Interconnected With Back For Relative Concurrent Movement Patents (Class 297/316)
  • Patent number: 11944210
    Abstract: A chair, comprising, a backrest, a seat coupled with the backrest, a column coupled with the seat, a linkage statically attached to the backrest and rotatably attached below the seat, a leaf spring statically attached at one end and in direct contact with the linkage to provide a resistance to tilting of the backrest relative to the column. A first structure fixed to the column, where a portion of the first structure has an arc shape that includes one or more teeth, and a second structure in contact with the first structure, wherein a portion of the second structure includes one or more teeth. The chair is configured such that, when a weight is applied to the seat, the one or more teeth of the second structure, a pivot point at which the backrest is configured to tilt relative to the column, and the linkage are configured to move together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: AARON DEJULE
    Inventor: Aaron Dejule
  • Patent number: 11812866
    Abstract: A seating structure includes a frame, a carrier, and a suspension material. The frame includes first and second side frame members and first and second cross frame members forming a closed loop and defining an opening therebetween. The frame also includes a plurality of first attachment features on an outer perimeter of the frame. The carrier includes first and second side carrier members and first and second cross carrier members that form a closed loop. The carrier also includes a plurality of second attachment features on an inner perimeter of the carrier. The plurality of second attachment features engages the plurality of first attachment features to attach the carrier to the frame. The suspension material is attached to the carrier and extends over the opening in the frame to define a continuous seat and backrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: MILLERKNOLL, INC.
    Inventors: Johann Burkhard Schmitz, Carola Eva Marianne Zwick, Roland Rolf Otto Zwick, James Slagh, Brent Tracy, Michael D. Stanton, Sr.
  • Patent number: 11786426
    Abstract: A bed device includes: an operation section that receives an operation input; a controller that controls a movement of the bed in accordance with the operation input; a detector that detects a position of a patient on the bed; and, a limitation table that stores a limitation area set on the bed in association with a limitation content, wherein when the position of the patient detected by the detector is included in the limitation area, the limitation content is read out from the limitation table so as to control the controller in accordance with the limitation content. With this configuration, it is possible to provide a higher safety bed device which can not only notify the danger based on the bed movement but also limit the movement of the bed in accordance with the status of the patient or the bed device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: PARAMOUNT BED CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shinya Murai
  • Patent number: 11690455
    Abstract: A synchronous-tilt reclining office chair includes a seat, a backrest interconnected to the seat, and an arrangement providing a synchronous-tilt mechanism that controls synchronous movement of the backrest and seat between a normal non-reclined position and a reclined position. Recline tension provided by the arrangement is a function of a force required to compress at least one tensioning spring mounted below the seat, a weight applied on the seat by a seat occupant, and a location of the weight on the seat relative to front and rear portions of the seat, whereby, as the weight is applied toward the front portion of the seat, recline tension is reduced and, as the weight is applied toward the rear portion of the seat, recline tension is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Inventor: Dinkar Chellaram
  • Patent number: 11623547
    Abstract: A vehicle seat configured to accommodate at least two users, comprising a base, and a seating portion frame comprising at least two seating areas, a first and a second backrest which are pivotally hinged to the base, wherein the seat further comprises a connection system connecting the first backrest to the seating portion frame, configured so that the pivoting of the first backrest relative to the base causes the simultaneous movement of the seating portion frame relative to the base, and wherein the second width portion of the seating portion frame is connected to the base, by means of a connection mechanism, configured to enable movement of the seating portion frame relative to the base during the movement of the seating portion frame relative to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: FAURECIA Siéges d'Automobile
    Inventors: David Epaud, Farouk Bouzid
  • Patent number: 11524787
    Abstract: The present invention proposes an air passenger seat comprising a frame that is designed to be fastened to a floor in an air passenger cabin, the frame comprising a seat divider and rails running transversely to the seat direction, wherein: the seat divider is held in place by the rails and is disposed behind a first front rail, which is positioned in front, with regard to the seat direction of the rail; and wherein perpendicular to a plane, which is formed by points for fastening the frame to the floor of an air passenger cabin, is a height difference between the rails so that the rear rail is positioned above the front rail at least by a difference d of 20 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: Zim Aircraft Seating GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 11426315
    Abstract: A bed device includes: an operation section that receives an operation input; a controller that controls a movement of the bed in accordance with the operation input; a detector that detects a position of a patient on the bed; and, a limitation table that stores a limitation area set on the bed in association with a limitation content, wherein when the position of the patient detected by the detector is included in the limitation area, the limitation content is read out from the limitation table so as to control the controller in accordance with the limitation content. With this configuration, it is possible to provide a higher safety bed device which can not only notify the danger based on the bed movement but also limit the movement of the bed in accordance with the status of the patient or the bed device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: PARAMOUNT BED CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shinya Murai
  • Patent number: 11337874
    Abstract: An assistive seating device (10) includes a frame (11) having a base (12) with rear legs (14) coupled to front legs (15) having lifting arms (21). The base also includes a first couplers (25) and second couplers (26). The frame also includes a seat portion (29) coupled to the base for reciprocal movement between a lowered, seating position and a raised, lifting position. Lifting cylinders (40) are pivotally coupled at a top end (41) to the seat portion. Each lifting cylinder also has a lower end (44) receivable within either the first or second tubular coupler. The force of the lifting cylinders upon the pivoting seat portion depends upon the selected coupling location of the lower ends of the lifting cylinders upon the base. The assistive seating device also includes a lock to prevent the seat portion from pivoting from its lowered, seating position to its raised, lifting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: LP4, LLC
    Inventors: Olof Hakan Sjogren, Jakob Carl Erik Sjogren
  • Patent number: 11241344
    Abstract: A cot includes a patient platform that supports a frame, a patient support assembly, and a pad. The cot further includes a lift system that is coupled to a transport system that includes a cot retainer. The patient support assembly includes a headrest, backrest, seat, and leg rest. In some forms, a child restraint assembly is incorporated into the various parts of the patient support assembly to allow safe transport of children in an ambulance. The child restraint assembly is adjustable to accommodate the size of the child being transported. In other forms, the child restraint assembly is incorporated into the pad. The various embodiments envision a child restraint assembly that is easily accessible to emergency medical professionals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: Indiana Mills & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Alan King, Christopher Geist, Amie Barnes, Soren Balzer Sibbesen, Douglas Wayne Bittner, Chris P. Jessup
  • Patent number: 11202510
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to foot pedestals for passenger vehicles. More specifically, the present disclosure describes a deployable foot pedestal that provides support and comfort to a passenger. The foot pedestal includes an internal torsion spring so that it remains stowed and flush with the rear of the seat back when not in use. It can be deployed for use by the passenger using their foot, or hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: REINHOLD INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Robert Clough, Kosta Gianakopoulos
  • Patent number: 11122900
    Abstract: There is described a seat module for use in furniture for sitting, the seat module comprising a backrest (1) and a seat (2) and a coupling element (3), the backrest (1) being adapted to run along rear grooves (7) arranged in respective sides of the coupling element at its rear edge, a rear portion of the seat (2) is connected to the backrest (1) and a front portion of the seat (2) is adapted to run along front grooves (9) arranged in respective sides of the coupling element in its leading edge. The seat module further comprises a tilting mechanism (15-19) connecting the coupling element with a support member or base (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Ekornes ASA
    Inventor: Webjørn Jarnes
  • Patent number: 11111023
    Abstract: A reclining seat system, that has an upright seat that is fixed, and a movable reclining seat, which connects to and moves relative to the upright seat, between an upright position where the movable reclining seat portion is in the same shape of an upright position as the fixed upright seat, and between a reclined position where the movable reclining seat portion is in a position of reclining, while the upright portion remains upright to avoid impringing on the space behind the upright seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Inventor: Rami Kayyali
  • Patent number: 10906443
    Abstract: An actuating device for releasing a locked release and/or adjustment mechanism of a vehicle seat having a first and a second actuating element. Provision is made that the first and second actuating elements and an indicator element are arranged together in a housing of the actuating device. The actuating elements are connected to at least one actuating mechanism that provides for a release of the locked release and/or adjustment mechanism upon actuation of one of the actuating elements. The actuation of one of the actuating elements substantially simultaneously results in an actuation and indication of the indicator element concerning the released or locked state of the release and/or adjustment mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Lukasz Pasternak
  • Patent number: 10874566
    Abstract: The invention relates to a stand-up wheelchair, comprising a chassis and a stand-up frame articulated to the chassis. The stand-up frame comprises a first and a second parallelogram lever whose front ends are articulated to the chassis and can be pivoted around a first and a second joint point, and upon whose rear ends the backrest is hinged at a third and fourth joint point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Levo AG Wohlen
    Inventor: Thomas Frei
  • Patent number: 10756921
    Abstract: Systems and methods for training network-connected objects to provide configurations in association with events within media assets. A respective configuration setting of a network-connected object and a baseline biometric state of a user may be stored in a database for each event within a media asset. An event within a media asset (for display) may be detected. In response, a command may be sent to the network-connected object to implement the respective configuration setting. A determination may be made whether the user adjusts the respective configuration setting to a new configuration setting within a predefined time of the event. A biometric state of the user may be retrieved from a biometric device in response to the adjustment to a new configuration setting. If the biometric state does not correspond to the baseline biometric state, the respective configuration setting may be replaced with the new configuration setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: ROVI GUIDES, INC.
    Inventors: Maria Rocio Ramirez, Denisse Breaux, Angel Merced
  • Patent number: 10744911
    Abstract: A lifter mechanism for an edge of a seat cushion includes a bracket pivotable about a transverse bar. The bracket includes a forward lever and a rearward portion. The forward lever is coupled to a channel within a flange of a seat suspension. The rearward portion is coupled to a linkage. The linkage is coupled to a seatback. The forward lever raises an edge of the seat suspension upon the seatback pivoting to a predetermined reclined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Spencer Robert Hoernke, Jimmy Moua, Adam Ewel, Corbin Shea Johnston, Robert Damerow, Paul Iacoban, S. M. Akbar Berry
  • Patent number: 10449100
    Abstract: A seat on a lift assist chair pivots between a lowered position in which a user can sit in the chair, and a raised position in which a seated user is helped out of the chair and into a standing position. A pair of arms is operatively attached to the seat. Responsive to the application of a user-applied downward force, the arms pivot about an axis thereby causing the seat to pivot between the lowered position and the raised position. First and second counterweights are also connected to the arms, and are axially adjustable relative to the axis about which the arms pivot. This movement permits the user to selectively alter the moment of the pivotable arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Francis Norbert Hector, Jr. and Karolyn M. Hector
    Inventor: Norbert Hector
  • Patent number: 10383442
    Abstract: A reclining mechanism for a seating unit including a base, a linkage mechanism operatively coupled to the base, the linkage mechanism configured to move between a closed position and one or more open positions, and a stop member configured to contact the linkage mechanism and the base when the linkage mechanism is in the closed position. The linkage mechanism may include a forward pivot link pivotally connected to the base. The stop member may include a pin coupled to one of the base and the forward pivot link and may contact the other of the base and the forward pivot link when the linkage mechanism is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: L&P PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY
    Inventor: Gregory Mark Lawson
  • Patent number: 10314751
    Abstract: The invention relates to a stand-up wheelchair, comprising a chassis and a stand-up frame articulated to the chassis. The stand-up frame comprises a first and a second parallelogram lever whose front ends are articulated to the chassis and can be pivoted around a first and a second joint point, and upon whose rear ends the backrest is hinged at a third and fourth joint point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Levo AG Wohlen
    Inventor: Thomas Frei
  • Patent number: 10264877
    Abstract: A height adjustment mechanism is provided. The height adjustment mechanism includes a lifting arm, a driving mechanism configured to drive and lock the lifting arm, and a control switch configured to control the driving mechanism; the driving mechanism is coupled to the lifting arm, and an angle is formed between the driving mechanism and the lifting arm. A height adjustment platform and method is also provided. The height adjustment platform includes a first working table, a bottom bracket, a lifting arm, a driving mechanism configured to drive and lock the lifting arm, and a control switch configured to control the driving mechanism; two opposite ends of the lifting arms are separately coupled to the first working table and the bottom bracket, the driving mechanism is coupled to the lifting arm, and the angle is formed between the driving mechanism and the lifting arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: DESIGNA INC.
    Inventors: Yajun Hu, Chuyao Zhou
  • Patent number: 10188565
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a transport chair includes a base frame, a seat assembly pivotally mounted to the base, and a footrest assembly pivotally mounted to the base frame, the footrest assembly being associated with the seat assembly so as to pivot in unison with the seat assembly until the seat assembly is pivoted forward to an extent at which the footrest assembly contacts the floor or ground, at which point the footrest assembly does not pivot further upon further forward pivoting of the seat assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: The UAB Research Foundation
    Inventors: William Ferniany, Lloyd Cooper
  • Patent number: 9743771
    Abstract: Dynamic furniture for supporting a seated or reclining user includes a base, an actuator assembly supported by the base, a front boom in circular orbital connection to a portion of the base, a rear boom in circular orbital connection to another portion of the base, a seat platform supported by the actuator assembly, and a back platform supported by the actuator assembly. The seat platform and the back platform are capable of remaining stationary relative to the actuator assembly while the actuator assembly moves relative to the base. The seat platform and the back platform are also capable of moving relative to the actuator assembly while the actuator assembly remains stationary relative to the base. The seat platform and the back platform are also capable of moving relative to the actuator assembly while the actuator assembly moves relative to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Exciting Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Erb, Mark M. Erb
  • Patent number: 9668928
    Abstract: A chair includes a backrest that pivots with respect to the seat in a manner that improves the occupant's experience during the transition from an upright position to a reclined position. During pivoting of the backrest with respect to the seat, the backrest moves in a manner having an instantaneous center of rotation that does not remain stationary during the pivoting of the backrest. In some embodiments, the instantaneous center of rotation begins at a location lower than a height of the seat and moves backward as the backrest pivots from the upright position to the reclined position. The movement of the instantaneous center of rotation follows a smoothly curved path that has a continuous first derivative and, in some embodiments, continuous higher order derivatives as well. The movement may be effectuated via pins coupled to the backrest that ride in smoothly curved channels defined in a seat frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Anish Paul, Matthew A. Cutler, Tyler Joseph Ethen, Christopher S. Hough
  • Patent number: 9592753
    Abstract: In an example embodiment, an instructor seat for the cab of an agricultural vehicle is convertible between a sitting condition when the seat is in a forward position and a non-sitting condition when the seat is in a rearward position. The instructor seat may include a seat base and seat back, a conveyor to move the seat between a forward position and a rearward position, and a latch mechanism to place the seat back in a generally vertical position when the seat is in a forward position and force the seat back into a generally horizontal non-sitting position when the seat is in a rearward position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: AGCO Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy Allen Murray, Stephen Nuemeyer
  • Patent number: 9272642
    Abstract: In a vehicle seat (car seat 1) including a first seat portion (seat cushion 10) movable between a use position and a retracted position, and a second seat portion (seat back 20) movable between a use position and a retracted position, an actuator mechanism is configured to cause the second seat portion to start moving toward its retracted position at a time when the first seat portion passes a predetermined intermediate position that is on a way from the use position toward the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignees: TS TECH CO., LTD., HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD
    Inventors: Hideki Kobayashi, Tetsuya Ishikawa, Kazuhisa Nishimura
  • Patent number: 9215932
    Abstract: A chair action features a movable seat frame (11), a drive frame (12) for effecting seat frame movement, and an underpinning yoke frame (13), intervening pivot slides operative between frames, with guideway slots (14, 14, 16) and followers (19) variously in frames, to contrive a combined pivot swing and translational slide action, and free-floating seat frame mobility, while conforming to virtual pivot geometry; operable under a potential energy function in an inter-relationship between back recline and seat movement, for a common or harmonious experience between different occupancy weights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Inventor: Hilary Rolf Birkbeck
  • Patent number: 9198514
    Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a chair including a base, a hub, and a seat frame. The hub is supported by the base and includes first and second side mounts and first and second covers. The first side mount is positioned on a first side of the chair and includes a back portion and a bottom portion. The first cover is coupled to the first side mount to define a first channel with the first side mount. The seat frame includes a first lateral member having a lower portion and an upper portion that is pivotally coupled to the back portion of the first side mount and is configured to angulate relative to the lower portion. The lower portion of the first lateral member is slidably received in the first channel such that two sides and a bottom of the lower portion received within the first channel are substantially hidden.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: HNI Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Jay R. Machael, Evan T. Aschbrenner, Daniel W. Tracy, Jr., Andrew B. Hector
  • Patent number: 8998322
    Abstract: Reaction force mechanism for backrest of a chair has clear large space under the seat and uses a longer reaction force spring than the prior art. The mechanism includes a base member supported on a leg, a back support member coupled by a rotation shaft to the base member to recline and support the backrest, a seat support member to which the seat is mounted, a weight-dependent reaction force mechanism for moving the seat support member in a lifting direction, and a reaction force spring for applying a spring force for returning the back support member to an original position, in which the reaction force spring is disposed in a lateral orientation between the back support member and the seat support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Takano Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Horiki, Kazuyuki Ito
  • Publication number: 20150076881
    Abstract: A furniture member mechanism includes a base frame. A first mechanism connected to the base frame includes a first motor connected to the base frame. A torque tube is connected to the first motor and is displaced by operation of the first motor. First and second rotation links are individually rotatably connected to the base frame and are connected to the torque tube. The first and second rotation links provide for rotation of the second mechanism to one of a rear tilt position or a forward lift position by operating the first motor displacing the torque tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
    Inventor: Larry P. LaPointe
  • Patent number: 8973996
    Abstract: The congregational prayer chair is designed to provide needed support for certain worshipers participating in Muslim prayer services. The chair is constructed with a seat and seat-back supported between two connecting arms. The connecting arms are mounted on chair legs. Grooves and tracks are provided on the arms that permit the seat and the seat-back to be moved in a predetermined manner so that a worshiper can attain the required prayer positions without disturbing the alignment of the prayer rows and the other worshippers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: King Abdulaziz University
    Inventor: Farouk Fouad Daghistani
  • Publication number: 20140368011
    Abstract: A furniture member includes a frame, a slide member, first and second bars, an axle, and first and second leg members. The frame includes a chair portion movable relative to a base among nominal, reclined and lift positions. The slide member is connected to the motor and displaceable relative to the base. The first bar is connected to the slide member and the chair portion. The first bar moves the chair portion among the nominal, reclined and lift positions. The axle is mounted to the base portion. The leg members are attached to the axle and include fore and aft feet. The second bar is connected to the chair portion and slidably connected to the axle. The second bar rotates the axle in a first direction in response to movement into the reclined position and rotates the axle in a second direction in response to movement into the lift position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
    Inventor: LARRY P. LAPOINTE
  • Patent number: 8899684
    Abstract: An adjustable seat assembly providing a compact size with the ability to pivot or tilt the lower seat frame manually and independent of the seat back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Techonology Company
    Inventor: Kurt A. Seibold
  • Publication number: 20140346828
    Abstract: Describes are passenger seats including a seat pan assembly with a reclining mechanism, a seat back pivotally coupled to the aft end of the seat pan assembly, and a lumbar mechanism coupled to the seat back and/or the seat pan assembly. As examples, the seat pan assembly includes at least one track having a reclining path and a sleeper path, and a sleeper selection control configured to pull a diverter into a position substantially blocking the opening to the reclining path and to push the diverter into a position substantially blocking the opening to the sleeper path. In certain cases, the seat pan assembly also includes a tilting mechanism with a fixed component and a variable component adjustably engaged with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Larry Richard Gaither, Timothy W. Terleski, Chirag Patel
  • Patent number: 8888183
    Abstract: A chair has a supporting frame, a seat portion for supporting an occupant, and a back portion for supporting the back of a seated occupant. The portion is reclinable relative to the supporting frame between a generally upright position and a generally reclined position. A preference control is operatively engaged between the back portion and a chair component, wherein displacement of the back portion toward the generally reclined position causes displacement of the chair component. The preference control is adjustable to vary the amount of displacement of the chair component caused by a given amount of displacement of the back portion toward the generally reclined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Formway Furniture Limited
    Inventors: Kent Wallace Parker, Paul Michael Wilkinson, Lyall Douglas Stewart, Daryl Owen Neal, Martyn Walter Goodwin Collings, Peter Alan Tierney
  • Patent number: 8844961
    Abstract: The stand-up unit comprises a support a stand-up frame, which is articulated on the support and has a seat carrier carrying a seat, and a backrest carrier carrying a backrest. Furthermore, a first lever parallelogram is provided in order to maintain the backrest upright in any position. The backrest can be displaced by the first lever parallelogram by means of a rod, in order to ensure that no undesirable relative movement occurs between the backrest and the back of the user when getting up or sitting down. A second lever parallelogram controls the movement of the seat when getting up and sitting down to ensure that no relative movement develops between the seat and buttocks of the user. The stand-up unit may be provided with a base to serve as a chair, particularly a therapy chair. The stand-up unit, however, may also serve as a stand-up wheelchair, when connected to an undercarriage. Spring joint elements support the standing up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Levo AG Wohlen
    Inventor: Kurt Hunziker
  • Publication number: 20140265497
    Abstract: A medical chair includes a seat supported by a base and actuators adapted to both tilt and lift the seat with respect to the base. A controller controls the actuators to both lift and tilt the seat as the seat moves from the sitting position to the standing position. The movement from the sitting position to the standing position assists in the egress of an occupant from the chair, while the movement from the standing position to the sitting position assists in the ingress of an occupant to the chair. A backrest on the chair remains substantially vertically oriented during movement between the sitting and standing position so as to provide more comfort to the occupant during the sit-to-stand or stand-to-sit movement. The backrest also moves in a manner that generally keeps the occupant's torso vertically aligned with his or her hips during this movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher S. Hough, John P. Zerbel, Richard A. Derenne, Cory Patrick Herbst, Collin Ian Ostergaard, Jill Christine Denna, Marianne Barbara Grisdale, Siarhei Murauyou
  • Patent number: 8833853
    Abstract: A seat for a vehicle constructed so that a side seat is provided on an opposite side of a center seat may include a first hinge shaft to which a center seat back of the center seat may be rotatably coupled for folding the center seat back forwards, a second hinge shaft to which a side seat back of the side seat may be rotatably coupled for folding the side seat back forwards, and a folding actuator assembly selectively engaging the side seat back with the center seat back, wherein the folding actuator assembly locks the center seat back to the side seat back when the side seat back may be folded, and releases the center seat back from the side seat back to fold only the center seat back when the center seat back may be folded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Bong Ku Kim, Sang Ho Kim, Chan Ho Jeong, Sang Do Park, Hak Gyun Kim, Deok Soo Lim, Ji Hyun Kim, Tae Hoon Lee, Soo Hyun Moon, Jun Yeol Heo, Jong Kweon Pyun
  • Patent number: 8827365
    Abstract: Describes are passenger seats including a seat pan assembly with a reclining mechanism, a seat back pivotally coupled to the aft end of the seat pan assembly, and a lumbar mechanism coupled to the seat back and/or the seat pan assembly. As examples, the seat pan assembly includes at least one track having a reclining path and a sleeper path, and a sleeper selection control configured to pull a diverter into a position substantially blocking the opening to the reclining path and to push the diverter into a position substantially blocking the opening to the sleeper path. In certain cases, the seat pan assembly also includes a tilting mechanism with a fixed component and a variable component adjustably engaged with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Zodiac Seats US LLC
    Inventors: Larry Richard Gaither, Timothy W. Terleski, Chirag Patel
  • Publication number: 20140238992
    Abstract: A shopping cart includes a frame, a plurality of wheels for supporting the frame for movement over a floor, an arm connected to the frame, and a projection positioned proximate at least one of the wheels. The frame has a front end and a rear end. The arm is configured to engage the tow member for moving the frame. The projection engages the guide member to prevent one of the front end and the rear end from rotating over the other of the front end and the rear end. A handle assembly may include an elongated slot positioned proximate a handle. The shopping cart may also include a tray is releasably secured to the frame by inserting a tab into a slot. The shopping cart may also include a tab received within a slot to secure a basket against movement relative to the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Inventors: Rick Stauff, Gary Vande Berg, Roy Watson
  • Patent number: 8783770
    Abstract: A chair includes: a backrest with a waist support projecting part; a horizontal forward seat; a backward seat pivotally supported so as to be able to swing downward relative to the forward seat; a leg support pivotally supported at a front end of the forward seat; links for changing a positional relation between the rear end of the backward seat and the lower end of the backrest so that a distance from the waist support projecting part to the backward seat is reduced from a standing posture to a tilted posture as the backrest is tilted backward; and a connection link for connecting the lower end of the backrest and a part of the leg support lower than the upper end of the leg support so as to cause the leg support to swing forward as the backrest is tilted backward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignees: Beautiful Life Co., Ltd., Saga University
    Inventors: Kouichi Tanaka, Hiroki Denmyouji, Kiyomi Matsuo
  • Patent number: 8777312
    Abstract: The invention provides a seating apparatus having a reclining movement with a corresponding seat lift movement. In one embodiment, the invention is directed to a seating apparatus comprising a base, a curved support bar pivotally connected to the base, a plurality of ramps attached to one of the curved support bar and the base, and a plurality of rollers attached to the other of the curved support bar and the base for interacting with the plurality of ramps. As a user reclines, the plurality of rollers operatively engage the plurality of ramps to lift the seat of the apparatus. The combination of the reclining movement with the corresponding seat lift movement is particularly beneficial for providing an increased level of user comfort throughout a range of seating positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Humanscale Corporation
    Inventor: Niels Diffrient
  • Patent number: 8733840
    Abstract: Described are seat pan assemblies for a passenger seat having a pan frame pivotally coupled to a seat back, a seat pan pivotally coupled to the pan frame, a tilting mechanism coupled to the seat pan and the pan frame, wherein the tilting mechanism is configured to rotate the seat pan between an upright position and a sleeper position, and an automatic release mechanism, wherein the automatic release mechanism is configured to return the seat pan to an upright position when the seat back is in an upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Zodiac Seats US LLC
    Inventors: Rik Westerink, Armando Valdes, Chirag Patel, Timothy W. Terleski
  • Publication number: 20140091605
    Abstract: Dynamic furniture supports a seated or reclining user. The furniture includes a base, an actuator, a seat platform, and a back platform. The actuator is in circular connection to the base. The seat platform is in circular or excentric connection to the actuator assembly. The back platform is in circular or excentric connection to the actuator assembly. The actuator assembly, seat platform and back platform may be restricted in movement along paths by assemblies of the circular or excentric connections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: EXCITING ING.
    Inventors: Scott ERB, Mark M. Erb
  • Publication number: 20140070585
    Abstract: A lift chair includes a frame assembly including a chair portion rotatable with respect to a base portion. A lift mechanism portion is positioned in a base portion cavity. The lift mechanism portion includes a lift motor and a drive assembly connected to the lift motor having a slide. A lift tube connects the slide to the chair portion. The lift tube upon actuation of the lift motor displaces the chair portion between a nominal and a full lift position by slide displacement in a slide lifting direction. First and second guide members are positioned on opposite sides of the drive assembly and connected to a base portion base platform. The lift tube is connected to both the first and second guide members to distribute a weight load from the chair portion via the lift tube to the slide, and by the guide members to the base platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
    Inventor: Larry P. LaPointe
  • Patent number: 8662586
    Abstract: A seat assembly 21 including a seat 22, a backrest 23 and a mounting assembly 24 mounting the seat 22 in a near horizontal orientation for movement along an upwardly concaved arcuate seat path having a center of curvature 37 proximate the center of mass 39 of a person seated on the seat, and mounting assembly 24 further mounting the backrest 23 in a near vertical orientation for movement independently of the seat along a forwardly concaved arcuate path having a center curvature 37 proximate the center of mass 39 of the person. An adjustment assembly 61 is provided for adjusting the radius of curvature of the path of motion of the backrest 23. Also provided are a backrest tilt adjustment assembly 71, an armrest adjustment assembly 90, a seat biasing assembly 110 and a seat motion latching assembly 111. A method of self-adjusting support and alignment of a backrest also is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Hector Serber
  • Patent number: 8579368
    Abstract: A seat for a vehicle includes a seat cushion frame reciprocating between seating and retracted positions, a seat back frame rotatable between standing and forward-tilted positions, a head rest movable between stationary and retracted positions, a pair of links provided at both end portions of the seat cushion frame on a floor in a lateral direction of the vehicle, a guide member including a guide groove extending between the seating and retracted positions, a slide member arranged at the seat cushion frame and sliding along the guide groove, a head rest retaining device retaining the head rest in the stationary position, a rotary member supported by the seat back frame and rotated by the slide member, and an interlocking device arranged between the rotary member and the head rest retaining device and releasing the head rest from the stationary position in accordance with a rotation of the rotary member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignees: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Motohiro Kokubo, Masaki Hatano, Hideki Fujisawa, Kazuya Iwasa, Hiroaki Hayahara
  • Patent number: 8544955
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a tillable chair. Specifically, the present invention relates to a tilting chair that enables tilting by combining the left plate body (110) and back plate body (120) with a tilt (130), wherein said back plate body (120) comprises a back plate backbone (122) and a back plate (124) that is combined with a moving means (150) to allow movement in up and down directions with respect to said back plate backbone (122), the front part of said left plate body (110) is combined with one side of said tilt (130), said back plate backbone (122) is combined with another side of said tilt (130), and the rear part of said left plate body (110) is combined with said back plate body (120). According to such configuration, slippage between the human body and back plate does not take place upon tilting so that the comfort level of a user may be enhanced, and a spinal cord may be effectively protected by maintaining a state of lordosis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Sidiz, Inc.
    Inventor: Joonyeob Kim
  • Patent number: 8500202
    Abstract: An item of furniture includes a frame mounting two adjustable sections which each includes a pivot shaft to cause pivoting of the respective section relative to the frame. Each pivot shaft mounts a claw-shaped arm having two legs. A dual linear actuator having openings at its opposite ends is suspended from the two claw-shaped arms and is operable to rotate the pivot shafts by engagement of sliding spindle nuts therein with the respective claw-shaped arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Linak A/S
    Inventors: Jens Jørgen Nielsen, Kurt Lorenzen
  • Patent number: 8496294
    Abstract: A seat assembly for supporting an occupant above a floor includes a support mechanism operatively coupled between a seat back and a seat cushion. A rear end of the seat cushion is released from the support mechanism to pivot the seat cushion from a generally horizontal position to a generally vertical position in response to pivotal movement of the seat back from an upright seating position to a forwardly folded position. The support mechanism is released from the floor and a stand-up link pivotally coupled between the floor and the support mechanism moves the seat cushion from the generally horizontal position to the generally vertical position and simultaneously urges the seat back to pivot relative to the seat cushion, thereby maintaining the seat back in a generally vertical orientation defining a stand-up position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Magna Seating Inc
    Inventors: Carl J. Holdampf, Ronald A. Zimmerman, II, Douglas A. Dingel, Brian Adwell
  • Patent number: 8474910
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a base (9) which includes at least one front foot (11). A seat (3) is connected in an articulated manner to the front foot by at least one front leg (13). At least one rear foot (21) is locked to the base (9) in at least one use position. At least one coupling (42) is provided between the seat and the rear foot. At least one coupler (30) is provided between the backrest and the coupling or the seat. The seat may be transferred from the use position into a boarding position as, after unlocking the rear foot, the seat pivots upwards and the backrest carries out a forward shifting movement by means of the rear foot. The seat may also be transferred from the use position into a flat-floor position, by the backrest pivoting forward and the seat being lowered by the coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Keiper GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Joachim Kämmerer