Rectilinear Horizontal Adjustment Patents (Class 297/284.8)
  • Patent number: 11752906
    Abstract: A seat backrest includes right and left side frame segments, a pressure receiving member disposed between the side frame segments movably in a front-back direction, and a cushion pad covering the front of the side frame segments and pressure receiving member. The pressure receiving member includes a main body part, and extending parts extending laterally from both sides of the main body part. The cushion pad includes a back receiving part covering the front of the main body part, and bank parts disposed on both sides of the back receiving part, protruding forward from both sides, and covering the front of the extending parts and side frame segments. A recess is formed at an area, facing a corresponding extending part of the extending parts, of a rear surface of each bank part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: TS TECH CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shuichi Shimizu
  • Patent number: 11253076
    Abstract: An ergonomically improved chair in which the user's thoracic region is supported by a narrow and generally flat or moderately convex thoracic cushion in the midrest region of the chairback. The design omits or greatly minimizes support for the user's scapulae and other areas of the back outside the thoracic region, excepting lumbar and cervical support features in some embodiments. The design differs from the prior art at least in that the thoracic cushion is narrow and configured not to complement that user's spinal curvature. By appropriate selection and design, a chair incorporating the invention may comprise a fabric covering portions of the chairback without significantly affecting functionality. Other embodiments include a chairback comprising regions having differing levels of firmness and/or differing cushion height at appropriate regions to promote concentrated support of the user's thoracic region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Unchair LLC
    Inventors: Adam Motley, Ivan Calvachi, William Belcher
  • Patent number: 11040645
    Abstract: A seat back configured to support a back of a seated person includes a back frame that constitutes an internal framework; and an elastic mat that is fitted to the back frame so as to cover the back frame from a front side, the elastic mat having a planar shape and being configured to elastically support the back of the seated person. The back frame includes a frame body and a support wire that protrudes forward from the frame body. The elastic mat includes a plurality of hooks provided on a back surface of a main support portion configured to support the back of the seated person, the hooks being engaged with the support wire to fix the elastic mat to the support wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignees: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, INOAC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Genzo Nakamura, Hiroshi Maki, Toshio Nakamura, Katsuya Ueda, Yasuhiro Yoshida, Kentaro Kamiya
  • Patent number: 9718381
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a power headrest apparatus capable of automatically adjusting vertical and forward-backward movement of a headrest using motors, and of sufficiently securing an amount of forward-backward movement of the headrest using a pair of link members, which are arranged to intersect with each other in an X form, while a width of the headrest in forward and backward directions thereof is maintained below a certain level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: HYUNDAE ENTERPRISE CO., LTD
    Inventor: Hong Chun Yoo
  • Patent number: 9700143
    Abstract: An adjustable lumbar support apparatus for a seat back is disclosed and includes a lumbar support and two adjusting assemblies respectively disposed at two sides of the seat back. Each of the adjusting assemblies includes a supporting sheet disposed on an exterior surface of the seat back, an acting rod disposed in a positioning cylinder base on a front end of the seat back, and a knob disposed on a rear end of the seat back. The acting rod and the knob are co-acting, and the acting rod and the supporting sheet are corresponding to each other by the slope surface and the acting slope surface. When the knob is rotated, the corresponding relationship between the acting slope surface and the slope surface is varied. The distance between the lumbar support and the seat back can be adjusted in accordance with different requirements under different circumstances to overcome the elastic fatigue problem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Inventor: Yao-Chuan Wu
  • Patent number: 8991933
    Abstract: A backrest includes first and second side wings and connectors configured to connect the first and second side wings to the wheelchair frame. The first side wing comprises a plurality of transverse profiles extending towards the second side wing and the second side wing comprises a plurality of second transverse profiles extending towards the first side wing. At least one first transverse profile of the first side wing and at least one associated second transverse profile of the second side wing are at least partially mutually embraced in a slidable manner. The at least one first transverse profile and the at least one second transverse profile are dimensioned and configured so that the mutual slidably embracement of the at least one first transverse profile and the at least one second transverse profile is made on a range of distances enabling the width adjustment of the backrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Invacare International Sarl
    Inventor: Ulf Johansson
  • Patent number: 8973994
    Abstract: A variable lumbar support assembly for a seatback of a vehicle seat assembly includes a support bracket and a lumbar member. The support bracket has an upper end, an opposite lower end, and a pair of side rails extending between the upper end and the lower end. The support bracket has a curved central portion positioned between the upper and the lower end. The lumbar member is slidingly attached to the pair of side rails of the support bracket. The slidingly attachment of the lumbar member along the pair of slide rails provides both a vertical displacement and a fore and aft displacement of the lumbar member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Rupert Muck, John Fredrik Runske
  • Patent number: 8840186
    Abstract: A support assembly having a first support region with adjustable degree of support and a second support region with adjustable degree of support includes a support member for incorporation into a seat frame, a first adjustment arrangement for adjusting the degree of support in the first support region, and a second adjustment arrangement for adjusting the degree of support in the second support region. An actuator is coupled to the first adjustment arrangement and to the second adjustment arrangement. The actuator is configured to simultaneously act on the first and second adjustment arrangements in opposite directions. A wire-length control mechanism is coupled to one of the first adjustment arrangement and the second adjustment arrangement and is configured to absorb an excessive length of a wire of the one of the first adjustment arrangement and the second adjustment arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: L&P Swiss Holding AG
    Inventor: Maxime Samain
  • Patent number: 8807651
    Abstract: A power lift lumbar support system for a furniture member includes a lumbar pad. A scissoring portion is rotatably connected to the lumbar pad and moves the lumbar pad between a fully retracted and a fully extended position. A lumbar actuation portion is connected to the scissoring portion and drives the scissoring portion using a powered actuator to displace the lumbar pad. A carrier support rod has first and second carriers slidably disposed on the carrier support rod. The scissoring portion is connected to each of the first and second carriers. Displacement of the first and second carriers toward each other operates through the scissoring portion to displace the lumbar pad away from the carrier support rod and toward the fully extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
    Inventors: Larry P. LaPointe, Chad E. Adams, Eric B. Harwood
  • Publication number: 20140217792
    Abstract: A vehicle seating system is disclosed having a seat and at least one powered seat adjustment actuator for altering the seating position formed by the seat. A controller dynamically adjusts the speed of movement of said seat back based on comparing at least one speed parameter from said first series of speed parameters with a first smooth movement speed projection and dynamically adjusting a first control signal to said first powered seat adjustment actuator to converge the speed of movement toward or equal to said first smooth movement speed projection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Innovative Biomechanical Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel Christopher Meyer
  • Patent number: 8668266
    Abstract: A seat having a trim carrier. A flexible region includes a base portion integrally connected with the trim carrier and a distal portion. A connector includes a first end connected to the distal portion and a second end connected to a motor. Actuation of the motor draws the connector and consequently the distal portion downward toward the base portion, thereby arcing the flexible region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John W. Jaranson, Marcos S. Kondrad
  • Patent number: 8632129
    Abstract: A backrest for supporting the back of a seated person, intended and adapted to form part of an article of seating furniture, such as a wheelchair, has the feature that the backrest consists of two parts, that is: a lower backrest part for supporting the sacral-lumbar part of the back of a seated person, and an upper backrest part for supporting the lumbar-thoracic part of the back of a seated person; both backrest parts can be moved independently of each other relative to the carrier; and a carrier therefor which has three degrees of freedom in a vertical plane, perpendicularly of the main plane of the backrests, relative to the frame tube, i.e. two degrees of freedom of translation corresponding to height and depth, and one degree of freedom of rotation around a horizontal rotation axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: PR Sella B.V.
    Inventor: Alouisius Gerardus Huttenhuis
  • Publication number: 20130334854
    Abstract: A power lift lumbar support system for a furniture member includes a lumbar pad. A scissoring portion is rotatably connected to the lumbar pad and moves the lumbar pad between a fully retracted and a fully extended position. A lumbar actuation portion is connected to the scissoring portion and drives the scissoring portion using a powered actuator to displace the lumbar pad. A carrier support rod has first and second carriers slidably disposed on the carrier support rod. The scissoring portion is connected to each of the first and second carriers. Displacement of the first and second carriers toward each other operates through the scissoring portion to displace the lumbar pad away from the carrier support rod and toward the fully extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventors: Larry P. LaPointe, Chad E. Adams, Eric B. Harwood
  • Patent number: 8474909
    Abstract: A power lift lumbar support system for a furniture member includes a lumbar pad. A scissoring portion is rotatably connected to the lumbar pad and moves the lumbar pad between a fully retracted and a fully extended position. A lumbar actuation portion is connected to the scissoring portion and drives the scissoring portion using a powered actuator to displace the lumbar pad. A carrier support rod has first and second carriers slidably disposed on the carrier support rod. The scissoring portion is connected to each of the first and second carriers. Displacement of the first and second carriers toward each other operates through the scissoring portion to displace the lumbar pad away from the carrier support rod and toward the fully extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
    Inventors: Larry P. LaPointe, Chad E. Adams, Eric B. Harwood
  • Publication number: 20130062921
    Abstract: A system comprises a vehicle seating system including a seat and at least one powered seat adjustment actuator for altering the seating position formed by the seat. Additionally, the system includes a controller for receiving at least one signal based on at least one vehicle/user event. For reducing fatigue, the controller controls slow seat movement while the vehicle is moving, and changes slow movement between first and second slow movements based on the vehicle/user event(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventors: Daniel C. Meyer, Paul B. Phipps, Thomas D. Epply
  • Patent number: 8388059
    Abstract: An actuating system for a head restraint of a vehicle seat is provided. The head restraint includes a part that can be shifted from a comfort position to a safety position, such as in the event of an accident. Limbs are expandable from an initial position as a consequence of pressure loading to bring about a lengthening which can be transmitted to force transmission means. The limbs are connected to one another and/or to fastening means by joints, each having a first and a second joint pin which can be inserted axially into holes to form the joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Benjamin Guenther, Klaus Sperling, Marcus Thies, Silvio Hartlaub, Joshua Hesterberg
  • Publication number: 20120319443
    Abstract: A backrest structure for a seat comprising a backrest frame which has a support structure and a front side facing the back of a seat user, a backrest cushion at the backrest frame a lumbar support mounted on the front side of the backrest frame for supporting the back of a seat user, an adjusting device for adjusting the position of the lumbar support perpendicular to the extension plane of the backrest frame and a curving element arranged on the front side of the backrest frame between the lumbar support and the backrest cushion. The curving element is secured to the support structure and the adjusting device acts on the curving element in order to adjust a curvature of the curving element. Furthermore, the backrest structure comprises at least one connecting element being connected to the curving element and the support structure, which connecting element applies a pre-tensioning force to the curving element in order to maintain the curving element in contact with the support structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventor: Raymond Weir, III
  • Publication number: 20120217778
    Abstract: A lumbar support plate which is supported movably in a front/rear direction in a back frame that supports a headrest, and a biasing member which supports the lumbar support plate, are provided. A clutch mechanism which enables an output member to rotate by a rotating operation of a handle shaft, and an adjustment member which is capable of adjusting the front/rear position of the lumbar support plate in relation with an output member of the clutch mechanism are also provided. Also provided is a linking release mechanism which temporarily releases linkage with the clutch mechanism and permits rearward movement of the lumbar support plate, when a load equal to or greater than a prescribed value is applied to the lumbar support plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: DELTA KOGYO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masafumi Okamoto, Ryota Okimoto
  • Patent number: 8240763
    Abstract: A lumbar support mechanism includes a damper having one end supported by the inside of a seat back and the other end capable of extension and contraction. Seesaw links are provided with each having one end connected to the other end and capable of extension and contraction. An intermediate portion is supported at a swing fulcrum by the seat back with the other end extending in the width direction of the seat back, and swung around the swing fulcrum. Pantograph links are connected to the respective seesaw links and are movable up and down in the back and forth direction in conjunction with the swing of the corresponding seesaw links. The lock-release lever is operated to release the lock mechanism of the damper. The extension and contraction force of the damper is transmitted to the pantograph links via the corresponding seesaw links with the pantograph links shifting the pad provided in the seat back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kunihiko Matano, Koichi Nozoe
  • Patent number: 8226166
    Abstract: A seating element has an archable element with a first side to face an occupant of a seat when the seating element is installed in a seat and a second side opposite of the first side. A pneumatic arching element is arranged at the second side of the archable element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Schukra Geraetebau GmbH
    Inventors: Jan Petzel, Thomas Preiss, Veit Stoessel, David Anthony Swan, Renato Colja, Roland Och, Werner Steger, Klaus Wieder
  • Patent number: 8162399
    Abstract: A lumbar support for a vehicle backrest has a resting element with a front surface shaped for supporting an area of the back of a user; the resting element is connected to a frame of the backrest via elastic elements, which are bistable for allowing the resting element to click from an advanced position to a rearward position when a thrust against the front surface exceeds a given threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: C.R.F. Societa Consortile per Azioni
    Inventors: Salvatore Demontis, Alberto Maria Merlo, Giorgio Masoero, Giovanni Boreanaz
  • Publication number: 20120074744
    Abstract: A lumbar assembly has a wireframe for attachment to a frame of a vehicle seat. The wire frame has first and second spaced apart side members. First and second flexible lumbar support bands are each mounted to a wire frame side member, and each have a lateral portion extending inboard with a guide member. The guide members of the first and second lumbar support bands cooperate so that the lumbar support bands are adjusted in a fore and aft direction by translating the lateral portions relative to each other along the guide members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Giuseppe Ghisoni, Roberto D'Agostini, Luca Tomasi
  • Publication number: 20120068508
    Abstract: A power lift lumbar support system for a furniture member includes a lumbar pad. A scissoring portion is rotatably connected to the lumbar pad and moves the lumbar pad between a fully retracted and a fully extended position. A lumbar actuation portion is connected to the scissoring portion and drives the scissoring portion using a powered actuator to displace the lumbar pad. A carrier support rod has first and second carriers slidably disposed on the carrier support rod. The scissoring portion is connected to each of the first and second carriers. Displacement of the first and second carriers toward each other operates through the scissoring portion to displace the lumbar pad away from the carrier support rod and toward the fully extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
    Inventors: Larry P. LaPointe, Chad E. Adams, Eric B. Harwood
  • Patent number: 8136882
    Abstract: A multi-way adjustment device, in particular a two-way adjustment device, is proposed for a seat component, which is suitable in particular for the seat-back width adjustment of a seat. The multi-way adjustment device comprises an adjustment part (7) adjustably mounted relative to a mounting plate a (1), which when moved in a first adjustment direction (A) requires less energy expenditure than when moved in a second adjustment direction (B). In order to compensate this, there are provided mechanical energy accumulation means (5), which takes up mechanical energy when the movement is in the first adjustment direction (A), in order to release this when the movement is in the second adjustment direction (B) and thus to assist the movement of the adjustment part (7) in the second adjustment direction (B).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Schukra Geratebau AG
    Inventors: Robert Kopetzky, Veit Stossel
  • Patent number: 8091967
    Abstract: A spindle drive for a lumbar support in a backrest structure of a motor vehicle seat includes two gliders guided on a carrier of the lumbar support. Each glider is connected to a spindle nut which is engaged with an associated thread section of a spindle. The thread sections have threads of opposite thread pitch, so that the gliders are movable in opposite directions and pivot towards and away from the carrier supporting bails of a supporting device hinged to the carrier and being adjustable substantially perpendicular to the carrier. At least one of the spindle nuts partly encompasses the spindle and can be clipped onto its associated thread section of the spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. KG, Coburg
    Inventors: Sebastian Schweizer, Cornelia Brueckner, Wera Wolniczak, Guido Neumann
  • Patent number: 8091966
    Abstract: A backrest structure for a motor vehicle seat includes a rest frame forming the supporting structure of the backrest. The rest frame includes at least two longitudinal struts running in the longitudinal direction of the backrest. The backrest structure also includes a lumbar support arranged on the front side of the rest frame for supporting the back region of a motor vehicle occupant. The lumbar support includes a transverse traverse being adjustable along the longitudinal struts with a height adjusting device, to which a support device is hinged and is adjustable with a depth adjusting device substantially perpendicular to the transverse traverse. The lumbar support further includes a retaining device supporting the transverse traverse and extending substantially in the longitudinal direction of the backrest and receiving the height adjusting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. KG, Coburg
    Inventors: Sebastian Schweizer, Cornelia Brueckner, Wera Wolniczak, Guido Neumann
  • Patent number: 8020933
    Abstract: A lumbar support device of a seat for a vehicle surrounds and supports the lumbar region of a passenger. In the lumbar support device, a mounting bracket is fastened to a seat back frame. A support panel is coupled to the mounting bracket through link units so as to be movable ahead of the seat back frame. Side support units are coupled to respective opposite ends of the support panel so as to be rotatable. A connection wire is connected between each of the side support units and the corresponding link unit of the support panel such that when the support panel moves forwards, the side support units surround side portions of the lumbar region of the passenger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corp.
    Inventors: Tae Hyung Kim, Byeong Joon Min, Deok Soo Lim, Ji Hyun Kim, Sam Jae Cho
  • Patent number: 7997650
    Abstract: The present invention is a lumbar support system that retreats into the seat back when reclined, providing a constant pressure support. The lumbar support system has a lumbar support basket that can retreat into the seat back. The lumbar support basket is supported by a crossbar that is pivotably connected to opposite sides of a seat frame via a pair of connecting members. A spring is provided for biasing the connecting members to a biased position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Schukra of North America
    Inventors: Robert J. McMillen, Larry D. Janzen, Alan C. Prettyman
  • Publication number: 20110062758
    Abstract: An item of seating furniture employs a seat depth adjustment, in which the seat is mounted displaceably relative to a backrest frame. A pivotable lower backrest frame is mounted on the backrest frame. The lower backrest frame is connected to the rear part of the seat. The displaceable seat thereby remains connected to the backrest, and a horizontal gap does not arise between the backrest and seat, which horizontal gap could impair the seating comfort and interfere in the overall appearance of the item of seating furniture. The seat depth adjustment is in particular also suitable for use with synchronous mechanisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventor: Mark Wiese
  • Patent number: 7874618
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle seat with a backrest (1) and a seat part (2a), wherein the seat part (2a) can be displaced in the forward and backward direction (4) with respect to a base frame (3, 11) and the backrest (1) has a lumbar spine region (14) which can be deformed in the forward and backward direction (13), wherein a rocker-like element (8) is provided which is arranged in the lumbar spine region (14) such that it can pivot about a horizontally running pivot axle (9), said rocker-like element extending at least partially along the longitudinal direction of the backrest, wherein the pivot axle (9) can be displaced together with the seat part (2a) in the forward and backward direction (4) and a pivotable section (8b) of the rocker-like element (8) is attached to the base frame (3, 11) in a backrest region of the base frame (3, 11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Grammer AG
    Inventors: Josef Kohl, Christian Erker
  • Patent number: 7862119
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle seat with a back rest having a frame (2) and a lordosis support (6), with the following additional configuration: The lordosis support (6) comprises a pressure plate (9) that is essentially bend resistant in at least the transverse direction of the seat or the Y-direction, forms a supporting surface in the lordosis region of the back rest and is arranged between two side frame parts (3) of the frame (2); there is at least one holding element (5a, 5b) that extends between the side frame parts (3) with a length-variable adjustment section (21), which runs in the Y-direction and connects to the pressure plate (9), and is affixed there at fixing points (30) arranged opposite each other; in an inoperative position, the pressure plate (9) is arranged with a horizontal clearance (11) or a clearance in the X-direction behind the fixing points (30); there is a driving device with which the length of the adjustment section can be shortened as the horizontal clearance is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Alfmeier Prazision Ag Baugruppen und Systemlosungen
    Inventors: Rolf Schäfer, Torsten Aeugle, Andrew Massara, Jürgen Hofmockel, Wolfram-H. Hofschulte, Urban Knöpfle, Michael Wöhrle
  • Publication number: 20100301650
    Abstract: A lumbar support for a car seat according to the present invention comprises a pair of coupling elements, respectively coupled with traverse fixing bars provided in internal upper and lower parts of a seat back; a pair of support plates provided on right and left sides between a pair of the coupling elements and respectively having a plurality of support wings; a support element including a sacrospinal muscle base at a lower part thereof; and a supporting height control element provided on one side of the support plate to alternatively control a protrusion height of the support plates; wherein the support element further includes a lumbar vertebra base integrally formed in an upper part of the sacrospinal muscle base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventor: Cheong Myung Hong
  • Patent number: 7828379
    Abstract: There is disclosed a vehicle seat provided with a system for facilitating relieving of fatigue of an occupant on the vehicle seat, the vehicle seat including a seat back, the system comprising an occupant's body-motion promoting means 6 provided in an interior of the seat back 1 for repeatedly locally pressing the occupant on the vehicle seat, to thereby promote blood circulation of the occupant, a lateral acceleration sensor 8 provided in the interior of the seat back 1 for detecting accelerations that are applied in right and left lateral directions relative to a vehicle, and an acceleration-distinction control circuit provided in the interior of the seat back 1 for causing the body-motion promoting means 6 to be maintained in a drivable state according when an acceleration detected by the lateral acceleration sensor 8 is in a predetermined value range, for causing drive of the body-motion promoting means to be once stopped when the lateral acceleration becomes an excessive value exceeding an upper limit of
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: TS Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinji Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 7823975
    Abstract: A support with a lumbar adjuster device for a motor vehicle seat includes a front side which, in the installed position, faces a seat user's back and a lumbar adjuster device which is arranged on the front side of the support and is intended for setting the position of the lumbar support perpendicular to the plane of extent of the backrest frame. The lumbar adjuster device has at least one adjuster element to be brought into operative connection with the lumbar support, and at least one slide which is movable with respect to the adjuster element. The slide can be moved, firstly, along a tensioning direction along which it is pretensioned, and, secondly, along a drawing direction along which a drawing force can be transmitted to the slide via a drawing means coupled to the slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co KG, Coburg
    Inventors: Andreas Prause, Alwin Macht, Markus Fischer, Klaus Beloch, Michael Flieger
  • Patent number: 7798572
    Abstract: A manual adjustment of a back support on a vehicle seat includes a cable pulley which is selectively rotatable in a drive direction or in a driven direction oriented counter to the drive direction, and a tensile device associated with the cable pulley, which may be rolled up onto the cable pulley by rotating the cable pulley in the drive direction. The tensile device is able to be coupled to a back support of a vehicle seat such that the rotation of the cable pulley in the drive direction and/or driven direction affects an adjustment of the back support. A pretensioning acts on the cable pulley -which produces a torque of the cable pulley in the driven direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co KG, Coburg
    Inventors: Georg Scheck, Alwin Macht, Andreas Prause
  • Publication number: 20100156159
    Abstract: A furniture member mechanism includes upper and lower housing structures, the lower housing structure including first and second side frames. A mechanism is disposed within both the upper and lower housing structures, including first and second lever arms having an upper end, a body extending into both the upper and lower housing structures, and a lower end positioned in the lower housing structure and rotatably connected to the first and second side frames. A bracket is connected to the first and second side frames. First and second biasing members are connected to the first and second lever arms and the bracket. The first or second biasing member extends when the first or second lever arm is rotated from an initial position in a lever forward direction. A biasing force of the first or second biasing member biases the first or second lever arm toward the initial position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
    Inventors: Chad E. Adams, Larry P. LaPointe
  • Publication number: 20100141001
    Abstract: A lumbar support mechanism includes a damper having one end supported by the inside of a backseat and the other end capable of extension and contraction. Seesaw links are provided with each having one end connected to the other end and capable of extension and contraction. An intermediate portion is supported at a swing fulcrum by the backseat with the other end extending in the width direction of the backseat, and swung around the swing fulcrum. Pantograph links are connected to the respective seesaw links and are movable up and down in the back and forth direction in conjunction with the swing of the corresponding seesaw links. The lock-release lever is operated to release the lock mechanism of the damper. The extension and contraction force of the damper is transmitted to the pantograph links via the corresponding seesaw links with the pantograph links shifting the pad provided in the backseat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventors: Kunihiko MATANO, Koichi Nozoe
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20100102607
    Abstract: A vehicle seat comprises a synthetic resin cushion plate (31) attached to a back frame (3) by way of seat springs (32) so as to be movable forward or backward, a single elastic auxiliary plate (40) attached to the cushion plate (31) so as to be movable forward or backward relative to the cushion plate (31), a specific section of the auxiliary plate (40) formed as a push-out section (70) protruding forward when a distance between an upper edge and a lower edge of the auxiliary plate (40) is shortened by moving the lower edge upward. Elasticity of the auxiliary plate (40) supporting the body of the seated passenger is adjusted by moving the auxiliary plate (40) near the push-out section (70) forward or backward. The push-out section (70) has a corrugated part (71) formed from a sideways projection that projects forward or/and backward as viewed from a side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: TS TECH CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kensuke Mizoi
  • Patent number: 7695067
    Abstract: A chair mechanism for an ergonomically adjustable, reclinable chair includes a frame and profile bands mounted to the frame. The profile bands are flexible and are configured to define a forwardly projecting lumbar region, the degree of forward projection of the lumbar region being variable in response to the position and movement of the chair seat. A flexible back support surface is carried by and spans the region between the profile bands. The shape and contour of the back surface is controlled by the shape of the profile bands. The chair mechanism enables the user to shift easily between upright and reclining positions without requiring the use of heavy springs or complex linkages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Inventors: Mark W. Goetz, Michael R. Kerschbaumer
  • Publication number: 20100078980
    Abstract: An actuator assembly for adjusting first and second comfort features of a seat assembly includes a housing and a shaft mounted for linear and rotational movement in the housing. A main gear is mounted on the shaft and mounted for rotational movement in the housing. The shaft and main gear are linearly movable between first and second positions relative to the housing. A first cable assembly includes a first pinion gear mounted for rotational movement in the housing. A first rack is mounted for linear movement in the housing. The first rack engages with the first pinion gear such that rotation of the first pinion gear linearly moves the first rack. A first cable is connected to the first rack. The first cable is adapted to be connected to a first comfort feature. A second cable assembly includes a second pinion gear mounted for rotational movement in the housing. A second rack is mounted for linear movement in the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Radu Popa
  • Publication number: 20100066144
    Abstract: A spindle drive for a lumbar support in a backrest structure of a motor vehicle seat having a rest frame forming the supporting structure of the backrest and having the lumbar support arranged at the front side of the rest frame for supporting the back region of a motor vehicle occupant having a carrier to which a supporting device adjustable substantially perpendicular to the carrier is hinged, which supporting device comprises two supporting bails extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the rest, which supporting bails are pivotably hinged to the carrier about an axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the rest and are pivotable towards and away from the carrier by means of the spindle drive. The spindle drive comprising two gliders guided on the carrier, which are connected to a spindle nut, which are engaged with thread sections of a spindle having two threads of opposite thread pitch, so that the gliders are movable in opposite directions and pivot the supporting bails.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventors: Sebastian Schweizer, Cornelia Brueckner, Wera Wolniczak, Guido Neumann
  • Patent number: 7654974
    Abstract: A traction table (200) include a frame having a base-frame portion (202) rotabably coupled to a top-frame portion (250) at a pivot point 214, a seat back portion (208) coupled to the top frame portion, and a seat-bottom (204) slidably coupled to the frame top portion. The seat-bottom can rotate about a pivot point (262) and tilt about at least one axis (260 and/or 264). The seat-bottom can further slide forwards or backwards relative to the top frame portion. The traction table can include an optional neck piece (210) coupled to the top frame portion that can move parallel relative to the seat back portion and constructed to rotate, tilt side to side or forward and backward. The traction table can include at least one actuator motor (245 or 244) for moving the seat-bottom or neck piece relative to the top-frame portion and a controller (212) for controlling such actuator(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Inventor: David B. Bass
  • Patent number: 7614694
    Abstract: The invention to a seat, in particular an aircraft passenger seat, comprising seat components such as a seat (10) and a backrest (12), in addition to at least one cover part (20), which is pre-tensioned in at least one direction and at least one section and which extends between frame parts (24) of an allocated seat component. As the seat is provided with at least one controllable adjusting unit (26), which permits the specification of different pre-tensions for the respective cover part (20) within a predefinable range and in a reversible manner, the respective seat user, who occupies the seat can adapt the seat to his or her comfort and health requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: RECARO Aircraft Seating GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Oliver Forgatsch, Andreas Erb
  • Patent number: 7614695
    Abstract: A seat back structure includes a back frame and a flexible sheet-like member. The back frame formed into a frame-like skeleton of a seat has a fixing portion. The flexible sheet-like member is provided within the back frame so as to support a back portion of a passenger. The flexible sheet-like member comprises a first supporting portion that is engaged with the fixing portion to regulate a substantial backward movement of the first supporting portion over a predetermined distance. The first supporting portion is slidable in substantially upper and lower directions with respect to the fixing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenji Satou, Toshirou Oosaki, Terumitu Ozawa
  • Patent number: 7604292
    Abstract: In one embodiment there is a lumbar support system for fitting on a motorcycle or other similar vehicle. There is a bracket for connecting the lumbar support to the seat pan. There is a mechanism for pivotably connecting the bracket to the lumbar support. There is a mechanism for connecting the seat pan adjustably to a rear fender of the vehicle. The height of the lumbar support may be adjustable. The pitch and lateral position of the support may also be adjustable. There is also an air cushion with multiple chambers disposed within a recess in the seat pan, such air cushion and seat pad being covered with foam and a leather, vinyl or other cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Inventor: Randall C. Reading
  • Publication number: 20090236889
    Abstract: A support with a lumbar adjuster device for a motor vehicle seat includes a front side which, in the installed position, faces a seat user's back and a lumbar adjuster device which is arranged on the front side of the support and is intended for setting the position of the lumbar support perpendicular to the plane of extent of the backrest frame. The lumbar adjuster device has at least one adjuster element to be brought into operative connection with the lumbar support, and at least one slide which is movable with respect to the adjuster element. The slide can be moved, firstly, along a tensioning direction along which it is pretensioned, and, secondly, along a drawing direction along which a drawing force can be transmitted to the slide via a drawing means coupled to the slide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: BROSE FAHRZEUGTEILE GHBH & KG. COBURG
    Inventors: Andreas Prause, Alwin Macht, Markus Fischer, Klaus Beloch, Michael Flieger
  • Patent number: 7575278
    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 holding the plate member for moving the plate member in a forward and backward direction. The plate member includes a thoracic vertebra avoiding portion having at least one of a hole and a recessed portion recessed in a direction away from the thoracic vertebrae of a user, so as to avoid a pushing force to the thoracic vertebrae. In addition the thoracic vertebra avoiding portion is vertically elongated at a substantially widthwise center position of the plate member and has a width of 40 to 100 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignees: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Boshoku America, Inc
    Inventors: Dan Wissner, Mike Hard, Doug Krueger, Katsuhito Yamauchi, Yukihide Hamajima, Satoshi Nonoyama, Tomoki Nii
  • Publication number: 20090200847
    Abstract: A manual adjustment of a back support on a vehicle seat includes comprising a cable pulley which is selectively rotatable in a drive direction or in a driven direction oriented counter to the drive direction, and a tensile device associated with the cable pulley, which may be rolled up onto the cable pulley by rotating the cable pulley in the drive direction. The tensile device is able to be coupled to a back support of a vehicle seat such that the rotation of the cable pulley in the drive direction and/or driven direction affects an adjustment of the back support. A pretensioning acts on the cable pulley—which produces a torque of the cable pulley in the driven direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventors: Georg Scheck, Alwin Macht, Andreas Prause
  • Patent number: 7549700
    Abstract: A a lumbar support has a flexible seat suspension and a supporting mechanism. The lumbar support device is capable of providing an infinite number of vertical adjustment points. The supporting mechanism is connected to the flexible seat suspension by slide elements and travels up and down the side rails of the flexible seat suspension to the seat occupant's desired position. The movement of the supporting mechanism is accomplished both vertically along the flexible seat suspersion and horizonally relative to the seat by using wire cables, tractions cables, and a series of pulleys. The pulley system reduces the load of the actuators used in the lumbar device making it possible to use smaller, less expensive actuators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Schukra of North America
    Inventor: Horia Blendea