a widthwise direction toward an outside of a vehicle is rotatably supported by a bracket. A spring for urging the seatback in a forward-tilting direction is disposed between the support shaft and the bracket. The bracket and the spring are positioned proximately to a rear surface part of the side support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuji Arata, Kazuyuki Kaneko
  • Patent number: 7845722
    Abstract: An infant seat base removably retaining an infant seat having a seat forward end which a seated infant faces and for simulating the sensations of travel in a road vehicle includes at least one vibration mechanism transmitting vibration into the seat for simulating vehicle vibration from tire movement over road surface irregularities; a recorded sound storing and playing mechanism for playing the sound of a moving road vehicle to an infant in the seat; a view simulation back drop structure having the appearance of a road vehicle seat backrest secured to the base at the seat forward end; and a base circuit including a power source delivering power through the circuit to the at least one vibration mechanism and to the recorded sound storing and playing mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Inventors: Christopher Manenti, Kevin M. Linn
  • Patent number: 7845723
    Abstract: An electrical docking station for attachment to a vehicle seat. A variety of different modules each including circuitry for performing certain seat functions can be removably attached to the docking station. The docking station includes a connector plate for connecting the wires from the modules to the seat, as well as an attachment mechanism for mechanically attaching the docking station to the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew Zuzga, Glenn Karbowski
  • Patent number: 7841659
    Abstract: A seating arrangement for a vehicle, especially an aircraft, in which seats are arranged in a plurality of generally parallel ranks, each rank extending in a fore-and-aft direction, and in a plurality of rows, each row extending at an angle other than a right angle with respect to said fore-and-aft direction and wherein adjacent seats in a row overlap in a transverse direction. In the preferred embodiment, the seats of a row also overlap in said fore-and-aft direction and include a truncated armrest at one side of the seat arranged to fit behind an adjacent seat. The seats further include an armrest at the other side of the seat, the armrest comprising a bar which extends from the rear of the seat so that a portion of one seat is located beneath the armrest provided at said other side of an adjacent seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: J. Thompson Solutions Limited
    Inventor: James Thompson
  • Patent number: 7837262
    Abstract: A seating and lying arrangement for the passenger region of aircraft. The arrangement can be brought into a seating state and a lying state. In the seating state, the arrangement has a seating surface and a backrest. In the lying state, the arrangement provides a lying surface. The arrangement comprises a seating device and a lying device which is separate therefrom. In the seating state, the lying device is arranged next to the seating device. In the lying state, the lying device is arranged above the seating device. A change can be made between the seating state and the lying state of the arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Lufthansa Technik AG
    Inventor: Harald Merensky
  • Publication number: 20100283295
    Abstract: A heated collapsible article of furniture is provided. The article of furniture has a collapsible frame movable from an open orientation to a collapsed orientation. A heating element is formed integrally with the article of furniture and is configured for converting electrical energy to thermal energy. A rechargeable electrical storage device is couple to the heating element and configured to receive electrical energy photovoltaically and provide the electrical energy to the heating element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventors: ReAnna Gayle Smith, Kyle Matthew Smith
  • Patent number: 7828756
    Abstract: A chair-type massage machine is provided which comprises a seat, backrest and leg portion having a plurality of preset reclining angles for giving an effective massage to the user in various postures. The massage machine comprises a seat pivotally movably supported by a base, a backrest pivotally movably supported by the seat at the rear end thereof, a leg portion pivotally movably supported by the seat at the front end thereof, control means for controlling seat moving means, backrest moving means and the leg portion moving means and a manual controller. The control means has stored therein a plurality of preset reclining angles with respect to the angle of the seat, backrest and the leg portion. The manual controller has reclining selection buttons for selecting one of the reclining angles and an initial position button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazushi Kamba, Toshihiro Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 7828379
    Abstract: There is disclosed a vehicle seat provided with a system for facilitating relieving of fatigue of an occupant on the vehicle seat, the vehicle seat including a seat back, the system comprising an occupant's body-motion promoting means 6 provided in an interior of the seat back 1 for repeatedly locally pressing the occupant on the vehicle seat, to thereby promote blood circulation of the occupant, a lateral acceleration sensor 8 provided in the interior of the seat back 1 for detecting accelerations that are applied in right and left lateral directions relative to a vehicle, and an acceleration-distinction control circuit provided in the interior of the seat back 1 for causing the body-motion promoting means 6 to be maintained in a drivable state according when an acceleration detected by the lateral acceleration sensor 8 is in a predetermined value range, for causing drive of the body-motion promoting means to be once stopped when the lateral acceleration becomes an excessive value exceeding an upper limit of
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: TS Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinji Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 7823973
    Abstract: Disclosed is a videogaming and computer workstation unit, preferably integrated with an ergonomic chair, which permits ease of entry and exit to the chair for users of various sizes, and which permits users to use peripheral devices for operating video games and computers comfortably from a chair integrated with a gaming console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Inventor: Vlad Dragusin
  • Publication number: 20100264789
    Abstract: Spa apparatuses are provided. In this regard, a representative spa apparatus, among others, includes a basin structure and housing. The housing has an outer surface that has a partial oval shape and an opening that is located in front of the housing and designed to contain a chair. The housing is coupled to the basin structure at a bottom portion of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventors: Quy That Ton, Loan Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20100259078
    Abstract: A display device includes: a display; and a slide mechanism including: a motor that is configured to move the display between a stored position and a use position, the display being stored in a case member of the display device in the stored position, the display being ejected outside of the case in the use position; and a grappling member, which is configured to engage with a member to be grappled, in the use position, wherein the display is tilted when the grappling member is engaged with the member to be grappled in the use position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yuko SAITO, Satoru KUNO
  • Publication number: 20100252680
    Abstract: A seating arrangement for location at the longitudinal centre line of a commercial passenger vehicle that has a longitudinally extending passenger seating area. The seating arrangement includes a pair of seats disposed alongside and secured to each other. Each seat comprising a backrest portion, and a seat pan portion, wherein the seats face at an acute angle to each other, and wherein the backrest portions of the respective seats are nearest the vertex of the acute angle than the seat pan portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventor: Glen Wilson Porter
  • Publication number: 20100244504
    Abstract: A lumbar system for use in a seat includes a frame having a first side and a second side substantially opposite the first side, a pump mounted to the second side of the frame and operable to pressurize air, and a control module mounted to the second side of the frame. The control module is in communication with the pump to receive pressurized air. The lumbar system also includes a plurality of air cells mounted to the first side of the frame. Each of the plurality of air cells individually communicates with the control module to receive variable amounts of pressurized air provided by the pump such that each air cell is independently inflatable. The frame, the pump, the control module, and the plurality of air cells are installable in the seat as a single unit by coupling the frame to the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventors: Renato Colja, Robert J. McMillen, John Koopman
  • Patent number: 7794014
    Abstract: A multimedia chair (200) includes an electronic module having an electronic processor and at least one electronic controller operatively connected to the electronic processor. A visual display (120) is connected to the electronic module and operatively communicates with the electronic processor. A base (202) structure connected to the electronic module is connected to a chair (200).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Ozio LLC
    Inventors: P. Shawn Beall, John F. LaSalvia
  • Publication number: 20100217164
    Abstract: A massage chair is provided with a base, a seat bottom, and a seat back having a peripheral frame. A peripheral cover is oriented over the frame. A central fabric cover is oriented within the peripheral cover and supported by the frame. A detachable massage unit is connected to the frame. A massager is provided with a seat back, a massage unit within the seat back, and a pair of armrests. A docking cavity is formed within one of the armrests and a remote controller is received within the docking cavity. A massager is provided with a body support member, a massage unit oriented in the body support member, a heater oriented in the body support member, and a wireless remote controller for controlling the operation of the massage unit and the heater by wireless signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: FKA DISTRIBUTING CO. D/B/A HOMEDICS, INC.
    Inventors: Elizabeth Harrison Meyer, Roman S. Ferber, Mordechai Lev, Hing Wah Tsang
  • Publication number: 20100212988
    Abstract: A seat includes a seat frame and a resilient web supported by the seat frame. The web is adapted for movement between an at rest condition in which no operator is seated on the seat, and a deflected condition in which the web is deflected with respect to the frame in response to an operator seated on the seat. A switch actuator is mounted to the web and is movable between a non-actuating position when the web is in the at rest condition and an actuating position when the web is in the deflected condition. A switch is mounted to the frame, the switch includes first and second parts movable with respect to each other to open and close an electrical circuit in response to the switch actuator moving between the non-actuating and actuating positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventors: Ben Nemec, Chad Ruetten, Harold Van Duser
  • Patent number: 7780231
    Abstract: A media system for a vehicle having a seat comprises a housing mounted to the seat, and a media unit that is capable of being coupled to the housing, wherein the housing includes a receiving portion that pivots with respect to the housing and receives the media unit in the receiving portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Audiovox Corporation
    Inventors: David M. Shalam, George C. Schedivy
  • Publication number: 20100207431
    Abstract: Disclosed is a seat element (1) for a seat system, which extends substantially across an entire zone of a backrest and/or a seat area of a seat in a mounted state. Said seat element (1) comprises devices (12-21) for receiving functional elements in order to provide additional seat functions. Such a modular seat system makes it possible to create in a simple manner different fittings of a seat, especially a vehicle seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2005
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: SCHUKRA GERATEBAU AG
    Inventors: Jan Petzel, Thomas Preiss, Veit Stossel, David Anthony Swan, Renato Colja
  • Publication number: 20100201166
    Abstract: The invention relates to a seat for a means of transport, having a supporting structure (1, 2, 3, 4), on which seating surface (5) and backrest (6) are mounted, and having a seat crossbeam (3, 4) of hollow design. The invention provides for the cavity of the seat crossbeam (3, 4) to contain electrical and/or electronic components (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: LUFTHANSA TECHNIK AG
    Inventors: Harald Merensky, Stefan Kahabka, Andrew Muirhead
  • Patent number: 7770966
    Abstract: A passenger seat assembly and method for converting the seat assembly between a three-seat configuration and a two-seat configuration includes a seat assembly base and first, second, and third seats mounted on the seat assembly base. The first and third seats define outboard seats and the second seat defines an inboard seat disposed between the outboard seats. The seat back of the inboard seat includes an upper portion movably mounted to the lower portion. The seat bottom is removable and repositionable between the three-seat configuration and the two-seat configuration to form a convenience area between the outboard seats. A power console movably mounted on the seat assembly base supports the seat bottom of the inboard seat and provides at least one power outlet for supplying electrical power. In particular, the inboard seat is convertible between a seating configuration and a non-seating configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: BE Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventor: Glenn A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7762627
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, a mobile entertainment system includes a housing configured to be coupled with a mounting plate of a headrest. The housing can define a first hinge portion. In some embodiments, the system further includes a screen assembly. The screen assembly can define a second hinge portion that cooperates with the first hinge portion to pivotally couple the screen assembly with the housing such that the screen assembly can rotate relative to the housing. In some embodiments, the system further includes a retaining harness fixedly attached to the mounting plate at a first end and fixedly attached to the screen assembly at a second end. The retaining harness can be configured to limit rotation of the screen assembly relative to the housing. Optionally, in some embodiments, the system includes a headrest configured to be installed in a vehicle. The headrest can include a mounting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Inventor: Chung Lung Chang
  • Publication number: 20100181813
    Abstract: A pneumatic seat device, in particular a pneumatic seat device for aircraft, includes at least one pneumatic unit and first and second computer units, whereby an advantageous division of tasks and/or functions within the pneumatic seat device among the individual computing units can be achieved. Primarily, it is thereby possible to obtain effective and fast data processing with use of the two computing units and, consequently, fast control and/or regulation of the pneumatic seat device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2006
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: RECARO Aircraft Seating GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventor: Marco Krämer
  • Patent number: 7758117
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, an entertainment system includes a housing configured to be mounted to a headrest. The housing can define a first hinge portion, a base wall, and one or more sidewalls. The housing can include a lock portion. In some embodiments, the system includes a screen assembly including a viewing screen. The screen assembly can define a second hinge portion that cooperates with the first hinge portion to pivotally couple the screen assembly with the housing. The screen assembly can further define an arm movable relative to the viewing screen. The arm can be configured to interact with the lock portion to retain the screen assembly in a stowed configuration in which the screen assembly is substantially prevented from moving away from the base wall of the housing. The arm further can be configured to be actuated to permit rotation of the screen assembly away from the base wall of the housing. In some embodiments, the system includes a headrest configured to be installed in a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Inventor: Chung Lung Chang
  • Patent number: 7758116
    Abstract: The present invention can include a monitor unit for a vehicle seat including a base portion positioned at a top of a seat back; and a monitor portion including a monitor with a display surface for displaying images. The monitor portion is pivotally connected to the base portion via a hinge and rotatable in a front and rear direction between a use position at which the monitor portion is erect on the base portion and the display surface is positioned in a rear direction, and a retracted position at which the monitor portion is positioned in a front direction around the hinge. The hinge is positioned between the base portion and the monitor portion and at a front end of the base portion, and the monitor portion can be rotated by at least 90 degrees from the use position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tsunetoshi Hattori, Shoei Shinoda
  • Publication number: 20100176631
    Abstract: A rocker mechanism for a baby seat, having: a housing; a rotatable member in the housing; a drive mechanism for rotating the rotatable member; a power source for the drive mechanism; a projection on the rotatable member; a first line anchor on the housing; a second line anchor on the housing; and a line wrapped around the projection, the line having a fixed end connected to the first line anchor, a mid-portion connected to the second line anchor, and a free end, wherein the free end of the line repeatedly moves towards and away from the housing as the rotatable member rotates in the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventor: Melanie A. Ogle
  • Publication number: 20100176632
    Abstract: An aircraft passenger seat position control apparatus is provided. The control apparatus includes a plurality of seat actuators operable to adjust the passenger seat to a selected one of a plurality of discrete seat positions and a touch-sensitive control interface having a plurality of touch-responsive sites thereon corresponding to the plurality of discrete seat positions. The control interface communicates with the plurality of seat actuators and is positioned in proximity to the aircraft passenger seat for use by a passenger seated in the passenger seat. The control interface is also adapted to output a signal to the plurality of seat actuators in response to a touch-selected position by the passenger to thereby adjust the position of the aircraft passenger seat to selected one of the plurality of discrete seat positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: BE AEROSPACE, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel Alford, Joel Richards
  • Publication number: 20100171350
    Abstract: The invention relates to seats with a pivoting tray. More particularly, said seat (1) is specifically designed for pivoting screens (2) of large size and comprises at least one armrest (4) and one pivoting display screen. The screen has a jointed support arm (22) mounted on a moving carriage (24) and the armrest has a rail (3) in the form of a circular arc, the top ed of the rail being essentially vertical and the bottom part being essentially horizontal the carriage being mounted on said rail and can be moved in translation between a first low storage position for the screen and a second high position for the screen. The screen may also have a cover (21) such as to be usable as a tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: Thales
    Inventors: Serge Large, Stéphane Poveda, Patrick Vouillon
  • Publication number: 20100171346
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly including at least a component of the seat assembled made of closed-cell foam and having an integral exterior surface. The component may include a backrest, headrest, seat cushion or a component thereof such as an armrest. A method of forming a seat assembly including a first seat component and a second seat component wherein at least one of the first and the second components are made of closed-cell foam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: JOHNSON CONTROLS TECHNOLOGY COMPANY
    Inventors: Gregg Laframboise, Scott E. Dluge, Daniel J. Koester, David Thimm, Duane Potes, JR., Sheraine Sabbagh, John Gomez, Joon Kyu Lee, Richard P. Doerer
  • Publication number: 20100155530
    Abstract: A connection system for cables comprises a raceway adapted to cover the cable and a raceway outlet element connectable to the raceway. The raceway outlet element includes a first connection element for connecting the cable to second connection element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicants: Airbus Deutschland GmbH, Connecteurs Electriques Deutsch
    Inventors: Dimitrios Tsirangelos, Alexis Synodinos
  • Publication number: 20100148549
    Abstract: A detection device comprises a case formed by at least a first and second part able to move with respect to one another between a first and second operating position. Said device comprises an electric contact comprising at least two electric states, closed or open, each electric state being associated with one of the operating positions of the first and second parts, and securing means designed to fix said case onto an external support. Said securing means comprise locking means designed to perform holding of the two parts of the case in one of the two operating positions, fixing of the case onto the support by the securing means rendering the locking means inoperative.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: Crouzet Automatismes
    Inventors: Ludovic Niguet, Stéphane Collot
  • Patent number: 7735920
    Abstract: A child seat and a method for monitoring installation of the child seat are provided. The child seat includes a child seat frame configured to receive a child occupant. The child seat frame is configured to receive a seat belt webbing for securing the child seat frame to a vehicle seat. The child seat further includes a first bladder configured to contact the seat belt webbing. The first bladder has a fluid therein. The child seat further includes a first pressure sensor fluidly communicating with the fluid in the first bladder. The first pressure sensor is configured to output a first signal indicative of an amount of pressure in the first bladder. The child seat further includes a controller coupled to the child seat frame configured to receive the first signal and to compute a first tension value based on the first signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee R. Hinze, Hugh R. Hunkeler
  • Patent number: 7735918
    Abstract: Office components are described that include a base, a seat supported by the base. a microprocessor, and a load sensor electrically coupled with the microprocessor and mechanically coupled with the seat and, based on movement thereof, operative to detect occupancy of the seat and provide a signal to the microprocessor indicative thereof. The load sensor may be a strain gauge, a piezo device or combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Herman Miller
    Inventor: Robert L. Beck
  • Publication number: 20100140992
    Abstract: A head rest position adjusting device 100 has a capacitance sensor unit 10 and a drive motor unit 30, and the capacitance sensor unit 10 has plural detection electrodes 11 to 15. Each detection electrode 11 to 15 are formed in a rectangular strip having a long side arranged in a width direction intersecting with a height direction of a head restraint 43 at the front face side thereof, and are arranged in such a way that the long sides are aligned along the height direction. A detection circuit 20 has plural capacitance detection circuits 21 to 25 connected to the detection electrodes 11 to 15, respectively, and an arithmetic processing circuit 28, and the drive motor unit 30 has a motor drive circuit and a drive motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: FUJIKURA LTD.
    Inventor: Yuichiro Yamaguchi
  • Publication number: 20100127844
    Abstract: The present invention provides a seat alignment sensing and safeguarding mechanism of an electric scooter cart. The seat is assembled rotatably via the chassis onto the top of a column on the main body of the electric scooter cart. The first and second sensors are arranged correspondingly between the top of the column and the chassis of the seat. The first sensor on the column is electrically connected with a controller, which can control on/off state of the drive motor of the electric scooter cart according to the sensing signal of the first sensor. When the seat of the electric scooter cart isn't realigned, the electric scooter cart cannot be activated, thereby improving the operational safety of the electric scooter cart with better applicability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventor: Yung-Cheng CHEN
  • Publication number: 20100127542
    Abstract: A stay is provided with an insulating member, so that only a lower stay body disposed on a lower side of the insulating member can be energized. Further, the lower stay body is set at a position in which the lower stay body is not exposed to an interior of the seat back when the head rest is vertically adjustably connected to the seat back.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takeshi Nishiura, Atsuki Sasaki
  • Publication number: 20100123340
    Abstract: An inflatable sofa set comprises a receiving body, a pump and at least one airbag which is received in the receiving body. The airbag is connected to the pump. When in use, the user drives the pump to inflate the airbag into a sofa for the user to sit on, or to deflate the airbag for storage. Thereby, the sofa set is simple and is convenient for storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Inventor: Martin LIN
  • Patent number: 7717726
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to self-aligning electrical coupling devices and related methods. For example, one embodiment can include an aligning means for aligning a central axis of a male connector component with a central axis of a female connector component. The embodiment can also include a rotationally-aligning means for rotationally aligning a male connector component with a female connector component so as to achieve a predetermined rotational orientation. Some embodiments can also an electrically-communicating means for electrically communicating between the male connector component and the female connector component. Some embodiments relate to processes for assembling self-aligning electrical coupling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Derek Lindsay
  • Publication number: 20100117414
    Abstract: An intelligent vehicle seat support system may include an air storage tank for storing air and supplying the air when needed, a plurality of air cushions disposed in a vehicle seat in contact with a human body, and configured to selectively expand and shrink depending on the air flow, a pressure sensor for measuring air pressure of each air cushion, an air control valve disposed between the air storage tank and the air cushions, and configured to control the air that flows into each of the air cushions, and a control unit for, when a passenger takes the vehicle seat, automatically controlling the air control valve so that it starts injecting air into each of the air cushions, and, when the air pressure of each air cushion is higher than a preset reference value, controlling the air control valve so that it stops injecting air into each air cushion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicants: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Su Hwan HWANG, Young Gyu Kim
  • Patent number: 7712826
    Abstract: The invention relates to a heated cushion (100) for a vehicle seat, comprising an upper part (110) having a first and a second main surface and a lower part (130) having a first and a second main surface. The parts (110, 130) are arranged with their first main surfaces one against the other and on one first main surface there is disposed a heating coil (120). The upper part (110) and the lower part (130), on their respective first main surfaces, each have one half (115, 135) of a fastening system in Velcro material, and the heating coil (120) is secured in its main surface by the Velcro elements (115, 135) of the main surface. Expediently, at least one part (110, 130) is made in a fabric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Kongsberg Automotive AB
    Inventor: Daniel Josefsson
  • Publication number: 20100109398
    Abstract: An infant support structure with which an electronic device can be used is disclosed. In one embodiment, the infant support structure is configured to be used with an electronic device that can enhance the experience of an infant or child on the infant support structure. In addition, softgoods for an infant support structure is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Margo Block Moulin, Justin C. Taton
  • Patent number: 7708340
    Abstract: A massage chair of the present invention includes an electric reclining mechanism for moving a backrest into different sloping positions, left and right holding mechanisms for respectively holding user's left and right forearms, and a controller for controlling operations of the mechanisms. The controller separately controls operations of the electric reclining mechanism and the left holding mechanism as well as operations of the electric reclining mechanism and the right holding mechanism. When controlling the former operations, the controller controls (A) allow the left holding mechanism to hold the left forearm, (B) allow the electric reclining mechanism to recline the backrest to any of the different sloping positions, (C) allow the electric reclining mechanism to raise the backrest to any of the different sloping positions, and (D) allow the left holding mechanism to release the left forearm. Similarly, the controller controls the latter operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takayoshi Tanizawa, Satoshi Kajiyama, Masamichi Miyaguchi, Daisuke Tsukada, Fumihiro Nishio, Takeo Iijima, Yuichi Nishibori
  • Patent number: 7708341
    Abstract: A vehicle seat has a seat cushion having a cushion pad deformable to be flexed when a seating load of an occupant is applied. A seating sensor is disposed within the seat cushion for detecting a seating position of the occupant. The seating sensor is configured as a push-in switch and can detect the seating position of the occupant when the seating sensor is pressed by the cushion pad. A fragile region is interleaved between the seating sensor and the cushion pad at a pressure receiving region where the pressing force is applied to the seating sensor. The fragile region has rigidity lower than the cushion pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignees: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Nobuhito Takai, Hitoshi Yanase, Koji Ito, Setsu Takuma, Hiromi Kondo, Yoshiyuki Amamiya
  • Patent number: 7699395
    Abstract: The high chair apparatus focuses on safety by providing no sharp edges. External edges and features of the apparatus are rounded to avoid potential injury to a child, whether in or around the apparatus. The seat prevents a child's escape from the chair via the harness and the divider. The built-in vacuum has a substantially selectively hidden hose so that the hose is out of the way except during use. The hose extends sufficiently to clean the apparatus and any area around the apparatus. The removable tray cover and chair back cover further aid in cleanup by providing removable washability. The pedestal housing the vacuum components is insulated to negate excessive noise. Triangularly positioned wheels provide mobility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Inventors: John V. Bozarth, Erica L. Bozarth
  • Publication number: 20100090508
    Abstract: A vehicle mounted printer station is made up of a printer secured to a support surface tray that includes an adaptor capable of attaching the tray and printer to the top of a vehicle seat. The support surface is preferably a rectangular shaped plate with front, back and side edges along with top and bottom surfaces. The bottom surface is attached to the adaptor, the adaptor includes at least one attachment rod for securing the support surface to the vehicle seat. The attachment rods are sized to be received into receptacles provided in the top of a vehicle seat designed for the vehicle headrest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventors: William D. Cottrell, Kenneth B. Wiseman, JR.