With Means To Control Rearward Chair Tipping Patents (Class 297/310)
  • Patent number: 10799413
    Abstract: A restraint chair includes a supporting frame with a seat and a desk. A wrist capture bar is associated with the desk and is displaceable between a retracted position and an extended position. An ankle capture bar is associated with the desk pedestal and is displaceable between a disengaged position and an engaged position. Control levers positioned behind the seat are coupled with the wrist capture bar and the ankle capture bar via a link assembly. Translation of the control levers effects respective displacement of the wrist capture bar between the retracted position and the extended position and of the ankle capture bar between the disengaged position and the engaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: PRIDE ENTERPRISES
    Inventors: Oliver Kachkovsky, Neil Kreitman, Janice Jackson
  • Patent number: 9161636
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cradle (10) for a chair (1), where the chair comprises a chair back (11) having at least one element having an upper end or edge (12), characterized in that the cradle comprises at least one hooking means (122) in the rear portion of the cradle which enables the cradle to be hooked over the upper end or edge of the chair back elements(s), said cradle also being capable of standing alone on a base, such as a floor, when it is not hooked onto the chair back and, in both cases, is used as a cradle or a seat for a baby or small child.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignees: STOKKE AS, PETER OPSVIK AS
    Inventors: Peter Opsvik, Ingegjerd Eidsvik
  • Publication number: 20150130238
    Abstract: Disclosed is an anti-tip chair leg extension device that is attachable to the foot of a chair leg to prevent or reduce the risk of the chair from tipping over backwards. This feature of the device is especially beneficial when a child is using the chair. The anti-tip leg extension device comprises: a leg receiver mounted on a footplate, and a grip means. The lower (or foot) portion of a rear leg of the chair leg is received into the leg receiver. The grip means (releaseably) holds the foot of the chair leg in place when the chair leg is received in the leg receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2015
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventor: Tommy Owen Meinecke
  • Patent number: 7914076
    Abstract: Dental devices with cylinders, trunnions, and limit switches, and a method are provided. The dental devices include a cylinder and a trunnion having a cavity and an outer surface. A portion of the cylinder is slidably mounted within the cavity of the trunnion, and a portion of the cylinder protrudes out of the trunnion. The limit switch is coupled to the outer surface of the trunnion, with the limit switch is operable to contact the cylinder. Separation of the limit switch and the cylinder causes actuation of the limit switch, and the actuation of the limit switch inhibits a downward movement of the device. Alternatively, the limit switch may be coupled to the portion of the cylinder that protrudes out of the trunnion, with the limit switch operable to contact the trunnion. As such, separation of the limit switch and the trunnion causes actuation of the limit switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Midmark Corporation
    Inventors: Jacob E. Broering, David C. Edelmann
  • Publication number: 20100207439
    Abstract: There is provided a stowable vehicle seat having an erroneous operation preventive mechanism operating at the time of stowage/restoring operation. A stowable vehicle seat having an operating element using a strap for stowage/restoring operation includes brackets formed on a seat back frame, a rocking member rockably supported on the brackets, and a braking member fixed to the strap. The brackets each have an elongated hole extending in the up/down direction. The rocking member includes right and left plate bodies, each having a braking hole that is long in the up/down direction, and an upper plate connecting the plate bodies to each other. The upper plate comes into sliding contact with the strap on its lower side. The braking holes each have an expanded-width part on their front side. The braking member has the erroneous operation preventive mechanism formed being inserted through both of the elongated holes and the braking holes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: TS Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tatsuo Sayama
  • Publication number: 20100001567
    Abstract: A therapeutic back support device including a back support portion that automatically and repeatedly moves forward to maintain engagement with a user's back as the user moves forward with respect to a chair seat. The back support portion substantially resists backward motion and provides substantially continuous therapeutic support to the user's spine pending a release signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventors: Mark Powicki, Stephen James Messineo
  • Publication number: 20090267395
    Abstract: A pivot assembly has a pivot support member with a keyway. The keyway has two oppositely directed longer keyway wings extending from a middle section and the middle section has two oppositely directed shorter keyway wings extending in a direction transverse to that of the longer keyway wings. The shorter keyway wings have convexly radiused ends. The pivot assembly also has a pivot with an attachment portion and a key projecting rearwardly from the attachment portion. The key has a rearward section with oppositely directed longer key wings which are longer than the shorter keyway wings but sufficiently short to allow the longer key wings to pass through the keyway. The key also has a middle section between the rearward section and the attachment portion. The middle section has oppositely directed shorter key wings with convexly radiused ends. The shorter key wings extend in a direction aligned with that of the longer key wings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicant: LEGGETT & PLATT CANADA CO.
    Inventors: ROBERT W. DOERNER, SHAFFEEK A. YUSUF
  • Patent number: 7344155
    Abstract: A power wheelchair is provided having one or more anti-tip wheels for stabilizing the movement of the frame about the drive wheels. An anti-tip wheel is attached to the end of a suspension arm which is pivotally attached to the frame of the wheelchair. A spring resiliently supports the anti-tip wheel in a neutral position relative to the ground upon which the drive wheels of the wheelchair normal ride. A retaining system selectively fixes position of the anti-tip wheels relative to the frame. The retaining system employs a plurality of teeth, with one portion disposed in combination with said suspension arm, and at least one other tooth disposed for engaging said one portion to provide unidirectional retention of the position of said suspension arm relative to the frame. The engagement of the teeth to lock the position of the suspension arm may be responsive to the torque generated by the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Pride Mobility Products Corporation
    Inventors: James P. Mulhern, Ronald J. Levi, George Lewis Leitner, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7309106
    Abstract: A combined cooler/seat having an anti-tip support that extends rearward the ground contact of the cooler/seat beyond the simple footprint of the cooler/seat itself, thereby providing extra support for resisting backward tilting of the cooler/seat; wherein the anti-tip support adjustably extends rearward from the bottom rear portion of the cooler/seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Inventor: James J. Stallman
  • Patent number: 7287817
    Abstract: A method and device for enabling an aft passenger on a conveyance to establish protection from a forward seatback, irrespective of a conventional effort by a forward passenger to cause reclining of the forward seatback. A device is disclosed that includes a main body and additional elements appended to the main body. The device is adapted for access by the aft passenger to activate it in order to inhibit such reclining. In one preferred embodiment, the device is adapted for use on an airplane to engage the forward seatback and an arm of a tray table designated for use by the aft passenger. In another preferred embodiment, the device comprises a recline inhibitor component connected to a depressible safety input control which is integrated with a rearward portion of a seat for access by the aft passenger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Inventor: Ira H. Goldman
  • Patent number: 6776430
    Abstract: A stabilizing system for a reclinable wheelchair connects anti-tip members to the wheelchair seat such that pivoting of the seat causes pivoting of the anti-tip members. In one embodiment, the stabilizing system includes cables connected at opposite ends to the seat and to the anti-tip members. The cables may be connected to the seat bottom or, alternately, to the seat back. The anti-tip members may incorporate a pivoting suspension member that includes a drive motor for the wheelchair. Pivot control mechanisms connected to the cables can be used to permit a predetermined amount of seat pivot without corresponding pivot of the anti-tip members. The stabilizing system alternatively includes axially compressible link members connecting the seat back to the anti-tip members to provide controlled pivoting of the anti-tip members based on pivoting of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Pride Mobility Products Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald J. White, James P. Mulhern, Ronald J. Levi
  • Publication number: 20030111887
    Abstract: An anti-tipping chair base has a central support member with a generally upright axis, and a plurality of arms that extend generally radially outwardly from the axis and each of which is provided with a caster. An outer end portion of the arm has a shape that curves downwardly around the caster to an end edge outwardly of the caster. As seen in plan, the outer end portion of the arm has side edges that diverge in a direction towards the end edge and between which the end edge extends generally normal to the radial direction of the arm. The end portions of the arm comprise support elements that contact a surface on which the base is disposed in the event that the base tips in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventor: Wolfgang Deisig
  • Patent number: 6478529
    Abstract: A reclining support for a wheelchair includes a supporting platform wall that supports all four wheels of a wheelchair on a surface, and which has a backstop wall for stopping the large rear wheels of a wheelchair so that the wheelchair is stably supported on the platform. Clamps are used for holding the frame on the platform, so that the wheelchair does not move. The platform is mounted onto a base frame through a pivot mounting so it can be tilted rearwardly, and also the platform is adjustable in a vertical direction relative to the base frame. The base frame has four wheels for stably supporting the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Wheelchair Recline, Inc.
    Inventors: Leone V. Willey, Donald L. Willey, Robert G. Willey
  • Patent number: 6357793
    Abstract: A resilient anti-tip wheel suspension includes a wheel coupled to a first mounting bracket. A second mounting bracket is adapted to be rigidly mounted to a wheelchair. Upper and lower bars each have front and rear ends that are pivotally connected to the second mounting bracket and the first mounting bracket, respectively, so as to form a parallelogram configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Sunrise Medical HHG Inc.
    Inventors: Paul C. Dickie, Darryl R. Pauls
  • Publication number: 20010028187
    Abstract: A seating furniture has a seat which is adapted to be rocked about a swiveling axis extending parallel to the seat. The seat comprises at least two limiting elements for limiting an angle of swing about the swiveling axis. The limiting elements are attached to the seating furniture in a region of the seat and extend, relative to the swiveling axis, towards opposite sides of the floor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventor: Marion Kielhorn
  • Patent number: 6206472
    Abstract: A simplified reclining mechanism, as for chairs and seating, is herein described. The balanced design of such a reclinable chair for yard or patio usage is herein described. The reclining mechanism is an integral part of the chair or seat. The contoured design of the seat, back, legs and headrest gives firm, comfortable support to all parts of the body in both positions. What makes this chair stand above the rest is its unique 2 position balanced design. In the upright position it functions as a chair with head and legrest. Balance is the key to this design. By slightly throwing or shifting your weight backwards, this chair teters, giving a feeling of weightlessness and falling backwards until it lands solidly on its rear legs. In this position, every part of the occupant's body is cradled by the design. This chair also has the health advantage of having your legs lifted and held at heart level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Inventor: James L. Waugh
  • Patent number: 6135480
    Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for supporting the back of a wheelchair having a person siting in the wheelchair, when the wheelchair is tilted backwards. The apparatus consists of a base, stand, and crossbar for engaging the frame of the wheelchair. The frame of the wheelchair is supported near its handles by the crossbar of the invention, allowing some mobility in the wheelchair resting on the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Inventor: Norman E. James
  • Patent number: 6131679
    Abstract: The power wheelchair includes an anti-tip assembly extending from the frame. The anti-tip assembly includes a plate secured to the frame via a dampening mechanism. A first arm extends from the plate and is mounted thereto for a limited amount of relative movement. A grounding engaging wheel disposed on a distal end of the arm is urged toward the ground surface by a biasing spring interposed between the arm and the plate. As the wheelchair begins to tip, anti-tip or resistive forces are generated initially by the biasing spring. This resisting force continues in a linear fashion until relative movement between the arm and the plate ceases. Thereafter, further resistive forces are provided by the dampener as movement of the plate toward the frame is resisted in a linear fashion by the dampener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Invacare Corporation
    Inventors: Dale A. Pulver, Roland A. Mentessi
  • Patent number: 6099021
    Abstract: An accessory is provided for supporting a four-wheeled wheel-chair in a stable position in which it is tilted backwards and thus enables a disabled user to assume a relaxing recumbent posture. The accessory having a swing leg (3) that swings freely in the vertical plane of symmetry passing through the longitudinal axis of the wheelchair about a perpendicular and horizontal pivot rod (4) substantially located at the top of the back rest (9) between the two side frame posts that support the back rest (9), via rapid or permanent fastening elements (5, 6, 7, 8). The lower portion of the swing leg (3) advantageously has an adjustable length and is provided with a stabilizer foot (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Inventor: Robert Benoit
  • Patent number: 6041876
    Abstract: The power wheelchair includes an anti-tip assembly extending from the frame. The anti-tip assembly includes a plate secured to the frame via a dampening mechanism. A first arm extends from the plate and is mounted thereto for a limited amount of relative movement. A grounding engaging wheel disposed on a distal end of the arm is urged toward the ground surface by a biasing spring interposed between the arm and the plate. As the wheelchair begins to tip, anti-tip or resistive forces are generated initially by the biasing spring. This resisting force continues in a linear fashion until relative movement between the arm and the plate ceases. Thereafter, further resistive forces are provided by the dampener as movement of the plate toward the frame is resisted in a linear fashion by the dampener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Invacare Corporation
    Inventors: Dale A. Pulver, Roland A. Mentessi
  • Patent number: 6042183
    Abstract: A chair with a strong, but detachable at will, magnetic force stand which preferably includes a swivel chair seat, a vertical spindle, a spindle seat, support legs and a plurality of permanent magnet assemblies provided at the free ends of legs extending out from a thickened hub section supporting the spindle seat. The legs are preferably in an equiangular arrangement with respect to the spindle seat, and the permanent magnet assembly is mounted at a fee end of each of the preferably 3-6 legs. The permanent magnet assemblies include a housing to which a permanent magnet is releasably set and can also be provided with a magnet release device, although for many chair arrangements a release facilitator is not required for achieving detachment, and yet the magnets have sufficient holding strength. When a swivel chair is fixed, the attraction to the underlying support such as the steel deck of a ship, provides sufficient holding power to avoid inadvertent release.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventors: Garnett Hugh Carnahan, Ben Tsou Carnahan
  • Patent number: 5647639
    Abstract: An orthopedic chair for supporting a person wearing a hip spica cast in an upright position includes a seat having a front side and a rear side. A rear support, connected to the seat along said rear side, extends upwardly therefrom. A front support, spaced from the rear support, is connected to the seat along said front side and extends upwardly therefrom. A seat supporting device supports the seat above a surface. The person is supported in an upright position by said seat, and said front and rear supports with one leg extending between one side of said front support and said rear support and another leg extending between an opposite side of said front support and said rear support. Stabilizing legs can be provided to prevent tipping. Adjustment devices allow adjustment of seat height and width between the front and rear supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Inventor: Christopher Wiggins
  • Patent number: 5586560
    Abstract: A seating apparatus having a base, front and rear upright support members, and two horizontal transverse support members. The transverse members comprise the seating means. Extending from the rear upright support members are two horizontal supports holding two rear upright support members. Leg support members are rotatably mounted to the transverse support members. Coupled by ratchet devices to the rear of the seating means is a seat back. The seat back is composed of two main seat back members separated by horizontal seat back members. The ratchet allows the seat back to be 90 degrees from the seating means or to rearwardly pivot to parallel with said seating means. Legs formed at the top back of the seat back support the seat back against the ground when the seat back is fully reclined. Arm support members are pivotally coupled to the sides of seat back. Also disclosed are two pneumatic devices. The first pneumatically advances a horizontal armature. The second pneumatically advances a vertical armature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Inventor: David Boutos
  • Patent number: 5490715
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement in a chair, which for the object of giving the chair (1) a floating or heaving property is specific in that the chair (1) comprises one or more resilient elements (5a-5d) rendering the chair (1) freedom of movement in both vertical and side-wise directions as well as in forward and rearward directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Inventor: Peter Opsvik
  • Patent number: 5489140
    Abstract: A portable, lightweight, swivelable, elevatable and tiltable beautician's application chair is equipped with a pair of pneumatic tire transport wheels and a retractable pull tongue. The invention is equipped with an elevatable neck rest, a faucet-attachable water hose and a rearward tilt retainer to serve hair washing and coloring applications. It also incorporates a retractable back shelf for placement of hair drying equipment and supplies and a retractable lap shelf to serve fingernail grooming applications. A second embodiment of the invention eliminates the pneumatic tire transport wheels and pull tongue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Inventor: Joan Van Horn-Plato
  • Patent number: 5401076
    Abstract: In combination with a wheelchair having rigid frame members, a detachable child's seat which includes a seat portion, a frame of rigid members attached to and supporting the seat portion, and devices for selectively attaching and detaching the child's seat to the frame members of the wheelchair. The child's seat may be constructed with armrests, a seatback, a footrest, a seat belt and anti-tipping struts. The child's seat mounts on a wheelchair in a position which provides the occupant of the wheelchair with an unimpeded field of view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Inventor: Kimberly C. Dunlap
  • Patent number: 5375913
    Abstract: A power lifting device to attach to a conventional wheelchair (12) includes a lift seat (10) positioned on seat rails of the wheelchair and a tray attached to the runners of the wheelchair below the wheelchair seat rails and stabilized by a stabilizing wheel (6) to hold a power source (15) and (16) and a hydraulic cylinder (17). A hinge (9) on each side of the lift seat enables the back of the lift seat (10) to be raised by a piston of the hydraulic cylinder (17) activated by the power source when a switch (13) is engaged. The power lifting device moves an occupant from a seated position to a substantially upright position enabling the occupant to be moved by a second person with a minimum of lifting by the second person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Inventor: James E. Blanchard
  • Patent number: 5368362
    Abstract: A seating apparatus is disclosed for supporting a person in a manner which reduces sedentary ailments by allowing for a free tilting movement of the seat of the apparatus. The seating apparatus includes a seat which has a single leg which rises from a leg pad. Two rollers or castors are connected to the structure supporting the single leg. The single leg has a convexly-shaped underside which allows for the tilting movement. The curvature of the radius of the convexly-shaped underside of the single leg is preferably from 25-70 cm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Inventors: Arie Ramon, Elath Almagor
  • Patent number: 5181733
    Abstract: An easily adjustable anti-tipping device for a wheelchair. The device is arranged so that a knob or lever adjacent the foot of the handicapped person can be turned to rotate the anti-tipping bar to its useful position. The device may be added to the tubular lower rail of an existing wheelchair by extending a rod through the lower rail and attaching it to the anti-tipping bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1993
    Inventor: George E. Tague
  • Patent number: 5069503
    Abstract: A chair which is usable as an ordinary seat, as a stadium seat, or as a beach seat comprises a generally quadralateral seat element having rigid side membes. A back support is pivotally secured to a rear end of the seat element to permit the back element to be moved from a collapsed position overlying the top of the seat to a support position extending upwardly in an inclined direction relative to the seat. A pair of arm elements are pivotally secured to the side frames of the seat and are pivotally movable between a position overlying the top of the seat and an upstanding position wherein the arm rests are disposed vertically above each side of the seat. Leg frames are provided having a generally inverted U-shaped configuration with the bight portion of the U-shape pivotally secured respectively to the side frames of the seat. The leg frames are pivotally movable from a position underlying the bottom portion of the seat to a position depending generally vertically downwardly from the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1991
    Inventor: Juan J. Martinez
  • Patent number: 5052750
    Abstract: An auxiliary chair for use in restraining young children in vehicles. The chair is capable of either frontward or backward orientation and in each case the portion thereof that engages the seat belt of the vehicle remains in the same relative position. The engagement portion is on an engagement arm that is movable between a frontward and a rearward position, and in each position locks both the chair body and the chair base thereto for security. The chair is tiltable to several orientations and is locked into several tilt positions via a shaft through the body that rides in a slot within locking plates in the base. The locking plate locks the position due to springs forcing the plates upward. The lock is easily released by handles on the sides of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Assignee: Combi Corporation
    Inventors: Takehiko Takahashi, Takashi Watanabe, Tomihiro Kaneko
  • Patent number: 5007118
    Abstract: A head care station for use with a wheelchair and a kit therefore and a method for reclining the occupant of a wheelchair against a head support. The head care station has a foundation member having a front portion and a back portion. A wheelchair jack is mounted to the front portion. The wheelchair jack has a bearing member movable between a floor position and an elevated position. A head support is connected to the back portion of the foundation member. The head support is movable between a lower position and an upper position. A bolster is connected to the back portion of the foundation member. The bolster is disposed at a vertical elevation above the elevated position of the wheelchair jack. The wheelchair jack and the bolster define between them an occupancy space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1991
    Inventor: Larry W. Ebersole
  • Patent number: 4995628
    Abstract: A wheelchair which utilizes a standing frame assembly which includes an arm rest frame which may be formed integrally or detachably mountable on the wheelchair, and a holding lever is pivotally mounted on the frame between a lower position and a raised position in which it is arranged in front of and above the seat of the wheelchair. A ground engaging member is movable under the action of the movement of the lever, so that it can be moved between a retracted position with the lever in its lower position and a ground engaging position in front of the wheelchair when the lever is in its raised position. A locking device is provided to lock the ground engaging member and the lever when the latter is in its raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1991
    Assignee: Hodgkinson & Corby Limited
    Inventors: Roger Orpwood, Ian D. Swain
  • Patent number: 4987912
    Abstract: Walker having four legged frame defining front and a pair of sides, each having a cross-bar. The invention provides a stabilizing bar secured to the front cross-bar to extend angularly forwardly at an acute angle to provide a non-tippable structure particularly while the user is using the walker as support during the act of assuming a sitting position or rising therefrom. The stabilizer bar can be adjusted as to length and, can be pivotally mounted so that it can be swingably maneuvered to be inactive when the walker is not being used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1991
    Assignee: George P. Taylor
    Inventor: George P. Taylor
  • Patent number: 4932719
    Abstract: An inclinable stool for supporting the weight of the body and permitting a variety of inclined positions comprises a tripod base, supporting a vertically extending spring hinge assembly, a support column mounted on the spring hinge assembly and inclinable relative thereto, and a seat assembly disposed on the support column. A pair of spaced stabilizing members slidably and pivotally mounted to the support column rotate with the seat assembly and support column, thereby supporting the seated user against backwardly directed inclinations while allowing forward and lateral inclinations, regardless of the rotated position of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1990
    Inventor: Enrique M. Gonzalez y. Rojas
  • Patent number: 4930842
    Abstract: Restraint chair apparatus includes four legs, a padded seat, a relatively high padded back which extends a substantial distance above the top of the head of an individual being restrained in the chair, and foot rest on which the restrained person's feet are disposed. Restraint straps are used to secure the individual's legs, arms, waist, and chest to the chair. Pivoting outrigger elements may be utilized to prevent the chair apparatus from being tipped sideways. The chair may be movable on wheels so that a restrained individual may be transported in the chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Assignee: Parkway Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Kerry E. Wilkinson, Larry A. DuVall
  • Patent number: 4902071
    Abstract: A lift recliner chair is provided also incorporating a rocker assembly including rocker structure mounted from the chair and floor engageable rocker plate structure rockably connected to the rocker structure, whereby the chair may be rocked back and forth relative to the rocker plate structure. However, inasmuch as the center of mass of a recliner chair and a person disposed thereon is appreciably rearwardly shifted relative to the chair base when the chair is in the recliner defining configuration, the chair is equipped with a downwardly extendable and upwardly retractable prop automatically shifted between the retracted and extended positions thereof as the chair is shifted between the chair defining and recliner defining configurations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1990
    Inventors: Danny C. McGee, Harold G. McMahan
  • Patent number: 4834411
    Abstract: A stand is made so that is can be installed or positioned adjacent to a sink, and has a tilt frame portion attachable to the frame of a wheelchair and operable to tilt or recline the wheelchair relative to a base frame so that a person in the wheelchair can conveniently have a shampoo at a sink basin. The wheelchair is first secured to the tilt frame with clamps. The stand includes an actuator that is operable to positively and safely tilt the tilt frame to recline the wheelchair rearwardly while a person is occupying the chair, so that the person's head will be adjacent and overlying the sink basin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1989
    Assignees: Leone V. Willey, Donald L. Willey
    Inventors: Leone V. Willey, Donald L. Willey, Ivyl D. Kopecky, Ronald Stoltenberg, Patrick D. Bennett
  • Patent number: 4830567
    Abstract: A lift for tilting a wheelchair intended for use by a physician, dentist or the like in treating a wheelchair bound patient. The wheelchair lift assembly is portable, light weight and easily adapted to any wheelchair structure so as to provide proper support for the chair and occupant as well as provide the necessary angle of repose. The wheelchair lift assembly generally includes a frame, piston and lift linkage for causing rotation of the wheelchair about its rear wheels and stabilizer bars that support the wheelchair in the tilted position and prevent over rotation. Also provided is a detachable footrest support for the comfort of the wheelchair occupant when the wheelchair is lifted by the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1989
    Inventor: Isadore B. Rachman
  • Patent number: 4729572
    Abstract: A versatile, adjustable stroller for handicapped children, adolescents and adults is disclosed. The stroller includes a contoured seat removably positioned on an adjustable wheeled apparatus. The contoured seat is molded to provide proper anatomical alignment and support for an occupant and constructed so as to be positionable on any conventional seating surface when removed from the wheeled apparatus. The adjustable wheeled apparatus has a one-button adjustment mechanism which allows an attendant to vary the spatial orientation of a seated occupant while simultaneously, automatically adjusting the apparatus to maintain balanced support of the contoured seat and occupant. The stroller is preferrably constructed so as to be capable of traversing a wide variety of terrains and is collapsible for easy transport and/or storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1988
    Inventor: Timothy J. Bergeron
  • Patent number: 4555085
    Abstract: A lockable tilting apparatus for the seats of chairs and which can be used selectively either for chairs which tilt backward or for chairs which tilt forward, comprising a base plate securable to chair seat and a stationary body member adapted to be supported by the pedestal of the chair, spring means supported by said stationary body member, means supported by said stationary body member mounting said base plate for tilting pivotal movement relative to said stationary body member, link means engaging and movable with said base plate against the restoring force of said spring means whereby said base plate is tiltably movable relative to said body member against the restoring force of said spring means; and wherein a locking apparatus which is actuatable by displacement of an operating lever between two terminal positions is provided for selectively locking the base plate against tilting movement or for releasing the base plate for tilting movement, characterized by a slide member mounted in said body member f
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1985
    Assignees: Fritz Bauer, Sohne oHG
    Inventors: Fritz Bauer, Hans-Peter Bauer, Hans Jurgen Bauer
  • Patent number: 4534591
    Abstract: Controlled rocking action furniture such as a rocking chair is formed with curved side frame pieces for rocking engagement with the ground. Each curved side frame piece comprises a major smooth curved portion in turn composed of at least three component arcs of curvature of increasing radius. A seat frame joins the curved side frame pieces and defines an operating space near the base of the furniture. An upright stop mechanism is housed in the operating space and includes extendable and retractable legs which may be extended and retracted between a position substantially within the operating space and a position extending outside the seat frame in contact with the ground for stopping the chair in upright position. The side frame pieces are formed with first and second minor reverse curved portions at each end of the major curved portion providing forward and backward rocking stops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1985
    Inventor: Michael S. Parker
  • Patent number: 4227740
    Abstract: The attachment comprises two U-shaped tubular members joined at their open ends and offset from each other by an adjustable obtuse angle. Material providing a head rest is secured to one of the U-shaped members adjacent its closed end and a non-skid material is applied to the closed end of the other U-shaped member. The ends of the other U-shaped member are offset at an angle to facilitate insertion into the tubular handles of a wheelchair. With the attachment secured to the wheelchair, the chair can be tipped backwards and is supported by the closed end of the other U-shaped member. Two additional straps extend about the one U-shaped member below the head rest to support the upper back of the wheelchair occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1979
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1980
    Inventor: Robert C. East
  • Patent number: 4183579
    Abstract: A stool type seat having a base with floor engaging suction cups to hold the stool in place, the single supporting post having a spring centered hinge to allow the post to tilt in any direction. A saddle type seat is rotatably mounted on top of the post. Stabilizing legs are attached to the post and are hinged to allow the post to swing forward and to some extent to either side, but the legs lock when the post is upright to prevent the stool from tipping over backwards. The structure folds and breaks down into compact components for transportation and storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1980
    Inventor: Enrique M. Gonzalez y. Rojas
  • Patent number: 4123102
    Abstract: A rocker-type chair is used which is normally unbalanced in a rearwardly reclining direction. A rear support frame has its lower and rearward end in engagement with the floor while its upper and forward end is pivotally secured to the rearward side of the chair. The rear support frame is forcibly pivotally rotated relative to the chair in order to selectively vary the extent to which the chair reclines rearwardly.As the pivoting action takes place, the main part of the chair turns upon its rocker-like members. The lower and rearward end of the rear support frame slides or rolls horizontally along the floor surface. The weight of the occupant of the chair is at all times divided between two forward support points which are provided by the rocker-like members, and a rear support point which is provided by the rear support frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1978
    Assignee: Alexander C. Daswick
    Inventors: Archie C. Landry, Alexander C. Daswick
  • Patent number: 4033622
    Abstract: A seat for restraining an infant in a car has a steel truss frame to which is secured a molded plastic shell in which the child sits or reclines. The frame is secured to the front or back seat of the automobile by the customary lap belt and the infant is held in the car seat by an adjustable safety harness anchored to the frame and which is arranged to distribute reaction forces over broad areas of the child's body. The shell of the car seat includes wing portions terminating in energy absorbing foam padding which extend out from the back of the shell on each side of the child's head so as to protect the child's head in the event of side impacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1976
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1977
    Assignee: Hedstrom Co.
    Inventor: Robert J. Boudreau
  • Patent number: 3945651
    Abstract: A chair includes a lower seat cushion member which is independently pivotable about a pivot on the chair frame and a rear back cushion member which is independently pivotable about a pivot on the chair frame. The rear and lower seat cushion members are not interconnected and are independently pivotable with respect to each other. The cushion members are preferably biased toward a neutral rest position with a weak biasing force so that the occupant of the chair can easily cause the cushions to pivot so as to assume the proper support position for the occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1974
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1976
    Inventor: Paul Boswinkel