Bottom Slides Forwardly While Tilting Patents (Class 297/317)
  • Patent number: 11975844
    Abstract: The present invention provides an aircraft seat unit comprising a main seat, and a companion seat, the main seat and the companion seat facing each other, wherein the companion seat comprises a seat pan, providing a seat pan surface, and a moveable seat element, the moveable seat element being moveable in relation to the seat pan between a stowed position, in which the companion seat provides an additional support surface for a main passenger in the main seat, and a deployed position, in which the moveable seat element provides a backrest surface for a companion passenger in the companion seat. The invention also provides a method of deploying and a method of stowing a companion seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Safran Seats GB Limited
    Inventor: James Woodington
  • Patent number: 11957246
    Abstract: A chair with a transom, a seat support, a back portion, and a combined rock and recline mechanism. The combined rock and recline mechanism has front and rear rocking arrangements configured to enable the seat support and back portion to together rock generally forward and rearward from a neutral position relative to the transom, and a recline arrangement that is configured such that the seat support is in a first at-rest position relative to the back portion when the back portion is in an upright position, and such that reclining the back portion rearwardly from the upright position toward a reclined position moves the seat support upward and rearward from the first at-rest position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Formway Furniture Limited
    Inventors: Christopher Warren Bisman, James Clifford Prier, Fabian David Haarbeck, Paul Michael Wilkinson, Damon Gregory Burwell, Hugh Thomas Mccoshim, Leon Harley Craze, Rachael Jessica Hall
  • Patent number: 11898584
    Abstract: A tool-less fastening system includes an interface assembly including an interface body having a first longitudinal end, a second longitudinal end, and a contact surface disposed between the first longitudinal surface and the second longitudinal surface, a fastening element coupled to the interface body, and a stop block extending from the interface body at the second longitudinal end, the stop block including an inclined surface. The tool-less fastening system also includes a receiver shaped to receive the interface body. The receiver has a receiver body defining a channel and at least one receiver block extending from the receiver body into the channel, wherein the at least one receiver block includes a receiving surface for receiving the contact surface of the interface body. In some embodiments, the tool-less fastening system can be implemented with shippable furniture, such as office chairs and tables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: HNI TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Steve Slach, Trevor J. Roose, Dalton Jones
  • Patent number: 11864662
    Abstract: A seating furniture chassis comprises a base body, a fastener, and a side part. The fastener is arranged on the base body and comprises a fastening element and a spring element that exerts a spring force on the fastening element. The side part is releasably fastened to the fastener by utilizing the spring force and released by overcoming the spring force. The fastening element is moved counter to the spring force upon fastening of the side part to the fastener. The fastener comprises a first positive-fit element and the side part comprises a second positive-fit element. The first positive-fit element and the second positive-fit element are configured for a positive-fit connection to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Innotec Motion GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Mackert
  • Patent number: 11857087
    Abstract: A seating furniture chassis comprises a base body, a plurality of electrically conductive cables fastened to the base body, and a central connector. Each of the electrically conductive cables has a first end and a second end. The first end of each electrically conductive cable has an individual connector that is electrically connectable to a peripheral electrical device. Each of the electrically conductive cables is electrically connected at the second end to the central connector. The central connector is connectable to a central electrical device (e.g., a control unit). The central electrical device is configured to receive and process first control signals from an operating device. The central electrical device is further configured to generate second control signals and emit the second control signals to a drive mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Innotec Motion GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Mackert
  • Patent number: 11857082
    Abstract: A seating furniture chassis comprises a base body, first and second side parts, a back part, a plurality of electrically conductive cables fastened to the base body, and first and second fasteners arranged on the base body. The back part is releasably fastenable to the first fastener and the first and second side parts are respectively releasably fastenable at two opposite sides of the base body to the second fastener, a plurality of individual connectors, and a central connector. Each electrically conductive cable connects one of the individual connectors to the central connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Innotec Motion GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Mackert
  • Patent number: 11685382
    Abstract: Various embodiments include methods and vehicles that may include determining whether to initiate a configuration change protocol to implement a configuration change for modifying the arrangement of the vehicle internal structure in response to a planned or predicted future operating mode, event or environment. Also, determining whether an occupancy status of the vehicle conflicts with an occupancy status allowed for in a configuration called for by a configuration change input or indication. Further, modifying an arrangement of the vehicle internal structure in accordance with the configuration change input or indication in response to determining that the occupancy status of the vehicle does not conflict with the occupancy status allowed for in the configuration called for by the configuration change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventor: Michael Franco Taveira
  • Patent number: 11472558
    Abstract: A seat base includes a plurality of linear actuators each having a first end pivotally mounted to a base member and a second end pivotally mounted to a seat member. A controller is adapted for controlling an extension length of each of the plurality of linear actuators in a coordinated manner for adjusting a position of the seat member with six degrees-of-freedom and for damping vibration of the seat member. An active vibration mitigation method for reducing vibrations of an aircraft seat includes receiving vibration data from one or more accelerometers mounted to the aircraft seat and determining a vibration profile based on the vibration data. When vibration mitigation is warranted, control signals for damping vibration are determined and transmitted to a plurality of linear actuators adapted to support the aircraft seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Textron Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Howard Fagan, Paul Stokholm Warren, Emily O'Kelley Pearson, Jeremy Joseph Kneuper, Phillip Kendrick
  • Patent number: 11358723
    Abstract: Described are passenger seats (102) having a seat bottom (122) connected to the seat frame (108) at a hinge (130) at an aft portion of the seat bottom (122), and having a release mechanism (132) operably connected with the seat bottom (122) that, when actuated by a user, cause the seat bottom (122) to be released from a locked configuration to an unlocked configuration, whereby the seat bottom (122) is free to rotate downward, independent of a seat back (142), about the hinge (130) to a tilted position in order to increase a range of available angles between the seat bottom (122) and seat back (130).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: Safran Seats USA LLC
    Inventors: Oscar Ruiz Lara, Arthur Glain
  • Patent number: 11247584
    Abstract: An adjustable vehicle seat includes a seat base having a seat surface and a backrest having a backrest surface. In the seat base and/or in the backrest, sensors are provided that detect forces, pressures and/or movements effected by a person sitting on the vehicle seat and consequently issue a signal. A control device is provided that detects the signals issued by the sensors and actuates actuators provided in the vehicle seat to adjust the seat base and/or backrest, or components thereof, in order to adjust the vehicle seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Uwe Breitweg, Matthias Franz, Ingo Janka, Harald Lathwesen
  • Patent number: 11192474
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a retractable car seat that is folded and stowed in a vehicle. The retractable car seat includes: a body configured to be folded or unfolded; a frame movably connected to the body to support the body such that the body is configured to be folded or unfolded; a support having an end connected to a lower portion of the body or the frame and another end movably connected to a floor of the vehicle, being able to move forward and backward in the vehicle, and having a length that can be vertically adjusted; and a rail disposed on the floor of the vehicle and having the support inserted therein, thereby functioning as a path in which the support is moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jin Ho Hwang, Dong Eun Cha, Sang Heon Lee
  • Patent number: 10820702
    Abstract: A chair seat sliding and locking mechanism includes a positioning tube and a sliding seat. The positioning tube is mounted to a rod of a chair base. The positioning tube is rotatable relative to the rod but is not longitudinally slidable. The sliding seat includes a coupling portion securely coupled with a chair seat. The coupling portion includes a receiving portion having a receiving hole with a catching portion. The positioning tube is received in the receiving hole. When the positioning tube is rotated relative to the rod to a first position in which a positioning portion of the positioning tube disengages from the catching portion, the sliding seat is movable along the positioning tube. When the positioning tube is rotated relative to the rod to a second position in which the positioning portion engages with the catching portion, the sliding seat is fixed relative to the positioning tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Inventor: Chang-Chen Lin
  • Patent number: 10543923
    Abstract: A seat is disclosed. The seat includes a frame, a seat pan connected to the frame and a backrest. The backrest includes a main panel, an upper panel hingedly connected to the main panel and a lower panel hingedly connected to the main panel. The upper panel is connected to the frame and the lower panel is connected to the seat pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: AMI INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Chad R. Pacheco, Kyler Marutzky
  • Patent number: 10427793
    Abstract: A slouching aircraft divan transitions between discrete upright, slouched, and berthed configurations. The divan has a seatpan including rollers which travel along roller slots in frame rails connecting the front and rear legs: from the upright configuration, the seatpan tracks forward and down to a midpoint corresponding to the slouched configuration and then forward and up to the berthed configuration. The back follower panel tracks with the seatpan along backrest slots, curving rearward as it tracks down to allow the back follower panel to track maximally forward, and the seatpan and backrest cushions to berth flat and parallel to the floor. The divan uses one-way damping devices to regulate the speed with which the seatpan tracks forward and down from the upright configuration to the slouched configuration and to provide a cushion when the seatpan tracking ends at the midpoint of the roller slot, when the slouched configuration is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Oleson, Arjun Koustubhan
  • Patent number: 10377272
    Abstract: In order to suppress a claustrophobic feeling that a person sitting on a rear seat receives due to a front seat, and to make the front seat easy to use as an ottoman by the person, a movement adjustment system is used for a passenger seat and a rear seat, and includes a slide rail for moving the rear seat in the front to back direction, and a control part for changing the movement region of the rear seat by the slide rail. The passenger seat has a seat cushion, and a seat back mounted to be changeable between an upright state and a lowered state with respect to the seat cushion. The control part changes the movement region so that the passenger seat and the rear seat can come closer when the seat back of the passenger seat is in the lowered state than in the upright state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: TS Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Yogo
  • Patent number: 10343558
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a moveable structure supported by a fixed frame. The moveable structure includes a bottom portion configured to slide forward and rearward relative to the fixed frame, a back portion connected to the bottom portion and configured to both pivot and slide relative to the fixed frame, and an upper portion that, in some embodiments, is configured to rotate relative to the back portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: NIO USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Colin J. Stevens, Teh Feng Fang, Bruno M. Barthelemy
  • Patent number: 10336232
    Abstract: A track adjuster includes a first track, a second track movably connected to the first track, a lockset connected to at least one of the first track and the second track, and an easy adjusting assembly. A lockset may be configured to selectively lock the first track and the second track together. An easy entry assembly may include an actuating lever, a locking lever engaged with the actuating lever, and a lock stop connected to the first track. A lock stop may be configured to engage the locking lever. An easy adjusting assembly may be configured to restrict locking of the first track and the second track by the lockset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Stutika, Peter Necej, Martin Kravcik, Jan Hrinak, Marian Podhorsky, Peter Biath
  • Patent number: 10206508
    Abstract: The invention relates to a chair, in particular a conference or visitor chair, which allows a coupled movement of a seat (3) and a backrest. The seat in this case is mounted in sliding bearings (4) comprising oblique guide surfaces (6) and is displaced and raised in the sliding bearings through a mounting end (5) of the backrest. According to the invention, two separate backrest bars (11) are provided, which are connected to the mounting ends (5), wherein the backrest bars can be moved independently of each other. In this way, different seat positions can be realized. Besides an upright standard position, an inclined high position, and an asymmetrical position, in which a one-sided load of a backrest bar (11) can be realized with a corresponding displacement and rotation of the seat (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Haworth, Inc.
    Inventors: Simon Desanta, Wilhelm Schulz
  • Patent number: 9994321
    Abstract: Described is a passenger seat that includes a seat back with a lower portion disposed adjacent to the seat bottom, and recline mechanism configured to move the passenger seat between an upright position and a reclined position. The recline mechanism may move the passenger seat in two directions. The recline mechanism may include a plurality of corresponding members configured to interface with a plurality of elongate motion members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Zodiac Seats US LLC
    Inventors: Justin K. Murnan, Ty Parker, Marc W. Kinard, Josh T. Smith, Andreas Bucher, John D. Allen, Raul G. Reyes, Hollie C. Driscoll
  • Patent number: 9827885
    Abstract: A seat assembly is provided and may include a base assembly, a first arm, a seat bottom assembly, a second arm, and an adjustment arm. The base assembly may be mounted to a vehicle. The first arm may be rotatably coupled to the base assembly and may be operable to rotate relative to the base assembly about a first axis of rotation. The seat bottom assembly may be rotatably coupled to the first arm and may be operable to rotate relative to the first arm about a second axis of rotation. The second arm may be rotatably coupled to the seat bottom assembly and may be operable to rotate relative to the seat bottom assembly about a third axis of rotation. The adjustment arm may include an adjustment mechanism, and may be rotatably coupled to the second arm and rotatably coupled to the base assembly. The adjustment mechanism may be operable to rotate the adjustment arm relative to the base assembly about a fourth axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: FISHER & COMPANY, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Michael R. Fisher, James S. Maksymiuk, David L. Robinson, Christopher J. Ryan, Andrew J. Simms
  • Patent number: 9580174
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a seating unit (1), in particular for aircrafts' economy class, comprising a substantially rigid fixed shell (4), a support structure (9), a backrest (2) and a seat (3), all contained within said shell (4), said seating unit (1) being characterized in that said backrest (2) and said seat (3) make a movement, substantially within said shell (4), between a retracted position, that is with said backrest (2) in a substantially vertical position and said seat (3) in a substantially horizontal position, and a slightly extended position, that is with said backrest (2) in a substantially slanted position and said seat (3) in a substantially slanted position, inclined downward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: OPTIMARES S.P.A.
    Inventors: Massimo Berti, Andrea Giordano, Alessio Morstcani, Alessandro Braca
  • Patent number: 9573012
    Abstract: A multi-functional chair includes a front leg frame, a footrest assembly connected pivotally to and extending obliquely upward from a bottom end of the front leg frame, a link rod assembly connected pivotally to the footrest assembly, a seat cushion connecting rod connected pivotally to the link rod assembly, a supporting frame connected pivotally to the seat cushion connecting rod, a seat cushion supported on the supporting frame, a backrest frame connected to and extending obliquely upward from the seat cushion connecting rod, a pivot seat connected pivotally to a top end of the backrest frame, and a backrest fixed to the pivot seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Superweigh Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sunny Lee
  • Patent number: 9351576
    Abstract: A mechanism is provided that allows an assisting force to be imparted on an ottoman as the ottoman moves from an extended position back to a closed position. The linkage includes a rotatable lock bracket and an ottoman lock link pivotally coupled to the lock bracket. A rear ottoman link is pivotally coupled to an ottoman linkage, and a spring activation link is pivotally coupled to the ottoman lock link. A spring extends between the lock bracket and the first end of the spring activation link, supported by a spring retaining link. A catch finger positioned on the rear ottoman link selectively engages the second end of the spring activation link. The spring activation link operates to extend the spring as the ottoman moves from an extended position to a closed position, thereby providing an assisting force in moving the mechanism to the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventors: W. Clark Rogers, Jason Allan Bryant
  • Patent number: 9016787
    Abstract: Vehicle seat has at least a front foot, a rear foot, a four-link configuration having four link parts coupled to one another via hinge points, and a compensation spring. Front foot and rear foot are accommodated in a longitudinal rail in a longitudinally adjustable manner, and the rear foot is releasable from the longitudinal rail after unlocking. Vehicle seat is movable forward from a seating position having a locked rear foot, after rear foot is unlocked, into a functional position with adjustment of four-link configuration, and with at least temporary assistance from the compensation spring. Vehicle seat has a locking apparatus which automatically locks or clamps together at least two link parts of the four-link configuration in order to compensate for production-related tolerances. Four link parts may include a seat part, a backrest part, a receiving part, and a coupling rocker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Faurecia Autositze GmbH
    Inventor: Bernd Römer
  • Patent number: 8967718
    Abstract: A reclining seating unit includes: a base; a rocker assembly fixed to the base; and an arm frame fixed to the rocker assembly, wherein the rocker assembly is configured such that the arm frame experiences rocking motion relative to the base. The seating unit further comprises: a generally horizontally-disposed seat; a generally upright backrest positioned rearwardly of the seat; a footrest unit; and a reclining mechanism that interconnects and controls movement of the seat and the backrest relative to the arm frame between an upright position and a reclined position. In the upright position, the backrest is generally upright and positioned above the arm frame, and the seat has a first rearward position relative to the arm frame, and in the reclined position, the backrest is reclined relative to the underlying surface as compared to its disposition in the upright position and the seat has a second forward position relative to the arm frame that is forward of the first rearward position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Ultra-Mek, Inc.
    Inventors: D. Stephen Hoffman, Marcus L. Murphy
  • Patent number: 8894151
    Abstract: A child seat assembly for use on a vehicle seat includes a seat portion, a base and a backrest. The seat portion is adapted to be supported on the vehicle seat and includes a cavity. The base is disposed at least partially within the cavity of the seat portion. The seat portion is operatively coupled to the base for selective sliding movement of the seat portion in a longitudinal direction relative to the base. The backrest is coupled to the seat portion and pivots about an axis extending in a lateral direction in response to the sliding movement of the seat portion relative to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Clek Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Joseph Poniatowski, Rohanna Marie Lindhorst, Mark Anthony Brockman
  • Patent number: 8888182
    Abstract: In the specification and drawings a chair is described and shown with a resiliently flexible frame having a front seat support; a seat slidably engaged to the front seat support; and a back rotatably engaged to the frame, the back being rotatably engaged to the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Synergy Product Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Dragomir Ivicevic
  • 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: 20130285428
    Abstract: A vehicle seating system includes a seat bottom chassis, and a seat back chassis coupled to the seat bottom chassis. The vehicle seating system also includes an easy entry mechanism configured to facilitate a rotation of the seat bottom chassis and the seat back chassis about a lateral axis of the vehicle seating system. The easy entry mechanism is also configured to maintain a substantially constant angle between the seat bottom chassis and the seat back chassis during the rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Steven Livesey, Lucas P. Porinsky
  • Publication number: 20130264853
    Abstract: Vehicle seat has at least a front foot, a rear foot, a four-link configuration having four link parts coupled to one another via hinge points, and a compensation spring. Front foot and rear foot are accommodated in a longitudinal rail in a longitudinally adjustable manner, and the rear foot is releasable from the longitudinal rail after unlocking. Vehicle seat is movable forward from a seating position having a locked rear foot, after rear foot is unlocked, into a functional position with adjustment of four-link configuration, and with at least temporary assistance from the compensation spring. Vehicle seat has a locking apparatus which automatically locks or clamps together at least two link parts of the four-link configuration in order to compensate for production-related tolerances. Four link parts may include a seat part, a backrest part, a receiving part, and a coupling rocker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: Faurecia Autositze GmbH
    Inventor: Bernd RÖMER
  • Publication number: 20130264854
    Abstract: Vehicle seat has at least a front foot, a rear foot, a four-link configuration having four link parts coupled to one another via hinge points, and a compensation spring. Front foot and rear foot are accommodated in a longitudinal rail in a longitudinally adjustable manner, and the rear foot is releasable from the longitudinal rail after unlocking. Vehicle seat is movable forward from a seating position having a locked rear foot, after rear foot is unlocked, into a functional position with adjustment of four-link configuration, and with at least temporary assistance from the compensation spring. Vehicle seat has a support rod which is adjustably accommodated on the four-link configuration, and in the forward functional position the support rod comes into contact in front of the front foot, and in particular on the longitudinal rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: Faurecia Autositze GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd RÖMER, Jong-Seok Yun
  • Patent number: 8540313
    Abstract: Follow-up performance to respiratory movements is made higher than that of the prior art without obstructing movements of the pelvis of a person. A configuration is adopted that a cushioning member arrangement frame for a seat back 34, 140 and a cushioning member arrangement frame for a seat cushion are displaced according to load fluctuation to a cushioning member for a seat back 40, 150 or a cushioning member for a seat cushion 20. That is, such a configuration is adopted that the cushioning member arrangement frame for a seat back 34, 140 or the cushioning member for a seat cushion 20 not only moves according to load fluctuation but also frames themselves supporting them move via tension structure members spread over the frames (a cushioning member for a seat back and a cushioning member for a seat cushion).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Delta Tooling Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Etsunori Fujita, Seiji Kawasaki, Hiroki Oshimo, Shigeyuki Kojima
  • Patent number: 8439435
    Abstract: Described are passenger seats having a seat pan assembly with reclining and tilting mechanisms, a seat back pivotally coupled to the aft end of the seat pan assembly, and a lumbar mechanism coupled to the seat back and the seat pan assembly. The reclining mechanism is configured to adjust a forward position of the seat pan assembly and the rotation of the seat back between upright and reclining positions. The tilting mechanism is configured to rotate an aft end of the seat pan relative to the pan frame and deploy the lumbar mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Zodiac Seats US LLC
    Inventors: Larry Richard Gaither, Timothy W. Terleski, Chirag Patel
  • Patent number: 8388065
    Abstract: A vehicle seat movable between a seating mode, an ingress/egress mode, and a cargo mode includes a vehicle seat rotation controlling apparatus. The vehicle seat rotation controlling apparatus allows a seat back to be rotated toward a seat bottom into the ingress/egress mode while holding the seat bottom in an elevated position. Further, the vehicle seat rotation controlling apparatus allows the seat back to be rotated further toward the seat bottom into the cargo mode while rotating the seat bottom into a lowered position. When the vehicle seat is moved from the cargo mode to the seating mode, the seat back is rotated away from the seat bottom while the vehicle seat rotation controlling apparatus causes the seat bottom to rotate into the elevated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Matthew J. Harden
  • Patent number: 8303036
    Abstract: An aircraft seat having a movable squab and backrest, and a fixed seat chassis is presented. A mechanism for moving the squab and backrest has a linear runner mounted on the seat chassis and includes a linear drive for extending (and retracting) the assembly between a retracted position and an extended position. A first cam track allows adjustment the height of the back edge of the seat squab, the first cam track being generally parallel to the linear runner through the majority of its length and having a rearmost substantially vertical portion. A first cam follower mechanism interconnects a back edge of the seat squab, the first cam track and the linear drive, for motion of the seal squab. A second cam track is provided for adjusting the inclination of the backrest and a second follower is connected to the seatback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Contour Aerospace Ltd.
    Inventors: Christopher Hankinson, Michael Roy Hudswell
  • Patent number: 8272694
    Abstract: A passenger seat, having a seat back, and a seat bottom, including a seat pan, supported by a frame mounted on laterally spaced-apart legs for being mounted to the deck of the aircraft by track fittings. A seat back frame assembly and a seat bottom assembly are joined for articulating movement such that when the seat back is reclined, the seat pan is shifted forward and the forward end of the seat pan and thus the seat bottom is raised in order to maintain an appropriate passenger seating angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathaniel Hawkins, Dennis Hedrick, Jeremy Green
  • Publication number: 20120139311
    Abstract: A fold-and-dive structure for a vehicle seat is provided, which includes a connection member connecting a cushion frame built in a seat cushion and a back frame built in a seat back to each other, a rotating link connecting a front end portion of the cushion frame and a support frame to each other, and a recliner provided on the support frame to which a lower end portion of the back frame is rotatably connected, wherein a guide frame is provided on a front side portion of the connection member, and the cushion frame is slidably coupled to the guide frame to make the seat cushion slide forward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicants: Hyundai Motor Company, DAEWON SANUP CO., LTD., Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Chan Ho Jeong, Sang Do Park, Tae Hoon Lee, Jong Kweon Pyun, Seon Chae Na, Kwang Bin Im, Do Kyun Kim, Jae Myung Hur
  • Patent number: 7735925
    Abstract: A positioning device includes a clamping seat having first and second clamping members with clamping portions mounted around a fixed rod of a chair having an inclinable seat to which the first clamping member is fixed. An adjusting rod includes a coupling seat having a positioning groove with a low-profile section and a high-profile section. A positioning block is mounted to the second clamping member and includes a protrusion received in the positioning groove. The protrusion is engagable with one of the low-profile section and the high-profile section, so that the clamping portions can be clamp on or disengage from the fixed rod, allowing controlling of movement of the clamping seat along the fixed rod. The first clamping member includes a sidewall having a hole slideably receiving the fixed rod and in slight tight coupling with the fixed rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Zhongshan Kemi Commodity Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chang-Chen Lin
  • Patent number: 7735924
    Abstract: A positioning device includes a clamping seat having two clamping members having clamping portions mounted around a fixed rod of a chair having an inclinable seat to which one of the clamping members is fixed. An adjusting rod includes a coupling seat and a handle fixed to the coupling seat. The coupling seat includes a positioning groove having a low-profile section and a high-profile section. A positioning block is mounted to the other clamping member and includes a protrusion received in the positioning groove. When the protrusion is engaged with the low-profile section, the clamping portions are not clamped on the fixed rod, allowing movement of the clamping seat along the fixed rod. When the handle is moved to a clamping position, the protrusion is engaged with the high-profile section, the clamping portions are clamped on the fixed rod, not allowing movement of the clamping seat along the fixed rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Inventor: Chang-Chen Lin
  • Publication number: 20090195040
    Abstract: A variable chair (10) features variable displacement between a back-to-seat pivot or slide pivot interconnection (14) and a back sliding pivot (15), to compensate for occupant weight in tilt moment in a weight responsive action; a particular construction features opposed pairs of intercoupled seat and back crank arm frames (111, 113) mounted upon a carrier or ground frame (114) by which the chair is supported, to achieve a back tilt, seat slide action; with the option of frame flex for restorative action; and with combined back and seat action about a virtual pivot which can approximate to a natural occupant body spine lumbar pivot and associated pivot movement path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventor: Hilary Rolf Birkbeck
  • Patent number: 7530637
    Abstract: A chair assembly has a chassis connected between a backrest frame and a pneumatic foot rod. The backrest frame has a pivotal hole and has an elongated slot to receive a sliding pivotal rod pushed by a spring so that the backrest frame is controlled by the sliding pivotal rod when the backrest frame pivotally moves relative to the chassis. Because the incline of backrest frame is controlled by an adjusting wheel pushing the spring and because the seat frame has a rocking board to support the backrest frame, the chair assembly is able to change the inclined angles of the backrest frame. Moreover, the seat frame has a sliding base for attaching a pad. Thereby, the chair assembly has adjustable functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Inventor: Yao-Chuan Wu
  • Patent number: 7488040
    Abstract: A servo mechanism for a seat part arranged on a support frame for travel in a longitudinal direction in synchronism with an adjustment of a back rest part from a normal position to several predetermined reclined positions, includes a scissor-type articulated lever assembly which is connected to the seat part and the support frame. The articulated lever assembly includes several articulated lever elements. A spring assembly progressively applies a spring force upon the scissor-type articulated lever assembly such that a relative change in angular disposition between the lever elements applies a substantially constant force upon the seat part in every position of the seat part, whereby a relatively great longitudinal travel distance of the seat part is accompanied by a short spring travel during the spring force application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: OMP S.R.L
    Inventor: Andras Dozsa-Farkas
  • Publication number: 20080143159
    Abstract: The present invention provides a tip-up type walk-in sliding seat structure, comprising: a seat cushion; a cushion roller provided at a front part of the seat cushion; a striker coupled to a rear part of the seat cushion; a seat back having a latch which is coupled to the striker so as to be released during walk-in tip-up sliding operation thereby separating the seat cushion from the seat back; a main body connected to a side part of the seat back; a seat back roller provided at a lower part of the main body; a seat rail with which the cushion roller and the seat back roller are slidably engaged; and a link connector which is connected to the seat cushion and a lower part of the main body so as to raise a rear part of the seat cushion in response to forward sliding of the seat back.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Applicant: Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Dae Sub Song
  • Patent number: 7380881
    Abstract: An apparatus—which could be a chair (10), but could also be an apparatus that supports a person in other than a seated position—comprising a moveable platform (including a seat (12) in case of a chair) urged always toward a neutral position when a person is seated or otherwise positioned on the apparatus (10). The motion of the platform/seat (12) toward and away from the neutral position is constrained so that the platform/seat (12) remains at least approximately horizontal in its orientation relative to the floor on which the apparatus/chair (10) is positioned even when traveling along a path not horizontal to the floor, i.e. e.g. along a path inclined to the floor. A method is also provided in which the apparatus/chair (10) is used to provide lower-back therapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Inventors: William L. Freed, Seth Foster Eisenberg
  • Publication number: 20080066672
    Abstract: An adjustable seat having an upright position and an inclined position for use on a watercraft, wherein the seat includes a frame; a movable seat bottom having an upper surface that is at a greater angle relative to the horizontal in the inclined position than in the upright position; and a movable seat back that is at a greater angle relative to the vertical in the inclined position than in the upright position. A rear portion of the seat bottom may be located lower in the inclined position than in the upright position, and the seat back may be located lower in the inclined position than in the upright position. The adjustable seat may include a gas-assist strut connected between the frame and one of either the seat bottom or the seat back. The frame may include at least one slot to facilitate movement of the adjustable seat from the upright position to the inclined position, and the seat may further include a support member movable in the slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Applicant: Bennington Marine LLC
    Inventors: Trent Allan Eekhoff, Dale Edward Eekhoff
  • Patent number: 7322653
    Abstract: Disclosed is a videogaming and computer workstation unit, preferably integrated with an ergonomic chair, which permits ease of entry and exit to the chair for users of various sizes, and which permits users to use peripheral devices for operating video games and computers comfortably from a chair integrated with a gaming console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Inventor: Vlad Dragusin
  • Patent number: 7270371
    Abstract: A vehicle slouch seat includes a cushion frame attached to a seat back frame such that the cushion frame is pivotable from an upright position to a slouch position. The slouch seat is also foldable and stowable against a vehicle cabin wall. Motion between the upright and the slouch positions is mediated by a guide hook attached to the back side of seat back frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Vincent Adragna, Kyle Calvert, James Ritter, Eric Beaulieu, Kevin Gasparotto, Stephen Redwood
  • Patent number: 7185951
    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 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: L & P Property Management Company
    Inventors: LeRoy Johnson, Philip Crossman
  • Patent number: 7108326
    Abstract: A seat, preferably an aeroplane seat, includes a seat base (12) which can be positioned on the floor and seat components which are provided for each seat and are arranged on the seat base (12). The seat components can be a seat back (1) and a seating element (2) with a front region (3) and a rear region (4). The rear region is located at the point where the seating element joins the seat back (1). The seat back can be displaced from an upright position to an inclined position and vice versa, simultaneously adjusting the inclination of the seating element (2). The front region (3) of the seating element (2) essentially maintains its height above the floor. The rear region (4) sinks as the seat back (1) increasingly inclines. The seat back (1) has at least one first part (5) and one second part (6) which at least partially support each other with the adjacent surfaces and which can be displaced in relation to each other during the adjustment of the inclination of the seat back (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Recaro Aircraft Seating GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Hartmut Schurg
  • 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