With Floor Or Ground Contacting Rocker Patents (Class 297/271.5)
  • Patent number: 11198032
    Abstract: An exercise device having a unique asymmetrical shape with rounded ends of differing radii to provide stability and added resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Inventor: Willem Johannes van Straaten
  • Patent number: 11097150
    Abstract: An omnidirectional rocking chair for abdominal exercise has a rectangular support base with a convex lower support surface with variable radii of curvature. The chair back supports only the user's lower back. Rocking the chair develops outward momentum in the mass of the user's upper back, arms and head. The minimum lower support surface radius of curvature is in its central portion and the center of that curvature is above the center of gravity of the seated user and chair. The peripheral portions of the lower support surface have larger radii of curvature. The corner portions of the lower support surface have maximum radii of curvature. The effect of progressive increase in support surface radius of curvature is to increase righting moment in the rocking motion where the respective larger radii portions contact the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Inventor: John Hincks Duke
  • Patent number: 10368650
    Abstract: There is provided an ergonomic chair which is produced from flat components. The components may be made of paper. The components are designed using parametric equations which take the targeted user's proportions into account. The components are then folded, joined, and coated with strengthening material. The chair has a seat, a base, and three legs connecting the seat to the base. The base contains a counterweight mass for keeping the chair in a default upright position. The base contains an accelerometer which can transmit data to a computing device to track a user's posture and other health-related data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Inventor: Patrick Allen Danielson
  • Patent number: 9848709
    Abstract: A lounge having a matrix mat and a plurality of modules capable of being inserted into the matrix mat. The lounge may include a frame configured as a rigid frame, a modular frame, and combinations thereof. The modular frame may further include a tri-cable suspension. The tri-cable suspension may be attached to a dilator retractor mechanism. The modules may be a mushroom cap module, a spider spring module, a web module, a lighting module, an electronics module, and combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Inventor: Donald J. Molenda
  • Patent number: 9756947
    Abstract: An improved seating apparatus and system includes an interconnected plurality of articulating assemblies having an upright position and a seated position. Each of the articulating assemblies includes a seat member pivotally connected to a base member, and a back member pivotally connected to the seat member. The articulating assemblies are configured to pivot incrementally relative to one another between the seated position and the upright position. A portion of the articulating assemblies can be in the seated position while another portion can be in the upright position. The result can be a wave-like and/or curvilinear seating surface. The articulating assemblies are configured to automatically return from the seated position to the upright position. The articulating assemblies can be configured to articulate in two directions to provide two seating surfaces positioned on opposite sides of the back member of the seating apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Inventor: Brian Karl Lee
  • Patent number: 9010867
    Abstract: An article of furniture is disclosed. The article of furniture comprises a stool configured to be used on a generally horizontal surface such as a floor. The stool comprises a seat and a base comprising a rounded bottom surface configured to rest upon the floor. A mass is positioned beneath the seat so that the base is at equilibrium in a first tilted orientation relative to the floor. The base can be tilted to second tilted orientation relative to the floor by tilting the rounded bottom surface of the base relative to the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Kirt Martin, Fredric Biddle, David Eberlein, Brett Kincaid, Mark Schoolmeester
  • Publication number: 20150061333
    Abstract: A furniture piece is provided. The furniture piece includes a back assembly having a plurality of horizontal supports and a plurality of vertical supports coupled to the plurality of horizontal support. The plurality of vertical supports includes a first indicia shape. An arm assembly is coupled to the plurality of horizontal supports and includes a plurality of arm supports, wherein the plurality of arm supports includes a second indicia shape. The furniture piece includes a leg assembly coupled to the plurality of vertical supports and to the plurality of arm supports. The leg assembly includes a plurality of leg supports, wherein the plurality of leg supports includes a third indicia shape. A seat assembly is coupled to the plurality of vertical supports and the plurality of leg supports. The first indicia shape, the second indicia shape and the third indicia shape include at least one of a profile, silhouette, pattern and scheme of a firearm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventor: Andrew Hoedebecke
  • Patent number: 8960792
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a monobloc rocking chair. The rocking chair includes a seat, backrest, a pair of front legs, a pair of rear legs, and rockers extending between front and rear legs. The chair is molded of a single material include a downwardly opening cavity and formed to taper outwardly from top to bottom. The cavity is formed by the seat being supported directly from below by front legs and being supported directly from above by a backrest. Rear legs are spaced from the seat. This allows two identical chairs to nest when vertically stacked for compact shipping, storage, or display. The monobloc rocking chair can include one or more arms or be armless.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: Cooper C Woodring
  • Patent number: 8926483
    Abstract: An interchangeable cover is secured between a lower base and an upper cover retention body over an inflatable dome. The entire assembly is placed on a chair for an individual to sit on for stability core training. The upper cover retention body and lower base detach from compressive engagement of the interchangeable cover to replace the cover as desired by the individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: Jennifer J. Holloway
  • Publication number: 20140368010
    Abstract: A modular furniture assembly includes: a base member having a frame assembly, a transverse member having a frame assembly, a foot configured to contact a support surface, and a mounting platform having a plurality of apertures therethrough. The mounting platform is configured to be mounted on the base member frame assembly and the transverse member frame assembly, thereby connecting the frame assemblies. The foot is selectively mounted on the mounting platform, such that the foot is configured to contact the support surface when the modular furniture assembly is in an upright configuration. The mounting platform connects the base and transverse member frame assemblies together and also acts as a platform for receiving a variety of different types of feet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Shawn D. Nelson, David Underwood, Spencer Pearson
  • Publication number: 20140312667
    Abstract: A chair includes a base, a seat assembly comprising a seat, and a height adjustment mechanism attached between the base and the seat assembly. The height adjustment mechanism vertically moves a position of the seat from a first position to a second position that is higher than the first position. The height adjustment mechanism includes a first gas spring attached to the base, a second gas spring attached to the seat assembly, and a support attached between the first gas spring and the second gas spring. The first gas spring is at least partially within a lower portion of the base and the second gas spring is at least partially within the seat assembly. The seat assembly is movable relative to the lower portion of the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: Office for Metropolitan Architecture Stedebouw B.V.
    Inventors: Rem Koolhaas, Andrew Blair Hector
  • Patent number: 8777305
    Abstract: A multifunction chair with a floor rocker detachable from a base that is usable as a stool. The floor rocker and base are readily attached and detached by means of a quick-release mechanism having first and second couplers on the floor rocker and the seat plate of the base, respectively. The first coupler includes a rearward projection from a cross-member on the rocker and has left and right side latch mechanisms below the rear portion of the seat of the rocker, the latch mechanisms each having a laterally movable latch bolt. The second coupler is an integral part of the seat plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: J Squared, Inc.
    Inventors: James N. Jannetides, Adam Anderson
  • Publication number: 20140165289
    Abstract: The current invention is a modular and interlocking furniture system that requires no tools and comprises basic elements that are simple to connect to form a desired piece of furniture. The furniture may be may be prefabricated in components that can be sold disassembled in a flat stackable packaging and then assembled at a site. Assembly of the furniture requires no hardware, tooling, or relatively complex instructions. The furniture is an improvement over the prior art as less components may be necessary to assemble a piece of furniture and or the final assembled product is more functionally stable and aesthetically pleasing. An embodiment for the invention includes a chair and desk that essentially consists of a base having at least about three legs that is formed from two interconnecting units and a top that relesably connects to the base and may provide the function of a seat or table surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: BV Furniture, Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent TROCCHIA, Bryan GOOD
  • Publication number: 20130207421
    Abstract: A multi-orientation modular furniture piece includes a work surface; a seat surface; a stool surface; and a base surface. The base surface has a non-flat surface to facilitate a minimal left to right rocking motion of the multi-orientation modular furniture piece when the multi-orientation modular furniture piece is in a seat orientation. The minimal left to right rocking motion of the multi-orientation modular furniture piece allows the participant to realize a positive non-disruptive distraction to facilitate a non-disruptive release of energy so as to assist in re-focusing the occupant during the learning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventor: Sandra Turner
  • Patent number: 8313141
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a monobloc rocking chair. The rocking chair includes a seat, backrest, a pair of front legs, a pair of rear legs, and rockers extending between front and rear legs. The chair is molded of a single material include a downwardly opening cavity and formed to taper outwardly from top to bottom. The cavity is formed by the seat being supported directly from below by front legs and being supported directly from above by a backrest. Rear legs are spaced from the seat. This allows two identical chairs to nest when vertically stacked for compact shipping, storage, or display. The monobloc rocking chair can include one or more arms or be armless.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Inventor: Cooper C. Woodring
  • Patent number: 8070229
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a monobloc rocking chair. The rocking chair includes a seat, backrest, a pair of front legs, a pair of rear legs, and rockers extending between front and rear legs. The chair is molded of a single material include a downwardly opening cavity and formed to taper outwardly from top to bottom. The cavity is formed by the seat being supported directly from below by front legs and being supported directly from above by a backrest. Rear legs are spaced from the seat. This allows two identical chairs to nest when vertically stacked for compact shipping, storage, or display. The monobloc rocking chair can include one or more arms or be armless.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Inventor: Cooper C. Woodring
  • Patent number: 8056976
    Abstract: A chair apparatus is provided with multiple pivot axis for improving core strength, posture, and circulation of the user. The chair apparatus includes a seat portion that is capable of pivotal movement about multiple pivot axes and along a surface. The chair apparatus further includes a frame coupled to the seat portion, wherein the frame limits the pivotal movement of the seat portion only when the chair apparatus is placed in a supported orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventor: Louis F. Polk
  • Publication number: 20110148155
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an infant support including a frame and an infant seat. The frame includes a first frame member pivotally coupled to a second frame member. The footers of the frame member are curved to permit the rocking of the frame on its support surface. The seat includes angled wall portions that define an offset lowest point. With this configuration, a child placed within the seat is safely positioned within the seat such that the child experiences a front-to-back rocking motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Linda J. Chapman, Margo Block Moulin, Justin C. Taton
  • Patent number: 7850239
    Abstract: A chair to minimize muscle strain as a person sits in or rises providing an identical pair of elongated parallelepiped back frames having a vertically extending upper portion, a rearwardly extending lower portion with a parallelepiped connection member extending perpendicularly therebetween to connect the back frames. A parallelepiped crossbar extends between a pair of front legs. A spring assembly having a parallelepiped upper mount member, a parallelepiped lower mount member, and a single coil spring therebetween is secured to the lower edge of the back frame lower portion. The selective placement of a user's weight upon the seat positions the spring into either a compressed state, wherein the seat is parallel to a floor surface, or an uncompressed state, wherein the seat is at an angle to the floor surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Inventor: Harry Still
  • Publication number: 20100001566
    Abstract: An automobile infant seat rocker device includes: (a) a rocker device main housing; (b) a rocker drive mechanism for creation of reciprocal motion of at least one push arm, the rocker drive mechanism being located in the main housing; (c) at least one push arm connected to the rocker drive mechanism and extending outwardly from the main housing for contact with a floor area so as to reciprocally push main housing in a reciprocal motion; (d) a power source for powering the rocker drive mechanism; and, (e) removable connection mechanism for removably connecting the main housing to a lower portion of an infant seat. When the rocker device is removably connected to the base or side of an infant seat and the rocker drive mechanism is powered by the power means, reciprocal movement of the al least one push arm reciprocally moves the main housing and rocks the infant seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventor: Aviezer Yehuda
  • Publication number: 20090200846
    Abstract: A automobile infant seat rocker device is portable and small enough to be stored in a pocketbook or small carrying case. It is removably attachable to an infant seat, operates on portable power and can be conveniently stored or packed when not in use. The device includes: (a) a rocker device main housing; (b) a rocker drive mechanism for creation of reciprocal motion of at least one push arm, the rocker drive mechanism being located in the main housing; (c) at least one push arm connected to the rocker drive mechanism and extending outwardly from the main housing for contact with a floor area so as to reciprocally push main housing in a reciprocal motion; (d) power mechanism for powering the rocker drive mechanism; and, (e) removable connection means for removably connecting the main housing to a lower portion of an infant seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventor: Aviezer Yehuda
  • Patent number: 7374517
    Abstract: A portable therapeutic seat exercise apparatus and method that provide a lightweight personal exerciser designed for a person to use to improve physical status, and for the exercise, alignment, and stress reduction of a person's trunk, spine, abdomen, pelvis, and thighs. It encourages and enhances low back mobility in contrast to the static nature of regular sitting. It consists of a lightweight contoured seating surface supported by at least one arcuate hemispherical base that allows unrestricted motion in all directions, including twisting, tilting, and rocking. It can be placed on many seating surfaces including but not limited to sofas, dining chairs, school desk chairs, office chairs, factory benches, and motor vehicle seats. Its use facilitates low back muscular stabilization, conditioning, strengthening, coordination, and enhancement of proprioceptive senses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: Ricky Poole Lockett
  • Patent number: 7325872
    Abstract: A rocker that may be used to entertain an infant. In one embodiment, the rocker includes a seat portion, an activity portion and a connector. The connector is coupled to the seat portion and to the activity portion. In one embodiment, the seat portion and the activity portion are configured to rock on a support surface. In one embodiment, the seat portion and the activity portion can be rocked side-to-side. The rocker includes an output generating system that can generate audible and/or visual outputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott K. Basu, Christopher J. Hayes, Matthew C. Maxwell
  • Patent number: 7147284
    Abstract: A rocking chair particularly suitable for use as a student desk chair as a seating surface, a back rest and a pair of generally parallel rocking rails. Preferably, the rocking chair has a relatively small footprint and has a relatively limited range of rocking motion. In one preferred, but not required embodiment, the pair of generally parallel rocking rails are both reverse cantilevered rocker rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Virco Mgmt. Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Mills, Peter Glass, Scott L. Fletcher
  • Patent number: 6854800
    Abstract: A children's high chair comprises a supporting frame (11,111) for a high chair (12,112) for receiving the child. The frame (11,111) comprises in turn a pair of legs (14,15) openable compasswise and with lower ends (19,119) for resting on the ground and stiffening crosspieces (20,120) arranged on both sides of the frame and movable between a non-operational position allowing closing of the frame and an operational position in which the crosspieces engage the legs to hold them steadily in open position. The crosspieces (20,120) can be moved to another more lowered operational position to rest on the ground to constitute high chair rocking members. Advantageously an automatic battery-powered mechanical rocking device can be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: PEG Perego S.p.A.
    Inventor: Gianluca Perego
  • Publication number: 20030164633
    Abstract: A dynamic sitting device includes a seat 20, a means for supporting the seat 30, and a novel floor-contacting element 40. Said novel floor-contacting element includes an outside edge 60 and a point 50. Said outside edge is circumferential to said point, and is positioned approximately perpendicular to said means for supporting seat. Said point is positioned near the center of said floor-contacting element and sits a short distance below a plane defined by said outside edge. A user can either balance the sitting device on said point in order to rock and spin, or rest the device on both said point and said outside edge in order to rest or to roll in a circular fashion. This invention promotes active sitting through the function of said floor-contacting element. The invention allows for both a dynamic sitting position that allows the body to be involved in maintaining balance and posture, and also a position of lesser activity and bodily involvement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Inventors: Joshua Jakus, Galen Cranz
  • Patent number: 6299247
    Abstract: A seat for receipt of a child capable of providing exercise and entertainment comprising a seat having an upper support and a lower support, the lower support having leg openings for passage of the legs of a child supported therein. An upper supporting tray has a radially interior opening for receiving and supporting the seat, the upper supporting tray having a radially exterior periphery with projections extending downwardly therefrom. A bowl-shaped base, preferably with radial ribs, is provided, the upper periphery of the base having spaced upstanding towers with openings depending from the upper ends thereof. Upstanding posts are also provided, each post having a lower end received within the upper end of a tower, each post having an upper end with a recess for receiving a downwardly depending projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Evenflo Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul K. Meeker, William R. Gibson, John C. Riedl
  • Patent number: 6257660
    Abstract: A portable furniture assembly has a pair of opposed and spaced apart scissor assemblies. A stop mechanism is provided to retain a pair of scissor structures of the portable furniture assembly in a set-up condition and yet permit easy release of the stop mechanism to permit folding of the furniture assembly for transport. A foldable and portable chair has a flexible sling suspended between two scissor assemblies to define a seat and a back for the chair. The portable chair also has two bottom rails connected to front supports of the scissor assemblies via pivots. Rear supports of the scissor assemblies are removably connected to the bottom rails at the stop mechanism to retain the portable chair in a set-up condition and yet permit the chair to be folded to a completely flat or folded condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Inventor: Kacey J. Calvey
  • Patent number: 6179376
    Abstract: A seat for receipt of a child capable of providing exercise and entertainment comprising a seat having a rigid upper support and a lower support therebeneath and a circular bearing surface therebetween, the lower support having leg openings for passage of the legs of a child supported therein. An upper supporting tray has a radially interior opening in a circular configuration for receiving and supporting the seat, the upper supporting tray having a radially exterior periphery with projections extending downwardly therefrom. A bowl-shaped base, preferably with radial ribs, is provided, the upper periphery of the base having spaced upstanding towers with openings depending from the upper ends thereof. Upstanding posts are also provided, each post having a lower end received within the upper end of a tower, each post having an upper end with a recess for receiving a downwardly depending projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Evenflo Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul K. Meeker, William R. Gibson, Steve Courtney