Illumination Patents (Class 297/217.6)
  • Patent number: 11998122
    Abstract: A child restraint configured to be securable to and separable from a base installed in a vehicle, the child restraint comprising an illuminator positioned on an external portion of the child restraint, configured to operate in a first mode, illuminating a first region external to the child restraint wherein, in the event that the child restraint is not secured to the base, and the child restraint is moved, the illuminator will be activated in its first mode, illuminating the first region external to the child restraint for the purpose of aiding securement to the base, and wherein in the event that the child restraint is secured to the base, the first mode will be deactivated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2024
    Assignee: Britax Römer Kindersicherheit GmbH
    Inventors: Nabil Kzaiz, Martin Haas, Michael Fürstenberg, Hubert Kaltenegger
  • Patent number: 11851187
    Abstract: A light system may comprise: a seat back housing configured to be coupled to a seat in an aircraft; a light assembly coupled to the seat back housing, the light assembly comprising: a main body at least partially disposed in the seatback housing in response to the light assembly being in a stowed state, the main body coupled to a joint and configured to move relative to the joint, and a light coupled to the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Inventor: Sambasiva Kodati
  • Patent number: 11220211
    Abstract: A light emitting device includes a light emitter, a holding portion that slidably holds the light emitter inside a slide rail for a vehicle, and a light transmissive cover that covers the light emitter. According to a configuration, the cover of the light emitting device prevents a decrease in a communication performance of a signal transmission and reception device in which information on an electronic device is transmitted using an LED, as compared with a related art in which the communication performance decreases due to influence of scattering or shielding a light of the LED, the influence being caused by a grease which is heavily applied inside a slide rail of a vehicle and adheres to the LED.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Kominato
  • Patent number: 11203433
    Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring passenger activity in an aircraft cabin environment to predict immediate future passenger needs. The systems and methods make use of sensors positioned within an aircraft cabin environment configured to sense condition changes of objects corresponding to predetermined service issues, device(s) usable by the service crew indicating the sensed condition changes, and processing circuitry configured to receive sensor signals and indicate the condition changes through the device(s) such that the service crew is made aware of the condition changes requiring actions to be completed by the service crew to attend to the immediate future passenger needs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark B. Dowty, Glenn A. Johnson, Kent Kroener
  • Patent number: 11136127
    Abstract: A supervision system for an aircraft for monitoring a safe charging of portable electrical devices of a passenger who may be in an attentive or an inattentive state, comprising a passenger seat, a power supply station assigned to the seat and used to supply electrical power to the portable electrical device, the portable electrical device being connected to the power supply station, a camera, which detects the state of the passenger situated on the seat, and an arrangement to distinguish whether the passenger is in an attentive or inattentive state. A method for safe charging of portable electrical devices is also presented and described, comprising the steps of detecting a passenger with a camera, analyzing whether the passenger is in an attentive state or in an inattentive state, and, if the passenger is in an attentive state, supplying a power supply station with electrical power to be provided to a portable electrical device connected to the power supply station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Gerd Düser, Christian Schaupmann
  • Patent number: 11140551
    Abstract: An aircraft cabin audio communication system includes: a plurality of aircraft smart cabin headsets, each including a microphone and an earpiece. The earpiece includes a speaker; a first biometric sensor disposed on a first button; a second biometric sensor disposed on a second button; a third biometric sensor disposed on a third button; a wireless transceiver; a power button; and a processor that: performs device authentication of the aircraft smart cabin headset based on a device identifier of the aircraft smart cabin headset; performs first authentication based on first biometric data obtained from the first biometric sensor; establishes user connection with cabin speakers; performs second authentication based on second biometric data obtained from the second biometric sensor; and transmits information that comprises a connection request to a cockpit terminal of the aircraft through the wireless transceiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Sasha Dean-Bhïyan, Renato Seiji Morita
  • Patent number: 10906646
    Abstract: An integrated passenger service unit (PSU) is disclosed. The integrated PSU includes a housing installable into an aircraft overhead panel and a control knob set into, and positionable relative to, the housing. The housing incorporates signage elements (e.g., fasten seat belts, no smoking) visible through its exterior surface, as well as reading lights and gasper outlets set thereinto (e.g., as adjacent segments of an annulus). Each reading light includes an LED array selectably configured to illuminate the corresponding seat, and each gasper outlet directs an airstream toward the seat. The housing includes a notification ring configured to illuminate when the passenger calls a flight attendant. A control knob is set within the housing and positionable relative thereto. The control knob incorporates an LCD display and user interface (UI) which allows the occupant or passenger to view and adjust the status of the reading lights, gasper outlets, and notification ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Haytham Hakla, Alexander Pozzi
  • Patent number: 10800543
    Abstract: A communication system for a vehicle seat includes a visual indicator having a lighting mechanism configured to display a plurality of colors, a control portion electrically connected to the visual indicator, and a plurality of modes. Each mode may be associated with one of the plurality of Selection of one of the plurality of modes causes the control portion to signal the lighting mechanism to display the color associated with the selected mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Safran Seats USA LLC
    Inventors: Oscar Ruiz, Jean-Christophe Gaudeau, Brian Simone, Kevin Waters, Nahum Madrid, Laurent Stritter
  • Patent number: 10611299
    Abstract: An armrest assembly for a passenger vehicle, such as an aircraft, that includes a light source, a seat assembly that includes the armrest assembly, and related method(s) of manufacturing or servicing. In general, the armrest assembly includes a light source that is supported by an articulating support such that it can be positioned in a variety of locations. The articulating support is pivotally mounted to an armrest in a forward portion of a side notch that extends along the lateral edge of the armrest. The armrest assembly is configured such that the light source is disposed in the side notch and oriented to direct light from the side notch away from the armrest when the light assembly is in a stowed configuration. The articulating support may be moved so that the light source is disposed out of the side notch, so as to provide a reading light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Brian P. Colletti
  • Patent number: 10479524
    Abstract: A seat sensor array for use in an aircraft or the like, including: a passenger presence sensor operable for determining if a passenger is present in/absent from a seat; a seat back position sensor operable for determining if a seat back of the seat is in a reclined/upright position; a seat cushion engagement sensor operable for determining if a seat cushion of the seat is dislodged/removed from the seat; and a controller in communication with the passenger presence sensor, the seat back position sensor, and the seat cushion engagement sensor operable for receiving passenger presence information from the passenger presence sensor, seat back position information from the seat back position sensor, and seat cushion engagement information from the seat cushion engagement sensor and communicating this passenger presence information, seat back position information, and seat cushion engagement information to a crew member via wired or wireless means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander N. Pozzi, Francis Xavier L. Garing
  • Patent number: 10414502
    Abstract: A method of automatic positioning a seat in an apparatus comprising two cameras located on either side of the seat, each one in a position able to acquire images of a face of a user seated on the seat. The seat comprises at least one motor, each motor acting on a position of the seat along a predefined axis. The method comprises: for each camera: obtaining a position of a predefined image zone in which at least one eye of a user of the apparatus should be located; acquiring an image of a user seated on the seat; detecting at least one eye of the seated user in the image acquired; and obtaining a relative position between each eye detected and the predefined zone. By using each relative position obtained, at least one motor is actuated until each predefined zone contains at least one eye of the seated user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS SAS
    Inventors: Jean Monfraix, Mathieu Collignon
  • Patent number: 10384803
    Abstract: Lighting components for illuminating an aisle portion of a cabin floor of an aircraft, and aircraft and passenger seats for an aircraft including the same are disclosed. Said lighting components are configured to illuminate at least a portion of the aisle, between adjacent passenger seats positioned on either side of the aisle. The lighting components are configured to direct light towards the cabin floor using a specially designed housing and reflector surface that are designed to illuminate objects in the aisle, while minimizing light pollution in the cabin and detection by passengers on board the aircraft. Said lighting components are optionally mounted on one or more passenger seats, and/or may be integrally formed with a passenger seat. Lighting components include a curved reflector surface configured to reflect light from a light source positioned within the housing such that it is directed towards the aisle to create the desired illumination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Karen L. Hills, Dianne Lynn McMullin, Randolph C. Camp, III, William Hanson Valentine, Jr., Douglas Alan Brown, Rush Frederick Green, Richard K. Simms, Jennifer J. Rezmer, Michael Joseph Burgess
  • Patent number: 10362877
    Abstract: A cushion (1) whose configuration can be varied is constituted by a cushion element (10) inside which there is a fixed frame (20), which covers a lower section (13) of said cushion element (10), and two movable frames (25A), (25B), symmetrical, hinged above said fixed frame (20) and adapted to be comprised within an upper section (14) of the cushion element (10) itself. The movable frames (25 A), (25B) can swing up to 180° independently of one another, for aligning a respective portion (14A), (14B) of said upper section (14) from an external horizontal position (HE) to an internal horizontal position (HI), passing through a vertical neutral position (N) in which the same portion (14A), (14B) is substantially aligned with said lower section (13). In a sofa (D) or an armchair (P) in which the backrest (100) and the armrests (110) are defined by respective cushions (1), many possible configurations of the same are possible, in order to offer maximum seating comfort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: EDRA S.P.A.
    Inventors: Francesco Binfare, Valerio Mazzei, Edoardo Mazzei
  • Patent number: 10071010
    Abstract: The present invention is a method for performing on-site mobile dentistry utilizing a mobile dental chair and mobile dental lamp in combination. The mobile dental chair can be wheeled to a site and can elevate and recline a patient to a comfortable position for the patient and dentist or dental care provider. The mobile dental chair is driven onto and parked on the flat support base of mobile dental lamp, thereby holding the mobile dental lamp in a safe and stable position. The mobile dental lamp provides high intensity illumination suitable for providing modern dental care. The mobile dental lamp may be provided with removable wheels to aid in transporting the lamp to and from a site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Inventor: Richard Bailey
  • Patent number: 9187033
    Abstract: A passenger seat includes a first seat element and at least one second seat chamber element that are movable relative to each other, and which can be stood on a base of a transport means and has at least one optical transmission unit having a light input element, at least one light output element and at least one light guide path that runs from the light input element to the light output element and along which light is conducted. The optical transmission unit is provided for contact-free transmission of light in at least one operating state at at least one location of the light guide path that differs from a location of a light input into the light input element and from a location of light output from the light output element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: RECARO Aircraft Seating GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Timo Tscherwitschke, Peter Gall
  • Patent number: 9004590
    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 a light apparatus having at least one lighting element coupled to the passenger seat back, wherein the at least one lighting element is positioned to emit light through the gap. The display assembly may also include a diffuser coupled to the video shroud and positioned adjacent the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Zodiac Seats US LLC
    Inventors: Rik Westerink, Timothy W. Terleski, Per Magnus Skold, Alexander Gerard Saucier, Armando Valdes
  • Publication number: 20150069802
    Abstract: A high back booster seat or child restraint designed to be used by a child during transport in vehicles or transport elements such as, for example, a car, bus, airplane and similar, which high back booster seat or child restraint is provided with a seat cushion with a rear part arranged to be located next to a back support in the vehicle or transport element. In the region of the rear part of the seat cushion (1) of the high back booster seat or child restraint on at least one side of the high back booster seat or child restraint there is arranged an illumination arrangement (7) built into the high back booster seat or child restraint, arranged to illuminate the region at the side of the high back booster seat or child restraint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: SAKTA AB
    Inventor: Ann Haggmark-Bell
  • Publication number: 20150028634
    Abstract: A vehicle seat, in particular a passenger seat for a bus, includes a seat member with a seat upholstery carrier and seat upholstery, which is rigidly arranged on the seat upholstery carrier; the vehicle seat also includes a backrest with a back upholstery carrier and back upholstery, which is rigidly arranged on the back upholstery carrier; and a support structure for receiving forces which act on the vehicle seat. The support structure is constructed as a rigid carrier frame arranged at the peripheral side outside the seat member and the backrest and which is connected to the seat upholstery carrier and the back upholstery carrier. The carrier frame has carrier rails which are arranged in pairs and which extend along opposing lateral edges of the seat member and the backrest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Michael SCHERELLO, Achim BURMEISTER
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8678936
    Abstract: Gaming machine chairs and wagering game systems and machines with a gaming chair are presented herein. A gaming chair is disclosed that includes a base, a seat portion supported by the base, one or more speaker assemblies, and a backrest assembly. The backrest assembly includes a backrest and a mounting frame. The mounting frame has a polymeric honeycombed body comprising a plurality of ribs that define an array of compartments. Optionally, the mounting frame body has at least one contoured face. The mounting frame is attached to the backrest and speaker assembly, coupling both the backrest and speaker assembly to the base. The mounting frame may be fabricated with numerous fastening regions that are integrally formed with the polymeric body. In this optional configuration, at least some of the fastening regions lie in a respective plane divergent from the other fastening regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Paul M. Lesley, Robert Glenn
  • Publication number: 20140021754
    Abstract: Disclosed in the smart car seat manufacture method, which features in that the smart car seat is manufactured in such a way that the cushion pad assembly supporting the user's hips is assembled with the cushion cover covered on the cushion pad, and the back pad assembly is assembled, which supports the sit passenger's back with the light emitting raw sheet sewed on the back cover so as to form the portion which is exposed to the outside along with the back cover covered on the back pad. The smart car seat comprises the back frame, the cushion frame and the light emitting raw sheet processed along with the head rest by way of the finish process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: DAS Corporation
    Inventors: Gi-Deuk Jung, Jun-Sik Hwang, Pyung-Hoe Kim
  • Publication number: 20130345921
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to determining an physical state of a moving vehicle operator. In an embodiment, if it is determined that a vehicle operator is impaired, the vehicle is programed to automatically and safely stop a vehicle before an accident occurs. In an embodiment physiological sensors in the seat, steering wheel, or wireless sensors placed on the vehicle operator's body are used to determine an impairment state of a vehicle operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventors: Ammar Al-Ali, Mohamed K. Diab, Massi Joe E. Kiani, Nikolai Marinow
  • Publication number: 20130341976
    Abstract: A configurable seating device comprising a first portion configured to engage at least one object when in an open position, a second portion operably connected to the first portion, and a third portion operably connected to the second portion, wherein, when in the open position, a user is accommodated by the configurable seating device a distance above a ground surface, and the third portion is configured to contact the ground surface and is capable of supporting a weight of the user accommodated by configurable seating device is provided. Furthermore, an associated method is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: MULTISEAT, INC.
    Inventor: Richard R. Birch
  • Publication number: 20130314852
    Abstract: A monitor support assembly comprising a support frame including a first elongated frame member forming a first surface and a second elongated frame member forming a second surface, the second frame member supported adjacent and parallel to the first frame member with the first surface facing the second surface and forming an elongated gap, a panel assembly including a first panel member having oppositely facing substantially parallel front and rear surfaces and a second panel member having oppositely facing substantially parallel front and rear surfaces, the second panel member supported adjacent the first panel member with the front surface of the first panel member facing the rear surface of the second panel member, the panel assembly supported within the gap by the first and second frame members and an electronic display mounted to the front surface of the second panel member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventors: Brett Kincaid, Mark Spoelhof, Duck Young Kong, Mark Schoolmeester, John Allen, Hyun Yoo
  • Publication number: 20130285422
    Abstract: A passenger seat includes a first seat element and at least one second seat chamber element that are movable relative to each other, and which can be stood on a base of a transport means and has at least one optical transmission unit having a light input element, at least one light output element and at least one light guide path that runs from the light input element to the light output element and along which light is conducted. The optical transmission unit is provided for contact-free transmission of light in at least one operating state at at least one location of the light guide path that differs from a location of a light input into the light input element and from a location of light output from the light output element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: RECARO Aircraft Seating GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Timo Tscherwitschke, Peter Gall
  • Publication number: 20130147244
    Abstract: The present invention relates to modular furniture. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to upholstered furniture, including chairs, sofas, loveseats, and beds that are operably configured for removing and/or replacing one or more component of the furniture, such as arm rests, support legs, backs and sides. Preferred embodiments include an upholstered chair comprising: a base having a seat fixedly connected with a backrest; and a plurality of glass block sides removeably connected with the base. The modular furniture systems of the invention can be used by consumers to replace selected components of the furniture with updated components for a new look.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventor: Leonard Clyde Carter, III
  • Publication number: 20120299339
    Abstract: A configurable seating device comprising a first portion, the first portion including a strap, wherein the strap is configured to securably engage a structure, a second portion hingedly connected to the first portion, and a third portion hingedly connected to the second portion, wherein the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion hingedly move from a first position to a second position, wherein, when in the first position, the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion are in a substantially vertical alignment, wherein, when in the second position, the second portion supports a user in a seated position a distance above the ground and the third portion extends from the second portion in a direction which elevates the second portion the distance above the ground is provided. Furthermore, an associated method is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventor: Richard R. Birch
  • Publication number: 20120169096
    Abstract: Improved mobile device (1) for a cradle, comprising a cover (2) connected to support means (3,3?) formed to hold said cover (2) above the head of a laying baby, which cover (2) has a plurality of electroluminescent devices such as LEDs, OLEDs, AMOLEDs and/or electroluminescent printings forming figures (4), said multiple electroluminescent devices being connected to a processing means (5) permitting to illuminate said figures (4) with different colours according to preestablished illumination programmes. In this way, some mobile parts may be dispensed with, obtaining a longer service life of the device while its manufacture may be faster.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventor: Fadi CHIDIAC
  • Publication number: 20120139308
    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 a light apparatus having at least one lighting element coupled to the passenger seat back, wherein the at least one lighting element is positioned to emit light through the gap. The display assembly may also include a diffuser coupled to the video shroud and positioned adjacent the gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: RIK WESTERINK, TIMOTHY W. TERLESSKI, PER MAGNUS SKOLD, ALEXANDER GERARD SAUCIER, ARMANDO VALDES
  • Publication number: 20120126595
    Abstract: A furniture system includes a chair and an ottoman. The chair, includes a seat, a seatback, first and second armrests, first and second base structures, and at least one chair linkage system. The seat moves relative to the first and second base structures according to the at least one linkage system. The chair includes a recess that stores the ottoman. The ottoman includes a top structure and at least one base structure. The top structure transitions between a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the top structure is positioned at a first angle relative to the at least one base structure and moves relative to the at least one base structure. In the second mode, the top structure is positioned at a second angle relative to the at least one base structure and remains fixed relative to the at least one base structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: LaJobi, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Petrucci, Barbara Rogers, Steve Wood, Erwin Villanueva, Marisa Kolarsick, Ronald William Briere, Jay Herr
  • Publication number: 20120098306
    Abstract: An article of furniture including one or more decorative light members placed along the bottom or other portions of the article furniture is provided. In some embodiments, the article of furniture is a sofa. According to some embodiments, a light member is a light emitting diode (LED) tube. A light assembly including at least one light member that can be removably attached to the article of furniture is also provided. The operation of the light assembly can be controlled by at least one switch used to cut the light member(s) on and off and/or regulate the amount brightness of light emitted from the light member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventors: Michael W. Jarnagin, Jonathan Richard Butts, Tommy Jack Harper, JR.
  • Patent number: 8113579
    Abstract: A child safety seat includes a seat body, a headrest mechanism, an illumination device, and a power supply device. The headrest mechanism is connected to the seat body. The headrest mechanism includes a main body and a side wing. The side wing is movably connected to the main body. The illumination device is disposed on the side wing. The power supply device is electrically connected to the illumination device and is disposed separating from the side wing. The power supply device is used for providing electrical power to drive the illumination device to emit light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Wonderland Nurserygoods Company Limited
    Inventors: Joseph F. Fiore, Jr., Fang-Ming Li
  • 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
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8038207
    Abstract: A child seat that can be used as either a rocker or a booster. The child seat has a frame that includes a pair of leg portions having respective curved sections on which the child seat can be rocked back and forth. The same frame includes a pair of arm arrangements that can be engaged to an object such as a table such that the child seat can hang off the table and extend into the air. When engaged to the table, such as to the edge of the table, the seat frame portion of the child seat can be angularly adjusted as to a remaining portion of the frame such that the child seat can recline whether the child seat is in use as a booster or as a rocker. The seat portion of the frame is disposed within the arm arrangement and leg portions of the frame. The frame clamps tightly to the table via the frame resiliently biting into the table when a lock is swung into position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Regalo International, LLC
    Inventor: Mark A. Flannery
  • Publication number: 20110215620
    Abstract: A seat system for a mass transit vehicle configured to provide at least one seating position, which includes a seat cushion configured to support at least one occupant; a seat back configured to support at least one occupant; one seat belt device for each seating position configured to provide restraint to an occupant, which includes a first sensing mechanism to detect and output a first signal indicating whether the seat belt device is configured in one of two positions, a first unbuckled position and a second buckled position; an electronic control unit, coupled to a vehicle voltage source, having at least one input connection, at least one output connection, a microprocessor to process data received through any input connection, and a memory device to store data processed by the microprocessor; at least one communication means coupled to the electronic control unit for communicating externally to the seat system; and a second sensing mechanism to determine whether the seat is configured in one of two posit
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Inventors: Leonard S. CECH, James D. Baal, Scott Kerby, Dennis S. Rumps
  • Patent number: 8007043
    Abstract: A child car seat with electronic entertainment features is herein disclosed, comprising an integral sound system with pre-recorded sounds or music, and a pair of speakers embedded in the car seat near the child's head. Also, a plurality of flashing lights that can be synchronized with the music is provided along a perimeter region. Finally, a vibrating mechanism in the base of the seat may operate in a synchronous manner with the music or provide a soothing and comforting effect thereto the child to lull the child to sleep. The seat is capable of manual or automatic operation as selected using a front-mounted switch control panel or may be controlled remotely via a handheld wireless controller. The car seat is powered by connection to a cigarette lighter socket within the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Inventor: Thien Vuong
  • Publication number: 20110068227
    Abstract: A system for anticipating the needs of at least one passenger onboard a mobile platform is provided. A passenger seating area for receipt of the passenger 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. A camera acquires an image of the passenger, and a gesture control module 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. A smart control module moves the seat back, positions the tray table, activates or deactivates the light source and performs combinations thereof based on the activity data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Heidi J. Kneller, Calsee N. Robb, William A. Harkness, Buddy L. Sharpe, James P. Schalla
  • Patent number: 7909398
    Abstract: A personalised reading light (11) for aircraft passenger seats (3) is disclosed. The reading light forms part of a personalised visual display monitor assembly (5) that is mounted to a back (7) of a passenger seat. The reading light is mounted to direct light rearwardly into a space immediately in front of a passenger facing the seat back. In one embodiment the assembly is adjustable in relation to the seat back and the reading light is adjustable in relation to other components of the assembly. Consequently, the direction of the light can be varied considerably.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Singapore Airlines Limited
    Inventor: Sieak Chern Ling
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7859423
    Abstract: A film-type electrostatic capacitance sensor is provided for detecting seat occupancy and for reducing discomfort to a seat occupant and which is easy to produce. The mat of the film-type electrostatic capacitance sensor can be located in a seat portion of a vehicle seat and can include electrodes formed on both sides of a resin film and of a resin coating layer covering the electrodes. The coating layer can be a flexible resin to decrease discomfort for an occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Shoichi Yamanaka, Tsutomu Kamizono
  • Publication number: 20100314916
    Abstract: The invention relates to a chair (20) comprising a gas-filled ball (8) and a base (1) which encloses the ball (8) at least in a lower region of the ball (8), the base (1) comprising a base plate (4). The base (1) has an internal diameter which is chosen in relation to the diameter of the ball (8) in such a manner as to laterally immobilize the ball (8) in the base (1). The ball (8) is at least partially covered by a fabric or netting (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: Sylvia Tepe-Walser
    Inventor: Thomas Walser
  • Patent number: 7819472
    Abstract: A latching mechanism for a car seat that is mountable on a separable base member provides a positive locking of the car seat to the base member. The latch mechanism has a member that is positioned in the seat portion of the car seat to pivot upwardly when the latch mechanism is disengaged. The seating of a child on the seat portion requires the latch mechanism to be retracted into the seat portion, which corresponds to the locking of the latch mechanism. The latch mechanism includes four helical spools rotated by the pivotal movement of the latch lever to cause linear movement of the locking pins into engagement with the base member. A latch indicator has a pre-latch sensor that indicates proper positioning of the seat member and a latch sensor that indicates an engagement of the locking pins. An indicator light illuminates when the seat member is properly latched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Wonderland Nurserygoods Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: James M. F. Hutchinson, Robert E. Haut, Curtis M. Hartenstine, Gregory S. Sellers, John T. Sims
  • Patent number: 7758119
    Abstract: A auxiliary sofa backrest system includes a sofa with a seat and a backrest that is attached to and extends upwardly from the seat. The seat includes a pair of laterally positioned armrests. A plurality of seat cushions is positioned on the seat. A bottom panel has a rear edge. A vertical panel has a bottom edge, a top edge, a first lateral edge, a second lateral edge, a front side and a back side. The bottom edge is hingedly coupled to the rear edge. The bottom panel is removably positioned under one of the seat cushions and the back side of the vertical panel abuts one of the armrests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Inventor: Muhammed N. Baterdouk
  • Patent number: 7740312
    Abstract: A drink holder assembly includes a drink holder which is mountable above a tray, such as an airline table tray mounted on the back of an airline chair. Typically, a support extends downwardly from the drink holder and a mounting mechanism connected to the support removably mounts the drink holder on the tray. A reading light is preferably mounted on the drink holder to provide light directed toward the tray. The assembly may include another light so that the assembly serves as a flashlight useful for emergency purposes. The assembly is collapsible to fit within a purse or briefcase. The drink holder may be spaced sufficiently above the tray to accommodate a laptop computer seated on the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Erie Works Corp.
    Inventor: Theodore C. Johnson, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20100038941
    Abstract: A child safety seat includes a seat body, a headrest mechanism, an illumination device, and a power supply device. The headrest mechanism is connected to the seat body. The headrest mechanism includes a main body and a side wing. The side wing is movably connected to the main body. The illumination device is disposed on the side wing. The power supply device is electrically connected to the illumination device and is disposed separating from the side wing. The power supply device is used for providing electrical power to drive the illumination device to emit light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventors: Joseph F. Fiore, JR., Fang-Ming Li
  • Publication number: 20100022926
    Abstract: A chair with articulable support sections and an integrated lift system may have support sections mechanically linked such that a single actuation control device may articulate multiple sections. The chair includes configurable accessories directed to the comfort of an occupant of the chair. The support sections may include air cells to adjust firmness of support section surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Kramer, Marshall S. Dahneke, Reed N. Wilcox, David T. Schwanemann, John P. Biondo, Francis C. Ganance, Scott A. Schultz, Russell L. Hardy, Troy D. Acton
  • Patent number: 7585022
    Abstract: A vehicle seat system, especially for aircraft, has seat components such as a backrest (5) and a seat part (3) bordered at least on one side by a console (9) forming the arm rest. An arm-like operating part (13) extends at least partially above the plane of the head of the seat occupant (45), and has operating elements which are used at least in part to enhance comfort and/or suitable within the context of operation, especially flight operation, for this purpose. Because the arm-like operating part (13) forms a widening of the console (9) and extends forward proceeding from the area of the backrest (5) above the console (9) in an extension, and because the arm-like operating part (13) is configured as a rigid arched support, an aesthetically pleasing solution is obtained requiring little installation space, saving weight and providing a multifunction solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Recaro Aircraft Seating GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Sven Achilles, Hartmut Schurg
  • Patent number: 7559667
    Abstract: A lighted cushion or cushion cover that can be used as a seating cushion on any of a variety of surfaces including chairs, stools, seats, sofas or the like providing the person sitting on surface a cushioned seat and having novelty lighting effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Inventor: Dean Alan Holderman
  • Publication number: 20090127899
    Abstract: A moveable headrest is mounted on or with respect to a support for supporting a user in viewing images in a standing, seated, or reclining posture. The headrest is for supporting the head of the user in executing head movements with a changing direction-of-view. A display mounted with respect to the user's head provides the images. An actuator can be provided for moving the moveable headrest for a passive user. A sensor can be provided for sensing movements of the moveable headrest, i.e., for sensing the movements from a changing direction. The moveable headrest apparatus may include either or both the actuator and the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventor: Francis J. Maguire, JR.