Movable Bottom Patents (Class 297/311)
  • Patent number: 11602469
    Abstract: A lifting mechanism has a base to which a pivot of a parallelogram structure. A spring extends from a first link of the parallelogram to an adjustable termination point on a second link of the parallelogram to form a lifting triangle. The spring termination point is displaced from a main pivot of the parallelogram to create an adjustable “lever arm” to vary the lifting force. A lifting power adjustment mechanism adjusts the position of the spring termination point. An extension is in fixed relation to one of the parallelogram links and maintains its angle with respect to the horizontal when angles of the parallelogram are varied upon raising or lowering the lifting mechanism between a sitting mode and a standing mode. The extension serves as a base for a rear seat section. A front seat section is pivotally attached to the rear seat section allowing it to swing downward upon elevation of the lifting mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Inventors: Garrett W. Brown, John Christopher Fawcett
  • Patent number: 11530043
    Abstract: A passenger seat comprises a carrier structure, a backrest and a seat element displaceably fastened to the carrier structure, relative to the backrest, in a depth direction of a seating surface of the seat element between a usable position and an out-of-use position. In the usable position, the seat element is arranged, relative to the backrest, so that a front edge of the seat element that faces away from the backrest is arranged at a first distance from a backrest surface of the backrest. In the out-of-use position, the seat element is received, at least partially, in a gap provided between a part of the carrier structure carrying the seat element and an edge of the backrest facing towards the seat element, the front edge of the seat element being arranged at a second, smaller distance from the backrest surface of the backrest than the first distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Blanck, Frank Cordes, Jean-Baptiste Jaffrelot, Jan Uwe Nehl, Marcus Boerjesson
  • Patent number: 11273732
    Abstract: Pawls in a lifter device have: outer teeth that are rotatably supported by shafts in lock plates and are meshed with inner teeth of a base; and pins that are provided in an intermediate section in the radial direction, between the shaft center of the shafts and the teeth tips of the inner teeth, and are pressed in the rotation direction by a rotation transmittance plate during a release operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yusuke Kajino, Yasuaki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 10947719
    Abstract: Embodiments are provided for a modular experience hut that may provide semi-enclosed structures for use in public or semi-public areas such as medical facilities. In an example, a modular hut includes a base, a ring rotatably coupled to the base, a seat portion coupled to an inner surface the ring, and a locking mechanism configured to lock the ring in at least a first position and a second position relative to the base. In this way, the modular hut may be positioned in different positions to allow for different seating or use arrangements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: GE Precision Healthcare LLC
    Inventors: Lionel Wodecki, Marie Bachoc, Ludovic Avot
  • Patent number: 10925360
    Abstract: A support structure including an umbrella having an extension pole, and a base capable of being positioned on a bottom surface of a pool wherein the base has a through-hole. An umbrella base connector is seated within the through-hole. An articulating mechanism is adjustably coupled to the at least one extension pole of the umbrella and to the umbrella base connector, a first connector has a top end attached to the extension pole of the umbrella, and further has a first adjustable portion opposed from the top end. A second connector has a bottom end attached to the umbrella base connector, and further has a second adjustable portion opposed from the bottom end. The first adjustable portion is rotatably affixed to the second adjustable portion such that the umbrella and the extension pole of the umbrella are articulated relative to a stationary position of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Inventor: Mike Schwiebert
  • Patent number: 10849427
    Abstract: A foldable chair, comprising a seat portion and a telescopic side wall includes rings of varying diameters consecutively arranged. A topmost ring is mounted to a bottom surface of the seat portion and has a smallest diameter. A bottommost ring has a largest diameter. In deployed position, the telescopic side wall is opened or partially folded to set and lock a desired height of the chair. In fully retracted position all of the rings are disposed adjacent the bottom surface of the seat portion. Each ring is an integral unit configured with a locking arrangement that selectively locks it to an adjacent ring. In some embodiments, a security lock centrally disposed along a height of the chair substantially perpendicular to the varying diameters of the rings secures the locking arrangement. A table uses the foldable chair as a leg and can store several, for example four, foldable chairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Inventor: Yosef Zaifman
  • Patent number: 10779655
    Abstract: A foldable chair, comprising a seat portion and a telescopic side wall includes rings of varying diameters consecutively arranged. A topmost ring is mounted to a bottom surface of the seat portion and has a smallest diameter. A bottommost ring has a largest diameter. In deployed position, the telescopic side wall is opened or partially folded to set and lock a desired height of the chair. In fully retracted position all of the rings are disposed adjacent the bottom surface of the seat portion. Each ring is an integral unit configured with a locking arrangement that selectively locks it to an adjacent ring. In some embodiments, a security lock centrally disposed along a height of the chair substantially perpendicular to the varying diameters of the rings secures the locking arrangement. A table uses the foldable chair as a leg and can store several, for example four, foldable chairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Inventor: Yosef Zaifman
  • Patent number: 10631646
    Abstract: A foldable chair, comprising a seat portion and a telescopic side wall includes rings of varying diameters consecutively arranged. A topmost ring is mounted to a bottom surface of the seat portion and has a smallest diameter. A bottommost ring has a largest diameter. In deployed position, the telescopic side wall is opened or partially folded to set and lock a desired height of the chair. In fully retracted position all of the rings are disposed adjacent the bottom surface of the seat portion. Each ring is an integral unit configured with a locking arrangement that selectively locks it to an adjacent ring. In some embodiments, a security lock centrally disposed along a height of the chair substantially perpendicular to the varying diameters of the rings secures the locking arrangement. A table uses the foldable chair as a leg and can store several, for example four, foldable chairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Inventor: Yosef Zaifman
  • Patent number: 10457176
    Abstract: Provided is a conveyance seat configured for adjustment of a deflection amount of a seat forming the conveyance seat, i.e., cushion properties of the seat. The conveyance seat includes a seat frame and a buffering body bridged over the seat frame configured to elastically support a seated occupant. The buffering body has a wire having both end portions attached to the seat frame, and a back restriction member configured to support at least a portion of the wire to restrict deflection of the portion of the wire. The wire includes a first right-to-left extending portion and a second right-to-left extending portion that extend in a seat right-to-left direction, and a coupling portion coupling the first right-to-left extending portion and the second right-to-left extending portion. The back restriction member is made of a resin material, and supports the first right-to-left extending portion and the second right-to-left extending portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignees: TS Tech Co., Ltd., Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Onuma, Ryuhei Abe, Taiji Misono, Toshimitsu Mizukoshi, Masaki Shimazu, Akira Nakajima, Yuki Fukuda, Hiromitsu Nagatomo
  • Patent number: 10052975
    Abstract: A seat cushion length adjusting device comprises a support, an adjusting member displaceably mounted to the support and configured for attachment to at least a portion of a seat cushion, and an actuator. The actuator is coupled to the support and the adjusting member. The actuator is configured to displace the adjusting member relative to the support. The actuator comprises a power drive, a speed reduction gearing, and a motion conversion mechanism for converting a rotational motion of an output of the speed reduction gearing into a linear displacement between the adjusting member and the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: SCHUKRA GERAETEBAU GMBH
    Inventors: Rüdiger Deppe, Martin Fritzsche, Klaus Junker, Gunter Maierhofer
  • Patent number: 9795528
    Abstract: A bariatric chair for use in easing the ingress and egress of bariatric patients from medical furniture includes a platform mounted within a cavity defined by the chair base. The platform includes a pair of pistons and a pair of legs each pivotably attached to a rectangular base that is stored in a retracted position within the base when not in use but drops down when engaged to lift the chair vertically. Due to the pistons extending beyond the legs, the pivotable nature of the attachment creates a rotation of approximately fifteen degrees (15°) in the chair base, assisting the bariatric patient when trying to exit the chair. A method of lifting the chair is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Images of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Fabio G. Delmestri, Zachary Gray Cashatt
  • Patent number: 9422058
    Abstract: A seat actuation control system includes at least one seat having a plurality of seat devices and a plurality of control modules interconnected over a communication bus. Each module is associated with a corresponding seat control device and is configured to control its corresponding seat device. Each module includes a processor and a memory coupled to the processor and storing program instructions therein which include receiving a status packet from each of the other control modules over the communication bus, processing the status packet for updating the overall system status, and actuating the seat device based on the overall system status. The program instructions further include determining status of the corresponding seat device, generating a status packet including the status information, and broadcasting the status packet to the other modules over the communication bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: CRANE CO.
    Inventors: Brian Fischer, Ary Geuvdjelian, Pan Kwok, Nicholas Flores
  • Patent number: 9079089
    Abstract: Seats that are moveable from a seating orientation, which allows a user to sit on the seat, to a standing orientation, where the seat at least partially supports the user in a standing posture are disclosed. At least a portion of the seat is moveable away from the user's legs when the seat is in the standing orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: Altimate Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Warren Lokken, Wesley Lee Ovre, Jeffrey Vernon Schmidt, Mathew Allan Haugen, Leo Joseph Schweiss
  • Patent number: 9033417
    Abstract: A child chair apparatus includes a supporting device and a seat device. The seat device is disposed on the supporting device. The seat device includes a fixing component and a seat component. The fixing component is disposed on the supporting device. The fixing component includes a first shaft and a second shaft. The seat component includes an oscillating base and an adjusting base. The oscillating base and the adjusting base are slidably connected to the first shaft and the second shaft respectively, such that the seat component is slidably disposed on the fixing component. The child chair apparatus of the present invention can be switched between the high chair and rocking chair, and has advantages of easy operation and convenient usage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: BP Children's Products HK Co., Limited
    Inventor: Xiao-Long Mo
  • Publication number: 20150130239
    Abstract: The invention relates to an active dynamic stool comprising the following: a seat part, a three-dimensional articulation system made up of at least three legs with foot parts at the lower end thereof, wherein the legs each have their upper end mounted on the seat part for movement on seat-part-mounted connecting articulations, such that the seat part can execute oscillating and circular movements in respect of its non-deflected rest position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: aeris GmbH
    Inventors: Josef Glöckl, Thomas Hermann Schröder
  • Publication number: 20150123442
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle seat having a seat member having a seat face and two lateral members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Jorg Linnenbrink, Ingo Kienke, Gerhard Rothstein
  • Publication number: 20150108803
    Abstract: The present invention includes an ergonomic chair that is useful for people who sit for an extended period of time at work, in avoiding work station related back pain and neck pain. The present invention incorporates a hemispherical seat which can be locked in position and comprises a fixed inner hemisphere, a movable outer hemisphere, and a shroud. The support pole where the inner hemisphere is bolted into absorbs the load from the user, and the outer hemisphere equipped with hydraulic or pneumatic resistance devices and attached to the tension springs provides a balanced movement of the chair. Accordingly, while sitting on the chair, the present invention allows no deformation on the rigid hemispherical seat, and keeps the spine of the user in a desirable alignment, further improving the internal function of the user's organs. The present invention can also be used as an office stretch GYM ball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventor: Araz Bay
  • Patent number: 8960785
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat cushion movable in a front-rear direction, an ottoman provided at a front portion of the seat cushion such that the ottoman can be stored and unfolded to function as a footrest, and a transmitting mechanism which moves the ottoman from a stored position to an unfolded position in association with change of a position of the seat cushion in the front-rear direction from a rear side position which is a normal use position to a front side position which is a comfortable position, and which moves the ottoman from the unfolded position to the stored position in association with return of the position of the seat cushion in the front-rear direction from the comfortable position to the normal use position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Satoru Kuno
  • Publication number: 20150028641
    Abstract: A seat configured to provide support for a user at various positions, such as standing position or a seated position, is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Mark Stent, Matthew Wiacek, Alex Manning
  • Publication number: 20150021967
    Abstract: A buckle pre-tensioner on a chassis support member, at the left side frame, one of two side frames 14-1 (left and right side frames) holding the seat pad of a seat cushion, respectively. A band 18 extends below the seat pad, extending between the left and right side frames. The band is fastened at one end to the right side frame, and at the other end 18b (free end) to the right side frame. The other end 18b is pulled at an emergency. A direction changing member 14-1a is provided on the left side frame. Via the direction changing member 14-1a, the free end 18b of the band extends along the left frame to the pre-tensioner and is connected the pre-tensioner. At an emergency, the pre-tensioner pulls both the seat belt 16 and the free end 18b of the band.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Koji TANAKA, Hiroshi NOZU, Hiromasa TANJI, Atsushi ICHIDA, Hideo TOBATA, Atsushi KOIKE
  • Patent number: 8931846
    Abstract: A seat for a transport vehicle includes a seat surface, an armrest, and a child armrest. The child armrest is configured to adopt an adult position and a child position. In the adult position the child armrest is arranged in a stowed position in which the child armrest is incorporated in a contour of the armrest. In the child position the child armrest is arranged in a use position in which the child armrest has a reduced spacing from the seat surface in the vertical direction and a reduced spacing from an opposing armrest in the horizontal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Lufthansa Technik AG
    Inventor: Harald Merensky
  • Patent number: 8919882
    Abstract: A soldier platform system and method includes a soldier platform system in a vehicle. In an embodiment, the soldier platform system includes a seat assembly. The seat assembly includes a seat and straps. The soldier platform system also includes a restraint harness belt. The restraint harness belt is secured to the seat assembly. In addition, the soldier platform system includes mounting assemblies. The straps attach the seat to the mounting assemblies. The soldier platform system further includes a ratchet platform that has a platform upper assembly and a platform lower assembly. The soldier platform system also has a strap retractor and a retractor strap. The retractor strap is extractable from the strap retractor, and the retractor strap is retractable by the strap retractor. Additionally, the strap retractor retracts the retractor strap upon achieving a strap threshold. Moreover, the strap retractor is secured to the platform lower assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Black Mountain Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle L. Greenwood, Bobby D. Melvin, Rattaya C. Yalamanchili, James Buckner, James Hagan
  • Patent number: 8919881
    Abstract: The Ergonomic Göbelek Chair of the present disclosure is useful for avoiding work related back and neck pain associated with extended periods of time sitting by providing a hemispherical seat which promotes correct posture and spine alignment as a user sits. The hemispherical seat includes a fixed inner hemisphere, a movable outer hemisphere received by and positioned over the inner hemisphere, and a shroud enclosing a portion of the inner and outer hemispheres. Affixed to the inner hemisphere, between the inner hemisphere and the outer hemisphere, is a series of bearings which allow the outer hemisphere to move adjacent to the inner hemisphere. A locking system locks and unlocks the outer hemisphere. The Ergonomic Göbelek Chair further includes foldable back and arm rests capable of folding away from the hemispherical seat for use of the hemispherical seat as a stretch gym ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Inventor: Araz Bay
  • Patent number: 8894149
    Abstract: A passenger seat system includes a backrest and a seat, which has a first sub-portion having a first surface and a second, opposite surface to the first surface as well as a second sub-portion having a first surface and a second, opposite surface to the first surface. The sub-portions are relatively movable in order to provide first and second operating positions. In the first operating position the sub-portions are positioned in relation to the backrest one behind the other such that the first surface of the first sub-portion and the first surface of the second sub-portion form a usable total seat surface. In the second operating position the sub-portions are positioned in relation to the backrest one above the other such that one of the surfaces of the first sub-portion or the first surface of the second sub-portion forms a usable partial seat surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Benjamin Duus, Hans-Gerhard Giesa, Joerg Cremers
  • Publication number: 20140333108
    Abstract: An item of seating furniture, including a base fixed in position during use, a seat unit with a seat surface, and a leg unit moveable in relation to the seat unit and having a leg support surface. The leg unit is displaceable via a movement mechanism between a storage position and a use position. The movement mechanism is designed for transferring the leg unit from the storage position into the use position. The movement mechanism has an intermediate support displaceable in relation to the seat unit or the base via a first pivoting guide. The pivoting guide has a first rear pivot lever between the intermediate support and the seat unit or the base, and the leg unit is displaceable relative to the intermediate support via a second pivoting guide. The second pivoting guide has a first front pivot lever between the intermediate support and the leg unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventor: Matthias FISCHER
  • Publication number: 20140327283
    Abstract: A vertical seat motion lock apparatus is provided and includes a seat base, a locking system coupled to the seat base and disposable in a locking position, at which the locking system is configured to permit upward seat base movement and to prevent uncommanded downward seat base movement, and an unlocked position and a control system coupled to the locking system, the control system being biased to cause the locking system to assume the locking position and configured to be selectively actuated to cause the locking system to assume the unlocked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: AMI Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Brownsberger, Donald Pinkal
  • Publication number: 20140312667
    Abstract: A chair includes a base, a seat assembly comprising a seat, and a height adjustment mechanism attached between the base and the seat assembly. The height adjustment mechanism vertically moves a position of the seat from a first position to a second position that is higher than the first position. The height adjustment mechanism includes a first gas spring attached to the base, a second gas spring attached to the seat assembly, and a support attached between the first gas spring and the second gas spring. The first gas spring is at least partially within a lower portion of the base and the second gas spring is at least partially within the seat assembly. The seat assembly is movable relative to the lower portion of the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: Office for Metropolitan Architecture Stedebouw B.V.
    Inventors: Rem Koolhaas, Andrew Blair Hector
  • Patent number: 8864231
    Abstract: A bearing assembly for a worm drive supporting the worm of the worm drive with washer-shaped thrust slide bearings and bush-shaped radial slide (sintered oil-containing bearings) bearings. The thrust slide bearings are made of a resin containing 95 to 99.9 wt % of polyetheretherketone resin, which is an aromatic polyetherketone resin. Wear of the thrust slide bearings is reduced and its durability is improved, thereby preventing vibration and noise of the worm drive as well as improving its durability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Masato Shimoda, Masahiko Mizutani
  • Publication number: 20140306061
    Abstract: A folding passenger seat and a corresponding passenger seating system for means of passenger transport are provided. The folding passenger seat comprises a seat frame, on which a front seat leg having a first fastening element and a rear seat leg having a second fastening element are arranged. The first fastening element and the second fastening element are configured to be connected to rails on a cabin floor of the means of passenger transport and to be displaced in the rails. A first joint element is arranged between the first fastening element and the second fastening element such that a spacing between the first fastening element and the second fastening element is variable. In particular, the first joint element may be arranged between the front seat leg and the seat frame or between the rear seat leg and the seat frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Lars SCHOMACKER, Frank QUATMANN
  • Publication number: 20140265495
    Abstract: The present invention includes an ergonomic chair that is useful for people who sit for an extended period of time at work, in avoiding work station related back pain and neck pain. The present invention incorporates a hemispherical seat which can be locked in position and comprises a fixed inner hemisphere, a movable outer hemisphere, and a shroud. The support pole where the inner hemisphere is bolted into absorbs the load from the user, and the outer hemisphere equipped with hydraulic or pneumatic resistance devices and attached to the tension springs provides a balanced movement of the chair. Accordingly, while sitting on the chair, the present invention allows no deformation on the rigid hemispherical seat, and keeps the spine of the user in a desirable alignment, further improving the internal function of the user's organs. The present invention can also be used as an office stretch GYM ball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: ARAZ BAY
  • Publication number: 20140239687
    Abstract: A seat assembly is constructed such that the consumer can secure the base to the seat without using any tools. A consumer inserts a tab at one end of a mounting plate into a slot at one end of a base plate secured to a seat. An opening on the mounting plate is moved to receive a latch on the base plate. An actuator allows the consumer to retract a spring-loaded latch bolt on the latch to move the latch through the opening. The spring-loaded latch bolt then secures the mounting plate against the base plate. In order to limit the ability of the mounting plate to slide with respect to the base plate, projections on the base plate pass through mounting plate apertures. The seat assembly may also include controls for seat height and seat reclining resistance, as well as a seat back.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: WHALEN FURNITURE MANUFACTURING INC.
    Inventors: Thomas B. Hazzard, Tracy Leigh Hazzard
  • Publication number: 20140239688
    Abstract: A mobile task chair with a mobile base structure, a control mechanism, a seat bottom, and a seat back. A physical setting control mechanism is adjustable to control a physical setting of the mobile task chair, and a visual indicator provides a visual indication, such as an illuminated visual indication, of the physical setting of the mobile task chair as adjusted by the physical setting control mechanism. The physical setting control mechanism can be pivoting resistance adjustment mechanism, and the visual indicator can indicate a selected pivoting resistance based on a resistance sensed by a resistance sensor. Multiple physical setting control mechanisms and a corresponding multiplicity of separate visual indicators can be provided. The visual indicator can be selectively induced as by touch and can be effective for a given time period. Recommended settings can be provided and automatically or selectively induced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Inventor: Sava Cvek
  • Publication number: 20140225406
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle seat comprising a base portion for attachment in a vehicle; a seat bottom part, with a top side and an underside, which seat bottom part is attached to the base portion; a waist belt, which extends between the seat bottom part's sides. At least one hinge mechanism that is adjustable between a first and a second position is arranged at the base portion. The waist belt is attached to the hinge mechanism, so that the waist belts position in relation to the seat bottom part changes when one on the seat bottom part acting force reaches a predetermined value, which force leads the hinge mechanism from the first to the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: BAE Systems Hägglunds Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Martin Carlsson
  • Publication number: 20140203606
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seat defining a seating area and an actuation assembly. An elongate flexible member includes a first end pivotally coupled to the seat and a second end operably coupled with the actuation assembly. The elongate flexible member is pivotally moveable between raised and lowered positions and operable between a retracted position and an extended position. The elongate flexible member enlarges the effective seating area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Harry Zhong, John W. Jaranson, Daniel Ferretti, Grant A. Compton, Kevin VanNieulande
  • Publication number: 20140203607
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat defining a seating area. An internal flex member is disposed in the seat. An external flex member is proximate a forward edge of the seat. A first actuation assembly is operably coupled to the internal flex member to raise a portion of the seat. A second actuation assembly translates the external flex member between a retracted position and an extended position that enlarges the effective seating area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Daniel Ferretti, John W. Jaranson, Grant A. Compton
  • Patent number: 8757721
    Abstract: A soldier platform system and method includes a soldier platform system in a vehicle. In an embodiment, the soldier platform system includes a seat assembly. The seat assembly includes a seat and straps. The soldier platform system also includes a restraint harness belt. The restraint harness belt is secured to the seat assembly. In addition, the soldier platform system includes mounting assemblies. The straps attach the seat to the mounting assemblies. The soldier platform system further includes a ratchet platform that has a platform upper assembly and a platform lower assembly. The soldier platform system also has a strap retractor and a retractor strap. The retractor strap is extractable from the strap retractor, and the retractor strap is retractable by the strap retractor. Additionally, the strap retractor retracts the retractor strap upon achieving a strap threshold. Moreover, the strap retractor is secured to the platform lower assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Black Mountain Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Kyle L. Greenwood
  • Patent number: 8740305
    Abstract: A soldier platform system and method includes a soldier platform system in a vehicle. In an embodiment, the soldier platform system includes a soldier platform system in a vehicle. The soldier platform system includes a seat assembly comprising a seat and straps. The straps are attachable to the vehicle. In addition, the soldier platform system includes a restraint harness belt. The restraint harness belt is attached to the seat assembly. The soldier platform system also includes a ratchet platform. The ratchet platform includes a platform upper assembly and a platform lower assembly. The platform lower assembly comprises a platform upper assembly actuator. The platform upper assembly actuator comprises a pedal sub assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Black Mountain Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Kyle L. Greenwood
  • Publication number: 20140145482
    Abstract: A seat assembly is provided that may include a seatback and a seat bottom. The seatback may extend generally upright. The seat bottom may be connected to the seatback and may include a frame and a seat bottom adjustment mechanism. The seat bottom adjustment mechanism may include first and second cushion pans that are movable relative to the frame and movable relative to each other between first and second configurations. The first and second cushion pans may support one or more seat cushions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Inventor: Walter W. Holzhueter
  • Publication number: 20140130253
    Abstract: An adjustable and transformative two or three sided sofa is provided with two backrests, a seat bottom, one or two motion systems and release systems and also two of the present methods have two or four folding legs which are used for its one or two beds. In the present sofa, another sofa is embedded under each sofa so that another sofa will be formed by 180 or 90 degrees rotation of each sofa. In the present methods a part of sofa such as backrest, seat bottom or legs need to be adjusted by the motion system before or after rotation. Each model includes two or three sofa. The motion mechanisms of the two or three sided sofa can be replaced by other systems such as the manual simple lockable systems, linear gear systems, accompanied by electromotor systems, pneumatic systems or any similar systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventor: Saeed Sadeghi
  • Publication number: 20140132050
    Abstract: A seating assembly 10 having a pair of armrests 12, 14; a footrest 20; a backrest 30, and a seat portion 24 which may each be independently and selectively moveable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Clark, Richard N. Clark
  • Patent number: 8719980
    Abstract: This invented multiple-phase dynamic cushion comprises a frame, at least a driving source, at least a transmission assembly, and clusters of plural strips interleaved in parallel. Taking a two-phase embodiment as an example, the two-phase strips interleave with each other, in parallel, to form the cushion's surface and alternate their tensions in turn; when one phase's strips periodically tighten to support the user's body, the other phase's strips will loosen, allowing the user's body covered by the loosened strips to take a rest, averting a pressure-ulcer risk. The driving source is energized by an altering energy, making the two strip groups alternate in loosening and tightening states periodically in turn. This invention can be converted into a portable dynamic chair when the four holes on the bottom of its four corners are inserted with legs; it can also be converted into a dynamic support for a lying human body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventor: John Yanhao Chen
  • Publication number: 20140097656
    Abstract: A slidable seating apparatus may be described. The slidable seating apparatus can include a mounting rail, a first support coupled to the mounting rail; a second support coupled to the mounting rail; and a seat mounted on a carrier, wherein the arm slidably couples to the mounting rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Inventor: Kristopher A. Barber
  • Patent number: 8677848
    Abstract: A speed reduction device for a power seat adapted to be fixed to a seat frame, the speed reduction device includes a worm gear rotating with a motor output shaft, a helical gear meshed with the worm gear and rotating with a drive shaft driving a movable portion of the power seat, and a casing accommodating the worm gear and the helical gear. The casing includes a casing body rotatably supporting the worm gear, a casing cover tightened to the casing body, annular fitting portions fitted to each other, a first engagement portion formed at an outer circumferential side of the annular fitting portion of one of the casing body and the casing cover, a second engagement portion formed at the other of the casing body and the casing cover and engaging with the first engagement portion, and a tightening means tightening the casing cover to the casing body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Koga, Eiichiro Tsuji
  • Patent number: 8668180
    Abstract: A seat slide device is switchable between a locked state and an unlocked state. When the seat slide device in the locked state, a lock member attached to an upper rail is engaged with a lock hole formed in a lower rail. This restricts movement of the upper rail with respect to the lower rail. When the seat slide device is in the unlocked state, the lock member is separated from the lock hole to permit the upper rail to move with respect to the lower rail. In the unlocked state, a gap is formed between a movable portion and the lower rail. In contrast, in the locked state, the movable portion contacts the lower rail and the gap between the movable portion and the lower rail is eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Gifu Auto Body Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shin Shiraki
  • Publication number: 20140049084
    Abstract: A seating unit that includes a linkage mechanism adapted to adjust between closed, extended, and reclined positions is provided. The linkage mechanism includes a seat-mounting plate mounted to a footrest assembly, a back-mounting link and a rear bellcrank both rotatably coupled to the seat-mounting plate, an activator bar that controls a footrest drive link, and a linear actuator for carrying out automated adjustment of the linkage assembly. In operation, a stroke in a first phase of the linear actuator generates a torque on the activator bar. The footrest drive link converts the torque into a laterally-directed force that pushes the footrest assembly into the extended position. A stroke in the second phase acts to push the activator bar forward and translate the seat-mounting plate forward at a consistent inclination angle. The forward translation causes the rear bellcrank to rotate, thereby biasing the back-mounting link rearward into the reclined position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: L & P Property Management Company
    Inventors: GREGORY M. LAWSON, STEVEN LAKE
  • Publication number: 20140021759
    Abstract: A seating unit having a seat assembly and an adjustment assembly coupled to the seat assembly is provided, where the adjustment assembly includes a single drive mechanism for translating the seat assembly from a first position to a second position and expanding the seat assembly from a first configuration to a second configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventors: Gordon Jay Peterson, Jennifer Kristy Geister
  • Publication number: 20140021760
    Abstract: A seating unit that includes a seat-lift assembly adapted to move the seating unit between a closed and a seat-lift position is provided. The seat-lift assembly includes a drive linkage mechanism, and a lift linkage mechanism. The seat-lift assembly is attached to a seat linkage mechanism that includes a seat-mounting plate, a base plate coupled and a linear actuator for automating adjustment of the linkage mechanism. In operation, the drive linkage mechanism is moveably interconnected to the base plate and adapted to independently raise at least a first portion of the seat frame with respect to the base plate, the first portion being raised at a first rate, and the lift linkage mechanism is moveably interconnected to the seat-mounting plate, and adapted to independently raise at least a second portion of the seat frame with respect to the seat-mounting plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: L & P PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY
    Inventor: GARY MASTERS
  • Publication number: 20140019011
    Abstract: A transportation apparatus includes a payload receiving unit, a transportation body, and a compensation system arranged there between providing adjustment of a desired spatial relationship of a payload surface of the compensation unit. The compensation system has at least one of a first compensation unit and a second compensation unit for adjustment of the spatial relationship. The compensation units adjust the spatial relationship in different directions. Thus the compensation system maintains a desired orientation of the payload surface independent of changes of orientation of the transportation surface. Further, the compensation system substantially maintains a common point of gravity of the transportation apparatus including the payload by displacing the center of gravity of the payload receiving unit and the payload substantially opposite to a displacement of a center of gravity of the transportation apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicants: Kipax AB, Zouce AB
    Inventor: Mikael Löfstrand
  • Patent number: 8613482
    Abstract: A chair chassis is revealed. The chair chassis includes a seat base, a middle base and an adjustment member. A sliding plate is connected to each side of the seat base. A sliding slot is arranged at a front and a rear end of each sliding plate and a pulley is arranged transversely between two sliding slots. The two pulleys connect to a tilting board. The middle base between the two sliding plates connects to the tilting board and the two sliding plates by the pulley on the front end. A third pulley slides over a slant part of the middle base. The adjustment member includes a rack, a locking piece and a lock adjustment rod for control of movement of the locking piece to be engaged with and separated from the rack. Thus users with various weights can use the same chair chassis and operate the chair chassis easier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Hangzhou Zhongtai Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yong-Xing Ni
  • Publication number: 20130313875
    Abstract: A seat assembly includes a seat bottom with a deformable seat shell. The deformable seat shell is configured to change shape with a changing occupant load distribution. The seat shell is coupled with a support frame via a shell motion controller having one or more motion control links. Each motion control link is coupled with the seat shell at a fixed location relative to the seat shell and with the support frame at a fixed location relative to the support frame. The shell motion controller allows these fixed locations to move relative to each other and also constrains their relative movement. The combined seat shell deformation and controlled movement relative to the support frame can provide the seat occupant with a comfortable seating experience while preventing pelvis drift and potentially eliminating traditional foam seat cushions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventors: Gregory Brncick, Jared Alden Judson, Timothy L. Moulton, Sam Palmer