Bottom Or Back With Means To Alter Contour Patents (Class 297/284.1)
  • Patent number: 10449878
    Abstract: A seat trim cover management system for seat cushion length adjustment includes a seat cushion base having stationary portion and an adjustable portion wherein the stationary portion and the adjustable portion include a horizontal top surface and a vertical front surface. An adjustment mechanism is in mechanical communication with the stationary portion and the adjustable portion and is configured to manipulate the adjustable portion. A cover material includes a first end attached to the horizontal top surface of the stationary portion or the adjustable portion, and at least one seat cover management system is attached to a second end of the cover material and is configured to maintain tension between the first end and second end of the cover material while the cover material shrouds the gap created between the stationary portion and the adjustable portion when at the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Dorel M. Sala
  • Patent number: 10427555
    Abstract: Improvement is made in a configuration of a movable portion movable to adjust a length of a seat cushion. A vehicle seat includes a seat cushion having a fixed portion and a movable portion movable relative to the fixed portion for adjustment of a length of the seat cushion, and also includes a notch arranged on the movable portion as a movable portion side engagement portion and an engagement plate piece arranged on the fixed portion as a fixed portion side engagement portion. The engagement plate piece is movable between i) a locking position engaged with the notch to bring the movable portion into an unmovable state, and ii) an unlocking position released from the notch to bring the movable portion into a movable state. The movable portion includes a pressing wire to move the engagement plate piece from the locking position to the unlocking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: TS Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryuzaburo Abe, Takayuki Inose
  • Patent number: 10418203
    Abstract: A push switch of the present disclosure has: a resin case that has a recess, a through hole, and a groove; a connection terminal; an upper protection sheet; and a lower protection sheet. The through hole penetrates from a bottom part of the recess to a lower surface of the resin case, and the groove is provided on the lower surface of the resin case. The through hole and the groove are connected to each other, and the through hole overlaps with the lower protection sheet in plan view. The groove has a first area and a second area, and of the first area and the second area, only the first area overlaps with the lower protection sheet in plan view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masatoshi Enomoto, Tomoki Kuroyabu
  • Patent number: 10383452
    Abstract: To provide a bottom for a bed apparatus that can relieve the sensation of being pressed and that at the same time is lightweight, easy to transport and can be cleaned easily. A bottom for a bed apparatus having a back-raising mechanism, includes a flexing bottom that is arranged between a back bottom and a hip bottom and can be flexed. In a back-raising operation, the flexing bottom flexes between the back bottom and the hip bottom while sliding downward over the surface of the uprising back bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: PARAMOUNT BED CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Katsuyoshi Nomura, Takeshi Yanagihara, Yuji Nakano, Takaki Matsumoto, Tatsuya Shimada, Dan Kageyama, Eita Hirai, Shinnosuke Kubota
  • Patent number: 10376063
    Abstract: An integrated assembly is provided with both an adjustable lumbar support and a head tilt. The assembly is easily installed on any of a number of different seating units, and can be adjusted to accommodate seating units with a variety of back widths, and heights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventors: Robert Dean Donovan, Nikki White, Nick Yang, Derek Sun, Eric Shen
  • Patent number: 10377278
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat bottom and a seat back. The seat back is coupled to the seat bottom to move relative to the vehicle seat. The vehicle further includes a support mechanism coupled to the vehicle and configured to vary support provided to an occupant sitting on the vehicle seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Faurecia Automotive Seating, LLC
    Inventors: Cedric Ketels, Tristan J. Vanfossen
  • Patent number: 10358053
    Abstract: A seat adjuster in one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a rotating part, a rotational drive, an engagement target member, an engagement member, and a controller. The controller executes a lock transition process in a case where a seatback is pivotally moved to a specified front-tilt position, which is further to a forward direction than an upright position is, while the engagement member is in an unlocked state where the engagement member is not engaged with any one of engagement target portions of the engagement target member. The lock transition process is a process where the controller rotates the rotating part via the rotational drive such that one of the engagement target portions is placed at an engageable position, and engages the engagement member with the one of the engagement target portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Haruki Uno, Takuya Fujimura
  • Patent number: 10328825
    Abstract: A vehicle seat comprises a seat cushion frame configuring a frame member of a seat cushion, and a seat unit that is supported by the seat cushion frame and on which an occupant sits, that has a higher seating face rigidity in a seat front-rear direction than a seating face rigidity in a seat width direction, and that has the seating face rigidity in the seat width direction set lower at a seat front-rear direction rear side than at a seat front-rear direction front side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tsutomu Hamabe, Kohshi Katoh, Eishi Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 10322050
    Abstract: A method of securing a patient onto an operating table when the patient is in a position such as the trendelenburg position and apparatus therefor including a kit. A viscoelastic pad is used to support and hold a patient on a medical procedure table during a medical procedure performed while the table, and thus the patient lying thereon, is in an inclined position, such as the Trendelenburg position. The viscoelastic pad has characteristics which promote a minimization of pressure forces on the patient's body, as well as promote a secure cushioning and holding of the patient in a desired position on the table, in order to minimize injury to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Inventors: Alessio Pigazzi, Glenn Keilar
  • Patent number: 10315548
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the pneumatic adjustment of a seat in a means of transport, in particular in a motor vehicle, comprising one or more cushions (3) which can be filled with air and which are connected via one or more valves (1) to a compressed-air supply (2), and a control device for the actuation of the one or more valves (1) for the purposes of changing the filling state of the one or more cushions (3). The device according to the invention is characterized in that a respective valve (1) of at least some of the valves (1) comprises one or more actuation elements (4) composed of electroactive polymer, to which an electrical voltage can be applied. By application of the electrical voltage, a respective actuation element (4) is deformed, and in this way, one or more passage openings (6, 6?) via which an exchange of compressed air with at least one cushion (3) takes place is or are opened up or shut off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Conti Temic microelectronic GmbH
    Inventors: Alexander Kerler, Johann Steinberger, Wolfgang Thiel
  • Patent number: 10306986
    Abstract: A motorized furniture headrest assembly includes a headrest actuator and roller track that minimizes effort of a motor to impart angular movement of an associated headrest support mechanism. The roller track is curvilinear with a non-constant radius of curvature. The actuator and roller track are disposed sufficiently close to a center line of the headrest support mechanism to achieve angular actuation of the headrest support mechanism without one side of the headrest support mechanism lagging behind the other during angular movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: ZHEJIANG FEILI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Weijie Gu, Guoli Zou, Wangliang Zhang
  • Patent number: 10285890
    Abstract: A method of securing a patient onto an operating table when the patient is in a position such as the trendelenburg position and apparatus therefor including a kit. A viscoelastic pad is used to support and hold a patient on a medical procedure table during a medical procedure performed while the table, and thus the patient lying thereon, is in an inclined position, such as the Trendelenburg position. The viscoelastic pad has characteristics which promote a minimization of pressure forces on the patient's body, as well as promote a secure cushioning and holding of the patient in a desired position on the table, in order to minimize injury to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Inventors: Alessio Pigazzi, Glenn Keilar
  • Patent number: 10266088
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seatback frame. A bolster insert is positioned on a side bolster of the seatback frame. A foam layer is positioned over the seatback frame. A trim cover is positioned over the foam layer. The foam layer and the trim cover are contoured to expose the bolster insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Christian J. Hosbach, Johnathan Andrew Line, Kevin Mozurkewich, Rodney Charles Brinker
  • Patent number: 10251487
    Abstract: A seat assembly having a seat back and a thoracic support mechanism. The thoracic support mechanism may have a flex plate that may be movably disposed on a support member of the seat back frame. A first actuator may flex the flex plate. A second actuator may actuate the flex plate along the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Ashford Allen Galbreath, Walter T. Cichocki
  • Patent number: 10232172
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a system and method of determining muscle efficiency and inefficiency in a patient or subject and being able to quantitatively determine measurements that communicate between practitioners the condition, the health, and the efficiency state of any muscle. The efficiency of a muscle is defined by the ability of the brain to bridge a proper communication to the muscle by sending normal action potentials; the bridge is often compromised during injury, improper training, or from poor habits of bodily movement. The standardization of these efficiencies allows for the isolation of particular areas of the muscles that are inefficient and efficient. Further, with varied application of electrical pulses, a bridge that mimics the natural action potential is provided and can enhance muscle efficiency in a way that achieves higher levels of success in bodily healing and physical training than in any prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Neurological Fitness Equipment and Education LLC
    Inventors: Ki Yong O, Garrett Salpeter
  • Patent number: 10206514
    Abstract: A contoured meditation seat is adapted to elevate a human user's feet while arching the human user's back. The contoured meditation seat includes a base joined to a first end side and a second end side. A head end side is joined to the base, the first end side, and the second end side. A foot end side is joined to the base, the first end side, and the second end side. The foot end side further comprises a concave portion elevated above the head end side. A platform is arranged between the first end side, the second end side, the head end side and the foot end side. The platform is adapted to accommodate the human user such that feet of the human user are adjacent to the foot end side and a head of the human user is against the head end side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Inventor: Keith Lawrence Zivalich
  • Patent number: 10183599
    Abstract: A device to adjust a contour of a vehicle seat with contour adjustment, may include at least one air cushion connected to a pump via a supply line, a first valve for opening and closing the supply line, and a control and evaluation unit to determine an air volume being supplied to the at least one air cushion via an operating time of the pump and to correlate the air volume being supplied to the at least one air cushion with a contour of the vehicle seat. A related method for adjusting a contour of a vehicle seat with contour adjustment equipped with such a device, may include determining an air volume being supplied to the at least one air cushion via the operating time of the pump, and the air volume being supplied to the at least one air cushion is correlated with a contour of the vehicle seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Alfmeier Präzision AG Baugruppen Und Systemlösungen
    Inventors: Erich Dörfler, Karl-Heinrich Preis
  • Patent number: 10172464
    Abstract: The invention relates to a chair having a seat structure formed by a frame member that defines a central opening. A flexible membrane extends across the central opening. A pair of support pads, one disposed on either side of the cross-beam member, is provided and arranged at a level below the central opening of the frame member. The support pads are arranged within the seat structure so as to be rearwardly disposed with respect to the front edge of the frame by a first distance and spaced apart from each other by a second distance, the first and second distances generally corresponding to the positioning of the ischicial tuberosity of a user when the user assumes a seated position engaging the seat structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Inventor: Terry Cassaday
  • Patent number: 10144320
    Abstract: A trim cover assembly securable over a cushion is provided. The trim cover assembly includes a leather trim material. A trim fastener is attached to the leather trim material for retaining the trim cover to the cushion. Therein the trim fastener elastically deformable so that the fastener that elongates between an extended position and a retracted position to allow the leather trim material to expand while minimizing deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Louella Ann Patterson, James B. Clauser, Laura Schulz, William Paruszkiewicz, Pusheng Chen, Thomas A. Welch, Sr., Paul S. Severinski
  • Patent number: 10137043
    Abstract: A tilt-tip moldable bed system for the care of immobile patients is provided. The bed system may include a moldable mattress having a casing with a bladder defining an inner volume and a top compliant surface over a top surface of the bladder, the compliant surface configured to conform to a shape of a displacing structure. The bladder may be configured to hold a plurality of beads suspended in a fluid medium. The moldable mattress may be molded while inflated and maintain a resilient shape when evacuated. The system may further include a supporting frame for the moldable support structure having a laterally rigid outer rim with at least one attachment point for the moldable mattress, at least one attachment point for a netted sling, and one or more mounting tracks configured to support at least one peripheral attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Utopix Medical, LLC
    Inventor: Charles David Finch, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10130537
    Abstract: A tilt-tip moldable bed system for the care of immobile patients is provided. The bed system may include a moldable mattress having a casing with a bladder defining an inner volume and a top compliant surface over a top surface of the bladder, the compliant surface configured to conform to a shape of a displacing structure. The bladder may be configured to hold a plurality of beads suspended in a fluid medium. The moldable mattress may be molded while inflated and maintain a resilient shape when evacuated. The system may further include a supporting frame for the moldable support structure having a laterally rigid outer rim with at least one attachment point for the moldable mattress, at least one attachment point for a netted sling, and one or more mounting tracks configured to support at least one peripheral attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Utopix Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Charles David Finch, Jr., Scott Goodwin, Jon Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 10098800
    Abstract: A method of securing a patient onto an operating table when the patient is in a position such as the trendelenburg position and apparatus therefor including a kit. A viscoelastic pad is used to support and hold a patient on a medical procedure table during a medical procedure performed while the table, and thus the patient lying thereon, is in an inclined position, such as the Trendelenburg position. The viscoelastic pad has characteristics which promote a minimization of pressure forces on the patient's body, as well as promote a secure cushioning and holding of the patient in a desired position on the table, in order to minimize injury to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Inventors: Alessio Pigazzi, Glenn Keilar
  • Patent number: 10086731
    Abstract: A method for selecting and controlling massage functions of a motor vehicle seat having a control system comprising the steps of: switching the system to a selection mode and starting the selection mode; providing a menu list having options for querying the user's requirements during the massage; selection of an option by the user and providing predefined responses to the respective query and selection of the response by the user and if necessary repeating the steps for further queries; and terminating the selection mode and automatically determining suitable massage settings on the basis of the user's selection and controlling the massage actuators in the motor vehicle seat on the basis of determined massage settings to perform the massage function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Amber LaVerne Hall, Michael Kolich, Keith Allen Godin, Johnathan Andrew Line
  • Patent number: 10045902
    Abstract: A method of securing a patient onto an operating table when the patient is in a position such as the Trendelenburg position and apparatus therefor including a kit. A viscoelastic pad is used to support and hold a patient on a medical procedure table during a medical procedure performed while the table, and thus the patient lying thereon, is in an inclined position, such as the Trendelenburg position. The viscoelastic pad has characteristics which promote a minimization of pressure forces on the patient's body, as well as promote a secure cushioning and holding of the patient in a desired position on the table, in order to minimize injury to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Inventors: Alessio Pigazzi, Glenn Keilar
  • Patent number: 10045643
    Abstract: A pillow includes a foam body having top and bottom faces, opposed first and second sides, and opposed left and right ends. A first raised ridge is adjacent to and extends parallel with the first side, projecting to a first height relative to the bottom face. A second raised ridge is adjacent to and extending parallel with the second side, projecting to a second height relative to the bottom face, the second height being different from the first height. There is a trough in the first face between the first and second ridges. First and second elongate passages are disposed in and extending parallel to the first raised ridges, respectively. First and second elongate elements can be disposed in the first and second elongate passages. A second body, of a different material than the first body, disposed in the trough. A cover substantially encloses the first and second bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Inventor: Dennis M. Boyd
  • Patent number: 10011193
    Abstract: Seats and methods for controlling a seat are described. A position of the user's leg is sensed relative to the position of the front of the seat. A determination is made as to if the position of the user's leg from a front of the seat is greater than a gap minimum. If the gap is greater than the gap minimum, a cushion length extender portion of the seat is moved until the sensed position is less than or equal to the gap minimum. In an example, the remainder of seat base is held in a fixed position within the vehicle environment. The gap minimum can be with the cushion length extender portion in slight contact with the user's leg. The sensor can be at a front face of seat. The sensor can be on the cushion length extender portion of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Arjun V. Yetukuri, Mark A. Farquhar, David A. Hein
  • Patent number: 9975453
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for controlled power seat of vehicle designed to improve the problem of seat pinching by changing an initial torque value of a seat motor according to a moving direction of a seat and method thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: HYUNDAI DYMOS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Ho Cheoul Lee, Seung Kyu Lee
  • Patent number: 9975460
    Abstract: A mechanical lumbar system for vehicle seating. The lumbar system may be compact in size so as to require a smaller space within vehicle seating. The lumbar system may be adjustable in 4-ways. The lumbar system may be adjustable in an in and out fashion so as to decrease and increase, respectively, the amount of lumbar support. The lumbar system may be adjustable vertically so as to allow the vertical position of the lumbar support to be moved to accommodate the occupant. The lumbar system may utilize a U-shaped lower bridge member that allows the motors to be positioned vertically higher in the seat back while also allowing the lumbar support to be positioned below the motors. The legs of the lower bridge may extend below the lower frame cross member in the vehicle seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Vikas Bhatia, Masroor Fahim, Peter J. Moegling, Brandon J. Vick
  • Patent number: 9949883
    Abstract: A method of securing a patient onto an operating table when the patient is in a position such as the trendelenburg position and apparatus therefor including a kit. A viscoelastic pad is used to support and hold a patient on a medical procedure table during a medical procedure performed while the table, and thus the patient lying thereon, is in an inclined position, such as the Trendelenburg position. The viscoelastic pad has characteristics which promote a minimization of pressure forces on the patient's body, as well as promote a secure cushioning and holding of the patient in a desired position on the table, in order to minimize injury to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Inventors: Alessio Pigazzi, Glenn Keilar
  • Patent number: 9949568
    Abstract: An air bladder assembly for a seat comprising is provided. A central sacral bladder has a support surface defined by an enlarged width portion connected to an elongated tapered portion, wherein the tapered portion is defined by elongated lateral sides. A pair of side iliac bladders is provided so that one of the side bladders is positioned adjacent each of the elongated sides of the central bladder. A support surface of the central air bladder is not parallel to a support surface of the side air bladders when the air bladder assembly is inflated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Winsen C. Zouzal, Gerald Patrick, Walter T. Cichocki, Ted Smith, Michelle A. Pereny
  • Patent number: 9950652
    Abstract: A headrest assembly includes a headrest bun adjustably supported on a linkage system. An adjustable cover assembly is operable between stowed and deployed positons relative to a position of the headrest bun and is configured to cover the linkage system in use. The adjustable cover assembly includes first and second members, wherein the first member is coupled to the linkage system for movement therewith and the second member is pivotally coupled to the first member. A gap is defined between the first member and the second member, and the gap is maintained by a plurality of spacers disposed on the first member as the cover assembly moves from the stowed position to the deployed position with the headrest bun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Kevin Wayne Preuss, Marcos Silva Kondrad, Nahshon Francis, Daniel Ferretti, David Frederick Lyons, Nicholas Alphonse Billardello
  • Patent number: 9931262
    Abstract: A method of securing a patient onto an operating table when the patient is in the Trendelenburg position and apparatus therefor including a kit. A viscoelastic pad is used to support and hold a patient on a medical procedure table during a medical procedure performed while the table, and thus the patient lying thereon, is in an inclined position, such as the Trendelenburg position. The viscoelastic pad has characteristics which promote a minimization of pressure forces on the patient's body, as well as promote a secure cushioning and holding of the patient in a desired position on the table, in order to minimize injury to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Inventors: Alessio Pigazzi, Glenn Keilar
  • Patent number: 9933775
    Abstract: A bed adjustment apparatus and method includes a linear actuator attached to a bed to move a portion of a mattress. A control box activates the linear actuator based on commands and sequences received from a remote control. The control box optionally includes a PLC to store the commands and sequences. The remote control optionally communicates wirelessly with the control box. The remote control allows a user to select and send the control box commands and sequences to control the linear actuator. The sequences are pre-installed, user programmed, received from another remote, or downloaded as desired. The apparatus allows a user to alleviate pressure points during sleep without requiring the user to adjust their sleeping position by adjusting the mattress based on a selected sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Inventor: John A Saavedra
  • Patent number: 9925901
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a tilt plate rotationally coupled at a first horizontal axis to a front of a base. A cushion spring extends from a rear of the base to the tilt plate. Rotation of the tilt plate rotates the cushion spring about a second horizontal axis. A thigh support is rotationally coupled to the tilt plate. A dynamic spring biases the thigh support away from the tilt plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Marcos Silva Kondrad, S. M. Akbar Berry, Amber LaVerne Hall, Michael Kolich, Rodney Charles Brinker, Carol Casey
  • Patent number: 9913539
    Abstract: A back support for a chair includes a chair frame, a pair of upright support posts mounted to the chair frame, the upright support posts being laterally flexible with respect to the chair frame, a plurality of flexible support arms extending laterally outwardly from the upright support posts, the support arms each including a peripheral edge, the support arms including a first set of support arms extending in a first lateral direction from the upright posts and a second set of support arms extending in a second direction from the upright posts; and a material extending in tension between the peripheral edges of the first set of support arms and the peripheral edges of the second set of support arms such that at least a central portion of the material is spaced from the support arms. In addition, a seat support includes a repositionable front edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Haworth, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin W. Potrykus, Peter T. LaDuke, Jason W. Hall, Timothy J. Scholma, Nicolai Czumaj-Bront, Teresa A. Bellingar, Michael W. Welsh, Larry A. Wilkerson, Kyle R. Fleet
  • Patent number: 9914428
    Abstract: A passenger restraint device for amusement rides and a method for retaining at least one passenger by means of the restraint device. The device comprises at least one restraint element provided with at least one contact surface intended to be placed in contact with at least one part of the body of a passenger. The restraint element is movable between at least one open position, in which the restraint element is not in contact with the passenger and at least one closed position in which the restraint element is in contact with at least one part of the passenger's body. The restraint element comprises at least one sensor to detect a contact between the restraint element and at least one part of the body of the passenger, preferably a contact with a passenger's thighs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: ANTONIO ZAMPERLA S.P.A.
    Inventor: Antonio Zamperla
  • Patent number: 9873360
    Abstract: A vehicle seat suspension system includes first and second side supports defining a seatback structure. An upper component and a lower component are provided, each including at least two outwardly extending flex members. A passenger support includes a periphery operably coupled to distal ends of the flex members. An external peripheral gap is defined between the passenger support and the seatback structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Daniel Ferretti, John W. Jaranson, Grant A. Compton, Kendrick Alden Harper, Kevin VanNieulande
  • Patent number: 9873362
    Abstract: A vehicle seat suspension system includes first and second side supports that define a seatback frame. A front trim piece is coupled between the first and second side supports. A suspension component is coupled with a central area of the front trim piece and has flexible members protruding forward and outward therefrom. A passenger support panel has a periphery coupled to distal ends of the flexible members and suspended away from the seatback frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Daniel Ferretti, Kevin VanNieulande, Marc Silva Kondrad, John W. Jaranson, Kendrick Alden Harper, Grant A. Compton
  • Patent number: 9849052
    Abstract: This invention relates to a pressure relieving mattress including an elongate support 11 having a base 12, a pressure relieving overlay 15 and an inflatable inlay 16. The inlay 16 has a plurality of laterally extending inflatable cells 23. At least some of the cells, in at least their un-inflated state, have an inflatable volume which is wider adjacent its ends than its mid portion. This reduces the likelihood of gaps appearing between the pressure overlay and the walls of the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: INVACARE UK OPERATIONS LIMITED
    Inventors: Leyton Stevens, Ian Mahoney
  • Patent number: 9815392
    Abstract: A headrest is provided that can have increased comfort and safety. The headrest can include: an affixed-side member provided to a headrest pillar; a mobile-side member that is joined to the affixed-side member with a mobile mechanism therebetween and that can move in the front-back direction with respect to the affixed-side member; and a front-back locking mechanism that has an engaged section and a lock member that engages the engaged section, and that locks and unlocks the movement of the mobile-side member in the front-back direction. Also, the mobile-side member has a front-side cover for supporting a head. Furthermore, the engaged section is attached to the back surface of the front-side cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: TS TECH CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kazunori Ishihara
  • Patent number: 9782287
    Abstract: A method of securing a patient onto an operating table when the patient is in the Trendelenburg position and apparatus therefor including a kit. A viscoelastic pad is used to support and hold a patient on a medical procedure table during a medical procedure performed while the table, and thus the patient lying thereon, is in an inclined position, such as the Trendelenburg position. The viscoelastic pad has characteristics which promote a minimization of pressure forces on the patient's body, as well as promote a secure cushioning and holding of the patient in a desired position on the table, in order to minimize injury to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Inventors: Alessio Pigazzi, Glenn Keilar
  • Patent number: 9750656
    Abstract: A method of securing a patient onto an operating table when the patient is in the Trendelenburg position and apparatus therefor including a kit. A viscoelastic pad is used to support and hold a patient on a medical procedure table during a medical procedure performed while the table, and thus the patient lying thereon, is in an inclined position, such as the Trendelenburg position. The viscoelastic pad has characteristics which promote a minimization of pressure forces on the patient's body, as well as promote a secure cushioning and holding of the patient in a desired position on the table, in order to minimize injury to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Inventors: Alessio Pigazzi, Glenn Keilar
  • Patent number: 9723929
    Abstract: The element with variable shape (1) is composed of a cushion (10), having inside a fixed frame (20), which involves a lower section (13) of said cushion (10) and two symmetrical movable frames (25A), (25B), hinged above said fixed frame (20) and aimed at involving an upper section (14) of the cushion (10). The movable frames (25A), (25B) can rotate by 180° independently from each other, to direct a respective portion (14A), (14B) of said upper section (14) from an external horizontal configuration (HE) to an inner horizontal configuration (HI), passing through a vertical neutral configuration (N), in which the portion (14A), (14B) is substantially aligned with said lower section (13). The back (100) and sides (110) of a sofa (D) or armchair (P) are defined by respective elements (1), which can be configured in many ways so as to offer the maximum sitting comfort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: EDRA S.P.A.
    Inventor: Francesco Binfare′
  • Patent number: 9713974
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat base, a backrest, a head restraint, and a pump. The backrest is coupled to the seat base. The head restraint includes a rigid backing member, a padding, an inflatable bladder, and a cover. The backing member is coupled to the backrest. The padding is coupled to the backing member and disposed at least along a forward face of an upper portion of the backing member. The inflatable bladder is coupled to the backing member and disposed along a forward face of a lower portion of the backing member. The padding and the inflatable bladder are disposed between the backing member and the cover. The pump is coupled for fluid communication with the inflatable bladder. The bladder is selectively inflated or deflated to improve the comfort of the head restraint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventors: Edward F Mussi, James W Finck
  • Patent number: 9707873
    Abstract: A vehicle seat suspension system includes first and second side supports that define a seatback frame. A front trim piece is coupled between the first and second side supports. A suspension component is coupled with a central area of the front trim piece and has flexible members protruding forward and outward therefrom. A passenger support panel has a periphery coupled to distal ends of the flexible members and suspended away from the seatback frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Daniel Ferretti, Kevin VanNieulande, Marc Silva Kondrad, John W. Jaranson, Kendrick Alden Harper, Grant A. Compton
  • Patent number: 9707870
    Abstract: A vehicle seat suspension system includes first and second side supports defining a seatback structure. An upper component and a lower component are provided, each including at least two outwardly extending flex members. A passenger support includes a periphery operably coupled to distal ends of the flex members. An external peripheral gap is defined between the passenger support and the seatback structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Daniel Ferretti, John W. Jaranson, Grant A. Compton, Kendrick Alden Harper, Kevin VanNieulande
  • Patent number: 9676312
    Abstract: A vehicle seat with a modular vehicle seat frame is disclosed. The seat frame includes a first side module and a second side module which is arranged located opposite. A front, rear upper and middle cross brace are seat width-adaptably arranged between the side modules. Between the front and the rear cross brace a spring structure is stretched out, which spring-elastically supports a seat cushion of the vehicle seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Christian Kuhley, Juergen Maier, Eduard Wolf, Michael Hoefgen-Allmann
  • Patent number: 9675179
    Abstract: Novel Seats having a plurality of defined zones for supporting the human anatomy are disclosed. Seats including one or more recoil shields and/or inserts to assist in supporting or isolating certain desired portions of the human anatomy, as well as seats including both seat back structures and seat pan structures, with one or both including zoned configurations designed to support and stabilize specific structures of the human anatomy in a defined manner are also disclosed. The novel seats are useful, inter alia, for individually supporting certain anatomical areas and provide seat zones that collectively support, cradle and permit the human anatomy to be supported in a comfortable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Trac Tec, Ltd.
    Inventor: Brock Walker
  • Patent number: 9648956
    Abstract: According to the present invention a back for a seating unit is provided. The back comprises a plurality of flexible finger elements. Each of the plurality of flexible finger elements has a distal end. The back further comprises a retainer connecting at least two of the flexible finger elements proximate their distal ends. When a load is applied to a flexible finger element, the retainer distributes at least a portion of the load to at least one adjacent flexible finger element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: STEELCASE, INC.
    Inventors: Gordon J. Peterson, Christopher J. Norman, Russell Holdredge, Bruce Smith, Luke Pearson, Thomas Overthun, Kara Johnson
  • Patent number: 9637030
    Abstract: Vehicle seat (1), with a seat part (2) and a backrest (3), which comprises a lumbar support (7), wherein the lumbar support (7) has a lumbar apex (7.1) towards the back of a seat occupant and tapers from there and that the lumbar support comprises a suspension 9, 11, 12) that results in load distribution with a primery load uptake (8. 1) at the lumbar apex (7.1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Kurt Seibold, Alexander I Balin, Ingo Kienke, Jorg Linnenbrink