Providing Support For The Sides Of A Seated Occupant Patents (Class 297/284.9)
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Patent number: 8662483Abstract: A shock absorber for vehicle seat is provided. The shock absorber is suspended on a seat frame so as to elastically support a pad. The shock absorber includes: a plurality of wires that are disposed in parallel to the seat frame, both ends of the wires being locked to the seat frame; and a resinous member that connects the wires to each other, the resinous member having a bent portion, wherein the resinous member is elastically deformable in a direction in which the wires are opposed each other in accordance with a deformation of the bent portion.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2009Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shigetomo Yamaguchi, Masayuki Kitou, Toshiyuki Ario, Ryuji Hayashi
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Patent number: 8646842Abstract: A novel salon chair having a salon chair portion with a seat portion elevated above a floor surface on a support portion and a seat back portion. The novel salon chair also having one or both of: a side wing extended from the seat back portion adjacent to at least one of two opposite sides thereof and a top edge thereof, with the side wing being extended substantially over the seat portion; and an adjustable headrest structured for supporting a head of an occupant of the salon chair from falling.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2011Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Inventor: Linda Barfuss
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Patent number: 8602449Abstract: A vehicle seat is provided with: paddles configuring frames of a side support of a seat back; a side support adjusting mechanism including a paddle drive mechanism receiving adjustment force and displacing the paddles in a seat width direction; a side airbag provided in a folded state at a seat width direction edge portion inside the seat back, receiving a gas supply and deploying forwards in the seat front-rear direction while inflating; and a frame moving structure for displacing the paddle inward in the seat width direction by deployment pressure of the side airbag. In the frame moving structure, the paddle drive mechanism, for driving the paddle inward in the seat width direction, allows relative displacement of the paddle in the seat width direction.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2009Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Michiaki Kojima
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Patent number: 8602493Abstract: A chair with a hip-shaping seat is provided with a base, a seat and two elastic members. The seat is formed by two seat members, and on the top of each of the seat members is formed an arc-shaped surface. The two seat members are pivoted connected at one end, and are capable of opening and closing at another end, so that the width of the seat space can also be adjusted to fit different sized hips, through pivoting of the seat members. Hence, the chair of the present invention is capable of effectively holding the hip and preventing the hip from sagging.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2012Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Inventors: Chiung-Kuang Chen, Chun-Yen Hsieh, David Guy Valdiserri
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Patent number: 8590978Abstract: A seating assembly having a seat and a seat back. A frame assembly is disposed in each of the seat and the seat back. A carrier assembly is operably coupled with the seat and the seat back. The carrier assembly includes a plurality of elongate support tabs proximate the seat. A plurality of apertures and at least one groove are proximate the seat back. A cushion extends over the seat and the seat back.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2010Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: John W. Jaranson, Marcos S. Kondrad
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Publication number: 20130292980Abstract: In a seat, in a state in which tilting of a back main frame around a tilting center is locked by a reclining mechanism, a lower end of a back joint link is turnably joined to a vehicle side. Thus, turning of a first link, a back sub frame and the back joint link is locked, and operation of a back link mechanism is locked. Therefore, a supporting rigidity from rear side of a back side portion can be enhanced by the back link mechanism (the back sub frame), and a crew sitting in the seat can be thoroughly retained.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2013Publication date: November 7, 2013Applicants: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Masayuki Yamada, Hideki Kobayashi, Takeshi Tokai, Masaki Mori, Keisuke Onoda, Makoto Ito
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Patent number: 8474862Abstract: A motor vehicle seat arrangement for a motor vehicle. The seat arrangement comprising a vehicle seat, at least one inflatable element, means for inflating the inflatable element which inflate the inflatable element depending on a control signal. The vehicle seat arrangement is arranged in the vehicle and the inflatable element is designed and arranged in or on a side wall of a backrest of the vehicle seat in a way that it exerts a momentum on the upper part of the body of the vehicle occupant while it is inflated in answer to the control signal, so that the whole vehicle occupant is moved away from a collision section of the vehicle that collides or is going to collide with the object or that the thorax region of the upper part of the body of the vehicle occupant performs a tilting movement away from the collision section of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2009Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: Takata AGInventors: Oliver Pursche, Hans-Peter Sendelbach, Martin Breuninger, Hiroshi Nozu, Werner Geiselhart, Edwin Miller, Thomas Sievers
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Patent number: 8469448Abstract: An operation mechanism of a side support apparatus adapted to be accommodated in a right and left side support portions provided at a seatback and being movable between a support position and an open position, includes a support structure including a pulley and being movable between the open position and the support position, a first fixing portion including a first guide portion and a second guide portion and fixedly provided at a seatback member, and a drive cable being fixedly attached to the first fixing portion at a first end portion of the drive cable and being engaged with the pulley at an intermediate of the drive cable. The pulley is pushed by a tensile force generated at the drive cable by pulling the drive cable so that the support structure is movable relative to the first fixing portion in a direction toward the support position.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2011Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masatoshi Mori, Hideaki Honjo, Tadasuke Higuchi
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Patent number: 8348340Abstract: A seat structure has a main body and a seating surface element attached to the main body extending in a longitudinal direction. A back element is connected to a rear end of the seating surface element and is reclinable and extends in a vertical direction. The back element includes a back plate and a pair of back rods respectively positioned on both lateral sides of said back plate. An upper end flap is connected to an upper end of the back plate in a forward tiltable manner. A displacement member is supported on the back rods and is vertically displaceable. A first connection element connects the displacement member and upper end flap to tilt the upper end flap forward according to displacement of the displacement member.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2012Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Aprica Children's Products Inc.Inventor: Ichiro Ohnishi
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Patent number: 8240763Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 21, 2009Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kunihiko Matano, Koichi Nozoe
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Patent number: 8231174Abstract: When a seat (10) is to be stowed, a seat pad (28) is moved toward a seat (10) reverse side, pad side portions (32) are rotated toward the seat (10) reverse side with respect to a pad center portion (30), and a center portion (12) and side portions (14) of the seat (10) are contracted. Here, interlockingly with contraction of the side portions (14), a skin (42) is bent and folded in at portions covering distal ends of vertical walls (22) of a wall panel (18) and at second fixing portions (42B). Due thereto, slack of the skin (42) at seat (10) lateral direction end surfaces can be taken in.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2006Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masayuki Yamada, Hideki Kobayashi, Takeshi Tokai, Masaki Mori, Keisuke Onoda, Makoto Itou
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Patent number: 8186756Abstract: An adjustable body support, including a number of mutually displaceable members, where a first plate-shaped basic member includes means for releasable fastening on a piece of furniture, a second plate-shaped basic member includes means for releasable fastening to the first basic member at varying positions, and a number of support members that may be releasably fastened to the second basic member.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2010Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: R82 A/SInventor: Knud Jørgensen
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Patent number: 8157321Abstract: A variety of cushion presenters may be provided in seats such as motorcycle. These cushion presenters are filled with air to envelop and support the hips of a rider. The cushion presenters may further be used to provide sacrum, support. Additional cushion presenters may be used in the buttock region to relieve tail burn. A linkage may further be provided to provide a actuated backrest.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2008Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Schukra of North America Co.Inventors: Robert J. McMillen, Renato Colja, Larry D. Janzen, Niels S. Mossbeck, Alan Prettyman
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Publication number: 20120086250Abstract: An adjusting device for adjusting a side cheek of a seat comprises a bending element (31) which is to be coupled to the side cheek and the curvature of which can be reversibly changed, and a holder with a base section (36) and a pivoting section (37) pivotably attached thereto. The adjusting device is designed in such a way that, when a force is exerted by means of an actuating device (21, 22), the bending element (31) is first displaced relative to the holder and then bent, so that a section (34) to be coupled to the side cheek executes a movement which runs first rectilinearly and then arcuately and which is transmitted to the side cheek of the seat.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2006Publication date: April 12, 2012Applicant: SCHUKRA GERATEBAU AGInventors: Veit Stoessel, Walter Schindlegger
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Patent number: 8141952Abstract: An adjustable bolster assembly is provided for use with a seat assembly. The adjustable bolster assembly includes a mounting bracket configured to be fixedly secured to the seat assembly. The adjustable bolster assembly also includes a pair of side bolster paddles. Each of the side bolster paddles is operatively mounted on the mounting bracket for movement between a retracted position and a deployed position in which the pair of side bolster paddles extend forward of the mounting bracket. An actuator is mounted on the mounting bracket and operatively connected to the pair of side bolster paddles for effecting the movement.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2007Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: Intier Automotive IncInventor: Jeffrey J. Poniatowski
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Patent number: 8136880Abstract: A juvenile vehicle seat includes a base, a seat back, and a width controller. The base includes a seat bottom and first and second armrests mounted for pivotable movement on opposite sides of the seat bottom. The width controller can be operated to cause the first and second armrests to pivot relative to one another and to the seat bottom.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2010Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: Cosco Management, Inc.Inventors: Richard M. Biaud, Gilles Lhomme
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Patent number: 8136834Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle seat (1) having an upholstered component (3) which is covered by flexible covering (4), and a safety device which is arranged in the upholstered component (3) and has an airbag (5) which is coupled to a gas generator (6). The gas generator (6) is activated when sensor data relating to an accident or an imminent accident are present to inflate the airbag (5) with gas and unfold the airbag. An activator (8) is provided by means of which the airbag (5) or separate gas cushion (7) can be additionally repeatedly inflated with gas in a reversible fashion. The covering (4) is of an inelastic design, at least in certain areas, and has an elastic section (9) which is arranged in the covering (4).Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2008Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: Autoliv Development ABInventors: Rikard Fredriksson, Ralf Zauritz, Frederic Charpentier
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Patent number: 8136883Abstract: A vehicle seat, in particular a motor vehicle seat, has at least one pair of adjustable lateral cheeks provided on a seat cushion and/or on a seat back, with at least one inflatable chamber for adjusting the lateral cheek being provided in each of the lateral cheeks. A plate-shaped element is provided outside the inflatable chamber and on the same side facing a person sitting on the vehicle seat.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2009Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventor: Benjamin Rehfuss
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Patent number: 8123296Abstract: A vehicle bench seat assembly includes a seat bottom including a first seat portion having a seating surface, a second seat portion having a seating surface, and a third seat portion having a seating surface. The seat assembly further includes a seat back including a first back portion, a second back portion, and a third back portion located between the first and second portions. The third seat portion is movable between a first position, wherein the seating surface of the third seat portion is generally flush with the seating surfaces of the first and second seat portions, and a second position, wherein the seating surface of the third seat portion extends in a non-flush position relative to the seating surfaces of the first and second seat portions.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2007Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Bernd Rager, Hans Jörg Walk, Harald Fischer, Christer Andersson, Torbjorn Linder
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Patent number: 8109571Abstract: A child safety seat includes a seat body, a backrest, a first side wing, and an adjusting mechanism. The backrest is connected to the seat body. A hole is formed on the backrest and a first slot is formed on a first side of the backrest. A first side wing is movably disposed through the first slot. The adjusting mechanism is movably disposed in the hole of the backrest and is movably connected to the first side wing. The adjusting mechanism has an actuating part. The actuating part is operable for driving the first side wing to move relative to the first slot telescopically.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2009Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Excellerate Enterprise Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ying-Zhong Chen
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Patent number: 8061767Abstract: There is disclosed a seating system which may included a left seat and a right seat independently supported by left and right suspensions systems, respectively. The left and right suspension systems may provide independent vertical, lateral, azimuthal, and longitudinal roll motion of the left and right seats.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2007Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Patrik A. Kunzler, Enrique J. Garcia, William J. Mitchell
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Patent number: 8036796Abstract: A seat apparatus for a vehicle includes a side support portion moved in first and second directions, a driving device moving the side support portion in the first direction and in the second direction, a vehicle location obtaining means for obtaining vehicle location information including a present location of the vehicle, a curve information preliminarily obtaining means for preliminarily obtaining curve information on a map data including a curve starting point located in an area existing a first predetermined distance ahead from the present location of the vehicle, a control starting point determining means for determining a point existing a second predetermined distance closer to the vehicle than the curve starting point as a control starting point, a control starting point memorizing means for memorizing the control starting point, and a drive control means for starting control on the driving device when the vehicle reaches the control starting point.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2007Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Assignees: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin Aw Co., Ltd.Inventors: Soichiro Hozumi, Toshiro Maeda, Koji Aoki, Koji Hattori, Fumiharu Ogawa
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Patent number: 8032284Abstract: A seat apparatus for controlling a side support portion on the basis of a road shape includes a control program cooperating with a car navigation system, a self-directed control program, a sensor error detecting program, and a map matching error detecting program, wherein, during the side support portion is executed by the control program cooperating with the car navigation system, when the error is detected, the control program cooperating with the car navigation system is changed to the self-directed control program, and during the side support portion is controlled by the self-directed control program, when the error is not detected, the self-directed control program is changed the control program cooperating with the car navigation system.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2007Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Soichiro Hozumi, Toshiro Maeda, Koji Hattori
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Patent number: 8020933Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 5, 2009Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corp.Inventors: Tae Hyung Kim, Byeong Joon Min, Deok Soo Lim, Ji Hyun Kim, Sam Jae Cho
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Patent number: 8016350Abstract: A vehicle seat for use in military vehicles provides increased protection for a helmeted or unhelmeted combatant soldier. The seat includes a seat portion having a layer of high impact energy absorbing material. A back support portion adjoined to the rear of the seat portion extends upwardly for supporting the rearward side of the seated soldier. The back portion has a lower section for supporting the thorax and lower back, and two overlying sections which are positionable for supporting and restraining rearward movement of the helmeted or unhelmeted head and the neck. The overlying sections are moveable toward and away from the soldier and together define a surface and contour which interacts with the seated soldier during rear end impact to maintain the pre-collision shape of the soldier's supported spinal curves, to aid in avoidance of whiplash and similar injuries. Swivelable side portions actuated by sensors flank the sides of the soldier for further protection.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2008Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Inventor: Ronald P. Dellanno
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Publication number: 20110210590Abstract: An operation mechanism of a side support apparatus adapted to be accommodated in a right and left side support portions provided at a seatback and being movable between a support position and an open position, includes a support structure including a pulley and being movable between the open position and the support position, a first fixing portion including a first guide portion and a second guide portion and fixedly provided at a seatback member, and a drive cable being fixedly attached to the first fixing portion at a first end portion of the drive cable and being engaged with the pulley at an intermediate of the drive cable. The pulley is pushed by a tensile force generated at the drive cable by pulling the drive cable so that the support structure is movable relative to the first fixing portion in a direction toward the support position.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2011Publication date: September 1, 2011Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Masatoshi Mori, Hideaki Honjo, Tadasuke Higuchi
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Patent number: 8002347Abstract: The cycle seat with adjustable sides includes laterally adjustable side wings for increased rider stability. The seat is mounted on arcuately articulating arms that pivot from the lower forward frame of the cycle. The arms are biased upwardly by a spring, thus urging the seat into contact with the rider. A latch mechanism allows the rider to latch the seat position in a lower range for normal riding, or to latch the seat in a higher range to support the rider as he or she stands on the pedals to exert greater force during acceleration or uphill riding. The greater support provided by the raised seat and articulating support mechanism during such riding greatly reduces the amount of upper body exertion the rider would otherwise need to stabilize him or herself using the cycle handlebars, thus freeing the rider to exert greater pedal force during such extreme cycling operations.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2010Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Inventors: James B. Geyer, Thomas C. Geyer
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Patent number: 7984949Abstract: The present invention is a lumbar and bolster support for a seat, especially for an automotive second row seat or a chair back rest. The lumbar and bolster support has a lumbar support member adjustable between a retracted position and an extended position, and a first bolster member and a second bolster member adjustable between a first position and a second position.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2008Date of Patent: July 26, 2011Assignee: Schukra of North AmericaInventors: Robert J. McMillen, Stephen M. Certossi
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Patent number: 7967382Abstract: The side bolster apparatus includes a pressing unit formed on one side of a foldable seat back and rotating around a rotating shaft of the seat back, bolster installed so as to protrude from a rear side of the seat back, and an external force transmitting unit receiving external force from the pressing unit when the seat back is unfolded and transmitting the received external force to the bolster such that the bolsters protrude from the seat back.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2009Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Jong Kweon Pyun, Chan Ho Jeong, Jung Sang You, Ki Jin Kwon
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Patent number: 7967379Abstract: A seat including a plurality of user support assemblies that are independently adjustable. User support assemblies, which are independently adjustable, include a head support assembly, a thoracic support assembly, and a lumbar support assembly. Moreover, the seat might include a independently adjustable seat assembly.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2008Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: L&P Property Management CompanyInventors: Joseph L. Walters, Dana E. Lockwood, Robert Ripplinger, James A. Riegsecker
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Patent number: 7963602Abstract: A vehicle system for aiding in the protection of a vehicle occupant is disclosed. The system includes a seat assembly having a seat base and a seat back and a pelvic bolster rotatably attached to the seat back of the seat assembly. The pelvic bolster is rotatably movable between a first stowed position and a second deployed position. A reversible motor drives the pelvic bolster between its stowed position and its deployed position. The system further includes a threat condition sensor operatively associated with the reversible motor.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2008Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Brian Robert Spahn, Ian Brewster Hall
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Patent number: 7918506Abstract: A padding structure for a chair includes a back support, a seat plate, a foam disposed on the back support, two guiding lines mounted on the back support, and two guiding lines mounted on the seat plate. Each guiding line of the back support and the seat plate is connected with a resilient member to control flexibility of the resilient member. An adjustable member is used to control the expansion and retraction of the guiding lines to drive the resilient members to change their radii of curvature, correcting the user's improper posture.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2009Date of Patent: April 5, 2011Assignee: Chern Shing Top Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hsueh-Sheng Hsiao
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Patent number: 7917264Abstract: A seat apparatus for a vehicle having a side support portion that is controlled depending on a road condition, includes a distance calculating means for calculating a distance of a straight portion between a first curve, on which a vehicle is supposed to be driven, and a second curve, on which the vehicle is supposed to be driven after the first curve, based on an electronic map data, a first controlling level calculating means for calculating a first controlling level at which the side support portion is controlled when the vehicle is driven on the first curve, a second controlling level calculating means for calculating a second controlling level at which the side support portion is controlled when the vehicle is driven on the straight portion, and a driving means for operating the side support portion based on the first controlling level and the second controlling level.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2007Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignees: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Soichiro Hozumi, Toshiro Maeda, Koji Aoki, Koji Hattori
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Patent number: 7914471Abstract: A multiple mode massage chair is provided for being interchangeably used as a seating support and a massaging platform. Above the conventional components of an advanced chair construction such as a horizontal base with a number of casters for slidably supporting the base over the floor, an upholstered seat bottom and seatback assembled to the base through a telescopic upright stand for a height adjustment from the base, the invention provides pairs of elongated cushion flaps pivotally attached to the seat bottom and seatback for selectively providing an extra cushion to the seated user on the respective seating surfaces. Each flap is shaped to flap on a bi-level pivot action to cover or expose an underlying massage surface of the chair with the assistance of a toggle action in order to facilitate the change of the mode of operation of the chair.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2007Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Inventor: Samuel Chen
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Patent number: 7909403Abstract: A manipulable seat bolster including an active material actuator configured to selectively cause or enable a condition, such as the geometric configuration, or position of the bolster to be modified, when the active material is activated.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2009Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Jennifer P. Lawall, Steven E. Morris, Diane K. McQueen, Nancy L. Johnson, Alan L. Browne, Paul W. Alexander, Nilesh D. Mankame
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Patent number: 7905548Abstract: An embodiment of a sports vehicle seat. The seat has lateral restraints for laterally retaining an occupant of the seat, and an actuating device for adapting the shape and/or size of the lateral restraints as a function of vehicle driving mode. Each lateral restraint incorporates at least one shape-memory member, which changes shape when subjected to physical external stress. And the actuating device subjects each shape-memory member to physical external stress to change the shape of the shape-memory member.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2007Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: Ferrari S.p.A.Inventors: Gaurav Gupta, Raza Malik, Amedeo Visconti, Roland Khayat, Antonio Calvosa, Paolo Gatto
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Patent number: 7857387Abstract: A pneumatic lordosis support (1) consists of a cushion (3), which is integrated into the backrest (2) of a seat. Laterally of a vertical center line (7), the cushion encompasses horizontal connections (8) between a front side and a rear side of the cushion (3). The cushion (3) is composed of an air-tight flexible membrane. In the region of the vertical center line (7), the connections (8) encompass breaks. Vertically offset to the connections (8), the cushion (3) encompasses further central horizontal connections (10), which extend substantially across the region of the breaks in the connection (8). In the region where connections (8) and central connections (10) are located close to one another, reduced radii of the membrane lead to the occurrence of less stress than in the remaining cushions (3) and allow the spine of a user to dip into the cushion (3) more softly.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2005Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Assignee: Prospective Concepts AGInventor: Daniel Habegger
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Patent number: 7856300Abstract: A seat apparatus for a vehicle including a motor for operating a side support portion, includes, a sensor for detecting that the vehicle is driven on a curve, a distance between curves calculating program for calculating a distance between curves, and a control state determining program for determining a control state of the vehicle, the control state being set to one of an unexecuted state, an executed state and a standby state, wherein the motor operates the side support portion so as to be retained to a supporting position when the control state of the vehicle is set to the executed state.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2007Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignees: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Soichiro Hozumi, Toshiro Maeda, Yuki Fujii, Koji Hattori, Tomonori Suzuki
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Patent number: 7828379Abstract: 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 ofType: GrantFiled: November 19, 2008Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: TS Tech Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shinji Sugiyama
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Patent number: 7822523Abstract: A seat apparatus for vehicle includes a vehicle state detecting device detecting a vehicle state, at least one position changing device changing a position of a seat, a controlling device controlling the position changing means on the basis of the vehicle state detected by the vehicle state detecting device, and the position changing device tilts an entire or a portion of a right portion of the seat and a left portion of the seat in a forward direction.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2007Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tadasu Yoshida, Makoto Inoue, Sadao Ito
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Patent number: 7810883Abstract: The present invention provides an adjustable child restraint device, namely, a juvenile safety seat. The safety seat preferably includes a backrest and a pair of side guards that protect the body and shoulder of a person, such as a small child. Each of the pair of side guards have a top end and a bottom end and each are respectively pivotally connected about an axis to the backrest at their bottom ends and movable between a closed position and an open position so that the distance between the respective bottom ends of the side guards remains substantially constant and the distance between the respective top ends of the side guards is adjustable by pivoting movement of the side guards. A curved guide means is disposed in communication with the side guards for guiding movement of the side guards.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2008Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignee: SKJP Holdings, LLCInventors: Russell Berger, David Clement
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Publication number: 20100231016Abstract: In a vehicle seat, in particular for a motor vehicle, that includes, but is not limited to a seat surface, a backrest, at least one space in the area of the lateral supports of the seat surface and/or the backrest for the formation of at least one lateral seat support cushion. The space is sealed fluid-tight and variable in volume, and has at least one closing unit, e.g., a valve, for the controlled introduction and release of air into and from the space so as to vary the volume of the space, a cost-effective variable level of lateral support for the vehicle seat is to be enabled at a low technical outlay. This object is achieved by having the space incorporates a flexible body.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2010Publication date: September 16, 2010Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventor: Reimer Võlz
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Patent number: 7770977Abstract: The headrest and side rails of a patient procedures chair are mounted on posts which are slidably received in elongated, self-aligning or floating plastic bearings. With this construction, any misalignment of the posts due to manufacturing tolerances will be accounted for as the bearings readjust themselves. Clamping devices engage the bearings and cause deformation to increase the frictional engagement of the bearings with the posts to the point where the posts are locked into place. In this regard, actuation of the clamps is accomplished by large knobs that protrude from the back of the chair for ready accessibility.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2007Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Midmark CorporationInventor: Mark G. Diller
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Patent number: 7766425Abstract: A rear seat assembly is provided for supporting occupants. The seat assembly includes a seat cushion. A pair of spaced apart outer seat backs is pivotally secured to the seat cushion. A middle seat back is pivotally secured to the seat cushion and disposed between the pair of outer seat backs. Each of the pair of outer seat backs includes a pair of spaced apart bolsters pivotally hinged thereto for movement between a retracted position and a deployed position. Each of the outer seat backs also includes an actuating mechanism operatively connected between the pair of bolsters for moving the pair of bolsters between the retracted and deployed positions as one of the outer and middle seat backs pivots relative to the seat cushion.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2006Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: Intier Automotive Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey Poniatowski
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Publication number: 20100187881Abstract: Follow-up performance to respiratory movements is made higher than that of the prior art without obstructing movements of the pelvis of a person. A configuration is adopted that a cushioning member arrangement frame for a seat back 34, 140 and a cushioning member arrangement frame for a seat cushion are displaced according to load fluctuation to a cushioning member for a seat back 40, 150 or a cushioning member for a seat cushion 20. That is, such a configuration is adopted that the cushioning member arrangement frame for a seat back 34, 140 or the cushioning member for a seat cushion 20 not only moves according to load fluctuation but also frames themselves supporting them move via tension structure members spread over the frames (a cushioning member for a seat back and a cushioning member for a seat cushion).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2008Publication date: July 29, 2010Applicant: Delta Tooling Co., LtdInventors: Etsunori Fujita, Seiji Kawasaki, Hiroki Oshimo, Shigeyuki Kojima
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Publication number: 20100140990Abstract: A vehicle system for aiding in the protection of a vehicle occupant is disclosed. The system includes a seat assembly having a seat base and a seat back and a pelvic bolster rotatably attached to the seat back of the seat assembly. The pelvic bolster is rotatably movable between a first stowed position and a second deployed position. A reversible motor drives the pelvic bolster between its stowed position and its deployed position. The system further includes a threat condition sensor operatively associated with the reversible motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2008Publication date: June 10, 2010Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Brian Robert Spahn, Ian Brewster Hall
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Patent number: 7726739Abstract: A seat structure comprises a base (1), a back and a bolster (2) located on at least one edge of the base or back. The bolster (2) includes an upholstered cover (3) and a support structure (4) for controlling the position of the upholstered cover (3). The support structure (4) comprises: a support member (11) pivotally mounted for pivotal movement between a raised position in which the support member (11) supports the upholstered cover (3) in a raised state, and a lowered position in which the upholstered cover (3) is no longer supported in the raised state, a first strut member (14) pivotally connected to the support member (11) and a second strut member (16) pivotally connected to the first strut member (14) to form with the first strut member (14) an over-centre strut (13) which, when in its over-centre configuration, holds the support member in its raised state.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2005Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: Kongsberg Automotive LtdInventor: Robert Wain
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Publication number: 20100117412Abstract: An adjusting device for adjusting a side wing (3) of a seat includes an adjusting element (2) to be coupled to the side wing, supporting means (25) for mechanically supporting the adjusting element (2), and pneumatically actuable positioning means (28) for positioning the adjusting element (21) in relation to the supporting means (25). The positioning means, for example an inflatable balloon (28), are coupled to the adjusting element (21) in order, when the positioning means (28) are actuated, to reposition the adjusting element (21) for adjusting the side wing (3).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2008Publication date: May 13, 2010Inventor: Sergej Bicker
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Patent number: 7713220Abstract: A multiple mode massage chair is provided for being interchangeably used as a seating support and a massaging platform. Above the conventional components of an advanced chair construction such as a horizontal base with a number of casters for slidably supporting the base over the floor, an upholstered seat bottom and seatback assembled to the base through a telescopic upright stand for a height adjustment from the base, the invention provides pairs of elongated cushion flaps pivotally attached to the seat bottom and seatback for selectively providing an extra cushion to the seated user on the respective seating surfaces. Each flap is shaped to flap on a bi-level pivot action to cover or expose an underlying massage surface of the chair with the assistance of a toggle action in order to facilitate the change of the mode of operation of the chair.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2007Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Inventor: Samuel Chen
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Patent number: 7712832Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a frame, a flexible cover, and a material that is sufficiently mounted with respect to the flexible cover such that the material resists displacement of at least part of the flexible cover with respect to the frame. The material is characterized by a first state in which the material is characterized by a first rigidity, and a second state in which the material is characterized by a second rigidity that is greater than the first rigidity. Thus, the firmness of the seat is selectively variable by causing the material to change between the first and second states. A corresponding method is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2007Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Daniel W. Booth, Robert L. Demick