Having A Fluent Material Within Flexible Container Patents (Class 297/284.6)
  • Patent number: 11945350
    Abstract: Provided is to stabilize a fixed state of each bag body provided at a vehicle seat and configured to expand to push a corresponding one of the shoulders of a seated passenger. Of a seat back provided at the vehicle seat, each shoulder support configured to support a corresponding one of the shoulders of the seated passenger includes an air cell configured to expand by injection of air. The air cell includes protrusions extending in a predetermined direction and provided at respective end portions of the air bag in the extending direction thereof. The air cell is attached to the inside of the seat back in such a manner that each of the protrusions provided at respective end portions in the extending direction is fixed to a corresponding one of fixing positions separated from each other in the width direction of the vehicle seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: TS TECH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kensuke Mizoi, Ryuzaburo Abe, Kenichi Niitsuma, Soichiro Tanaka
  • Patent number: 11945351
    Abstract: A seat system for a vehicle including a flexible seatback structure and an adjustment device coupled thereto. The adjustment device is configured to alter a contour of a seating surface of the seatback structure by causing at least a portion of the seatback structure to move toward or away from the occupant of the seat system. The adjustment device includes at least one actuating element connected to a side portion of the seatback structure and an actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Adient US LLC
    Inventors: Xin Wei Jolene Ng, Joseph Gasko, Reinier Soliven
  • Patent number: 11920571
    Abstract: A circuit arrangement to control at least one valve includes at least one actuator with at least one positioning element adjustable between at least one first position and a second position. At least one driver unit activates the actuator and a control unit operates the driver unit. At least one air mass measuring device measures an air mass flowing through the valve. The control unit processes an output signal of the air mass measuring device. Valves, valve arrangements, seat comfort systems, and methods all use such circuit arrangements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: ALFMEIER PRÄZISION SE
    Inventors: Erich Dörfler, Matthias Mitzler
  • Patent number: 11871852
    Abstract: An inflatable lumbar support cushion for seats including a seat cushion assembly connected with an air bladder that has a hollow body and is covered by a lumbar support that is hollow. The air bladder is inflated by a pump unit assembly which includes a pump unit that blows air to the air bladder by an air hose adapting the size of the lumbar support as required and defining a lumbar support portion which provides comfort to a user. The air bladder configured as a cushion for a sofa. The pump unit can be electronic or manual. The seat cushion can be adapted to different seats by an attaching base located to a bottom surface thereof and the lumbar support may be attached to a backrest by a strap allowing to fasten the inflatable lumbar support cushion to any suitable seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Inventors: Charles Buchanan, Christine Riley
  • Patent number: 11865950
    Abstract: A seat control device for a vehicle seat of a vehicle is disclosed. The seat control device comprises a first control element which controls an electric adjustment motor for electrically adjusting the vehicle seat and/or an electric heating device for electrically heating the vehicle seat, a fluid valve which controls a fluid flow for the pneumatic adjustment of the vehicle seat, a second control element which controls an operating state of the fluid valve, and a fluid pump which is fluidically connected to the fluid valve, wherein the first control element, the second control element, the fluid valve and the fluid pump are arranged on a common circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Conti Temic microelectronic GmbH
    Inventor: Gerhard Katheder
  • Patent number: 11850806
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an air bag includes forming a bag portion surrounded by a welded portion extending in an annular shape by pressing at least one welding mold against two sheet materials arranged to be stacked from a stacking direction of the sheet materials. The welding mold is pressed against the sheet materials to form the welded portion including a welding bead portion protruding to an inside of the bag portion between the sheet materials. A pressing surface of the welding mold against the sheet materials is provided with a slope portion facing in the stacking direction of the sheet materials and in a direction of the inside of the bag portion at a position further on an outside of the bag portion than a position at which the welding bead portion is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: AISIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasuhito Kurematsu, Makoto Sakai, Ryosuke Mizuno, Satoshi Masuda, Tomokazu Seki, Masaaki Hasegawa, Tsuyoshi Yamamoto, Tomoko Kanbara
  • Patent number: 11794615
    Abstract: A motor vehicle seat having a backrest and a seat part and an adjustable sidewall arranged on the backrest and/or the seat part, which sidewall comprises an adjustment mechanism having a stationary portion and a lever portion pivotable about a pivot axis, and having at least one fluid-fillable bladder arranged between the stationary portion and the lever portion for adjusting the relative angular position thereof, wherein the lever portion comprises two wing portions which are arranged on either side of the pivot axis, and the bladder is arranged between a first wing portion and the stationary portion, wherein a preload torsion spring engages by a first spring portion on the stationary portion, and engages by a second spring portion on the second wing portion, of the lever portion, such that it exerts a preload force which pushes the first spring portion in the direction of the stationary portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Faurecia Autositze GmbH
    Inventors: Piotr Ceglarek, Slawomir Filip, Tomasz Stasinski, Jérémie Therry
  • Patent number: 11787319
    Abstract: An apparatus for a vehicle seat for mobilizing at least one region of a spinal column of a seat occupant sitting in the seat may have a plurality of expandable elements, which may be each filled or fillable with a medium. The expandable elements are drivable sequentially. A method for sequentially driving the apparatus and and a vehicle seat are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Adient US LLC
    Inventor: Bernard Gilmore
  • Patent number: 11772534
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to a seat cushion (1) including a compressible member (15) and at least one insert (16). The insert (16) has one or more inflatable bladders (17-n). The at least one insert (16) is at least partially encapsulated within the compressible member (15). Further aspects of the present invention relate to a method of forming a seat cushion (1); a seat assembly (2) and a vehicle (V).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: JAGUAR LAND ROVER LIMITED
    Inventor: David Withey
  • Patent number: 11772532
    Abstract: A vehicle seat including a seat assembly and an insert assembly. The seat assembly having a seat base portion, a backrest portion. The insert assembly includes upper inserts, lower inserts, and a lumbar cushion. The upper inserts are filled with a combination of a silicone anti-freezing solution and small extruded polystyrene packing balls. The lower inserts are filled with jelly. The upper and lower inserts are mounted within the seat base portion and backrest portion. The lumbar cushion is mounted inside the backrest portion. The conjunction of the lower insert, upper insert and lumbar cushion are configured to bring maximum comfort to a user. The upper inserts, lower inserts and lumbar cushion are configured to bring a user an exceptional stability and support without pressure applied to a tailbone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Inventor: Myron Lovett
  • Patent number: 11766961
    Abstract: Provide are a device for adjusting softness of a vehicle seat, a device for adjusting comfort of a seat, and a vehicle seat. The device for adjusting softness of a vehicle seat has at least one soft inflatable bag that can be integrated in the seat. The soft inflatable bag is connected with at least one air path. The soft inflatable bag is filled with a flexible filler. Gas is charged into or discharged from the soft inflatable bag through the air path to adjust the softness of the surface of the seat. The soft inflatable bag is provided therein with a height limiting structure configured to limit the partial expansion height of the soft inflatable bag when inflated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: LANGFANG GOLDEN TIME TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Haitao Zhang
  • Patent number: 11759382
    Abstract: Air cushion assembly for a seat, such as a vehicle seat, comprising at least an air cushion and an air supply system for variably pressurizing the air cushions of the air cushion assembly with air. A respective supply line comprising a shut-off valve leads from the air supply system to each air cushion, where a pulsation module is provided and configured to act upon each air cushion with a pulsation. The pulsation module comprises a pneumatic element which is connected in a pressure-equalized manner to at least one supply line, and an actuating element for transmitting a mechanical motion to the pneumatic element for changing the volume of the pneumatic element in order to generate a pulsation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: ALFMEIER PRÄZISION SE
    Inventors: Erich Dörfler, Helmut Auernhammer, Jürgen Baumgartl, Michael Scherb
  • Patent number: 11752903
    Abstract: Systems and methods define a stimulation pattern for a juvenile product utilizing a mobile device that executes a mobile application that is linked to the juvenile product. The method comprises the step of recognizing, by the mobile device when executing the mobile app, the user-defined stimulation pattern for the juvenile product. The stimulation pattern can be a vibration pattern or a motion pattern, and can be detected in a number of different ways by the mobile device. The method further comprises the step of determining control signals for the actuator(s) of the juvenile product based on the user-defined stimulation pattern that is recognized by the mobile device. The method further comprises the step of, in response to receiving a command to execute the user-defined stimulation pattern, controlling the actuator(s) of the juvenile product based on the stored control signals for the user-defined stimulation pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Thorley Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Erica Sandbothe, Kevin Dowling, Mary J. Koes, Arjit Arora, Suraj Joseph, Mara McFadden, Richard Juchniewicz
  • Patent number: 11718361
    Abstract: To provide a moving device that can be used as a mobility device to transport objects and can be improved in portability. The moving device that is movable with rotation of wheels includes a body unit inflated by injection of fluid and deflated by discharge of the fluid, a support body provided on a predetermined surface of the body unit, and the wheels provided in the support body, wherein the interior of a predetermined portion of the body unit that receives a load from an object contacting the body unit is formed with a drop-stitch structure, and the drop-stitch structure after injection of the fluid has tensile forces in directions approximately perpendicular to the direction of the load applied to the predetermined portion by the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignees: MERCARI, INC., THE UNIVERSITY OF TOKYO
    Inventors: Ryosuke Yamamura, Yoshihiro Kawahara, Ryuma Niiyama, Hiroki Sato, Young ah Seong
  • Patent number: 11712986
    Abstract: To provide a seat adjustment device capable of flexibly changing a shape of a seat. A seat adjustment device for adjusting a shape of a seat includes a pad including an elastomer, and airbags disposed on a front surface and a rear surface of the pad. The airbags are adjustable in amount of air therein. The airbags include a first airbag disposed on one of the front and rear surfaces and of the pad, and a second airbag disposed on the other. The first airbag is longer than the second airbag in a direction substantially perpendicular to the front and rear surfaces of the pad. The second airbag is longer than the first airbag in a direction substantially parallel to the front and rear surfaces of the pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Fumiya Makiguchi, Masakazu Okada
  • Patent number: 11712985
    Abstract: An air bag includes a bag portion formed by bonding two sheet members together. The bag portion includes an expansion portion including an annular joining portion extending in an annular shape, and a passage portion including a pair of parallel linear joining portions and connected to the expansion portion. Air filled in the bag portion flows through an internal space of the expansion portion surrounded by the annular joining portion and a passage sandwiched between the linear joining portions defining the passage portion. At a connection portion between the expansion portion and the passage portion, the linear joining portions extend in parallel, or the linear joining portions extend so as to expand toward a deep side of the passage from an opening position of the passage with respect to the internal space of the expansion portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: AISIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takashi Ogiso, Tomoko Kanbara, Satoshi Masuda
  • Patent number: 11649004
    Abstract: A seat that includes an upper surface, a lower surface, one or more pressure sensors communicatively coupled to a controller, and a plurality of artificial muscles disposed between the upper surface and the lower surface. Each of the plurality of artificial muscles is communicatively coupled to the controller. Each of the plurality of artificial muscles includes a housing having an electrode region and an expandable fluid region, a dielectric fluid housed within the housing, and an electrode pair positioned in the electrode region of the housing. The electrode pair is actuatable between a non-actuated state and an actuated state such that actuation from the non-actuated state to the actuated state directs the dielectric fluid into the expandable fluid region, expanding the expandable fluid region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Maduran Palaniswamy, Michael P. Rowe
  • Patent number: 11635154
    Abstract: A fluid bladder valve for a pneumatic vehicle seat adjustment device is disclosed. The valve comprises a first chamber configured to be connected to a fluid source, a second chamber configured to be connected to the fluid bladder, a third chamber configured to be connected to an environment, a fourth chamber connected to the first chamber via a first fluid passage, connected to the second chamber via a second fluid passage, and connected to the third chamber via a third fluid passage; and an actuator comprising a membrane disposed in the fourth chamber and an actuator element disposed in the third chamber and coupled to the membrane and configured to move the membrane between a first position wherein the first fluid passage is opened and the third fluid passage is closed, and a second position wherein the first fluid passage is closed and the third fluid passage is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Conti Temic microelectronic GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Beuschel, Johann Steinberger, Norbert Seltner
  • Patent number: 11603022
    Abstract: A valve configuration parts kit for providing at least two valve configurations, including: a first plate-shaped main body, a plurality of wall-type webs attached to the plate-shaped main body which, conjointly with the plate-shaped main body, at least in part define fluid paths, and a second main body attached to the first main body, or a third main body attached to the first main body. The second main body contacts a first sub-quantity of the plurality of webs such that the first main body, the second main body, and the first sub-quantity define a first fluid path system for providing a first valve configuration. The third main body contacts a second sub-quantity of the plurality of webs such that the first main body, the third main body, and the second sub-quantity define a second fluid path system for providing a second valve configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Inventors: Michael Beuschel, Stefan Bauer
  • Patent number: 11590867
    Abstract: A softness adjusting device for a vehicle seat is arranged under the seat cover of the vehicle seat and includes a soft inflatable bag and a valve component arranged outside the soft inflatable bag. The valve component includes a throttle valve and a one-way check valve. The throttle valve is configured to block or communicate a gas in the soft inflatable bag from or with an external air source. The one-way check valve provides a flow direction from outside to inside and is configured to fill the soft inflatable bag with the external air source when the pressure of the external air source is greater than air pressure in the cavity of the soft inflatable bag. The soft inflatable bag is filled with at least one flexible filler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: LANGFANG GOLDEN TIME TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Haitao Zhang
  • Patent number: 11590872
    Abstract: An articulation assembly for a vehicle seat includes a planar engagement surface. An inflatable member is operably coupled to the planar engagement surface. The inflatable member includes a plurality of polyhedral bodies that are configured to be formed via additive manufacturing. Each of the polyhedral bodies has a foldable portion that defines crease lines. A plurality of elastomeric members are disposed on each crease line. A planar base includes a port fluidly coupled to the polyhedral bodies. A manifold is fluidly coupled to the port of the planar base and is configured to translate fluid through the port to the polyhedral bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander Perkins, Ireneusz Trybula, Patrick Maloney, Siddharthan Selvasekar, Chaitanya Nimmagadda, Victoria Leigh Schein, Sangram Tamhankar, Vishal Vinayak Nageshkar
  • Patent number: 11584279
    Abstract: A valve device for controlling a fluid flow, in particular an air flow, having at least one inlet and at least two outlets, at least one of the outlets being fluidically connectable in each case to the inlet via a through-channel of at least one manipulable guide means. The through-channel of the guide means can be changed at least indirectly via a control fluid flow either with regard to at least a section of its internal cross section or can be rotated at least to a limited extent with regard to its orientation with respect to the outlets and the inlet can be rotated at least to a limited extent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Faurecia Autositze GmbH
    Inventor: Piotr Ceglarek
  • Patent number: 11564499
    Abstract: A seat adjuster may include a support member and a fluid bladder. The support member may have a first end and a second end. The first end and the second end may be connectable to a seat frame such that the support member is disposed at least partially below a suspension portion of said seat frame. The fluid bladder may be disposed at least partially between the support member and said suspension portion. The fluid bladder may be configured to support said suspension portion. A change or adjustment of a volume of the fluid bladder may change or adjust the support provided to said suspension portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Adam Freeman Lea, Darren Legh, David Jordan, Pete Ford, Chris Morrison, Antony Baxter, Chris J. Edwards
  • Patent number: 11547212
    Abstract: An orthopedic lounge chair includes a substantially flat support surface that has a length, a width, a front side, and a back side and defines a back support section, a seat section foldably joined to the back support section at a first fold junction, and a leg support section foldably joined to the seat section at a second fold junction, a first bolster support coupled to and rising away from the front side of the back support section, the first bolster support extending longitudinally at least a majority of the width of the support surface, a second bolster support coupled to and rising away from the front side of the seat support section, the second bolster support extending longitudinally at least a majority of the width of the support surface, and a third bolster support coupled to and rising away from the front side of the leg support section, the third bolster support extending longitudinally a majority of the width of the support surface, wherein the first bolster, the second bolster, and the third bo
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Inventor: Aimee M. Lirette-Brainard
  • Patent number: 11541798
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a pneumatic adjusting device for adjusting a side wing of a vehicle seat from a default position to an actuation position, the adjusting device comprising: a two-armed lever having an outer lever arm for adjusting the side wing and an inner lever arm, an inflatable balloon device, e.g. balloon, for adjusting the inner for adjusting the arm, and mechanical spring means for adjusting the inner for adjusting the arm. Hereby, it is provided that, in the default position of the adjusting device, the balloon device is inflated, in the default position, the spring means is tensioned and biases the inner lever arm into the actuation position, and in the actuation position, the spring means compresses the balloon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Faurecia Autositze GmbH
    Inventor: Piotr Ceglarek
  • Patent number: 11535130
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat cushion configured to support the buttocks of an occupant, a seat back configured to support the back of the occupant, an elastic force adjustment unit configured to adjust elastic force of a lumbar spine support of the seat back configured to support the lumbar spine of the occupant, in a longitudinal direction, and a controller configured to operate the elastic force adjustment unit. The controller is configured to make the elastic force larger in the case where oscillation of the vehicle is large, than that in the case where oscillation of the vehicle is small.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tetsuya Nagai, Kohshi Katoh, Takashi Sugimoto, Osamu Oda, Masatoshi Hada
  • Patent number: 11485260
    Abstract: Proposed is a lumbar support assembly having an air bladder and components for operating the air bladder and facilitating the assembly and maintenance thereof. The lumbar support assembly includes: a suspension mat having a first hole formed at the inner side thereof, and having a second hole formed at one edge thereof; an air bladder having a first clip hole, which is formed at one edge thereof and overlaps with the first hole; a pouch including a pump and having a second clip hole, which is formed at one edge thereof and overlaps with the second hole; a fixing clip that can be mounted in the first clip hole or the second clip hole; and an electronic valve which has a first tube connected to the air bladder and a second tube connected to the pump and which is coupled to the rear surface of the suspension mat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: DAECHANG SEAT CO.
    Inventors: Chan Ki Cho, Jin Oh Kim, Kyoung Min Cho
  • Patent number: 11434962
    Abstract: A clutch unit includes a lever-side clutch section configured to control transmission and interruption of rotational torque input by a rotation of an operation lever, and a brake-side clutch section configured to transmit the rotational torque from the lever-side clutch section to an output side and interrupt rotational torque that is reversely input from the output side. The lever-side clutch section includes a side plate to which the operation lever is fixed and an outer ring member that fits with the side plate. The brake-side clutch section includes a cover whose rotation is restricted. An angle regulating part configured to regulate a rotation angle of the operation lever is disposed radially inside of outer peripheral edges of the outer ring member and the cover and includes a claw of the outer ring member and a through hole of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventor: Kyohei Sasanuma
  • Patent number: 11375823
    Abstract: A pump and valve combination for bladder adjustment is revealed and including a fluid supply member, a valve member and a bypass line. The fluid supply member includes a head end and a tail end. A bottom cover is disposed on the tail end and the fluid supply member provides fluid to the bottom cover through the tail end. The valve member is arranged at the head end and communicating with bladders. The valve member includes a valve cap fixed on the head end, a solenoid operated directional control valve, and an air supply tube. Two ends of the bypass line are connected to the bottom cover and an air input end of the air supply tube, respectively. An input portion and an output portion of the solenoid operated directional control valve are connected to an air output end of the air supply tube and the bladder respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: KOGE MICRO TECH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chih Chang, Qing-Xiang Xu
  • Patent number: 11299067
    Abstract: A first seat device includes a first pressure sensor attached to a seatback to detect pressure, a second pressure sensor attached to the seatback at a position below the first pressure sensor to detect pressure, and a control unit configured to control the angle of the seatback based on a value of the first pressure sensor and a value of the second pressure sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Kobayashi, Naotoshi Fujimoto, Eika Takami
  • Patent number: 11180052
    Abstract: Systems and methods for a reconfigurable soft robotics-based vehicle interior is provided. The soft-robotics based vehicle interior comprises a child seat portion disposed in a vehicle seat, the child seat portion comprising a child seat constructed of highly compliant materials and mechanisms. When required, the highly compliant materials and mechanisms may be manipulated such that the child seat portion is moved from a retracted state to an engaged state. The child seat may also manipulate the highly complaint materials and mechanisms based on an anatomy of a child to provide customizable support for the child.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Frederico Marcolino Quintao Severgnini, Sean Rodrigues, Ercan Mehmet Dede
  • Patent number: 11135946
    Abstract: An extensively reconfigurable seat design can include a vehicle seat system including: a vehicle seat defining a vehicle occupant accommodating space, the vehicle seat including a seat cushion portion including multiple individually adjustable bladders, where each of the multiple individually adjustable bladders has a connected valve that controls fluid communication with an internal space of the individually adjustable bladder to adjust a pressure level within the internal space of the individually adjustable bladder, and an associated sensor configured to detect the pressure level within the internal space of the individually adjustable bladder. A computer can actively sense and control the pressure levels within the bladders, using the sensors and valves, to provide customization, adaptive, ride-active and intelligent control over a reconfigurable cushion for a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: Autodesk, Inc.
    Inventors: Bhupendra Lodhia, Andriy Banadyha
  • Patent number: 11124145
    Abstract: An airbag system for repositioning a seat occupant in a moving vehicle during a crash event includes: a first inflatable airbag disposed proximate to a front portion of a seat pan; a second inflatable airbag disposed proximate to a rear portion of the seat pan; and inflation control device controlling deployment of the first and second inflatable airbags. The inflation control device includes a programmable controller controlling inflation parameters of the first and second inflatable airbags to achieve a desired lift, subject to monument constraints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Schroth Safety Products LLC
    Inventor: Patrick Akoma
  • Patent number: 11117537
    Abstract: A vehicle seat for supporting an occupant in a vehicle. The vehicle seat includes a backrest and a headrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Faurecia Automotive Seating, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffery T. Bonk
  • Patent number: 11117505
    Abstract: A seat assembly is provided with a seat frame for a seat back or a seat bottom. At least two side bolster regions are spaced apart laterally on the seat frame. At least two bolster support assemblies are provided, each bolster support assembly comprising an air bladder mounted to the seat frame along each of the side bolster regions. An actuator inflates each air bladder between a deflated position and at least one inflated support position. An accelerometer is mounted to the seat frame. A controller is in electrical communication with the accelerometer and the actuator. The controller is programmed to receive data from the accelerometer indicative of a lateral acceleration. If the lateral acceleration is above a threshold, the controller commands the actuator to inflate one of the air bladders to the inflated support position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dan Golles, Gerald Patrick, Kevin Geisler
  • Patent number: 11077781
    Abstract: A fluid bladder valve for a pneumatic vehicle seat adjustment device is disclosed. The valve comprises a first chamber configured to connect to a fluid source, a second chamber configured to connect to the fluid bladder, a third chamber configured to connect to an environment, a fourth chamber connected to the first chamber via a first fluid passage, connected to the second valve chamber via a second fluid passage, and connected to the third valve chamber via a third fluid passage; and an actuator comprising a blocking element disposed in the fourth chamber and an actuator element disposed in the third valve chamber and coupled to the blocking element and configured to move the blocking element between a first position wherein the first passage is opened and the third passage is closed, and a second position wherein the first passage is closed and the third passage is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Conti Temic microelectronic GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Beuschel, Johann Steinberger, Norbert Seltner, Stefan Bauer
  • Patent number: 11054819
    Abstract: Systems and methods define a stimulation pattern for a juvenile product utilizing a mobile device that executes a mobile application that is linked to the juvenile product. The method comprises the step of recognizing, by the mobile device when executing the mobile app, the user-defined stimulation pattern for the juvenile product. The stimulation pattern can be a vibration pattern or a motion pattern, and can be detected in a number of different ways by the mobile device. The method further comprises the step of determining control signals for the actuator(s) of the juvenile product based on the user-defined stimulation pattern that is recognized by the mobile device. The method further comprises the step of, in response to receiving a command to execute the user-defined stimulation pattern, controlling the actuator(s) of the juvenile product based on the stored control signals for the user-defined stimulation pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: Thorley Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Erica Sandbothe, Kevin Dowling, Mary J. Koes, Arjit Arora, Suraj Joseph, Mara McFadden, Richard Juchniewicz
  • Patent number: 11027635
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly including a seat and a seatback pivotably coupled to the seat. The seatback includes a frame, a sub-frame member, a carrier, a cushion, and an inflatable member. The sub-frame member is pivotably coupled to an occupant-facing surface of the frame by a bracket. The carrier is coupled to the frame such that the sub-frame member is positioned between the frame and the carrier. The cushion is coupled to an occupant-facing surface of the carrier. The inflatable member is positioned between the occupant-facing surface of the frame and an interior surface of the sub-frame member. The inflatable member is operable between a deflated state and an inflated state. The inflatable member initiates pivotable motion of the sub-frame member of an axis defined by the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Vishal Vinayak Nageshkar, Christian J. Hosbach, Sangram Tamhankar, Patrick Maloney, John Wayne Jaranson, Johnathan Andrew Line, Marcos Silva Kondrad
  • Patent number: 11028859
    Abstract: There is provided an air supply and exhaust device for air cells which is configured to supply air to a plurality of air cells and exhaust air from the plurality of air cells via a distributor. The distributor includes a housing having a plurality of vent holes and a valve body including an air supply chamber and an exhaust passage. The exhaust passage has a cross-sectional area substantially the same as a cross-sectional area of a vent hole capable of communicating with the exhaust passage, and allows an exhaust receiving port configured to face the vent hole capable of communicating with the exhaust passage and an atmosphere opening port to communicate with each other by being curved around a rotation center of the valve body and extending in a circular arc shape along a rotation track of the valve body at least at the exhaust receiving port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yosuke Uno
  • Patent number: 10948098
    Abstract: A circuit arrangement for controlling a system, and a system having a circuit arrangement, both suitable for use with a lumbar support with at least two air cushions, may include actuators, voltage supply paths, and electronic switching elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Alfmeier Präzision SE
    Inventor: Jürgen Pfahler
  • Patent number: 10946778
    Abstract: A seat assembly is provided with a foam cushion and a fabric portion connected to a B-surface opposite a seat surface of the foam cushion. At least one pocket cavity is defined between the fabric portion and the foam cushion. A pneumatic support assembly is contained in the at least one pocket cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Frank, Marc Herrmann, Ulrich Schneider, Otakar Pok, Stefan Gottauf
  • Patent number: 10899456
    Abstract: An apparatus for dynamically tilting a seatpan in an aircraft passenger seating assembly includes a seat frame, seatback, seat cushion, and cushion support structure (e.g., a seatpan), the seat cushion and seatpan together having a forward end and a rear end and together supporting a passenger occupying the seating assembly. Accelerometers may detect an inertial event such as a rapid deceleration that may cause the passenger to pitch forward; dynamic seatpan actuators (e.g., airbags or ballistic devices) connected to the accelerometers react to the inertial event by detonating, driving the seatpan and seat cushion upward. As a result, the head path of the passenger may be redirected upward, alleviating the risk of passenger injury and component damage. Additional airbags may react to the inertial event by tightening the passenger seatbelt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy Penley, Jeff B. Thompson, Bradley Barg, Jay Pierson-Moonan
  • Patent number: 10899251
    Abstract: A seating assembly is provided that includes a seat base operably coupled with a seatback. An air cell assembly is positioned within the seat base. The air cell assembly includes a first plurality of air cells. The first plurality of air cells includes a first thigh cell. The air cell assembly also includes a second plurality of air cells. The second plurality of air cells includes a second thigh cell. A first valve is operably coupled with the first plurality of air cells. A second valve is operably coupled with the second plurality of air cells. Each of the first and second valves is configured to control airflow to and from the first and second plurality of air cells, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alan George Dry, Johnathan Andrew Line
  • Patent number: 10889214
    Abstract: A lumbar support system for a seat backrest, the lumbar support system includes a carrier having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The carrier is movable with respect to the seat backrest in a first direction and in a second direction opposite the first direction. The lumbar support system further includes a first bladder coupled to the first end of the carrier, a second bladder coupled to the second end of the carrier, and a third bladder coupled to the carrier. The third bladder has a contact surface and is configured to move with the carrier. The first bladder is inflatable to move the carrier in the first direction, and the second bladder is inflatable to move the carrier in the second direction. The third bladder is inflatable such that the contact surface is extendable in a third direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: LEGGETT & PLATT CANADA CO.
    Inventors: Robert J. McMillen, Wade O'Moore, Horia Blendea, Renato Colja, Alan C. Prettyman
  • Patent number: 10888169
    Abstract: Furniture seats, in particular relate to an electric sofa frame, comprising a bottom frame assembly, a sofa mounting frame, a leg assembly, a back assembly, a linkage mechanism and a first driving electric motor for driving the movement of the linkage mechanism. The movement of the linkage mechanism may cause the leg assembly and/or the back assembly to expand or contract; and further includes a fixing frame, a headrest assembly, a waistrest assembly, a second drive electric motor for driving rotation of the waistrest assembly, and a third driving electric motor that drives the headrest assembly to rotate; the headrest assembly and the waistrest assembly are connected to the back assembly via a mount. The utility model has the advantages of simple and compact structure, stable and reliable operation and can be used for providing the user with the head support and the waist support massage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: DONGGUAN JACKWELL HARDWARE CO., LTD
    Inventor: Jianhui Ma
  • Patent number: 10857920
    Abstract: A vehicle seat for supporting an occupant in a vehicle. The vehicle seat includes a backrest and a headrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Faurecia Automotive Seating, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Morrow
  • Patent number: 10829017
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly having a seat including a support frame. A seatback is pivotally coupled with the seat and is adjustable between a passenger support position configured to support the weight of a passenger and a cargo position. The seatback is folded forward to a substantially horizontal position. A seat cushion includes a dynamic forward portion and a generally static rearward portion. An articulation feature is disposed below the forward portion of the seat cushion. The articulation feature is operable between a deployed and a non-deployed position. Movement to the deployed position results in the dynamic forward portion of the seat cushion being adjusted to a raised position. Movement to the non-deployed position results in the dynamic forward portion of the seat cushion being adjusted to a lowered position that allows the seatback to fold forward to the cargo position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Daniel Ferretti
  • Patent number: 10783816
    Abstract: An amplitude control main circuit, a voltage supply modular circuit, a display device, and an amplitude control method are provided. The amplitude control main circuit includes a variable resistive circuit, an output control circuit and a gate-driving-power-voltage output terminal; the output control circuit is connected to an output control terminal, a voltage input terminal, the gate-driving-power-voltage output terminal, and the variable resistive circuit, and controls, under control of the output control terminal, the gate-driving-power-voltage output terminal to be connected to the voltage input terminal directly or via the variable resistive circuit; a control terminal, a first terminal, and a second terminal of the variable resistive circuit are connected to a resistance control terminal, the output control circuit, and the gate-driving-power-voltage output terminal, respectively, and a resistance value of the variable resistive circuit is changed under control of the resistance control terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignees: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD., CHONGQING BOE OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Xing Dong, Heecheol Kim, Zhi Zhang, Xiuzhu Tang, Shuai Chen, Lijun Xiong, Jingpeng Zhao, Taoliang Tang, Min Ran
  • Patent number: 10780857
    Abstract: A system of air cushions adapted to ensconce the head of an occupant in a child seat during side impact, extendable to a system of air cushions with sacrificial chamber to inflate the aircushions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Inventor: Arjuna Indraeswaran Rajasingham
  • Patent number: 10766391
    Abstract: A pneumatic device for the variation of a contour of a seat bearing surface of a vehicle seat is disclosed. The pneumatic device includes a first foil portion, a second foil portion which is connected to the first foil portion along at least one connecting seam such that a bladder for the variation of the contour of the seat bearing surface, having a bladder chamber which can be filled with pressure medium and having an inflow opening for the inflow of the pressure medium, is formed, and a throttle element, which is arranged in the interior of the bladder chamber and which is designed to throttle a pressure medium flow flowing in through the inflow opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Conti Temic Microelectronic GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Buschmann, Carsten Sensche, Dieter Schwab, Gerhard Demmelmeier