Portable With Seat Attacher Patents (Class 297/284.5)
  • Patent number: 11021086
    Abstract: A vehicle seat for a vehicle having a backrest part and a seat part are provided. The backrest part and the seat part each have an inner portion and side bolster portions arranged laterally on both sides of the inner portion The inner portions and the side bolster portions each have a cushion part and an upholstery part at least partially surrounding the cushion part. An abrasion-resistant coating that has a higher hardness and/or stiffness than the at least one upholstery part is at least in part arranged on at least one of the upholstery parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: GRAMMER AG
    Inventors: Gerald Herbst, Martin Wellein
  • Patent number: 10682936
    Abstract: A lumbar support cushion with a cushion cover capable of forming an L shaped cushion that fits on a chair or vehicle seat. A cushion cover encloses a poly foam padding member and more polyethylene closed cell foam lumbar support member. The cushion cover includes a hinged flap to allow for the insertion and removal of the lumbar support member. In a preferred embodiment, the lumbar support member is D shaped In one embodiment the D shaped lumbar support member is comprised of a plurality of nesting D shaped members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Inventor: Stephen Hillenbrand
  • Patent number: 9289070
    Abstract: A chair including a dynamically-flexible back and seat having a shape that adjusts to the movements of a user seated in the chair to enhance user comfort. Each of the back and seat has an air gap formed therewithin and a resilient frame or liner with a spring memory. The resilient liner is adapted to flex in response to compressive forces that are generated as the user slides his body back or from side-to-side in the chair. Accordingly, some of the chair back and some of the chair seat move into respective air gaps so that the shapes of the back and seat change to conform to the movements of the user. The air gaps also establish air flow ventilation channels which run laterally through the back and seat of the chair. In one case, a lumbar portion is rotatable back and forth around a vertical pivot axis so as to pivot towards one side of the chair back or the other side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Inventor: Marcelo Mezzera
  • Patent number: 9045064
    Abstract: The invention relates to neck cushions for vehicle seats, in particular for complete seats, for the support of the head and neck area of a person sitting on the seat, with a cushion, a counterweight and a fastening strap which connects the cushion to the counterweight, wherein the cushion rests on an upper region of the backrest in the longitudinal direction of the backrest so as to be adjustable at least in the longitudinal direction of the backrest, and the counterweight is arranged on at least one limiting element in order to limit the movement of the cushion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: GRAMMER AG
    Inventor: Norbert Weigert
  • Patent number: 9033416
    Abstract: An ergonomic back support device utilizing one or multiple vertical components that include layers (28,36), pressure distributing layers (34,38,50), and a single notched layer (48). These layers provide primary back support located behind and conforming to the Erector spinae muscles (124). The vertical components form an open channel (24) that is parallel to the prime neurological pathway of the spinal column (100). The vertical conforming support components and open channel facilitate physiological functions that promote health. The device accomplishes support without using any transverse, hard or continuous components across or against the back. Other embodiments include the following additional vertical components: a lateral pressure-adjusting device (14), heating layers (40,46), circulation stimulating layers (42,44), and massage layers (52,54).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Inventors: Paul John Vanderhorst, Christine Warner Vanderhorst
  • Patent number: 9004595
    Abstract: The present disclosure will provide a simple spinal support device that can be used while sitting to force the user to develop proper posture and reduce back strain. This is accomplished by creating a ‘T’ shaped device that can be ergonomically designed for the back. The user will place the device against the back rest of a chair prior to sitting. Alternatively, the device will be integrated within the chair. When in use, the spinal support member will force the user's shoulders to go backwards, improving his or her posture instantly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventor: Peter Larrieu
  • Patent number: 8991922
    Abstract: A lumbar support for a chair includes a member having a first portion separated from a second portion via a slit formed in the member and a slider mechanism. The slider mechanism has a slider that is moveable from a first position to a second position. The first and second portions of the member are attached to each other when the slider is at the second position via the slider. The first and second portions of the member are unattached at the second position when the slider is moved from the second position to the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Formway Furniture Limited
    Inventors: Christopher Warren Bisman, Damon Gregory Burwell, Leif Robert John Roy, Paul Michael Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 8973993
    Abstract: A cushion set for use with a seat having a seat back with an upper portion and a lower portion includes an upper back cushion and a lower back cushion each having a forward surface and an opposing aft surface, each forward surface including at least one back cushion forward attachment device, and each aft surface including at least one back cushion aft attachment device; and an inflatable lumbar support having an aft surface that includes at least one lumbar support attachment device. The aft surface of the upper back cushion is attachable to the upper portion of the seat back, via the at least one back cushion aft attachment device of the upper back cushion. The aft surface of the lower back cushion is attachable to the lower portion of the seat back, via the at least one back cushion aft attachment device of the lower back cushion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: LME Inc.
    Inventor: Stuart Hall
  • Patent number: 8931837
    Abstract: A thoracic back support sits vertically against the back portion of a chair/seat in which a force is transmitted through the thoracic area of the spine of a user. The thoracic back support has an interior resilient substrate that is divided by a shallow groove that extends from the lower cervical spine to the upper lumbar spine. The groove helps to reduce any stress over the spinous processes as the individual leans back against the thoracic back support. When the resilient substrate is compressed, a force is primarily directed into the soft tissue areas adjacent to the spine which allows for the thoracic spine to move into a maximally neutral position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Inventor: Danielle Vernon
  • Patent number: 8585141
    Abstract: Disclosed is a back supporting device for use with seating apparatuses. The back support device includes a bag containing at least one compartment holding a predetermined amount of fluid, liquid or gel, a flexible cover encasing the bag, and fastening elements for securing the device to the seating apparatus. The device is secured to a seating apparatus to secure the device in place. The fluid, liquid or gel inside the compartment is able to move in response to an application of pressure. When seated, the person's back presses against the device, in particular, the fluid, liquid or gel in the bag, causing the substance inside the bag to move in multiple directions in response to the movement of the person, thereby providing support and at the same time inducing muscle movement and reducing muscle fatigue in the back of the person, in particular in the lumbar region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Srithai Autoseats Industry Company Limited
    Inventor: Tongchai Limpaitoon
  • Patent number: 8474908
    Abstract: Disclosed is a seat element (1) for a seat system, which extends substantially across an entire zone of a backrest and/or a seat area of a seat in a mounted state. Said seat element (1) comprises devices (12-21) for receiving functional elements in order to provide additional seat functions. Such a modular seat system makes it possible to create in a simple manner different fittings of a seat, especially a vehicle seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Schukra Geraetebau GmbH
    Inventors: Jan Petzel, Thomas Preiss, Veit Stoessel, David A. Swan, Renato Colja
  • Publication number: 20130154314
    Abstract: An office chair including a linking mechanism between a movable chair seat and a pivotable chair back. The mounting arrangement between the chair back and the chair seat includes swing arm assembly that is pivotally connected to the chair seat. When the chair seat moves forward, the swing arm assembly moves with the chair seat and causes the chair back to pivot and move relative to a stationary support arm. The stationary support arm includes a curved support face that moves within a movement slot formed on the swing arm assembly. The movement slot includes a roller that helps guide relative movement between the two components. The chair seat includes a thigh support portion that allows the user to adjust the seat depth as desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: OFFICE MASTER
    Inventor: Francisco Romero
  • Patent number: 8459737
    Abstract: A portable back support device is provided for increasing the spinal support experienced by a user of a low-back chair. The present invention comprises a winged headrest, a back support, a pair of removably attachable armrests, and an adjustable chair strap. The winged head rest and back support may be separatable and removably secured to one another, or alternatively may be may be one piece. The device has cushions of varying contour and firmness and is covered with an upholstery material. Cushioned armrests may be attached at the sides of the back support according to the preference of a user. The device is removably secured to a chair by means of an adjustable strap that fits around the back of a chair and may be tightened or loosened as necessary to affix the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Inventor: Brenda Brotsch
  • Patent number: 8448275
    Abstract: A pillow assembly with multiple configurations. The pillow assembly comprises a first elongate bolster pillow and a second pillow that is either a short cylindrical pillow or a wedge-shaped pillow. The two pillows are connected by an elastic panel, and the bolster pillow can be rolled up inside the elastic panel and snugged up to the side or end of the second pillow in a stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Inventor: Jamie S. Leach
  • Publication number: 20120280546
    Abstract: A cushion set for use with a seat having a seat back with an upper portion and a lower portion includes an upper back cushion and a lower back cushion each having a forward surface and an opposing aft surface, each forward surface including at least one back cushion forward attachment device, and each aft surface including at least one back cushion aft attachment device; and an inflatable lumbar support having an aft surface that includes at least one lumbar support attachment device. The aft surface of the upper back cushion is attachable to the upper portion of the seat back, via the at least one back cushion aft attachment device of the upper back cushion. The aft surface of the lower back cushion is attachable to the lower portion of the seat back, via the at least one back cushion aft attachment device of the lower back cushion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventor: Stuart Hall
  • Patent number: 8261384
    Abstract: A therapeutic back support device is disclosed which has adjustable curvature and portable thermal application. The back support device allows the user to change the curvature of the device to conform to the individual user's spine. The back support device includes include a support rib covered on one or more sides by padding. Built into the rib, padding, or both is a pocket or recess configured to accept a thermal cell. The thermal cell provides a heating or cooling cell to be placed within the pocket to thereby present heat or cold therapy to the user. On the back of the to device are one or more straps which may be length adjustable to maintain any degree of arch in the back support device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Inventors: Stanley Batiste, Steven Achstein
  • Patent number: 8087726
    Abstract: A back cushion includes an enclosure portion, a buffer portion, a filler portion and a fixing portion. The enclosure portion has a first surface/layer and a second surface/layer. The buffer portion and the filler portion are placed in the internal space of the enclosure portion. The buffer portion is in contact with the first layer and the rear surface of the filler portion is in contact with the second layer. The fixing portion is connected with the second layer of the enclosure portion. The fixing portion enables the back cushion to be attached to a suitable place of a chair or a supporting member. The buffer portion allows the back of a user can be comfortably cushioned and supported and hence injuries to his back may be avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Formosa Sounding Corp.
    Inventor: Fu-Chieng Chen
  • Patent number: 7938486
    Abstract: An article for improving the posture of an individual sitting on a chair. The article includes a back covering member positionable on the back support portion of the chair and covering at least a portion thereof. The article is configured to annoy the individual when the individual is sitting in a manner deleterious to proper posture. The article includes a means for removably attaching the back covering member to the chair. There is also taught another article for improving the posture of an individual sitting on a chair. The article includes a seat covering member positionable on the seat support portion of the chair and covering at least a portion thereof. The article is configured to annoy the individual when the individual is sitting in a manner deleterious to proper posture. The article includes a means for removably attaching the seat covering member to the chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Association for Public Health Services
    Inventors: Gadi Porat, Yehuda Cohen, Adi Cohen
  • Patent number: 7887131
    Abstract: A chair having a seat rotatably attached to a tilt spring portion of a tilt mechanism such that the tilt spring is activated by movement of the seat. A backrest and/or the seat can be rotatably connected to the tilt mechanism by parallel arm arrangements which permit the seat and backrest to tilt relative to each other. A tilt limiter can have a magnetic member which facilitates full movement of the tilt limiter between free and locked positions, and which creates an audible indication of full movement of the tilt limiter. The seat/backrest can be made from a flexible mesh material secured to a rigid overmolding which surrounds and is attached to an inner frame of the seat/backrest wherein an outer surface of the overmolding forms an outer surface of the seat/backrest frame and attachment of the overmolding causes the inner frame to stretch the mesh to a final condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Knoll, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald T. Chadwick, Arkady Golynsky, Robert A. Melhuish, Hendrik R. van Hekken, Ron K. Watson
  • Publication number: 20110031792
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to an automotive recliner seat support device to provide a dynamic support for a driver's foot-leg-hip axis at its lower pelvic end to ease the driver's muscle stress from lower limbs to upper back when the driver is using his/her lower limbs to push the clutch and/or brake pedals in performing normal and emergency driving operations of a vehicle. Two preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed. The first one is an attachable device intended to retrofit to the existing vehicle seats; whereas the second one is integrated into the seat structure, and is intended to be built into future vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventor: Xi Sun
  • Patent number: 7854479
    Abstract: The invention relates to a thin profile adjustable lumbar support system, particularly for use in automotive seat backs and other equipment used for sitting and reclining. The lumbar support system is assembled utilizing injection molding and overmolding technology to form some components and connect other components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventor: Donald David Mundell
  • Patent number: 7802848
    Abstract: A seat module that forms a seat portion and an upright lumbar and thoracic support portion in one piece as a commercial grade seat that can be retro-fitted to any stadium bleacher easily to conform with building safety codes and provide comfortable seating to the patrons of the stadium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Inventor: Scott Suprina
  • Patent number: 7758119
    Abstract: A auxiliary sofa backrest system includes a sofa with a seat and a backrest that is attached to and extends upwardly from the seat. The seat includes a pair of laterally positioned armrests. A plurality of seat cushions is positioned on the seat. A bottom panel has a rear edge. A vertical panel has a bottom edge, a top edge, a first lateral edge, a second lateral edge, a front side and a back side. The bottom edge is hingedly coupled to the rear edge. The bottom panel is removably positioned under one of the seat cushions and the back side of the vertical panel abuts one of the armrests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Inventor: Muhammed N. Baterdouk
  • Patent number: 7717512
    Abstract: A seat back for a vehicular seat has a plate member for supporting a back of a pad and an elastic support mechanism for elastically holding the plate member for moving the plate member in a forward and backward direction with respect to a seat back frame. The plate member includes a first plate portion, a second plate portion positioned on the lower side of the first plate portion, and a third plate portion positioned on the lower side of the second plate portion. The first and third plate portions are more narrow than the second plate portion. The elastic support mechanism includes a rod-shaped elastic bridge member extending horizontally over the seat back frame on the back of the second plate portion. In addition, the elastic bridge member includes a bent portion at the center position as bent along the second plate portion toward the first plate portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignees: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Boshoku America, Inc.
    Inventors: Dan Wissner, Mike Hard, Doug Krueger, Katsuhito Yamauchi, Yukihide Hamajima, Satoshi Nonoyama, Tomoki Nii
  • Patent number: 7703849
    Abstract: The methods and apparatus taught herein provide an elongated spine support member integrated into or attached to a chair for providing improved back support. According to one embodiment of a chair, the chair comprises a seat, back and elongated spine support member. The back includes inner and outer sections. The inner section is spaced inwardly from opposite sides of the back and extends generally vertically through a substantial portion of the height of the back. The outer section extends along opposite sides of the inner section. The elongated spine support member is generally vertically extending and forms a part of the inner section of the back. The elongated spine support member is configured to engage and support at least two of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions of the vertebral column of a person seated in the chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: B&B Innovators, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Ronald Bilak, Ronald Edward Bilak
  • Patent number: 7651163
    Abstract: A lumbar support device that is adjusted to a user's neutral postural position when the user is standing, and that is subsequently used to reinforce the user's neutral postural position when the user is seated. The device includes a rigid shell and an adjustable lumbar support surface. The lumbar support surface is a plurality of inelastic straps of adjustable length disposed horizontally between the sides of the rigid shell. The user adapts the straps to conform to the user's back when in a standing neutral position. When seated, the straps maintain their adjusted lengths, so as to reinforce the user's neutral position. The device includes a covering and a padding between the covering and the straps. The lumbar support device features downwardly depending legs at each side so as to support the device when placed in a chair and position the surface in the lumbar region above the chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Logicback, Inc.
    Inventors: Jan Jaskot, Juliana Haddad-Jaskot
  • Patent number: 7637569
    Abstract: A device for guiding air for air conditioning a body support device, that may include a carrier layer including a contact surface and a opposing surface; a heating conductor disposed upon the contact surface; an air guiding layer including an air-impermeable wall, wherein the air guiding layer is disposed on the opposing surface of the carrier layer; an air-feeding device connectively disposed to the air guiding layer or the air-impermeable wall; and at least one adjusting device including a bladder with a bladder wall, wherein at least a portion of the bladder wall is formed by the air-impermeable wall of the air guiding layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: W.E.T. Automotive Systems AG
    Inventors: Martin Krobok, Markus Köpferr
  • Publication number: 20090236888
    Abstract: This present invention relates to not only providing the conventional support for upper and lower back under normal circumstances of a proper sitting position, it even provides a self-adjusting experience and improved degree of lumbar support whenever a relaxed lean-backward seating posture is taken. This Self-Adjusting Cushion has executed without any compromise of losing the expected level of contoured support for the spine to be in proper alignment. Thus relieving and alleviating any possible fatigue or pain due to improper sitting position. Portable, Inflatable and Self-Adjusting Cushion for Upper and Lower Back Support is a sealed support device, which is configured and designed with a semi-oval shape structure to provide the contoured lumbar support. It is characterized with the following major components: 1. 3 rectangular-shaped slip-sheets of different breadths (depth) but of same length are attached horizontally and parallel to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventor: Seow Ting Chew
  • Patent number: 7422286
    Abstract: Provided is a chair comprising a seat; a backrest; a first armrest; a second armrest; a seat support structure; and a support structure for supporting the lower back of a seated person; wherein the support structure is directly mechanically-connected to the first armrest and the second armrest; and the support structure is not directly mechanically-connected to either the backrest or the seat. Additionally, provided are methods for supporting the lower back of a seated person in the need of such supporting comprising providing to the person a chair as described above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Inventor: Wenjin Wu
  • Patent number: 7347495
    Abstract: An office chair is provided having a back assembly which is configured to provide supplemental support to the back of a chair occupant in addition to the support provided by the primary support surface of the chair back. The chair back includes a lumbar support unit having a lumbar support pad wherein asymmetric support is provided to the left and right halves of the lumbar pad. As such, the asymmetric support loads are independently adjustable to more comfortably support a chair occupant. The chair back also includes a pelvic support pad which is disposed vertically adjacent to the lumbar support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Haworth, Inc.
    Inventors: Pete J. Beyer, Joe Willette, Larry A. Wilkerson, Teresa Bellingar
  • Patent number: 7255394
    Abstract: In order to provide a lumbar support which conforms to the curve of the spinal column so as not to give a feeling of incompatibility or other unpleasant feeling, and is easily adjusted to meet a user's preference, a lumbar support 10 of the present invention is structured such that a bulging member 30 provided with two housing parts 31 and 32 to house a cushioning material for adjustment 34 is fixed on the back surface of a flexible plate 20, which is incorporated so that the front surface of the flexible plate 20 is positioned to the front surface side of a back cushion 120. Accordingly, the curvature of the two housing parts 31 and 32 does not affect a feeling of contact with the waist as it is, but works as a feeling of contact with larger curvature owing to the flexible plate 20, which results in suppression of pressure on the nervous system between the third and fourth lumbar vertebrae.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Delta Tooling Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yumi Ogura
  • Patent number: 7237848
    Abstract: A back and internal organ supportive belt that can be installed in a chair or a seat, including the driver's seat of a vehicle or the operator's seat of a piece of equipment, to provide support to internal organs, and to the musculoskeletal system of the driver or operator. The back and internal organ supportive belt includes an inelastic support structure with upper and lower sections; belts and straps for fastening the belt to a seat, and for strapping the driver/operator into the supportive belt; vertically extendable foam lordotic support pads; an inflatable bladder for applying vertical extension and lumbar vertebrae distraction; and a pad for providing heat and/or vibration for the driver's or operator's further comfort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Inventors: Douglas Story, Joseph J. McAulliffe
  • Patent number: 7185378
    Abstract: An adjustable support/pad that retains any shape to which it is configured and which may be reshaped to serve another purpose. The support/pad has at least one pliable coil spring in the shape of a flexible tube capable of being bent into multiple positions and holding any of the positions until it is again bent. The coil spring is embedded in a deformable cushion to provide comfort of the body wherever the support/pad is applied. The adjustable support can be made into a neck supporting pillow, or a cushion adapted to be removably attached to the back of a chair, to support the back of a seated user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Nathaniel Smith
  • Patent number: 7147279
    Abstract: A method of installing a modular comfort assembly within an occupant support includes the step of providing a modular comfort assembly including a heating element and at least one of a ventilation diffuser bag and a lumbar support system, the heating element, the diffuser bag, and the lumbar support system being modularly attachable to each other on sides thereof. The occupant support includes an outer cover, an internal foam bun, and a frame. The method further includes the step of mounting the modular comfort assembly onto a surface of the foam bun beneath the outer cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: IGB Automotive Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael J. Bevan, Benson J. Brady
  • Patent number: 7114776
    Abstract: A lumbar support cushion consists of a seat portion and a back portion, foldably joined along a crease positioned therebetween. An opening extends in a continuous manner upward into the back portion, and downward into the seat portion. The opening may have an oval shape. In one embodiment, a support member is provided, and is positioned across the front of the back portion. The position of the support member along the back portion may be made adjustable, for example by the use of mating hook and loop material on the support member and a rear portion of the back portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Inventor: Charles M. Wiltberger
  • Patent number: 7093898
    Abstract: An air-pressure applying assembly for a seat, having an occupant holding portion, for selectively applying a desired pressure to the body of a seat occupant. This assembly includes an air-bag assembly, an air-pressure source, an inlet-conduit assembly, an exhaust valve assembly, and a control assembly. The air-bag assembly is removably mountable to the seat occupant holding portion. The inlet-conduit assembly is in fluid communication at one end to the air-pressure source and at another to the air-bag assembly. The exhaust valve assembly is in fluid communication at one end to the inlet conduit assembly and has an air-outlet at the other end. A control assembly is linked to the air pressure source and to the exhaust valve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Inventor: Julio Oswaldo Ladron De Guevara
  • Patent number: 6814408
    Abstract: A folding chair equipped with inflatable waist pad comprises a plurality of pedestals located on the floor and a plurality of rods connecting pivotally to the pedestals to form a chair bracket. The chair bracket has a backrest section and a seat section to hold a seat cushion. The backrest section has a housing compartment to hold an inflatable waist pad. The chair bracket has two sides each has an armrest rod. When the inflatable waist pad is inflated and held in the housing compartment, the backrest section may be in close contact with the waist of an user sitting on the chair to comfort the waist muscles of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Sportspower Limited
    Inventor: Jimmy Ching Chen
  • Patent number: 6807696
    Abstract: Device for adjusting the height of a cushion (1) with respect to the surface of a mattress or seat (12) of a bed/sofa (10) which has a headboard or backrest (13;113), comprising a strip of fabric (21) which is fastened to the cushion and one end of which is joined to a weight (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Flou S.p.A.
    Inventor: Vico Magistretti
  • Patent number: 6783175
    Abstract: Presented is a deployable and contractible cushion structure for detachable attachment about the waist of a user, formed from a unitary flat piece of preferably woven fabric that is folded and sewn to provide in its completed form three separate pockets. In a first or primary pocket is contained a relatively thick elastically resilient cushion pad formed from open or closed cell polyurethane or other suitable synthetic resinous material. A second pocket, substantially in the same plane as the primary pocket and opening in the direction of the open end of the primary pocket, is provided to contain the elastically resilient cushion pad when it and the primary pocket in which it is contained are rolled into a generally cylindrical roll to fit within the second pocket. A flap is provided to retain the rolled elastically resilient cushion pad in contracted form when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventor: Jeanne M. Henderson
  • Publication number: 20040124680
    Abstract: A portable lumbar support and abdominal exercise device includes a frame having a base and first and second arms which are pivotally attached to opposite ends of the base so as to be collapsible relative to the base. One or more elastomeric resistance bands extend between the first and second arms to provide lumbar support and abdominal exercise resistance to movement of a user's back towards the base of the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: Robert D. Harris
  • Publication number: 20040104610
    Abstract: A lumbar support device that is adjusted to a user's neutral postural position when the user is standing, and that is subsequently used to reinforce the user's neutral postural position when the user is seated. The device includes a rigid shell and an adjustable lumbar support surface. The lumbar support surface is a plurality of inelastic straps of adjustable length disposed horizontally between the sides of the rigid shell. The user adapts the straps to conform to the user's back when in a standing neutral position. When seated, the straps maintain their adjusted lengths, so as to reinforce the user's neutral position. The device includes a covering and a padding between the covering and the straps. The lumbar support device features downwardly depending legs at each side so as to support the device when placed in a chair and position the surface in the lumbar region above the chair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: Jan Jaskot, Juliana Haddad-Jaskot
  • Patent number: 6666509
    Abstract: A body support tool, such as a seat support, is provided, that may hold a shape in conformity with a sitting shape of a user. A cushion body having flexibility is covered with a sheet-like coating member impregnated with cured resin, and brought into contact with a portion of a human body such as the hips, waist, back or neck. When the user sits on the seat, for example, the body support tool cures in conformity with that body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Honda Access Corp.
    Inventor: Seiya Matsushima
  • Patent number: 6666510
    Abstract: A highchair back support that fills the space behind a small child and the chair back. The back support comprises a seatback cover dimensioned to be slid over the back of a highchair, and a support cushion that is connected to the seatback cover and rests on the seatpad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Inventor: Andrew Solomon
  • Publication number: 20030137172
    Abstract: A backrest pad for chair having a backrest including two stiles and two openings each enclosed by stile and backrest is provided. The backrest pad comprises a transversely extended member having an arcuate projection filled with soft material facing front; two side catches; two channels each adjacent catch; and two elastic straps having one ends stitched to channels for permanently fastening In assembly place backrest pad onto the backrest with straps rearward passed through the openings, and wrap straps around the stiles to fasten at the catches. The backrest pad can be adjustably positioned relative to backrest by pulling backrest pad and straps vertically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventor: Zooey C. Chu
  • Patent number: 6467841
    Abstract: A lumbar support comprises a plurality of stackable platelets adapted to underlie a user's lumbar area, a pad attached to a top surface of an uppermost one of the platelets, and male/female mating connectors at the interface between platelets for interlocking the platelets together, and a protective pad on a bottom surface of a lowermost platelet. The platelets have variable height so that the user may selectively and incrementally adjust the height of the lumbar support to meet his or her particular lumbar support needs. The lumbar support preferably further includes a belt and/or guide members for adjustably and removably attaching the platelets to an exercise device, such as a weight lifting bench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: A & H Design Concepts, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Henschel, Akhtar Aziz
  • Publication number: 20020043842
    Abstract: The invention provides a back rest for a seat back which will not exert too much burden on the thoracic vertebrae and the lumbar vertebrae, resulting in the likelihood of accumulation of fatigue or pain in the lower back after a long hour driving being reduced being reduced. The back rest has a front side having a slight concave extending from the intermediate portion to the upper portion thereof and a convex extending from said intermediate portion to the lower portion, thus forming a configuration following an S line of the human spinal column while having a reverse side provided with reinforcement ribs together with a plurality of slits generally formed in said back rest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2000
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Inventor: Takashi Nakamori
  • Patent number: 6299248
    Abstract: A posture system with a lumbar pad and a cervical pad either one or both of which may be used. The lumbar and cervical pads may be supported on a chair by arms which can be bent to a desired position which position is retained until sufficient force is applied to place the arms into a different position. A back cover held on the back of a chair by a pocket at the end of back cover may also used with or be used in place of the arms. Hook and loop material on the lumbar pad and the cervical pad and the back cover provides support for the lumbar pad and the cervical pad. The lumbar pad and the cervical pad wrap up into the back cover which is held in the pocket for carrying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventors: Richard Gennaro, Jay Lipoff
  • Publication number: 20010022459
    Abstract: To provide a body support tool such as a novel seat support that may hold a shape in conformity with a sitting shape of a user and that is easy to handle and to make, a cushion body having flexibility is covered with a sheet-like coating member impregnated with cured resin, brought into contact with a portion of a human body such as hips, a waist, a back or a neck when the user sits on a seat or a chair or a sole of foot when the user wears a shoe and used to be cured in conformity with the portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventor: Seiya Matsushima
  • Patent number: 6206463
    Abstract: A combination carrying case and cushioned seat is described which conveniently provides therapeutic support for the lumbar region of the spine. Specifically, the item described is a foldable carrying case which provides a cushioned seat and backrest, as well as a separate, adjustable pad which supports the lumbar spinal region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Inventor: Jewel A. Whigham