Plural Related Seats Patents (Class 297/232)
  • Patent number: 11679848
    Abstract: A method of monitoring accelerations on a vessel includes measuring acceleration on the vessel using one or more sensors. The one or more sensors are communicatively coupled to a computing unit. Real-time acceleration information representative of an acceleration on the vessel based at least in part on the measured acceleration from the one or more sensors is generated. Acceleration prediction information representative of predicted wave slam using the computing unit is generated. Using the acceleration prediction information, automatic control of trim, steering, or throttle controls of the vessel is performed in a fashion computed to reduce the effects of the predicted wave slam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: HEFRING EHF.
    Inventors: Karl Birgir Bjornsson, Bjorn Jonsson, Kári Logason
  • Patent number: 11510831
    Abstract: A seat arrangement (10) for a wheelchair, as well as a wheelchair (40) incorporating such a seat arrangement (10), are disclosed. The arrangement includes a base, a connecting member and a supporting member. The base forms part of or is mounted to a seat of the wheelchair (40). The connecting member is slidably mounted to the base and displaceable relative to the base between a retracted position and an extended position. The supporting member is pivotably connected to the connecting member and shaped substantially so as to mate with the seat opening (22). The supporting being member is pivotable between an open position and a closed position. When the connecting member is in the retracted position and the supporting member is in the closed position, the supporting member mates with the seat opening (22) to define a sitting surface, and when the supporting member is in the open position, a seat opening (22) is exposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Inventor: Portia Refilwe Mavhungu
  • Patent number: 11180256
    Abstract: Transformable seat assembly includes a seat support structure and back support structure connected with an axis of rotation. Actuator assembly includes a cylinder and a piston positioned within the cylinder. The cylinder is secured to one of the back support structure or the seat support structure and the piston is secured to other of the one of the back support structure or the seat support structure. With blocking member in a first position, the piston is permitted to travel between the blocking member and an end of the cylinder spaced apart from the blocking member, such that with the piston traveling to the end of the cylinder, rotation of back support structure is limited from rotating beyond a first reclined position and with blocking member in a second position, back support structure is permitted to rotate into an overlying position relative to the seat support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: John G. Schultz, Haftom Y. Dessalegn
  • Patent number: 11166565
    Abstract: A frame for a unitary component of a sectional seating apparatus having a corner portion having a foundation and an elongate lateral portion having a foundation, interconnected by a longitudinal foundation member extending along a back side of the foundations and a transverse foundation member commonly supporting a side edge of the corner portion and supporting a side edge of the lateral portion intermediate opposing ends of the unitary component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: Max Home, LLC
    Inventors: Bruno Policicchio, Joshua Silver
  • Patent number: 11136126
    Abstract: Described are examples of a seating arrangement for an aircraft with a first seat in a first accommodation space and a second seat in a second accommodation space, wherein the first and second accommodation spaces are configured to share a common floor space at a floor level of the aircraft. One seating arrangement includes a divider screen located between the first and second accommodation spaces, moveable, by sliding in a direction along the common floor space, between a stowed position permitting passenger egress between the first and second accommodation spaces across the common floor space, and a deployed position preventing passenger egress between the first and second accommodation spaces across the common floor space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: Safran Seats GB Limited
    Inventors: Victor Carlioz, James B. Woodington, Rachel West, Jan Jurre Miedema
  • Patent number: 11124090
    Abstract: A seat assembly includes a seat, one or more sensor assemblies, and/or an electronic control unit that may be connected to the one or more sensor assemblies. The one or more sensor assemblies may provide information about a first position of the seat to the electronic control unit. The electronic control unit may be configured to receive a second position of the seat, and/or the electronic control unit may be configured to automatically move the seat to the second position without contacting other objects. The electronic control unit may include a second seat, and/or the electronic control unit may be configured to automatically move the second seat from a first second seat position to a second second seat position. The electronic control unit may be configured to determine a movement path of the seat according to information from the one or more sensor assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Arjun Yetukuri, Mark Weaver, Karl Henn, Mladen Humer
  • Patent number: 11117502
    Abstract: A variable section bench for a vehicle seat includes: an upper layer, a middle layer, and a lower layer. The variable section bench also includes at least one frame interface portion comprising a fore-aft section, at least one cantilevered portion comprising a fore-aft section, and a seating surface that extends along a full length of the vehicle seat in a lateral direction for a plurality of passengers. The at least one frame interface portion of the variable section bench includes increased thickness compared to the at least one cantilevered portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Safran Seats USA LLC
    Inventors: Eric O. Freienmuth, Eugenio Palacios
  • Patent number: 11076700
    Abstract: A modular sofa assembly described herein includes a plurality of seating modules each having a seat section, a backrest section, and side edge surfaces. The backrest section includes first and second portions coupled for movement between a folded configuration and an extended configuration. An armrest module has an armrest side edge surface configured for mating engagement with a side edge surface of a seating module. The modular sofa is assembled by aligning connectors of the seating modules and armrest module, with each respective connectors slidingly engaged along an axis. After bringing the modules together, these connections are secured with the side edge surfaces in abutting engagement. The modular sofa further may include a power cradle mounted at the sofa's bottom surface. The power cradle includes a cubic power outlet near the front of the sofa, and power cable extending beyond the back of the sofa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Burrow, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Kuhl, Kabeer Chopra, Leah K. S. Amick, Paul Koh, Alex Kubo
  • Patent number: 10932580
    Abstract: A modular sofa assembly described herein includes a plurality of seating modules each having a seat section, a backrest section, and side edge surfaces. The backrest section includes first and second portions coupled for movement between a folded configuration and an extended configuration. An armrest module has an armrest side edge surface configured for mating engagement with a side edge surface of a seating module. The modular sofa is assembled by aligning connectors of the seating modules and armrest module, with each respective connectors slidingly engaged along an axis. After bringing the modules together, these connections are secured with the side edge surfaces in abutting engagement. The modular sofa further may include a power cradle mounted at the sofa's bottom surface. The power cradle includes a cubic power outlet near the front of the sofa, and power cable extending beyond the back of the sofa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Burrow, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Kuhl, Kabeer Chopra, Leah K. S. Amick, Paul Koh, Alex Kubo
  • Patent number: 10576858
    Abstract: A skeletal structure including: a panel; and a frame which is joined to a front surface side of the panel, wherein the frame includes a plurality of first frames oriented in a fixed direction and a second frame oriented in a direction orthogonal to the first frame, the first frame and the second frame are formed to have an open cross-sectional shape, each of the first frame and the second frame includes an opposing wall facing the panel and a pair of side walls rising from both side portions of the opposing wall toward the panel, the plurality of first frames includes joint portions and non-joint portions to the panel along a longitudinal direction of the first frames, and the non-joint portions of all the first frames are arranged at positions matching or overlapping with each other with respect to the longitudinal direction of the first frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: TS TECH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kei Okuma, Kazunari Nishide, Hidetaka Yonehara, Yu Sugiyama, Yusuke Takahashi
  • Patent number: 10543766
    Abstract: A skeletal structure including: a panel; and a frame which is joined to a front surface side of the panel, wherein the frame includes a plurality of first frames oriented in a fixed direction and a second frame oriented in a direction orthogonal to the first frame, the first frame and the second frame are formed to have an open cross-sectional shape, each of the first frame and the second frame includes an opposing wall facing the panel and a pair of side walls rising from both side portions of the opposing wall toward the panel, the plurality of first frames includes joint portions and non-joint portions to the panel along a longitudinal direction of the first frames, and the non-joint portions of all the first frames are arranged at positions matching or overlapping with each other with respect to the longitudinal direction of the first frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: TS TECH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kei Okuma, Kazunari Nishide, Hidetaka Yonehara, Yu Sugiyama, Yusuke Takahashi
  • Patent number: 10463980
    Abstract: Provided is a multi-dynamic platform including an upper support that can be integrally attached to a mobile element and defines an upper plane, a base support that can be fixed to the ground and defines a base plane, at least one intermediate support arranged between the base and upper supports, articulated quadrilaterals each including two lower hinges, connected to one of the base or intermediate supports, two upper hinges, connected to one of the intermediate or upper supports, two rods which connect the lower hinges to the upper hinges in a crossed manner, and motor means configured to move the articulated quadrilateral internally according to its single degree of freedom defining an axis of rotation, the articulated quadrilaterals being at least two in number and being substantially placed one on top of the other and defining reciprocally oblique axes of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: KYNEPROX S.R.L.
    Inventor: Giovanni Ausenda
  • Patent number: 10457203
    Abstract: A vehicle seat comprising a support structure and a first and second shaped panel supported by the support structure and respectively comprising the seat and the backrest of the seat. The support structure comprises a first and a second side support element which are stably connected to each other by means of a first upper C-shaped connection element and a second lower C-shaped connection element. The second panel has a lower end edge positioned opposite to the upper edge supported by the first upper connection element. The lower end edge is directly attached to an end edge of the first panel which is positioned on the opposite side to the edge facing the second lower C-shaped connection element. The first and second panels overlap each other at the contact area between the two edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: RUSPA OFFICINE S.P.A.
    Inventor: Giorgio Balma
  • Patent number: 10334954
    Abstract: Disclosed is a collapsible and foldable portable bench having a number of flexible seats that are aligned side-by-side one another upon which a corresponding number of individuals can be seated. The seats are attached to and held up by respective frames that are pivotally connected together by C-shaped couplers to enable the frames to rotate relative to one another and the bench to be moved between axially expanded (i.e., straight line), folded (i.e., curved) and collapsed (i.e., compressed) configurations in response to pulling, pushing and bending forces applied thereto. In its collapsed configuration, the bench has a compact size that is suitable for storage or transport in a backpack or inside the hatch of a motor vehicle. To facilitate the manipulation of the bench from one configuration to another, a flexible triangular web is attached between each pair of adjacent seats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Inventor: Brian Horowitz
  • Patent number: 10266085
    Abstract: Described is a seat back comprising a curved rear wall bordered by a perimeter wall projecting forward from the rear wall. The curved rear wall and perimeter wall define a cavity in front of the rear wall and between opposing surfaces of the perimeter wall. The seat back comprises an upper part and a lower part. The lower part comprises a surface of the rear wall which is curved forward toward each side wall of the lower part and curved forward toward the base of the lower part. The width of the seat back tapers from a first width towards a second width at the base of the seat back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: Acro Aircraft Seating Limited
    Inventors: Adam Challenor, Alex Hodgkinson, James Bowker, Joseph Conroy
  • Patent number: 10259363
    Abstract: A body support system for supporting the body of a seated wearer is provided. The body support system may include an main body unit comprising a main panel and a hood portion and a suspension unit. The hood portion may be configured to cover a wearer's head and may include at least one hood stay for supporting the wearer's head by securing to a seat back of the wearer. The main panel may further include an upper body portion and a lower body portion configured to wrap around the wearer. The lower body portion may include lower stays configured to elevate the legs of the wearer through connection to suspension stays of the suspension unit. The suspension unit may be configured to be secured to a seat back in front of the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Inventor: Maria de Los Angeles Torres
  • Patent number: 10227023
    Abstract: Seat assemblies including seat brackets and spreader brackets are described. A seat bracket can include an upper portion, a lower portion, and a frangible portion. The frangible portion can be formed from composite material and include a particular layer orientation. A spreader bracket can include a first component configured to couple with a second component to form a coupled structure. A structural fill material can be disposed within the coupled structure. The first component and the second component can be formed from composite material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: Safran Seats USA LLC
    Inventor: Donald M. Lasell
  • Patent number: 10143309
    Abstract: First and second U-shaped cross-members each have legs connected by cross bars and pivotally connected with each other at central portions thereof, and are mutually movable from a generally X-shaped setup condition in which the cross bars are transversely spaced apart, to a generally flat collapsed condition. Right and left frame side assemblies respectively are pivotally connected to the first and second cross-members at terminal ends of their respective front and rear portions and by at least one lost motion linkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: GCI OUTDOOR, INC.
    Inventor: Daniel R. Grace
  • Patent number: 9937833
    Abstract: There is provided a seatback frame including: left and right side frames that are provided at left and right side portions of a seatback of a vehicle seat, with the respective lower end portions of the side frames coupled to a rear end portion of a seat cushion frame provided to a seat cushion of the vehicle seat; and a back face panel that is formed of sheet metal, that spans across between rear end portions of lower portions of the left and right side frames with its thickness direction along a seatback front-rear direction, that is fixed to the left and right side frames, and that includes an undulating shaped portion bent such that peaks and troughs alternate in a row along a seat width direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: NHK Spring Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Sasaki, Akitoshi Yamashita, Tomo Ishibashi, Hiroaki Inaba
  • Patent number: 9775438
    Abstract: A double heated recreational chair includes a pair of chair frames and a table top tray pivotally and swivelly carried by the chair frame. The chair frame is selectively deployable in a folded, collapsed configuration in which the table top tray is deployed in a folded position adjacent to the chair frame. The chair frame is selectively deployable in an extended, functional configuration in which the table top tray is supported on the chair frame in a generally horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Inventor: Mark D. Schulenberg
  • Patent number: 9770112
    Abstract: A chair has a seat member and a backrest member. The seat member has a seat body having a horizontal frame disposed horizontally; a front supporting leg mounted on a bottom surface of the horizontal frame near a front end of the horizontal frame; and two rear supporting legs mounted respectively on two sides of a bottom surface of the horizontal frame near a rear end of the horizontal frame. The backrest member has a backrest frame having two backrest sidebars mounted respectively on two sides of the horizontal frame and an upper crossbar connected between two top ends of the backrest sidebars and having a suspension slot defined in a rear surface of the upper crossbar. The suspension slot is axially elongated and has an L-shaped cross section. The chair may be used independently and may be easily combined other furniture units to form a furniture set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Inventor: Yao-Chuan Wu
  • Patent number: 9757658
    Abstract: Provided herein is a fairground ride, such as a ghost train or dark ride attraction, having a vehicle including a chassis and a passenger seat for passengers. The vehicle further includes a hexapod drive set on the chassis and a rotary table connected to the hexapod drive, whereby the passenger seat is swivel-mounted on the rotary table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: SIMTECH SYSTEMS GMBH
    Inventor: Bernd Kaufmann
  • Patent number: 9725021
    Abstract: Provided is a seat frame for a vehicle seat capable of supporting the back of a seated person during a rear-end collision by using a simple structure and few component portions. The seat frame includes a top frame portion on the top of the seat, lateral frame portions on the right and left of the seat, and a connection frame connecting the tops of the lateral frame portions to bridge them. The connection frame includes a bent protrusion portion bent in the longitudinal direction and arranged in a standing condition from a surface formed by the connection frame, at a position between a pair of the lateral frame portions. The bent protrusion portion is provided over the entire length of the up and down direction of the connection frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: TS Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Fujita, Hiroyuki Itoi
  • Patent number: 9717332
    Abstract: A seating system with an elastically moveable backrest capable of being arranged in different configurations in a settee area of a bowling center is disclosed. The seating system includes a configurable seating arrangement including at least one bench seat configured to accommodate one or more users and a respective number of elastically moveable backrests for each of the one or more users. The configurable seating arrangement further includes a bracket assembly which attaches the respective number of elastically moveable backrests to the at least one bench seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: QUBICAAMF WORLDWIDE, LLC
    Inventors: Massimo Baraldi, Tommaso Parisi
  • Patent number: 9718384
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle seat comprising a seat part and a backrest, the backrest comprising at least one left-hand backrest longitudinal support extending in the vertical direction of the backrest and at least one right-hand backrest longitudinal support extending in the vertical direction of the backrest, the backrest longitudinal supports being attached to the seat part and/or a seat-part frame in a lower end region and comprising at least one cushion element, wherein the length of a distance between the backrest longitudinal supports can be adjusted by means of at least one elongate backrest cross strut arranged in the upper region of the backrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: GRAMMER AG
    Inventor: Erwin Haller
  • Patent number: 9706846
    Abstract: A new chair back assembly is disclosed with attachment mechanisms that allow the chair back components to be relatively easily assembled while maintaining a slim profile and obscuring certain of the attachment mechanisms from view. In some embodiments, the chair back assembly includes a ring that attaches fabric or upholstery to the base of chair back. The ring attaches to the base of the chair back through a system of flanges and pockets that restrict movement while maintaining ease of assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Exemplis Corporation
    Inventor: Brett Joseph Rogers
  • Patent number: 9629765
    Abstract: The present invention is portable lifting apparatus for raising a supine bipedal user into a sitting position with the assistance of sequentially inflated bodies. This device includes a sectional cot, a plurality of inflatable bodies, and a rigid, foldable, locking frame. The addition of the frame, as opposed to the sole use of the inflatable bodies, provides additional stability for the apparatus during the rescue process. Further, due to the rigidity of the frame, it allows another person to lift and carry the apparatus with the patient on it. The apparatus may also include collapsible armrest for use by the patient. The inflatable bodies may inflate simultaneously, resulting in a rapidly raising the patient to a sitting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Inventor: Thomas Mitchell
  • Patent number: 9616779
    Abstract: A seat assembly having a seat back that may include first and second seat back portions that may be configured to rotate about an axis. A striker may be disposed on the first seat back portion. A latch mechanism may be disposed on the second seat back portion. The first seat back portion may not rotate with respect to the second seat back portion when the latch mechanism receives the striker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Johannes Barzen, Eckhard Nock, Alexej Niederhaus
  • Patent number: 9592913
    Abstract: A lightweight aircraft passenger seat assembly comprises at least one seat portion and at least one supporting portion for supporting the at least one seat portion relative to an aircraft structure. In order to provide an improved lightweight aircraft passenger seat assembly having a reduced weight, size and complexity as compared to conventional lightweight passenger seat designs, the invention provides a lightweight aircraft passenger seat assembly, comprising at least one seat portion with at least one seat shell for an aircraft passenger and at least one supporting portion for supporting the at least one seat portion relative to an aircraft structure, wherein the at least one seat shell and the at least one supporting portion are constructed as lightweight components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Composite Designs EU GmbH
    Inventors: Duncan Bell, Philip Hall, Rocco Passari
  • Patent number: 9533765
    Abstract: A block of two seats side by side which can be converted individually between a chair configuration and a horizontal flat bed configuration, the longitudinal axes of two of the seats in the bed configuration converging towards a point situated in front of the seats at a distance such that the foot areas in front of the seats in the bed configuration are superposed. Bed planes of the two seats of the block are vertically offset and extended by rest surfaces of the foot areas arranged in a column arranged between the seat backs of the seats of a block situated in front, making it possible to reduce the seat pitch while not affecting comfort, and allowing an improved cabin layout for transporting passengers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: EADS SOGERMA
    Inventors: Franck Vergnaud, Didier Guinot, Gabriel Martin
  • Patent number: 9475407
    Abstract: A folding vehicle seat includes a sliding rail having a predetermined length installed on a floor of a vehicle. A leg unit is seated on the sliding rail such that the leg unit slides along the sliding rail. A lifting device has a seat cushion on which a passenger sits and is mounted on the leg unit such that the lifting device moves upward and downward, thereby moving the seat cushion upward and downward. A locking device is mounted on the leg unit such that the locking device is connected to both the sliding rail and the lifting device and allows either sliding movement of the leg unit along the sliding rail or upward and downward movement of the lifting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Ji Soo Byun
  • Patent number: 9399411
    Abstract: A sliding structure for a vehicle seat, the sliding structure configured to attach the vehicle seat slidably in an anteroposterior direction to a vehicle body. The sliding structure including: a seat positioning portion including positioning holes formed in the vehicle body and aligned in the anteroposterior direction, and a positioning pin attached to the seat and configured to be movable to a projecting position projected to one of positioning holes to be engageable therewith, and to a withdrawing position withdrawn from the positioning hole; and a seat slide support portion including a seat support portion formed with the vehicle body, a seat attachment portion disposed at the bottom of the seat and having a long hole extending in the anteroposterior direction, and a seat guide portion provided to the seat support portion and configured to be engaged with the long hole and guide the seat movably in the anteroposterior direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hideyoshi Kosuge, Fortik Loran
  • Patent number: 9227541
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a plurality of horizontal members, a plurality of vertical members, and a plurality of corner members, which define a seat frame. The plurality of corner members are configured to snap-fit into the plurality of horizontal and vertical members. A seatback is disposed behind the seat frame. A low-pressure compression mold is disposed over the seat frame and defines at least one open section. A subassembly is disposed over the compression mold, defining a center seat and including at least one cushion attachment support disposed adjacent to the at least one open section. A seat cushion insert is operably coupled to the at least one cushion attachment support and is disposed over the at least one open section and defining a side seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Christian J. Hosbach, Adam Sachs, Johnathan Andrew Line, Kevin VanNieulande
  • Patent number: 9174736
    Abstract: Proposed is an air passenger seat having a frame which is provided for attaching to a floor of an aircraft cabin and a backrest which is pivotably or securely mounted on the frame by means of a rotation spindle, wherein the seat has a seat reference point (SRP) which is defined according to the SAE International Aerospace Standard AS8049. According to the invention, the rotation spindle of the backrest has, in a line parallel to the cabin floor and as seen parallel to the direction of flight, a separation n of less than 40 mm from the seat reference point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Zim Flugsitz GmbH
    Inventors: Angelika Zimmerman, Uwe Salzer
  • Patent number: 9033413
    Abstract: A premium class passenger suite that includes a main seat positioned in the suite together with separate bed. The bed has a flexible mattress of predetermined dimensions and is movable between a stowed position to one side of the main seat and a deployed position above and separate from the main seat. A drive apparatus is provided for driving the bed between the stowed and deployed positions. The main seat is configured to be movable between a seating position when the bed is stowed, and a stowed position with a lowered seat back when the bed is deployed for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Matt Round, Martin Darbyshire, Ollie Price, Lucas Tretout, Weiwei He, Tommy George Plant, Alexander Nicholas Pozzi, Glenn Allen Johnson
  • Publication number: 20150102641
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a first seating unit having a backrest, which includes a front side and a back side. An armrest I operably coupled with an intermediate portion of the back side and is configured for use by a passenger seated in a second seating unit disposed behind but laterally offset from the first seating unit. The armrest is moveable between an in-use position, wherein an upper surface of the armrest is generally horizontally positioned and available to support the passenger, and a stowed position, wherein the armrest is generally adjacent to a rear face of the backrest of the first seating unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Teresa Mendicino, Torsten Gerhardt, David Woodhouse, Lewis Blaber
  • Patent number: 8998138
    Abstract: A seating installation for a passenger vehicle, especially an aeroplane, the installation comprising a plurality of seat units, each seat unit having a back, two opposite sides and comprising a seat, which seat has a back-rest and a seat-pan and defines a longitudinal seat axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Virgin Atlantic Airways Limited
    Inventors: David Ferry, Paul Lawrie Edwards, Nikki Lusardi, Nathan David Sparshott, Gareth Godfrey Southall, Edward Alexander Parkinson-Bates, Simon Pengelly
  • Publication number: 20150091341
    Abstract: A device suitable for sitting or reclining, the device including a base portion having upper and lower surfaces and at least one depression which extends into at least the upper surface of the base thereof; and a body portion having at least one surface region adapted to be received within the depression of the base; wherein the diameter of the body is greater than the diameter of the depression, such that the body projects beyond at least the upper surface of the base, such that the body is supported by the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventor: BUCKLEY William James
  • Patent number: 8955909
    Abstract: A vehicle has a seat on which a passenger sits, wherein the seat is bench-shaped and has a sitting portion, a backrest portion, and a supporting portion which supports the sitting portion and the backrest portion, wherein at least one of the sitting portion and the backrest portion is detachable from the supporting portion, wherein when the sitting portion is detachable, the sitting portion has a plurality of sitting regions which are arranged side by side in the right-left direction and have different thicknesses in the up-down direction, and wherein when the backrest portion is detachable, the backrest portion has a plurality of backrest regions which are arranged side by side in the right-left direction and have different thicknesses in the front-rear direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazumasa Hisada, Teruaki Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8950817
    Abstract: An article of furniture is disclosed. The article of furniture comprises a base frame assembly configured to support an attached seating unit. Other modules or components may also be attached to the base frame assembly. The article of furniture may also comprise a supplemental frame assembly attached to the base frame assembly to extend the size of the article of furniture and to support an additional or larger module or component. The other modules or components may comprise one or more of a casegood unit, a backrest, an armrest, a privacy panel, a console, an outlet (for power and/or data), etc. Electronic devices may be incorporated. A set of articles of furniture is also disclosed; the articles of furniture have a modular construction and can be assembled on the base frame assembly by combinations of modules and components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Iacovoni, Alan Ernest Rheault, Karl Mead, Mark Kapka
  • Patent number: 8944379
    Abstract: A passenger seating arrangement for an aircraft cabin that includes first and second adjacent columns of at least two seats that define a first longitudinally extending center axis that extends approximately parallel to a longitudinal axis of the aircraft cabin. The seats in the first column face away from and form an angle with the first axis of between about 1° and about 44°, and the seats in the second column face away from and form an angle with the first axis of between about 1° and about 44°. Each seat in the first column is staggered fore of a seat in the second column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Zodiac Seat Shells US LLC
    Inventors: Ben Orson, Zhao Jin
  • Publication number: 20150021964
    Abstract: The telescopic seating systems, and foldable chairs and related components for use within telescopic seating systems, of the present disclosure may incorporate occupant support elements within a space between a top surface of a seat frame structure and a bottom surface of the seat frame structure. Springs may be attached to the top surface of the chair frame structure and configured to extend into the space. Alternatively, or additionally, a chair cushion may extend into the space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Frederick Jacobs, Matthew Jacobs
  • Publication number: 20150015039
    Abstract: A movable seat assembly for a vehicle comprises a predetermined path having an operational location at a first end and an ingress/egress location at a second end, and a seat that travels along the predetermined path between the operational location and the ingress/egress location, wherein the seat has an operational orientation at the operational location and an ingress/egress seat orientation at the ingress/egress location; the ingress/egress seat orientation being substantially angled relative to the operational seat orientation. Another moveable seat assembly for a vehicle comprises a predetermined path having an operational location at a first end, an ingress/egress location at a second end, and a standby location along the path there between; and a seat that travels along the predetermined path between the operational location, the standby location, and the ingress/egress location; wherein the position of the seat is adjustable at the operational location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Albert G. Brand, John R. Wittmaak, James M. McCollough, James H. Harse, Richard H. Adams, JR.
  • Patent number: 8905475
    Abstract: A modular seat assembly for installation into one of at least two vehicles differing in body style includes a seat frame including a first attachment area and a second attachment area. The seat assembly also includes a coupling device that operably couples the seat frame to the vehicle. The coupling device is attached to the seat frame in one of the first and second attachment areas. The one of the first and second attachment areas is chosen for attachment of the coupling device according to the body style of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Steven J. Schenten, Sumit Mathur, D. Scott Bittinger, Nicol Margot Albanese
  • Publication number: 20140346825
    Abstract: The invention relates to a double folding seat for a vehicle, particularly a public transportation vehicle such as a bus or a train, with a bench seat positioned in the direction of travel of the vehicle that has a backrest and a seating surface that can be folded between a home position and a sitting position, with a retaining device for holding a wheelchair or the like that has at least two hooks arranged in extension of the backrest and mounted on a wall supported on a floor of the vehicle, which hooks can be tightened by means of respective tightening members and loosened by respective loosening members, with a safety belt for the wheelchair user and with a covering for the tightening members and loosening members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: Franz Kiel GmbH
    Inventor: JUERGEN MILL
  • Patent number: 8894147
    Abstract: A plurality of seating assemblies 9, 10, 7 which may be operatively deployed upon a selectively movable assembly 12 and which includes independently formed and ribbed members what make the deployed seat assemblies light weight and durable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Inventor: John Micheli
  • Patent number: 8894146
    Abstract: A portable fire fighter equipment station for use at a fire fighting scene is provided. The self-supporting frame comprising three support members pivotally connected to each other at one end, the self-supporting frame configurable into an in-use configuration with non-pivotally connected ends of the support members spaced apart to form a tripod and the self-supporting frame configurable into a transportation configuration with the three support members moved into close proximity. Each firefighter station is attached to one of the support members of the self-supporting frame and has a seating surface configurable into an in-use configuration to support a firefighter in a seated position, and a transportation configuration with the seating surface in close proximity to the self-supporting frame. A breathing apparatus holder is provided for securing an air bottle to the support member of the respective firefighter station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Inventor: Richard L. Denike
  • Patent number: 8894031
    Abstract: A seating system for a motor vehicle includes three sets of rails mounted to the floor of a motor vehicle. Each set of rails is configured to receive two seats that are capable of sliding in a longitudinal direction on the rails. The motor vehicle also includes storage spaces for storing the seats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael Sailer, Mark Kisiler, Nathan G. Brown, David A. Thompson
  • Patent number: 8888160
    Abstract: A seating assembly for a vehicle includes a single occupancy front seat configured for use by a driver of the vehicle. A single occupancy rear seat is configured for use by a passenger of the vehicle and arranged in a staggered relationship with respect to the front seat. A child seat is mounted asymmetrically on the rear seat such that the child seat is positioned further from the front seat than it would be if symmetrically mounted on the rear seat. Mountings secure the child seat on the rear seat and are positioned to mount the child seat asymmetrically on the rear seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Woodhouse, Tosten Gerhardt, Robert Spahl
  • Publication number: 20140326829
    Abstract: A cabin attendant seat for an aircraft, a seat system comprising such a cabin attendant seat, an aircraft monument comprising such a cabin attendant seat and an aircraft comprising such an aircraft monument. The cabin attendant seat comprises a backrest element and a seat element. The cabin attendant seat is movable from a starting position into at least one end position. The cabin attendant seat further comprises an adapter element, the adapter element being arranged in the cabin attendant seat and configured to connect the cabin attendant seat, in the at least one end position, to an aircraft seat provided in the aircraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Ehlers, Mark Herzog, Stefan Behrens