Inverting Patents (Class 297/3)
  • Patent number: 11006766
    Abstract: A move and discover chair helps teachers transition to new education paradigm where children “move” and “discover” education with the teacher positioned in the midst of the children to encourage them in the excitement of learning. The chair stimulates the ability to focus on learning and to be more effective in one's work by allowing some level of movement, balance, fidgeting, and engagement with the background environment. The chair includes a concave end cap with a first side edge and an external concave surface, a convex end cap with a second side edge and an external convex surface, and a center section fixedly positioned between the concave end cap and the convex end cap and with an outer surface that is substantially straight in a directions between the concave end cap and the convex end cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Aspen Academy
    Inventors: Kristina Elizabeth Scala, Frank Phillips
  • Patent number: 10561245
    Abstract: Theater seating systems, theater lounge seats, theater seats, and theater seating arrangements are described herein. An example embodiment of a theater seating system comprises a separating panel and a theater seat. The separating panel has a first end, a second end, a first section, a second section, a third section, and a fourth section. The first section, the second section, the third section, and the fourth section cooperatively define a chamber within which the theater seat is disposed. The first end is separated from the second end to define an opening that provides access to the chamber defined by the separating panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: IPIC-GOLD CLASS ENTERTAINMENT, LLC
    Inventor: Abdol Hamid Hashemi
  • Patent number: 10390629
    Abstract: A move and discover chair helps teachers transition to new education paradigm where children “move” and “discover” education with the teacher positioned in the midst of the children to encourage them in the excitement of learning. The chair stimulates the ability to focus on learning and to be more effective in one's work by allowing some level of movement, balance, fidgeting, and engagement with the background environment. The chair includes a concave end cap with a first side edge and an external concave surface, a convex end cap with a second side edge and an external convex surface, and a center section fixedly positioned between the concave end cap and the convex end cap and with an outer surface that is substantially straight in a directions between the concave end cap and the convex end cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Inventors: Frank Phillips, Kristina Elizabeth Scala
  • Patent number: 9425437
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display is disclosed. In one aspect, the method includes forming an OLED over a first substrate and forming a sealing member over the first substrate or a second substrate opposite to the first substrate, to at least partially surround the OLED, wherein a plurality of holes are defined in a first region of the sealing member. The method further includes aligning the first and second substrates with the sealing member interposed therebetween and irradiating a laser beam along a path of the sealing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Min-Chang Kim
  • Patent number: 9327671
    Abstract: A vehicle seat according the disclosure includes a support structure, an airbag module attached to the support structure and including a deployable airbag, and a cover assembly positioned over the airbag module and attached to the support structure. The cover assembly includes a cover portion that covers the airbag module, and a support being made separately from the cover portion and being attached to the cover portion and the support structure. The support is configured to facilitate movement of the cover portion with respect to the support structure during deployment of the airbag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Luca Santi, Armando Pirri
  • Patent number: 8870277
    Abstract: An adjustable height chair has a pair of side frames and a seat frame with two seat/backrest portions secured together, with the seat frame pivotably mounted in the side frames. The chair height is changed by rotating the side frames in a direction opposite to the rotation of the seat frame, so that a seat panel which previously served as a platform to sit on becomes a backrest, and vice-versa. The chair preferably has one or more crossbars to serve the double duty of strengthening the frame of the chair, and supporting the seat panels in both sitting positions of the chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Inventor: Frederick J. Yestadt
  • Publication number: 20140070573
    Abstract: A chair utilizing self-weight traction consists of: a seat unit (10) which is arranged to swing about a horizontal shaft (14) installed on chair legs (12) and which has a seat plate (16) and a back plate 18; and a binding foothold (20) arranged below the seat unit (10) so as to bind a foot of a user. According to the present invention, the seat unit (10) of the chair swings backwardly about the horizontal shaft (14) using the body weight of the user, thus enabling the user to readily take a self-weight traction posture. Therefore, the user who works while seated and thus may have a high practical need for spinal stretching may simply stretch his/her spine even during work, without being restricted in time or space, leading to the effect of treating and preventing spinal disorders such as herniated lumbar disc and scoliosis caused by the long-term use of a chair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Inventor: Mun Seok Kim
  • Patent number: 8210610
    Abstract: A child seat for a juvenile product has a seating surface with a first section, a second section, and a seat bight region between the first and second sections. A lap belt is coupled to the child seat near the seat bight region. A first crotch strap is coupled to the child seat on the first section side of the seat bight region and is connectable to the lap belt in a first harness configuration rendering the first section as the seat bottom of the seating surface. The child seat has a removable pad insert with a second crotch strap. With the pad insert installed over the first section of the seating surface, the pad insert positions the second crotch strap on the second section side of the seat bight region. The second crotch strap is connectable to the lap belt in a second harness configuration rendering the second section as the seat bottom of the seating surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Graco Children's Products Inc.
    Inventors: Cindy L. Berkey, John (Jason) C. Arnold, IV
  • Patent number: 8028641
    Abstract: A convertible bench seat/platform that is pivotally connected to the deck of a pontoon boat and is movable between an inboard position adjacent to the boat side rail for use as a bench seat and an outboard position for use as a platform for fishing, sitting, diving and swimming or for search and rescue operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Inventor: Paul Sly
  • Publication number: 20080236452
    Abstract: Convertible, multi-functional furniture is disclosed that has at least a standard configuration and a converted configuration, the standard and converted configurations providing different uses for the convertible furniture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Michael J. Pratt, David W. Bradley
  • Patent number: 7416248
    Abstract: The adjustable configuration seating has a pair of opposed lateral rigid frame members with seat and back panels extending therebetween. In some embodiments, the chair includes flexible panels secured in place between the two frame members by crossmembers extending between the frame members, with a single adjustably positionable tension crossmember also extending between the frame members to hold the seat and back panel taut. Conversion between relatively upright and reclining configurations is accomplished by repositioning the tension crossmember between the frames, and turning the assembly ninety degrees to position the selected seating surface to face generally upwardly. Other embodiments have rigid seating and back panels, with the backrest panel articulating between the frame members to allow the seating configuration to change. The backrest panel may be secured to the seating panels by a rigid or flexible intermediate panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Inventor: Robert R. Rojas
  • Patent number: 7387332
    Abstract: Chair convertible into chaise-longue, comprising a stationary base structure, a first support section fixed relative to the base structure, a second support structure movable relative to the base structure and able to be moved from a substantially horizontal position to an inclined position in which the second support section forms an upward extension of the first support section, and a movable support element having a third and a fourth support section, fixed relative to each other and mutually inclined. The movable support element is movable relative to the base structure between a first and a second position. In the first position, the third support section is parallel and opposite to the first support section and the fourth support section extends upwards starting from the third support section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Pro-Cord SpA
    Inventor: Alessandro Piretti
  • Patent number: 7152918
    Abstract: A furniture unit for supporting the weight of a child in various selectable seated positions may be rotated as a unit about a horizontal axis to present any one of three available occupant supporting surfaces. The primary occupant supporting surface is a child's high chair, preferably having a fixed tray. When tipped backward from the high chair position, the unit presents a previously inaccessible chair which is convexed on its lower surface to permit it to sway back and forth as a rocker. Alternatively, the unit may be tipped forward from the high chair position to present a previously inaccessible desk chair, with desktop, that is uniquely spaced from the floor by the fixed tray. The unit will most preferably slide up to a dining table while in the high chair position such that the fixed tray may be positioned just over the surface of the dining table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Inventor: Thomas Berkes
  • Patent number: 7097241
    Abstract: A combination step stool and mechanic's seat in the form of a molded plastic, generally parallelepiped configuration includes a seat on one side supported on casters on the opposite side with a step stool surface adjacent the backside of the seat and spaced from a front side surface of the seat which includes a recess tray for tools and other items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Lisle Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin L. Tally, John C. Lisle, William Meis
  • Patent number: 7093899
    Abstract: A seating arrangement, for a motor vehicle, with a lower upholstered seating part comprising a seating surface and a seating section with a top side which is arranged opposite an under-side. Said seating section can be guided in a displaceable manner by guiding means between a first position, wherein said seating section is lowered into the upholstered seating part and forms a section of the seating surface with the top side, and between a second position, wherein said section protrudes from the seating surface in relation to the upholstered seating part. The guiding elements are configured in such a way that when the seating section is lifted between both positions they enable a turning movement of approximately 180°, in addition to adjustment of said height so that in the raised second position, the seating section with the underside thereof is raised upwards away from the upholstered seating part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Johnson Controls GmbH
    Inventors: Siegfried Fisher, Rudolf Hemmelrath
  • Patent number: 7014266
    Abstract: The present invention is a kneeler seat for use in the kneeling or sitting position. The kneeler seat comprises first and second leg members each having first and second end portions and a seat engagement portion disposed substantially closer to the first end portion than the second end portion. Each of the seat engagement portion comprise an elongated cavity having upper and lower surfaces and first and second side surfaces. Each of the seat engagement portions further comprises first and second guide and retention channels formed in the upper and lower surfaces of the elongated cavity, respectively. The first and second guide and retention channels are aligned and disposed parallel to and between the first and second sidewalls. The seat member comprises first and second plugs engageable with the seat engagement portions of the first and second leg members, respectively. Each of the first and second plugs comprises a base portion and first and second walls extending outward from said base portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Inventor: William J. Selby
  • Patent number: 6976732
    Abstract: Modular convertible furniture systems include a pair of similar open-ended box frame assemblies which are nestable one within the other. A pair of slotted support rails are attached pivotally at respective opposing corners of one of the box frame assemblies so as to be movable between raised and lowered positions. When in a raised position, the rails provide a support for a solid board plank thereby becoming a seat back (e.g., for a chair, love seat, or sofa-type arrangement). When the rails are in a lowered position substantially parallel to the ground, the two box frame assemblies may be oriented back-to-back so as to provide a support for a mattress thereby converting the structure into a bed arrangement, for example. The box frame assemblies can be positioned on different sides and ends thereby allowing formation of tables and/or shelving as may be desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Inventors: David L. Thomas, Mark D. Thomas
  • Patent number: 6938952
    Abstract: A high chair is provided that can be used in different modes. The high chair is provided with a seating surface for supporting a child in an elevated position in one mode. The chair can be inverted and used to support a child carrier at an elevated position in a second mode. The chair is configured so that it rests on a generally flat support surface in a non-tilted orientation. A stabilizer may also be provided to further stabilize the chair. A stabilizer is also provided for use with the high chair or high chair of conventional design when such chairs are inverted and used to support child carriers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Shoreworks, LLC
    Inventor: Paul E. Dauterive
  • Patent number: 6820932
    Abstract: A bench is provided for use by at least two persons of similar or differing heights. The bench includes a seat, a back, pivotal members and a support. The pivotal members are held in a substantially vertical position adjacent to the back by a release mechanism. Unlocking the release mechanism results in the pivotal member pivoting to a substantially horizontal position adjacent to the seat. The pivotal member may be locked in this position by a locking mechanism. In addition, in one embodiment of the invention, the back may be horizontally displaced towards the front of the seat, when the pivotal member is in the substantially horizontal position. Thus, the bench may accommodate two persons simultaneously, such as an adult and a child.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: KMCOR LLC
    Inventors: Krisann Misthos, Chris N. Misthos, Vincent Foullois
  • Patent number: 6367874
    Abstract: A multi-functional children's convertible furniture article which can be utilized for a number of different purposes including a bassinet, cradle, bench, desk, rocking bench, high chair, or changing table. The device includes a main frame h shaped member and two supported sides that are rotatable. The furniture article achieves all of its intended uses without disassembly. The main frame component is flat on one edge and curved on the opposite edge allowing for a rocking action in one disposition and stabilization when capsized. The main frame component allows for attachable legs to achieve its high position components. The rotatable sides have been designed to swivel up or down, singly or in unison. All of the furniture articles positions are achieved when combining one or more of the units actions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Inventor: Francesco Anthony Casini
  • Publication number: 20010048234
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method of solder-sealing an active matrix OLED display using a monochromatic solid-state laser beam (1). The solder-sealing apparatus comprises a cover assembly (13) adapted to be positioned over at least one OLED (11) on a substrate (10), a sealing band (12) surrounding each OLED, a chuck assembly (20) with an array of heat sinks (21) that align with the OLEDs, a pick-up assembly (30) with at least one aperture (33), and a flange assembly (132) to which a solder pre-form (133) is secured. The chuck assembly (20) receives, aligns and orients the substrate (10). A vacuum is then applied through each aperture (33) to align and hold the cover assembly (13) in place. The sealing band (12) and solder pre-form (133) are aligned and pressed together by the pick-up assembly (30), and the focused laser beam (1) is projected through the chuck assembly to seal the OLEDs (11) within the cover assembly (13).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventors: Yachin Liu, Amalkumar P. Ghosh, Steven M. Zimmerman, Christian M. Heller
  • Patent number: 6155641
    Abstract: A variable height chair provides variable seat height measurements from the floor to the planar surface of the seat. The seat planar surfaces consist of seat panels forming a polygonal core and are supported at each end by two end frame panels. The central axis of the core is offset from the respective centers of the two end frame panels. The end frame panels have a number of identical dimensioned edges placed substantially parallel and apart from each other. The variation in height is achieved by the asymmetrical or offset location of the axis of the polygonal core. Through successive rotation forward or backward, different heights emerge for each planar seat surface. These different heights of the seat planar surfaces provide selectively different heights for persons of varied statures within the same age bracket and in different age brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Inventor: Beverly J. Frost
  • Patent number: 6024397
    Abstract: A seat platform extends between the sidewalls of a vehicle and is mounted to rotating members and is offset from their axis of rotation such that the seat, when rotated to a seating position, is positioned above the floor level and, when rotated to a storage position, is positioned in a recess with the opposite side of the seating surface defining the floor of the vehicle. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the seating platform is slidably mounted to a beam such that the seat can be rotated to one or more intermediate vertical positions and locked in such positions with the seat platform defining a divider for a storage area between the seat platform and the rear of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Prince Corporation
    Inventors: Robert B. Scraver, David B. Busch, Chester R. Wisniewski
  • Patent number: 6019413
    Abstract: A seating/storage system includes a seat which is rotatably supported on opposite ends between the sidewalls of a vehicle on a pivot axle in spaced relationship above the floor level of the vehicle. The seat pivot axle, in turn, is mounted to a rotating member offset from the pivot axle such that, when rotated to a seating position, the seat is positioned above the floor level and, when rotated to a storage position, the seat is positioned in a recess with the lower side of the seat defining the floor of the vehicle. A releasable latching member extends between the rotatable member and the vehicle seat to selectively lock the seat in use or stored positions. In a preferred embodiment, a releasable latch also extends between a fixed seat frame and the rotatable member to selectively lock the seat back and seat in use or stored positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Prince Corporation
    Inventors: Robert B. Scraver, David B. Busch, Chester R. Wisniewski, Neil J. Bush, Nick G. Xiromeritis, David J. McCarthy
  • Patent number: 6000750
    Abstract: Convertible furniture for children for use in different configurations as either a table or child's seat. The furniture comprises a base, vertical supports, and a removable top. The top includes a rotating fabric sling seat for very young children. With the top removed, the furniture may be inverted for use as a play table. Rockers, rocker locks and means to prevent seat rotation are also disclosed. The vertical supports are telescopically extendable to adjust the height of the furniture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: The First Years Inc.
    Inventors: Jon R. Rossman, Bryan R. Hotaling
  • Patent number: 5884965
    Abstract: A pool or beach chair that when flipped over converts to a supine body support for back tanning consisting of an arcuate tubular body support shorter in length than an average adult female wrapped with fabric or elastic bands on both sides. Tubular legs on one side support the body support in the chair mode and tubular loops on the other side form chair arms in the arm mode and ground supports for one end of the body support in the inverted supine mode. The other end of the body support is supported in the inverted supine mode by a pair of smaller tubular loops at the head end of the body support that also serve as handles for moving the chair or flipping it over to the inverted supine mode or position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Vardon Golf Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Dillis V. Allen
  • Patent number: 5733011
    Abstract: A multiple position work is disclosed caddy seat or stool which has a base and at least two rest surfaces to support a worker. The stool and rest surfaces are constructed and arranged to properly balance the worker's weight and relieve stress and strain on a worker's neck, upper body, and back and to provide comfort to a worker. The work stool also includes a storage compartment for caddying tools and which is easily accessible when used in any of the positions. Additionally, the stool may have limb rests for when the worker is working in a kneeling position. Cushions are provided on the rest surfaces to provide maximum comfort for the worker. The work stool is designed for use by heating, ventilating, and air conditioning technicians, but is readily adaptable to for use by plumbers, electricians, masons, mechanics, janitors, gardeners, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Richard A. Young
    Inventors: Richard A. Young, Michael F. Drzewiecki
  • Patent number: 5415454
    Abstract: A piece of multi-purpose furniture consisting of a pair of corresponding main frames, with one side of each of the main frames being contoured into an arc shape and another side being formed into a shape with a recessed contour, according to specifications. The inner side of each of the main frames is equipped with a multiple number of positioning slots of different sizes in accordance with specifications. A board for back rest, a board for seating, a board for auxiliary seating, a board for studying, a board for stepping, a board for sleeping, a set of protective boards and handling bars are inserted into the corresponding positioning slots, depending on the applications of the piece of multi-purpose furniture. In addition, a set of arc-shaped rocking bars are mounted onto the arc-shaped side of the two main frames. Accordingly, said multi-purpose furniture can be used as a dining chair, study chair, rocking chair and rocking crib, by changing the configurations of the different components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Inventor: Chuo Fu-Tsung
  • Patent number: 5230523
    Abstract: A multi-functional child carrier device including a base having a detachable seat, the backrest portion detachably connectable to the base and slots formed within both the back-rest and the base to allow the unit to serve as a child safety seat or as an infant carrier seat utilizing only the backrest. The device includes elevation supports secured and retractable within the base for supporting the base in an elevated position so that the device may function as a child's chair. Wheels are attachable to the elevation supports so that the device may function as a stroller. Extension members may be attached to the retractable legs for further elevation of the device, thereby allowing the device to function as a high chair. Upon removing the backrest portion, and inserting the appropriate seats on the base, the device may function as either a potty-chair or a walker. In addition, the base is configured in such a manner that if inverted, the unit may function as a rocking chair for a small child.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1993
    Inventor: James E. Wilhelm
  • Patent number: 5125717
    Abstract: A booster seat for juvenile auto passengers, including an invertible booster cushion with a double-sided seating plane member located so that different seating heights are obtained depending on which seating surface of the cushion is disposed facing upward for use. The seat can also include a back rest, the height of which also is adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1992
    Assignee: Folksam Omsesidig Sakforsakring
    Inventors: Bjorn-Ake Skold, Claes Tingvall
  • Patent number: 5104179
    Abstract: A combination device is operable in a table position and a rocker toy position. The device includes a pair of spaced end members each defining a base edge terminating in a pair of end portions, the base edge supporting the device in its table position. A substantially curved edge portion interconnects the end portions of the base edge to form end corner portions, the curved edge portion supporting the device when in its rocker toy position. A platform having top and bottom surfaces extends between the end members. The top surface of the platform is accessible as a table top when the device is in its table position, and the platform's bottom surface is accessible as a foot rest when the device is in its rocker toy position. Finally, a pair of seat members extend between the end members proximate the end corner positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Inventor: Cary A. Jones
  • Patent number: 5085486
    Abstract: A structure wherein a plurality of side walls each include a central plate and a "C" shaped leg extending from a rear and forward portion of each side plate to provide for support of the organization in use of the table, with a planar table top directed between the side walls and the organization utilized as a rocking member when the structure is inverted. The organization may be further positioned onto either side wall for use as a support for a drinking organization mounting a container and cup members within recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1992
    Inventor: Todd L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 4968091
    Abstract: An article useful alternatively as a booster chair with a high back for a small child, in a first orientation, or as a step stool, in a second orientation. The article has a seat portion, a back portion, and two side portions. The seat, back, and side portions are molded from a polymeric material, as a single part, defining a seating cavity with a high back. The seating cavity is adapted to seat a small child in the first orientation. The single part also defines a step. The article is adapted to support a person on the step in the second orientation. The article is provided with two sets of skid-resistant feet, one set for each such orientation of the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1990
    Inventor: John V. Mariol
  • Patent number: 4867504
    Abstract: A booster seat is provided which has two different booster heights and two corresponding seat sizes, and is capable of nesting in a second booster seat. The booster seat has two chairs portions each having a seat surface, a back support and two arm supports which define seat pockets. The first chair portion seat surface, back support and arm supports are smaller than the second chair portions seat surface, back and arm supports. The first chair portions has an outer circumference defined by its back support and arm supports which is small enough to nest in the second seat pocket. Both the first chair portion and the second chair portion are able to act as bases, and are connected to each other such that the first chair portions acts as a base for the second chair portion and the second chair portion acts as a base for the first chair portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1989
    Assignee: The Vollrath Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Stanley A. Johnson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4842329
    Abstract: A portable, foldable seating device having a seat and backrest pivotally connected to one another. A U-shaped support is pivotally attached to the seat and in a stored position the back and seat engage in a generally parallel abutting relationship with the support extending to provide a carrying handle. In the use-position as a seat, the support secures the back in a generally vertical position with respect to the seat. The seat may be used with the backrest upright on a relatively flat surface or may be inverted with the backrest serving as a support leg and the bottom of the cushion upwardly facing to provide a seating surface on an incline or hillside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1989
    Inventor: Russell P. Owens
  • Patent number: 4783118
    Abstract: Article of children's furniture useful as a rocker in a first orientation and useful as a high-chair or as a desk when inverted. In both such orientations of the article, a child using it has a seat, a back-rest, a foot-rest, and a ledge conveniently located above and ahead of the seat. In the inverted orientation a tray, readily detachable by an adult but not by a child, is attachable above the ledge as a location for food or for toys or for use as a writing surface. Casters, attachable to the article when in the rocker orientation, facilitate movement of the article when in the inverted position--but not by a child seated therein, who is too short to reach the floor--and double as toys in the rocker orientation. This article of furniture is stable in both its rocking and inverted orientations, and supports a child securely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1988
    Inventors: George Ryan, June C. Ryan
  • Patent number: 4763580
    Abstract: A support structure that may be used as a seat, table or step stool has a top panel substantially 10".times.18" secured between two angled panels substantially 10" above the floor. A pair of normally vertical support members extend between the end panels in contact with the bottom of the top panel and are each formed with a groove that accommodates a tension rod fastened between the end panels. A handle opening is formed near the top of each end panel. The end panels are formed with legs that project beyond the projection of the top panel as seen from the top, both longitudinally and transversely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1988
    Inventor: Thomas A. Garland
  • Patent number: 4618183
    Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-purpose furniture piece consisting of a rectangular seat plane having two longitudinal sides and two transverse sides, and four legs rigidly connected to the seat plane at the corners thereof and extending perpendicularly thereto. This multi-purpose furniture piece comprising:two rungs having their ends affixed to the free ends of each two legs located at one longitudinal side,a wall rigidly connected to the seat plane and to the rungs so as to extend perpendicular to the seat plane and parallel to the transverse sides thereof substantially intermediate therebetween,and an end plane affixed to a transverse side of the seat plane and/or to the legs located at this transverse side and being of a smaller dimension in the direction of the legs than the length of said legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1986
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz Bauer
  • Patent number: 4593950
    Abstract: A child's knock-down chair capable of being assembled without the need for any conventional fasteners and comprised of two side parts and two cross pieces which, due to the unique design of the chair, act respectively as seat and back for a steady chair, and as a back and seat for a rocking chair. Disassembly of the knock-down chair is as simple and straightforward as assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1986
    Inventor: Vittorio Infanti
  • Patent number: 4580834
    Abstract: A chair, convertible to a recliner, includes a first frame part, a pivot arranged in a middle section of the first frame part, a second frame part having a shape and lines similar to the first frame part, a sliding joint arranged in a middle section of the second frame part, a bracket-like joint attached to the sliding joint for revolving around the pivot, and stops arranged at opposite sides of the middle section of the second frame part for limiting sliding movement of the sliding joint, whereby the chair may be converted to a recliner and vice-versa upon sliding movement of the sliding joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1986
    Inventor: Alejandro de la Sota Martinez
  • Patent number: 4565403
    Abstract: A marksman's collapsible, portable, shooting bench and table assembly. The assembly comprises a bench open on its underside to provide a storage compartment and shiftable between an upright, use position and an inverted, storage position. A chest is contoured and dimensioned for nesting in the compartment. A foldable table top folds about the chest in the nesting position of the latter. A collapsible leg assembly is dimensioned for storage in the compartment. Fastening means releasably fasten the table top in its opened out use position to the leg assembly in its extended use position. Attaching means releasably attach the bench in an upright, use position to selected ones of the legs of the leg assembly in their extended use position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1986
    Inventor: Robert R. Brown
  • Patent number: 4521052
    Abstract: A child's booster seat having two bases pivotally joined together with each base having seat indentations on opposite sides thereof, the depth of each seat being different from the depth of each of the other seats, whereby the seat provides selectively different heights for the occupant. A strap and buckle may be provided for securing said seat to an adult chair. A waist strap may also be provided for securing the child to the booster seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1985
    Assignee: Spalding & Evenflo Companies, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard E. Cone
  • Patent number: 4470630
    Abstract: A portable folding chair which is adaptable for use in an upright conventional sitting mode, in an inverted position as a back rest and in a collapsed position as a carrying device. The rear leg member and chair back are adjustable so that the rear leg member defines a comfortable headrest in the inverted backrest mode and a flap is provided which defines a lounging mat in the back rest mode which, in use, anchors the chair in place and in the collapsed carrying mode defines with the seat and back panels a covered carriage compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1984
    Inventor: Michael P. Shields
  • Patent number: 4241949
    Abstract: The invention comprises rockable piece of furniture comprising side pieces, the bottom edges being irregular curves serving as rockers, a seat located therebetween, plus a back comprising a step and slide section, the side piece rockers being provided with ears to limit the rocking action, said side pieces being shaped at the top to accommodate the arms and hands of an occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1980
    Inventor: Michael S. Parker
  • Patent number: 4181352
    Abstract: A children's furniture piece which can be used for different purposes by merely placing the furniture piece on different sides thereof so as to serve as desk, straight seat, inclined seat, and shelves. The furniture piece comprises side panels with straight and with inclined edges which latter have cutouts and protrusions that are so arranged that the cutout of one furniture piece receives the protrusions of the other furniture piece when stacking the furniture pieces one upon the other whereby automatically a slipping of the furniture piece in either one of two opposite directions will be prevented. The cutouts are correlated with the seat and desk position so that the elbow freedom of a child using the furniture piece as seat will be increased. The furniture piece is furthermore provided with lateral discs having the double purpose of increasing the stability of the furniture piece while also serving as armrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1980
    Assignee: Michael D. Newland
    Inventor: Gary Bumpus
  • Patent number: 4036523
    Abstract: A child's chair comprises a pair of pivotally connected frames which are secured in an erected position by a pair of linking frames of which, at any given time, one acts as a strut and the other acts as a tie, and a seat is suspended within the frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1975
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1977
    Inventor: Knud Nielsen