Interconnected With Back For Relative Concurrent Movement Patents (Class 297/316)
  • Patent number: 7367625
    Abstract: A retractable seat may include a seat cushion and a seat back rotatably supported on the seat cushion in which one of the seat cushion and the seat back is arranged and constructed to be folded onto the other of the seat cushion and the seat back. At least one of the seat cushion and the seat back includes a frame, a cushion pad, and a linking mechanism. The frame includes a framework and a support member that supports the cushion pad from a backside of the cushion pad. The linking mechanism movably interconnects the framework and the support member and is arranged and constructed to move the support member toward a backside of the at least one of the seat cushion and the seat back when the seat cushion or the seat back is tilted toward a retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masaki Mori, Masao Miura, Yoshihiro Ohishi
  • Patent number: 7293825
    Abstract: A multi-position chair may be positioned into multiple positions including one or more sitting positions at different heights, one or more leaning positions at different angles, and one or more storage positions. The multi-position chair may include a seat, a back and a support for supporting the seat and the back with respect to the floor. The seat and the back may be pivotable with respect to each other and with respect to the support. The seat includes a seating surface configured to receive the user's buttocks in a sitting position. The back may include a front seating surface configured to receive the user's back in a sitting position and a rear leaning surface configured to receive the user's buttocks in a leaning position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Advantage Branch & Office Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander Vergara, Harold Turner
  • Publication number: 20070210635
    Abstract: A vehicle seat has a base, a front pivotable link indirectly pivotably attached to the base, a rear pivotable link pivotably attached to the base, a seat frame, a seat cushion supported on the seat frame, and a backrest that is mounted on the seat frame by way of a fitting defining a backrest pivot axis. The seat frame is pivotably attached to the front pivotable link. The seat frame is pivotably attached to the rear pivotable link in a manner that defines a pivot axis (41) about which there can be relative pivoting between the rear pivotable link and the seat frame. The height and/or inclination of the seat cushion is adjustable relative to the base by moving the pivotable links. The pivot axis (41) is positioned rearwardly of the backrest pivot axis in at least one position of adjustment of the seat cushion and/or of the backrest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Inventors: Sebastian Wulf, Helmut Wiedmann
  • Patent number: 7267405
    Abstract: A chair with a synchronous coordinating system for the chair back includes a base, a chair cushion and a chair back. The base and the chair cushion are connected fixedly or formed integrally, and the chair back is articulated with the base which is articulated with the chair back through an upright column extended above the chair cushion. The articulated point is located at the trochanter (the center point of the hip joint) of the human body. The chair cause the turning (pitched or inclined) pivot of the chair back and the human body on the same line by providing the articulated point of the chair back and the base at the trochanter of the human body in the pitching movement. No matter how the angle of the chair back is adjusted, the contact surface between the backside of the human body and the chair back will not be changed so that the chair back can provide sufficient supporting force to the waist at any angle and the person on the chair will not feel uncomfortable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Inventor: Yu Yeung Tin
  • Patent number: 7252336
    Abstract: A seat (11) having a seat cushion (12) and a squab (16), the seat (11) being adjustable between a first configuration adapted to provide seating accommodation for a user and a second configuration adapted to provide leaning accommodation for a user, wherein in the second configuration, the squab (16) is positioned forwardly of its position in the first configuration and substantially above the forward most position of the seat cushion (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Inventor: Matthew Stephen Frisina
  • Patent number: 7234776
    Abstract: The body support chair for physically challenged and disabled persons comprises a frame supporting an articulated structure comprising a seat, a foot rest, a back and two symmetrical lateral systems. Each articulated system comprises a first deformable quadrilateral (17), a second deformable polygon, a back assembly and a maneuvering assembly. The chair comprises, in addition, means (60) for automatic modification of the inclination (?) of the back of the chair with respect to the vertical direction in the sagittal plane between the lowered and verticalized positions. Figure to be published: FIG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Lifestand International SA
    Inventor: Francois Xavier Laffin
  • Patent number: 7234772
    Abstract: An articulated seating mechanism including a rocker base, a seat plate, and a pair of side rails, each having an arcuate side. The side rails may be disposed downwardly from the seat plate or upwardly from the rocker base. First and second arcuate gear portions are disposed on the arcuate side of each of the side rails and a first and second substantially flat or linear gear racks are affixed either to the underside of the seat plate or the upper side of the rocker base, so as to bring the linear gears and the arcuate gears into intermeshing relationship. A back support is pivotally connected to the seat plate and to first and second back links, and the back links are pivotally connected to the rocker base to provide a rocking motion of the seat plate and a dynamic synchronous adjustment of the angular variation between the seat plate and the back support. The linear gear racks move in a tangent to the arcuate gear portions to provide a moving fulcrum during rocking movements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventor: Harold G. Wells
  • Patent number: 7213880
    Abstract: A control device for an adjustable seating structure including a first adjustment control positioned in an orientation approximating a seat member. The first adjustment control is moveable about a horizontal axis. A second adjustment control is positioned adjacent the first adjustment control in an orientation approximating a backrest member. The second adjustment control is moveable about the horizontal axis. The first adjustment control and the second adjustment control in combination generally resemble a seating structure. A seating structure including the control device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Johann Burkhard Schmitz, Claudia Plikat, Nicolai Neubert, Carola E. M. Zwick, Roland R. O. Zwick
  • Patent number: 7210740
    Abstract: A reclining chair, in particular a passenger chair, for use in a vehicle such as an aircraft, bus or mobile home. The chair includes a base assembly, a seat frame located above the base assembly, a seat attached to the seat frame, and a seat back connected to the seat frame. In various embodiments, the chair includes features such as an energy absorbing base assembly, an adjustable arm rest, a fully reclining seat back and a seat that increases its angle with respect to the horizontal as the seat back reclines, thereby forcing one back into the chair. The seat and seat back is also capable of achieving a fully horizontal position when the seat back is fully reclined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Sreekanth Chintapudi, Pedro Meneses
  • Patent number: 7210741
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a lower seat part that includes a seat cushion and a backrest, the backrest connected to the seat cushion such that the backrest can rotate about a first axis. The seat cushion is configured for movement between a use position and a loading position by rotating the seat cushion through approximately 180° about a second axis parallel to the first axis. The seat further includes a first lever and a second lever for defining the movement between the use position and the loading position. The first lever and second lever are coupled to the lower seat part at a first location and a second location. The first location is closer to the front in relation to a direction of travel as compared to the second location and the first lever is positioned essentially identically both in the use position and in the loading position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Johnson Controls GmbH
    Inventors: Joerg Tabellion, James Abraham
  • Patent number: 7159943
    Abstract: A structure for an office chair with articulation by synchronized movement of the seat and the backrest of the adjustable type includes a swivel type movable base with a height adjustable column supporting a seat surface and a reciprocally hinged backrest. The seat surface is connected frontally by two braces to the corresponding anterior side of a central support body anchored on the top of the adjustable column along the vertical axis. The central support body supports with hinges the lower ends of two arm-rest stanchions provided with a device for the adjustment of the height of the seat and with an locking-unlocking device for the oscillation of the backrest and the chair. The frame of the backrest is hinged along the sides and in correspondence with the posterior part of the seat. A compressed spring is interposed between the central support body and the support frame of the backrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Metalseat Srl
    Inventor: Massimo Costaglia
  • Patent number: 7090296
    Abstract: An item of seating furniture having a seat and a backrest which are supported in an articulated manner on a frame, and having an operating mechanism for adjusting the inclination of the seat and the backrest. The backrest has a catch member and, when the backrest is inclined from a front position into an inclined rear position, the catch member comes into operative contact with the seat as of a specific angle of inclination of the backrest in such a manner that further inclination of the backrest brings about a simultaneous adjustment of the seat. The backrest is adjustable independently of the seat from the front position up to the specific angle of inclination at which the catch member comes into operative contact with the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: CIAR S.p.A.
    Inventor: Carrera Massimo
  • Patent number: 7073860
    Abstract: A four legged or sled chair comprising a frame structure, a seat mounted between the frame structure and connected to it by sliding means. The sliding means comprising a plurality of runners attached to the seat and sliding therein circular ring sector slots located on the frame defining the virtual transverse axis of rotation and the stops of said seat thereto said frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Inventor: Isidoro Natalio Markus
  • Patent number: 7052088
    Abstract: Reclining chair includes a leg (4), a seat base (3) and a backrest, with the seat base and backrest being able to be moved and tilted in respect of said leg, for maintaining the center of gravity. A tilting arrangement includes a first body (5) fitted with parallel sides (7, 8), each one of which is provided with slots (11, 12), a second body (6) fitted with parallel sides (9, 10), each of said sides being provided with slots (13, 14), and a shaft in association between each pair of slots of the first and second bodies. The reclining chair also is provided with pinion and racks associated with the shafts. The chair preferentially has a height-adjustable footrest, an also height-adjustable armrest and a tray or work surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventor: Sebastián Aramburu Echeverria
  • Patent number: 7025415
    Abstract: A multifunctional chair comprises a base adapted to rest on the ground; a support frame including a seat part and a backrest part pivotally attached to the seat part; a leg frame supporting the support frame and including a rear leg having a first end pivotally connected to the backrest part and a second end pivotally connected to the base; and a power-operated telescopic device including a telescopic member pivotally connected to the seat part and being operable to maintain the seat part at a level lower than said backrest in a normal position providing a chair function, or to move the seat part to a first raised position in which the seat part together with the backrest part are placed in a substantially horizontal position, or to a second raised position in which the seat part together with the backrest part are inclined at substantially the same inclining angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Inventor: Chieh-Ming Wu
  • Patent number: 6974174
    Abstract: A retractable seat may include a seat cushion, a seat back rotatably supported on the seat cushion, and a link mechanism for supporting the seat cushion on a floor. The link mechanism includes a front leg and a rear leg that are pivotally connected to the seat cushion and the floor so that the seat cushion and the seat back can be switched between a use condition and a retracted condition. The seat may further include a restraint mechanism provided on the floor for preventing the link mechanism from moving when the seat is in a use condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Araco Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Taku Imajo, Taiyou Ootsuka
  • Patent number: 6969116
    Abstract: A chair with backward and forward passive tilt capabilities including a seat assembly, a back assembly, a frame assembly, a wheeled base, a pedestal and a tilt mechanism. The tilt mechanism includes first, second and third links, first, second, third and fourth pivot pins, brackets and a resilient deformable block. The first link connects the back assembly with the frame assembly by way of the first pivot pin and the seat assembly by way of the second pivot pin. The second link connects to the frame assembly with the third pivot pin and to the third link with the fourth pivot pin. When a chair occupant shifts his/her weight rearwardly to tilt the back assembly, the seat assembly lifts and the block is deformed and stressed. When the chair occupant leans forwardly, the seat assembly lowers and the back assembly tilts forwardly. Again, the block deforms. Once the occupant sits upright or leaves the chair, the deformed block induces a return force to place the chair in a neutral upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: HNI Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Jay R. Machael, Marcus C. Koepke
  • Patent number: 6959965
    Abstract: A chair of the tilting type which includes a base, a seat and back, with the base pivotally supporting the seat with two parallel links of a four-bar parallel linkage, with one of the links extending to support the back. The four-bar linkage is duplicated on each side of the chair by forming the two opposite parallel links or cranks from the upturned ends of the tubes which pass through the base in parallel but vertically offset fashion, the base thus forming the fixed bar of the linkage with its opposite bar or coupler being formed by the seat. A spring within the base is operative on one (of both) of the tubes to urge the chair to an upright position. The tubes are pivotally connected to the seat and one of the tubes extends and is fixedly connected to the back. As the back tilts, the four-bar mechanism is engaged and lifts the seat which thereby uses the occupant's weight to counteract the reclining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Humanscale Corporation
    Inventor: Niels Diffrient
  • Patent number: 6957862
    Abstract: A chair includes an upper frame disposed above and pivoted to a lower frame. An inclination adjusting device includes a latch mounted slidably on the upper frame and movable between a first position, in which the latch extends into and engages a selected one of engaging grooves in a latch engaging member that is formed on the lower frame, and a second position, in which the latch disengages the selected engaging groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Inventor: Su-Ming Chen
  • Patent number: 6942295
    Abstract: A reclining chair system with a standard assembly supporting seat and backrest assemblies, which are pivotally mounted to each other and capable of providing a rocker effect to a user. A strut assembly provides substantially a bounce free shock absorbing function by using two coaxially disposed compressible and resilient members that are compressed sequentially. A headed shaft with a step limits the compression of the first member. The arrangement permits a volumetrically efficient operation while preventing excessive fatigue of the member. An adjustment mechanism permits a user to readily set the relative angular position of backrest and seat with respect to the standard (and consequently the horizontal plane) depending on the location of the chair system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Inventor: Guillermo E. Lopez
  • Patent number: 6929320
    Abstract: A seat (1) for a vehicle such as an aircraft, comprises a back rest structure (3) and a squab structure (2) mounted so as to pivot with respect to the back rest structure (3), a structure (5) supporting the squab structure (2) and the back rest structure (3), the back rest structure (3) being connected to the support structure (5) by a pivot connection (10), and a leg rest (4) connected by a pivot connection (6) to the front end of the squab structure (2), characterised in that it comprises mechanical synchronisation mechanism (15) able to synchronise the movements of the back rest structure (3) and of the leg rest (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Societe Industrielle et Commerciale de Materiel Aeronautique
    Inventor: Ligonniere Laurent
  • Patent number: 6929327
    Abstract: A chair, in particular an office chair, comprising: a base structure, a seat support structure, articulated to the base structure around a transverse axis, an adjustable elastic device to apply an elastic force between the base structure and the seat support structure, a manually operated adjustment device for varying the distance between said adjustable elastic device and said transverse axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Pro-Cord SpA
    Inventor: Giancarlo Piretti
  • Patent number: 6896329
    Abstract: The chair, particularly an office chair, has a backrest articulated to a seat support by way of a rest support. A seat surface is movable synchronously with the backrest. A front region of the seat surface is connected to the seat support via a sliding guide and a rear region is connected to the seat support via a seat link. A distance from an upper pivot point, which connects the seat link to the seat surface, to the backrest is shorter than the distance from a lower pivot point, which connects the seat link to the seat support, to the backrest. The movements of the backrest and of the seat surface are synchronized by a sliding guide provided between the seat link and the rest support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Armin Sander
    Inventors: Armin Sander, Martin Potrykus
  • Patent number: 6893090
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a combination of a seat and a backrest supported by a frame, wherein said combination includes means for effecting movement of the seat with respect to the backrest, in such a manner that a person sitting on said seat is subjected to a reciprocating pivoting movement about a substantially vertical axis. The seat comprises two parts, which parts are arranged on either side of a vertical plane that extends at least substantially transversely to the backrest. Means are provided for moving said seat parts to and fro in directions opposed to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Ergodynamics Holding, B.V.
    Inventors: Dirk Laurens Van Deursen, Leonardus Laurentius Joseph Maria Van Deursen
  • Patent number: 6890030
    Abstract: A chair is provided having a seat with a resiliently deflectable shell defining a front portion thereof. The front shell is deflectable downwardly in response to the user. An adjustment mechanism is provided which controls the deflected position of the front shell section to provide for controlled deflection of the seat which adjusts the effected length of the seat while also providing for user responsive deflection of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Haworth, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Wilkerson, Gardner Klassen, Mark Tomandl
  • Patent number: 6840578
    Abstract: A chair has a seat connected to a support leg in an up and down angularly displaceable manner, elastic elements for propping up a rear end of the seat to a higher position, and a mechanism for limiting position of the seat when the seat seats people; the mechanism has an adjustment rod, a gear turnable together with the adjustment rod, an elastic plate for engaging the gear so as to prevent rotation of the gear when the adjustment rod isn't operated, and eccentric cams for holding the seat at desired position when the chair seats people; the cams can turn together with the adjustment rod, and are each formed with a stopping edge having several sections; thus, the depressed position of the seat, i.e. the position when the seat seats people, is decided by the position of the cams, and the seat can move accordingly when the sitter leans forwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Inventor: Wen-Fa Su
  • Patent number: 6820936
    Abstract: An office-type chair which provides for synchronous differential tilting of the seat and back assemblies, with the seat assembly being constructed such that the front lip thereof does not significantly lift upon rearward tilting. The chair incorporates a tilt control mechanism formed by a control body which secures to the upper end of the chair pedestal and an upright which pivotally connects to the control body about an axis disposed forwardly of the pedestal. A pivot assembly connects the upright and control body together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Haworth, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry A. Wilkerson, Richard N. Roslund, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6811218
    Abstract: A task chair including a seat support structure, and a seat supported by the seat support structure and having a seating surface which may ergonomically conform to a seated user. The seating surface includes rigid and flexible portions connected to one another, the flexible portions allowing resilient flexing of the seating surface to create conformance zones which dynamically support a seated user in an ergonomic manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Kimball International, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Deimen, Derek Schweikarth, Stephen D. Hatcher, Joseph G. Hasenour
  • Patent number: 6805409
    Abstract: An articulated bench comprising a two-section pad attached to a rectangular frame and two folding/pivoting support leg assemblies. The two padded sections are pivotally attached to the frame. Either of the two padded end sections can be pivoted upward and locked at a selectable incline. Either of a length-adjustable I-shaped brace assembly, or alternatively, a U-shaped support assembly fold out of the frame from beneath the longer of the two pivoting, padded end sections (i.e. the section for supporting the upper body) and are inserted into one of a series of catches located on the section's rear surface to hold it at a selectable incline. The shorter of the two pivoting, padded end sections (i.e. the section for supporting an individual's lower body) also pivots upward and a U-shaped support assembly folds out of the frame and is inserted in a pair of surface-mounted catches to maintain the section in an inclined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Inventor: James Parker
  • Patent number: 6802564
    Abstract: An examination and treatment chair is operable to move between a generally upright patient entry/exit position and a reclined patient examination and treatment position. The chair includes a seat section and a beck section that moves between a generally upright position and a reclined position. Arm rests are rigidly connected to the back section and move with the back section. The arm rests are automatically positioned to allow a patient unobstructed entry into or exit from the chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Midmark Corporation
    Inventors: Charles Brockway, Donald Lietzenmayer
  • Patent number: 6786548
    Abstract: A synchrotilt chair includes a base, a back, a seat, and a link(s) pivoted to a rear of the base and to a bottom of the back to form a four-bar linkage arrangement. In one form, the chairs are nestable and stackable for dense storage. In another form, the chairs are desk-type pedestal chairs. Several of the structural support members of the chair are gas-assisted injection molding to form a hollow tubular perimeter frame that is lightweight, strong, and dimensionally-accurate A flexible panel is integrally molded between opposing sides of the perimeter frame. Armrests are pivoted to the back and have a shape configured to allow nested stacking while also providing excellent comfort, durability, and style. Also, the armrests are movable to remote storage positions to provide unobstructed side access to the seat of the chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Corporation
    Inventors: Peter J. Pearce, Kurt R. Heidmann, Robert J. Battey, Dale M. Groendal, Bruce M. Smith
  • Patent number: 6752459
    Abstract: An adjustable work chair such as an office chair has a height-adjustable seat comprising a front seat part (2) and a rear seat part (3) connected by a hinge (4) that extends transversely of the seat. A first arm (15) is coupled between the front part of the seat and the head of a fixed part (13) of a seat lift (14), and a second arm (16) is coupled between an extendable piston of the lift (14) and the underside of the rear part (13) of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: TK Canada Limited
    Inventor: Wolfgang Deisig
  • Patent number: 6742840
    Abstract: Adjustable seats and components thereof are detailed. The seats, particularly (although not exclusively) useful in commercial aircraft, permit substantial angular recline without the corresponding rearward linear movement necessarily occurring in conventional seats. The seats additionally may have discontinuous, or non-integral, seat bottoms, with the heights of the forward portions of the bottoms being adjustable mechanically. Tray tables optionally associated with the seats further omit any central slot and may define one or more pivot axes in locations different than exist in conventional seats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Weber Aircraft LP
    Inventor: Paul Bentley
  • Patent number: 6722736
    Abstract: A position controller for controlling a motorized, reclining chair comprising a track attached to a frame of the chair and a controller switch slidable in the track. The reclining chair includes a motor that controls movement of a backrest of the chair into a reclining position and extension of a footrest of the chair into an extended position. The controller switch is slidable in the track so that it remains within reach of the user throughout the range of motion of the reclining chair. The position controller also includes a pressure switch that activates the control switch in response to loading of the seating area of the recliner, so that the motorized chair can be operated only by a seated user. The control switch includes a toggle switch that the user can easily manipulate by hand to control movement of the chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Hickory Springs Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Edmond P. Guillot
  • Patent number: 6709057
    Abstract: A chair, in particular an office chair, is described. The chair has a backrest that is inclinable with regards to a seat carrier via a backrest carrier. The chair has a seat surface that can be moved synchronously with the backrest and is supported on the seat carrier via at least one seat link. A coupling link is provided for synchronization between the movement of the backrest and the movement of the seat surface. The coupling link is connected rotatably, on one side to the seat surface and, on another side, to the backrest link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Inventors: Armin Sander, Martin Potrykus
  • Patent number: 6709058
    Abstract: A chair of the tilting type which includes a base, a seat and back, with the base pivotally supporting the seat with two parallel links of a four-bar parallel linkage, with one of the links extending to support the back. The four-bar linkage is duplicated on each side of the chair by forming the two opposite parallel links or cranks from the upturned ends of the tubes which pass through the base in parallel but vertically offset fashion, the base thus forming the fixed bar of the linkage with its opposite bar or coupler being formed by the seat. A spring within the base is operative on one (of both) of the tubes to urge the chair to an upright position. The tubes are pivotally connected to the seat and one of the tubes extends and is fixedly connected to the back. As the back tilts, the four-bar mechanism is engaged and lifts the seat which thereby uses the occupant's weight to counteract the reclining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Humanscale Corp.
    Inventor: Niels Diffrient
  • Patent number: 6705677
    Abstract: A forward end part of an arm part (53) of a seatback frame is connected to a forward end part of a main frame (3) such that the forward end part of said arm part (53) can turn about a horizontal axis (61) extending leftward and rightward. A cam hole (71) is formed in a forward end part of the arm part (53). A shaft part (72) movably engageable with the cam hole (71) through a roller (73) is disposed at a forward end part of a seat frame (41). The cam hole (71), the shaft part (72) and the roller (73) constitute a positive motion mechanism (70) for causing a seat frame (41) to be tilted in accordance with the turning motion of the arm part (53).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Sugatsun Kogyo Co., LTD
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Oshima, Hiroyuki Masuda
  • Patent number: 6695404
    Abstract: A chair, in particular a work or office chair, having a seat mounted onto a chair frame. The front region of the seat can be inclined about a horizontal, pivoting shaft which is displaced upwards and downwards, following a spatial guide curve in relation to the chair frame. The seat is also connected in an articulated manner to a rocker which is directed upwards and extends backwards from an articulated rocker bearing fixed to the chair frame and which is connected at a distance from the rear edge of the seat, or at the side of said seat. The chair also includes a backrest which is attached to the section of the rocker that is directed upwards, the inclination of the backrest being disproportionately altered, in a forced manner, with the alteration of the inclination of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Haworth Büroeinrichtungen GmbH
    Inventor: Joachim Brüske
  • Patent number: 6692075
    Abstract: A chair, in particular an office chair, has a backrest that is articulated on a seat carrier via a backrest carrier, and has a seat surface that can be moved synchronously with the backrest. The front region of the seat surface is connected to the seat carrier via a sliding guide. The rear region of the seat surface is connected to the seat carrier via a seat link. A top point of rotation connects the seat link to the seat surface. A bottom point of rotation connects the seat link to the seat carrier. The distance between the top point of rotation and the backrest is smaller than the distance between the bottom point of rotation and the backrest. A sliding guide for the seat surface is provided in the backrest carrier for synchronizing the movement of the backrest and the movement of the seat surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventors: Armin Sander, Martin Potrykus, Peter Horn
  • Publication number: 20040026973
    Abstract: A chair, in particular an office chair, is described. The chair has a backrest that is inclinable with regards to a seat carrier via a backrest carrier. The chair has a seat surface that can be moved synchronously with the backrest and is supported on the seat carrier via at least one seat link. A coupling link is provided for synchronization between the movement of the backrest and the movement of the seat surface. The coupling link is connected rotatably, on one side to the seat surface and, on another side, to the backrest link.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Armin Sander, Martin Potrykus
  • Patent number: 6688690
    Abstract: A chair having an adjustable resilient back recliner mechanism, a pair of adjustable armrests, modular upper back portions and an adjustable lumbar support. The chair includes a tension control that adjusts the tension in the recliner mechanism. The tension control is cam-operated to permit adjustment throughout the entire range of adjustability with only limited rotational movement of a control knob. The chair includes a recline limit control that adjusts the limit of rearward movement in the recliner mechanism. The limit control includes a cable operated stop that interact with a stepped trackway on the seat. The chair further includes a height control for adjusting the seat height including a push-button located in the tension control knob. The armrests include height and angle adjustment mechanisms. The lumbar support includes a lumbar cam that is rotatably mounted to a lumbar pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: JSJ Seating Company Texas, L.P.
    Inventors: Ronnie K. Watson, Anthony K. Chapman, Matthew E. Chrostowski, Randall C. Lewis, Timothy P. Coffield, James W. Bach, David F. Bach, Christopher G. Inman, Scott M. Ebenstein
  • Patent number: 6688688
    Abstract: This invention concerns a chair with a seat panel, with a central column or several legs and with a backrest carrier. In order to provide a tilting movement, the front of the seat panel rests on a horizontal, crosswise running first pivot and, in order to provide a tilting movement, the rear of the seat panel is attached to the backrest carrier around a second pivot. The backrest carrier is attached to the central column or the legs around a third pivot. The springs are arranged so that they exert an upward force on the seat panel and a forward force on the backrest. An arrangement of springs is provided that has at least one gripped spring, comprising bent spring-steel rod or wire, attached to the central column or the chair legs with at least one first and one second leg of the spring. The spring is hinged to the seat panel and supports the seat panel with one or more spring sections, and, at the same time, forms the first pivot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventor: Johannes Uhlenbrock
  • Patent number: 6685267
    Abstract: A synchrotilt chair mechanism and a chair are provided. The synchrotilt chair mechanism is for use on a chair that has a base assembly with an extending pedestal, a seat and a back. The mechanism includes a chassis that is coupled to the pedestal and a seat plate that is coupled to the chassis and to the chair seat. The seat plate can slide relative to the chassis. The mechanism further includes a back support bar that is coupled on one end to the chassis. The support bar extends upwardly from the chassis. A pair of arm supports are further included that can be coupled to the chair. Each arm support extends upwardly adjacent one side of the chair seat. The mechanism further includes a back bracket having a pair of ends that extend adjacent a side of the chair. Each end is pivotally coupled to the adjacent arm support. The back bracket further includes a guide plate that mounts to the chair back and that has at least one guide slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: L & P Property Management Company
    Inventors: LeRoy Johnson, Philip Crossman
  • Patent number: 6679555
    Abstract: An adjusting device for a piece of furniture on which to lie or for sitting on with at least one swivel part (12, 14) that is pivotally attached, by way of a torsion bar (20, 22), to the piece of furniture on which to lie or for sitting on, with a housing (26) and with a bearing element (38, 40) accommodated in the housing (26) whereas the bearing element (38, 40) is provided with a recess (66, 68) that partially surrounds the torsion bar (20, 22) and in which the torsion bar (20, 22) may be introduced so that the adjusting device (24) is attached to the torsion bar (20, 22) with positive fit, and with an actuating drive (46, 48) that is accommodated in the housing (26) and acts on the torsion bar (20, 22). The bearing element is connected to the actuating drive (46, 48) which are slidably arranged in the housing (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Inventor: Christian Bangert
  • Patent number: 6672668
    Abstract: An examination chair for gynecological and urological examinations, comprising a chair part (14) with a seat (22) and a backrest (24), and a support column (12) that has a column head which can be adjusted heightwise through an actuator (20), on which the chair section is mounted, the backrest (24) being pivotally mounted on the column head (18) for movement about a horizontal pivot axis (28) and being so pivotable by a drive mechanism (30), the seat (22) being pivotally mounted on the backrest (24) for movement about a second pivot axis (36) parallel to the axis (28) and also connected to the backrest (24) by a four-corner linkage (38) that includes both pivot axes (28,36), a link axis (40) fixed to the seat, and a free link axis (42), the link (46) of the linkage (38) connecting the first pivot axis (28) to the free axis (42) being a first lever arm of a two-armed control lever (48) and cooperating with a stop (54) secured to the column to determine the fundamental position of the seat (22), the second leve
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Maquet GmbH & Co. KG.
    Inventors: Ivan Boruta, Vilem Neuman
  • Patent number: 6644741
    Abstract: A synchrotilt mechanism for a chair to provide improved control over the relative but synchronized tilting of the back and seat during tilting. The chair back is supported on a rigid upright assembly including lower lever arms which project under the chair seat and are coupled at forward ends to a horizontal tilt shaft which is disposed under the front of the chair seat and is supported on a control housing fixed to the upper end of the base pedestal. A tension control mechanism is coupled between the tilt shaft and the control housing for normally urging the upright arrangement, and the chair back, into an upright position. The chair seat is movably supported on the lower lever arms by a support arrangement which permits the chair seat to pivot relative to the upright assembly about a generally transverse horizontal axis which is preferably slightly below the upper surface of the seat when the latter is in a nondeformed condition, i.e., the seat is not occupied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Haworth, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick C. Nelson, Manfred Kleinikel, Werner Härtel
  • Publication number: 20030184140
    Abstract: The invention relates to a chair, in particular a work or office chair, comprising a seat (5) mounted onto a chair frame (13). The front region of said seat can be inclined about a horizontal, pivoting shaft (15) which is displaced upwards and downwards, following a spatial guide curve in relation to the chair frame (13). Said seat is also connected in an articulated manner to a rocker (7) which is directed upwards and extends backwards from an articulated rocker hearing (12) fixed to the chair frame and which is connected at a distance from the rear edge of the seat, or at the side of said seat (5). The chair also comprises a backrest (4) which is attached to the section of the rocker (7) that is directed upwards, the inclination of said backrest being disproportionately altered, in a forced manner, with the alteration of the inclination of the seat (5). The invention aims to achieve an increased apex angle between the backrest and the seat, together with a uniform displacement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventor: Joachim Bruske
  • Patent number: 6601901
    Abstract: A seat assembly for a motor vehicle including at least one J-shaped bracket movable toward and away from a front of the vehicle, a pivot rod engaging the at least one J-shaped bracket, and a seat cushion frame connected to the at least one J-shaped bracket. At least one link is attached to the seat frame and attached to the floor of the vehicle, and at least one guide bracket is mounted to the vehicle floor. The guide bracket has an arcuate slot engagable with the pivot rod as the J-shaped bracket moves toward the front of the vehicle to pivot the J-shaped bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: John E Schambre, Rudi Krajcirovic, Marcus G Washington, Liliana Neag, Louis D DeLellis, Michael O Forker
  • Publication number: 20030137174
    Abstract: Structures and assemblies for stowable tables and similar objects are detailed. Versions of the assemblies may cooperate with pivoting covers mounted to vehicle seats for purposes of deploying and retaining the tables. Other versions may include tables biased to fit snugly in recessed portions of backrests of seats, with compression of the biasing mechanism occurring sometimes when backrests are reclined and expansion of the mechanism occurring sometimes when the tables are deployed. Yet other versions may include tables latching to bars or other objects protruding rearward from the backrests.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventors: Paul Bentley, Adrianus W.N. Ruiter, Matthew G. Durocher
  • Patent number: 6588845
    Abstract: An office-type chair which provides for synchronous differential tilting of the seat and back assemblies, with the seat assembly being constructed such that the front lip thereof does not significantly lift upon rearward tilting. The chair incorporates a tilt control mechanism formed by a control body which secures to the upper end of the chair pedestal and an upright which pivotally connects to the control body about an axis disposed forwardly of the pedestal. A pivot assembly connects the upright and control body together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Haworth, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry A. Wilkerson, Richard N. Roslund, Jr.