Motor Actuated Patents (Class 297/330)
  • Patent number: 10020150
    Abstract: A method operates an electromotive adjusting device of a motor vehicle. The adjusting device contains a relay which has two contacts. The relay is switched by an electric current flow across the contacts or by an electrical voltage drop between the contacts given a first condition. The relay is switched without an electric current flow across the contacts or without an electrical voltage drop between the contacts given a second condition. An electromotive adjusting device of a motor vehicle, in particular an electromotively operated tailgate, contains such a relay which has two contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft, Hallstadt
    Inventors: Toni Nagler, Markus Rosenthal
  • Patent number: 9994139
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a leg rest device for a vehicle. The leg rest device includes: a leg rest coupled to the front side of a seat cushion of a vehicle; a driving unit to fold and unfold the leg rest upward and downward; and a tilting unit that has a side coupled to the leg rest and the other side coupled to the seat cushion. In particular, the tilting unit tilts the leg rest forward at a predetermined angle when the leg rest is unfolded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: HYUNDAI DYMOS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Sung Chol An, Jin Ho Seo, Jun Kyu Kim, Chan Uk Park, Myeong Sub Kim, Yun Ho Kim, Dong Hwan Kim
  • Patent number: 9867747
    Abstract: A raising wheelchair comprises a wheeled frame and a raising system mounted to the frame and supporting a seat and a backrest. The raising system is configured to be movable between a lowered position and a raised position. The raising system includes at least one double-armed lever including a first lever member and a second lever member, a coupling member fixedly mounted to the frame, wherein the first lever member and the second lever member are pivotally coupled to the coupling member, and a coupling mechanism translationally coupled or pivotally coupled to a second end of the first lever member, pivotally coupled to a second end of the second lever member, and coupled to the backrest. The raising system maintains an orientation of the backrest relative to the ground that is substantially constant throughout substantially an entire range of movement between the lowered position and the raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: Dane Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Balz Maurer, Fabian Wolter
  • Patent number: 9845852
    Abstract: A motorized positioning apparatus for a seating unit includes a motor assembly that is configured to move a linkage assembly though a series of positions that arrange the seating unit in a closed position, open position, or extended position. The motor assembly attaches directly to a footrest drive link by way of a mounting tube. In addition, the motor assembly may attach either to a base rail of the seating unit or to a rear pivot link by way of a rear mounting tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventors: Gregory Lawson, Michael Crum
  • Patent number: 9797418
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to prevent breakage of a unidirectional filter part for high-pressure oil. A hydraulic device 100 supplies oil to a high-pressure oil channel L1 and a low-pressure oil channel L2 from an oil tank 102 via a supply pump 104. The hydraulic device 100 includes an accumulator 106 capable of accumulating a hydraulic pressure of the oil supplied to the high-pressure oil channel from the supply pump; a filter part 120 disposed between the supply pump and a connection point N1 at which the high-pressure oil channel connects to the accumulator, along a direction in which the oil is supplied; and a check valve 110 capable of preventing a backflow of the oil to the filter part, and disposed between the filter part and the connection point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HITACHI POWER SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Hashimoto, Yasuhiko Okuda
  • Patent number: 9730518
    Abstract: Powered recliner chairs, assemblies for use in the chairs, and components for use in the assemblies are provided. Electrical systems for use in the chairs, and components for use in the assemblies are provided. Control systems and methods for operating powered recliner chairs are also provided. Any given chair may be locally and/or remotely controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Inventors: Matthew D. Jacobs, Frederick D. Jacobs, Terry Plumert
  • Patent number: 9713559
    Abstract: A medical chair includes a seat supported by a base and actuators adapted to both tilt and lift the seat with respect to the base. A controller controls the actuators to both lift and tilt the seat as the seat moves from the sitting position to the standing position. The movement from the sitting position to the standing position assists in the egress of an occupant from the chair, while the movement from the standing position to the sitting position assists in the ingress of an occupant to the chair. A backrest on the chair remains substantially vertically oriented during movement between the sitting and standing position so as to provide more comfort to the occupant during the sit-to-stand or stand-to-sit movement. The backrest also moves in a manner that generally keeps the occupant's torso vertically aligned with his or her hips during this movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher S. Hough, John P. Zerbel, Richard A. Derenne, Cory Patrick Herbst, Collin Ian Ostergaard, Jill Christine Denna, Marianne Barbara Grisdale, Siarhei Murauyou
  • Patent number: 9650777
    Abstract: A toilet assembly includes a base that may be positioned on a support surface. A bowl is positioned on the base. The bowl may collect a user's waste. An actuator is coupled between the base and the bowl. The actuator may adjust a height of the bowl with respect to the base. A lever is coupled to the actuator. The lever may actuate and de-actuate the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Inventor: Billy R. Roberts
  • Patent number: 9555727
    Abstract: The invention relates to a headrest that is retained on a vehicle seat by at least one support rod (12) and that has at least one adjustment part (13) that can be moved relative to the back rest by at least one drive mechanism (14, 15, 16, 22) having at least one first drive (14, 15) that is fixed to the adjustment part and a second drive (16, 22) that is fixed to the back rest. The special feature is that the drive (14, 15, 16, 22) has an overload safety device (17) that can be moved from a starting position into a release position when a maximum force acting on the adjustment part (13) is exceeded, and, in the release position, the drive (14, 15, 16, 22) is at least partially relieved of the force acting on the adjustment part (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: GRAMMER AG
    Inventor: Maximilian Kotz
  • Patent number: 9452692
    Abstract: A seat mounting system is provided that allows a vehicle passenger seat, preferably a rear passenger seat mounted within the rear portion of the passenger cabin, to move laterally (i.e., side-to-side), fore-aft (i.e., forwards-backwards), and rotationally. As a result, an occupant of the passenger seat can optimize their seat position for the task at hand, e.g., relaxing, obtaining additional leg and/or shoulder room, rotating inwards during a conversation with others in the car, rotating outwards to aid vehicle egress, etc. Seat movement may be performed automatically or manually using dual track assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: ATIEVA, INC.
    Inventors: Peter Dore Rawlinson, Daniel Jefferson Muir
  • Patent number: 9433295
    Abstract: A zerowall motorized multi-position recliner chair mechanism is disclosed wherein, in accordance with a first embodiment, the chair seat rails are stably supported by means of a pair of oppositely disposed support linkage systems connected to the chair base rails. In addition, the rear sections of the pair of oppositely disposed support linkage systems are pivotally connected to the base rails at first pivot points, while the drive motor is pivotally mounted upon an integral structural unit so as to permit the drive motor to pivot around a second pivot point which is coaxially disposed with respect to the first pivot point. In this manner, the drive motor is substantially fixed, or at least positionally constrained, at a predetermined position with respect to the base rails, thereby providing additional stability to the chair. In accordance with a second embodiment, the drive motor is attached directly to the rear base rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Inventor: Michael A. Crum
  • Patent number: 9421138
    Abstract: The present invention provides a self-propelling standing commode wheelchair that can be positioned over a standard toilet seat. The present invention includes a wheeled frame, and an inverted U-shaped seat pivotally mounted thereon. The wheeled frame includes a pair of armrests, which is attached to a pair of gas struts that allows the present invention to be erected into a standing configuration. The present invention also includes a plurality of footrests and straps to stabilize the user in an upright position. The present invention further includes stabilizers, wherein the stabilizers are attached to the armrests, and are adapted to contact the ground when the present invention erects into the standing configuration. The stabilizers are configured to prevent the present invention from tipping over, and can be elevated above the ground when the present invention is lowered into a sitting configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Inventor: Neil Slater
  • Patent number: 9282827
    Abstract: A lifting stand for adjusting headrest includes a linear drive device and a connecting link assembly. The connecting link assembly includes a first fastener, a second fastener, a first connecting link, a second connecting link, a third connecting link, and a fourth connecting link. The first and second links are pivotally connected to the first fastener, the other end of the first connecting link is pivotally connected to the third connecting link which is connected to the second fastener, and the second connecting link is pivotally connected to the fourth connecting link which is connected to the second fastener and the third connecting link. The linear drive device is connected to the first fastener, and its output end is connected to the third connecting link. The lifting stand can automatically adjust the position of the headrest and keep a nice appearance for sofas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: DONGGUAN WEIHONG HARDWARE AND PLASTIC PRODUCTS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Wei Lu
  • Patent number: 9277824
    Abstract: A reverse drive assembly for recliner in which a motor is mounted at the end of the horizontal track, proximate to the rear of the recliner. A traveler assembly having a reverse transfer linkage having a greater bend is positioned along the track forward of the motor, wherein the traveler assembly actuates extension of an ottoman assembly and the reclining of a seat back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Ashley Furniture Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Breen, Peter J. Fynboh, Jeffrey Cooper, Joseph L. Anibas, Nicholas J. Robinson, Richard E. Gorka, Lucas R. Walz
  • Patent number: 9273764
    Abstract: Drive of a seat adjusting device, especially for motor vehicles, with a spindle that is fastened on a first of two rails, which are adjustable with respect to each other by at least one mounting on one end of the spindle, and with a transmission driven by a motor that is mounted on the second rail, whereby the mounting is a single piece stamped bent part with a first area with at least one fastener opening and a second area that is offset upward relative to the first area for holding one end of the spindle, whereby the first area and the second area are connected to form a single piece by a transition area, whereby the second area is designed with a slot with legs lying opposite each other, at least in sections, and opposite a slot between which the end of the spindle can be fixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: IMS GEAR GMBH
    Inventors: Christian Geiges, Wolfram Hofschulte, Michael Woehrle, Guenter Weissenseel
  • Patent number: 9241855
    Abstract: A furniture member includes a frame, a slide member, first and second bars, an axle, and first and second leg members. The frame includes a chair portion movable relative to a base among nominal, reclined and lift positions. The slide member is connected to the motor and displaceable relative to the base. The first bar is connected to the slide member and the chair portion. The first bar moves the chair portion among the nominal, reclined and lift positions. The axle is mounted to the base portion. The leg members are attached to the axle and include fore and aft feet. The second bar is connected to the chair portion and slidably connected to the axle. The second bar rotates the axle in a first direction in response to movement into the reclined position and rotates the axle in a second direction in response to movement into the lift position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
    Inventor: Larry P. Lapointe
  • Patent number: 9155388
    Abstract: A lift-recliner chair includes a base section, movable seat and backrest sections and a powered actuator for relative moving the seat and backrest sections. The seat section is pivotally mounted with respect to the base section and the backrest is pivotally mounted with respect to the seat section. The base and seat sections each have a pair of side panels arranged substantially parallel with respect to each other on both sides of the chair with the actuator means enclosed in the interior region of the chair in all adjustment positions of the chair. The base and seat sections are arranged telescopically and moveable respect to the base section. The actuator has a first range of movement for moving the backrest with respect to the seat section and a second range of movement for moving the seat section and backrest with respect to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: INTEGRATED FURNITURE TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED
    Inventor: Dale Robertson
  • Patent number: 9113714
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for the movement of resting components of a sofa, an armchair or the likes, such as a headrest movable between a lowered position and a raised position, a back movable between a substantially erected configuration and a downwardly inclined configuration, a seat movable between a backward position and a forward position, and a footrest movable between a lowered, substantially vertical position and a raised position. Such a device comprises a telescopic member equipped with a movable portion controlled by a motor and able, jointly with further connection members, to place in reciprocal relation and to move said headrest, back, seat and footrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: NATUZZI S.P.A.
    Inventor: Pasquale Natuzzi
  • Patent number: 9039078
    Abstract: A seating unit that includes a linkage mechanism adapted to move the seating unit between seat-lift, closed, extended, reclined, and seat-lift positions is provided. The linkage mechanism includes a seat-mounting plate mounted to a footrest assembly, a base plate fixedly mounted to a lift assembly, a back-mounting link rotatably coupled to the seat-mounting plate, a seat-adjustment assembly with a bellcrank, and a linear actuator for automating adjustment of the linkage mechanism. In operation, a stroke in a first phase of the linear actuator generates a force on the bellcrank that translates the seat-mounting plate rearward in a consistent angle of inclination and rotates the back-mounting link from a reclined to an upright orientation. A stroke in a second phase acts to collapse the footrest assembly. A stroke in a third phase causes the lift assembly to raise and tilt the seating unit, thereby accommodating egress and ingress of an occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventors: Gregory M Lawson, Jason Allan Bryant
  • Patent number: 9016788
    Abstract: A combination lift chair and reclining chair having additional seating and reclining positions is provided with two separate motors and linkages enabling the chair back to be independently placed in various positions and the seat separately movable with the footrest and elevated once the footrest has reached full deployment using the same motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Golden Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: W. Edward Pollard, James Olcheski
  • Patent number: 9010851
    Abstract: A furniture member mechanism includes a base frame. A first mechanism connected to the base frame includes a first motor connected to the base frame. A torque tube is connected to the first motor and is displaced by operation of the first motor. First and second rotation links are individually rotatably connected to the base frame and are connected to the torque tube. The first and second rotation links provide for rotation of the second mechanism to one of a rear tilt position or a forward lift position by operating the first motor displacing the torque tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
    Inventor: Larry P. LaPointe
  • Patent number: 8973997
    Abstract: A stand chair is operated by a pair of screw shaft-type linear actuators which extend upwardly and forwardly from a pair of spaced-apart frame members. One embodiment has a solid seat and another has a split seat with a drop-away front portion. One or more motors are provided to operate the screw shafts in such a way as to raise the rear seat portion without changing its angular orientation in space. Connector links interconnect the frame with the front seat portion so as to cause it to drop downwardly out from under the thighs of an occupant, while the back seat portion raises upward, thereby assisting the occupant to stand up and exit the chair. Various additional features such as armrests, wheels and a reclining backrest may also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Skip's Patents, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel T. Green, Maurice H. Dowding, Susan E. Perry
  • Publication number: 20150054315
    Abstract: A seating-unit mechanism includes various components that control a position of the seat and backrest and that control an extension and retraction of an ottoman and footrest. For example, the mechanism includes a linear actuator that controls a seat pitch (e.g., height and level of recline). In addition, the mechanism includes an ottoman-linkage drive mechanism, which might include a drive link or another linear actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventors: Bobby Donovan, Nikki White
  • Patent number: 8960628
    Abstract: An adjusting device, in particular a height or longitudinal adjusting device for motor vehicle seats, including a threaded spindle that is rotatably mounted in a gearbox housing at one end and in a receiving unit at the other end, the receiving unit having an inner thread that is adapted to the spindle thread. The adjusting device also includes a motor unit that is operatively connected to the threaded spindle. An adjusting device and a seat base frame for motor vehicle seats with an adjusting device that transmits forces that occur in the event of a crash to the required degree are provided. A reinforcing element is provided in the gearbox housing such that said element is suitable for receiving forces that act in the longitudinal axial direction of the threaded spindle in the event of a crash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: C. Rob. Hammerstein GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ivica Stanic, Oliver Kuntz, Christian Sturm
  • Patent number: 8936315
    Abstract: An ophthalmic examination chair includes a seat for supporting a patient thereon, a support base for supporting the seat, a tilt guide assembly for tiltably moving the seat with respect to the support base, and a tilt driving assembly. The tilt driving assembly includes a motor operatively connected with a drive element and a drive transmission element operatively connected with the drive element. The drive transmission element is further operatively connected with the seat for moving the seat when the motor is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Reliance Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: William James Fienup, Keith A. Grider
  • Publication number: 20140368011
    Abstract: A furniture member includes a frame, a slide member, first and second bars, an axle, and first and second leg members. The frame includes a chair portion movable relative to a base among nominal, reclined and lift positions. The slide member is connected to the motor and displaceable relative to the base. The first bar is connected to the slide member and the chair portion. The first bar moves the chair portion among the nominal, reclined and lift positions. The axle is mounted to the base portion. The leg members are attached to the axle and include fore and aft feet. The second bar is connected to the chair portion and slidably connected to the axle. The second bar rotates the axle in a first direction in response to movement into the reclined position and rotates the axle in a second direction in response to movement into the lift position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
    Inventor: LARRY P. LAPOINTE
  • Patent number: 8888181
    Abstract: A vehicle seat is equipped with a seat tilt mechanism capable of adjusting the amount one seat component is tilted relative to another. The tilt mechanism can couple a seat frame with a seat pan to adjust the relative amount of tilt therebetween. The tilt mechanism includes a housing and a bracket in sliding engagement with a surface of the housing that faces away from the seat pan during use. The bracket may include a bearing surface in sliding engagement with the housing. The bracket can be monolithic with generally U-shaped side walls extending away from the seat pan on opposite sides of the housing. Each side wall may extend partially around the housing with the seat pan providing structure that closes off the open end of the U-shape. The mechanism includes an optional cap on the seat pan side of the housing that may provide a low-friction bearing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Faurecia Automotive Seating, LLC
    Inventors: John Perraut, Yanyang Zhang
  • Publication number: 20140327284
    Abstract: A slouch rear seat includes a seat bottom, a seat back pivotally mounted to the seat bottom, and a driver for moving the slouch rear seat between a design position and a fully forward position. Characteristically, the seat bottom moves from the design position to the fully forward position by the seat bottom moving upward and forward in a manner that avoids a vehicle occupant contacting the top of the vehicle cabin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventors: Alex Taylor, Rodger G. Smith, Adrian J. Lewis, Clive Pearce, Wayne Meyrick
  • Patent number: 8870286
    Abstract: An adjusting device (10) is provided for a vehicle subassembly to be adjusted. The adjusting device has an adjusting motor which, via an adjusting mechanism, drives a toothed rocker (12) assigned to the vehicle subassembly to be adjusted. The adjusting mechanism structurally reinforces the vehicle subassembly to be adjusted, and an adjusting worm (20) of the structurally reinforcing adjusting mechanism acts directly on the toothed rocker (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignees: Dr. Ing. H.C.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft, IMS Gear GmbH
    Inventors: Dieter Jungert, Tassilo Gilbert, Thomas Heger, Nino Andricevic, Jens Fechler, Matthias Koop, Wilfried Synovzik, Wolfram Hofschulte, Stephan Oberle
  • Publication number: 20140306505
    Abstract: A hand-switch arrangement (HSA) for an adjustable seating furniture (SF), in particular a recliner, the hand-switch arrangement (HSA) comprising an operating unit (OU) and a carrier module (CM). The carrier module (CM) comprises a body part (BP) with an opening (O) for accommodating the operating unit (OU). The carrier module (CM) is designed to be mechanically fixed to a rigid part (RP) of the adjustable seating furniture (SF). The operating unit (OU) comprises a control panel (CP) for controlling a drive unit (DU) of the adjustable seating furniture (SF). The operating unit (OU) further comprises a locking means (LM1) and the carrier module (CM) comprises a mating locking means (LM2) for engaging the locking means (LM1) of the operating unit (OU) when the operating unit (OU) is inserted into the opening (O) of the carrier module (CM), wherein a mounting depth of the operating unit (OU) is adjustable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: LOGICDATA Electronics & Software Entwicklungs GmbH
    Inventor: Walter KOCH
  • Patent number: 8857844
    Abstract: A transport device for a user of a wheel chair to access a pool or a lower surface that the wheel chair rests upon, the device employing a frame, a lift mechanism, gearing to operate the lift mechanism, drive wheels, stabilizing wheels, locking devices, clamping device, handle grips and holding pads. The transport device is entered by a wheel chair user from a site away from a pool. The user moves the transport device near to an edge of a pool. The lock device is deployed and the lift mechanism is operable by the user of the transport device. The lift mechanism raises and lowers the user to the surface of the pool edge. A rest pad can be deployed under the seat portion. The device to hold the transport device at or near the edge of the pool or at a surface that the wheel chair rests upon has a pivotable clamp and/or stop/hold pads under the handle grips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Inventors: Kenneth Carl Weber, James A. Fox, Michael Shinkevich
  • Patent number: 8827367
    Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle seat that is constructed to tilt a seat main body such that a front side thereof can be raised, which may include a seat main body support portion that supports the seat main body, a connection mechanism that connects the seat main body to the seat main body support portion, so as to tilt the seat main body on the seat main body support portion such that a front side thereof can be raised, and a drive mechanism that is disposed between a protruded end portion of the seat main body support portion protruded horizontally with respect to the seat main body and an outer surface of the seat main body and is constructed to change a vertical distance between the protruded end portion of the seat main body support portion and the outer surface of the seat main body, so as to tilt the seat main body such that the front side thereof can be raised.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Shatai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Hibi
  • Patent number: 8801638
    Abstract: The invention relates to a delordosation device for users of a rehabilitation appliance, in particular for the verticalization of a sit/stand exercise machine or a wheel chair with a seating area and support aids for a user, the seating area supported in a swiveling manner swiveling for verticalization. To avoid hyperlordosis while patients with a restricted mobility are being straightened up in rehabilitation measures or a verticalization in a sit/stand exercise machine 1 or wheel chair, it is provided that the seating area is supported in a swiveling manner, and at least a portion of the seating area is mounted in a movable manner. Thus, a pelvis rotation can be initiated during verticalization, whereby hyperlordosis is avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: In-Tra-Tec GmbH
    Inventor: Klaus Gierse
  • Publication number: 20140217792
    Abstract: A vehicle seating system is disclosed having a seat and at least one powered seat adjustment actuator for altering the seating position formed by the seat. A controller dynamically adjusts the speed of movement of said seat back based on comparing at least one speed parameter from said first series of speed parameters with a first smooth movement speed projection and dynamically adjusting a first control signal to said first powered seat adjustment actuator to converge the speed of movement toward or equal to said first smooth movement speed projection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Innovative Biomechanical Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel Christopher Meyer
  • Patent number: 8789219
    Abstract: A lift apparatus has a frame with open sides and a web assembly slidably retained along the sides which extends from one end of the frame to the other. While the web assembly is retracted, the frame moves to pass around a mobility-impaired individual and rest against the surface supporting the individual. The web assembly is then extended to move underneath or behind the individual, providing lifting support. The frame is configurable for orientations ranging continuously between horizontal and upright sitting. The web assembly has an upper web contacting the individual, a lower web contacting the support surface, a strength layer carrying the individual's weight, and a roller nose bar assembly which is pulled to extend the web assembly. A hand-held power tool can drive the web assembly, adjustment of inclinations of the back and leg sections of the frame, and vertical motion of the lift arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Inventors: Richard A. Patterson, Roy M. Patterson
  • Publication number: 20140203608
    Abstract: An adjustable furniture apparatus is disclosed. The furniture apparatus includes a frame, an internal support structure, an incline assembly having a first and a second inclinable section, a plurality of lifting devices configured to selectively incline and support the first and second inclinable sections, and a cover disposed over portions of the incline assembly to form a comfortable seating intimate activity surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventor: Edward Phillips
  • Patent number: 8777313
    Abstract: An entertainment seat (10) including a seat back (18) and seat base (24) having a seat architecture for providing structural support relative to a base (floor) and also having two seat motion actuators (92, 94) located toward the front of the seat (10) for providing seat movement in response to a seat motion control system (16) for operating the seat motion actuators (92, 94), the seat (10) also includes armrests (26, 28) which form a portion of the seat back (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Timothy R. Butt, Robert E. Allen, Dinu Moraru, Dustin J. Shedlarski
  • Patent number: 8740304
    Abstract: The invention discloses an assistant standing seat comprising a base having a positioning nest and a locating recess, a driving module installed in the positioning nest of the base, a shearing device mounted in the locating recess of the base and a seat mounted on the shearing device, wherein the shearing device has a top plate, a bottom plate pivotally mounted to a front part of the top plate, a U-shape bracket pivotally mounted to a middle part of the bottom plate and a translational device moving between the U-shape bracket and the bottom plate. With the above seat, a user's weight can be distributed to the top plate and the U-shape bracket to decrease a resistance force of the translational device when the translational device moves, and further avoid a difficult elevation of the assistant standing seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Broadmaster Biotech Corp.
    Inventor: Li-Wei Yu
  • Patent number: 8727433
    Abstract: A seating unit that includes a linkage mechanism adapted to move the seating unit between closed, extended, reclined, and seat-lift positions is provided. The linkage mechanism includes a footrest assembly and a back-mounting link coupled to a seat-mounting plate, a base plate coupled to a lift-base assembly via a lift assembly, a seat-adjustment assembly including a drive bracket, and a linear actuator for automating adjustment of the linkage mechanism. In operation, a stroke in a first phase of the linear actuator rotates the drive bracket a first angular increment causing the seat-adjustment assembly to bias the seat-mounting plate. A stroke in a second phase rotates the drive bracket a second angular increment causing the footrest assembly to extend or retract without affecting the bias of the back-mounting link. A stroke in a third phase causes the lift assembly to raise and tilt the base plate directly over the lift-base assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: L & P Property Management Company
    Inventor: Gregory Mark Lawson
  • Patent number: 8696053
    Abstract: A furniture member having powered rocking motion includes a frame and an actuation mechanism rotatably connected to the frame and movable in forward and rearward rocking motions with respect to the frame. A powered rocking drive device includes a motor connected to the actuation mechanism and a solenoid. The solenoid when energized releasably couples the motor to the frame such that operation of the motor automatically induces the forward and rearward rocking motions of the actuation mechanism. The solenoid when de-energized decouples the motor from the frame permitting an occupant to induce the forward and rearward rocking motions of the actuation mechanism with respect to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
    Inventor: Larry P. LaPointe
  • Publication number: 20140070585
    Abstract: A lift chair includes a frame assembly including a chair portion rotatable with respect to a base portion. A lift mechanism portion is positioned in a base portion cavity. The lift mechanism portion includes a lift motor and a drive assembly connected to the lift motor having a slide. A lift tube connects the slide to the chair portion. The lift tube upon actuation of the lift motor displaces the chair portion between a nominal and a full lift position by slide displacement in a slide lifting direction. First and second guide members are positioned on opposite sides of the drive assembly and connected to a base portion base platform. The lift tube is connected to both the first and second guide members to distribute a weight load from the chair portion via the lift tube to the slide, and by the guide members to the base platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
    Inventor: Larry P. LaPointe
  • Patent number: 8646837
    Abstract: An aircraft passenger seat has at least one seat element characterized by at least one monitoring apparatus for monitoring the seat element. The seat arrangement has a plurality of seats, wherein at least one seat includes at least one sensor module for monitoring a seat element and a control unit for checking and controlling the monitoring, wherein the at least one sensor module is in a data exchange relationship with the control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Sergio Bovelli, Martin Kluge, Winfried Kupke, Josef Schalk, Hans-Achim Bauer, André Zybala
  • Patent number: 8636317
    Abstract: A lift chair includes a base, a seat mechanism and a driving module. The seat mechanism includes a back frame, a seat frame, a foot frame and two hand rails. The seat frame is pivotally coupled to the base, and the driving module installed between the base and the seat mechanism drives the seat mechanism to perform a motion with respect to the base, so that if a user wants to stand up, the user can use the support from the seat frame and the back frame as standing aids to stand up successfully.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Strength Master Fitness Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shu-Yao Wu
  • Patent number: 8602491
    Abstract: An adjustable seat structure (1) extends over substantially the width of the seat. An electric drive unit (12) is on one side (4) of the seat but adjusts the seat structure (1) on both sides of the seat. Locks (17) for fixing the seat structure (1) are provided on both sides. The seat ensures a structurally simple adjustment and fixing of the seat on both sides. The adjustment forces are transmitted by the seat structure from the drive unit located on one side of the seat to the other side of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Tassilo Gilbert, Dieter Jungert
  • Publication number: 20130278031
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle seat comprising a seat part for providing a seat surface for a seat occupant, a guide track arrangement for the longitudinally adjustable arrangement of the vehicle seat in a vehicle and a height adjustment device comprising a plurality of rockers which are pivotably coupled to the seat part and the guide track arrangement and which connect the seat part to the guide track arrangement so as to be adjustable in height, and a electromotive drive unit for driving a first rocker of the plurality of rockers. The drive unit has an output pinion which engages in a toothing of a tooth segment and can be set into rotation with respect to the tooth segment for adjusting the seat height of the seat part relative to the guide track arrangement. To this end, the output pinion (531) is arranged on the first rocker (51a) and the tooth segment (552) is arranged stationary on the guide track arrangement (4) or on the seat part (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: Sergej Kostin, Johannes Ultsch
  • Patent number: 8562060
    Abstract: A vehicle seat device in which a seat can be simply and reliably held at a storage position. In a vehicle seat, a vehicle width direction outer side end portion of a seat cushion is supported so as to be capable of rotating around a drive shaft having an axis along a vehicle front-rear direction, and the seat cushion can be switched between a seating configuration at which an occupant can be seated and a storage configuration at which the seat cushion stands erect along a vehicle cabin inner side surface, due to being rotated around the drive shaft by a driving motor. Further, the vehicle seat which is in the storage configuration is held at the storage configuration by a striker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignees: Toyota Shatai Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Boushoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideyuki Kato, Takahiro Sugama, Masami Natsume, Tetsuya Abe
  • Patent number: 8540203
    Abstract: A longitudinal adjuster for a vehicle seat (1) with a spindle (13), which is arranged in a hollow space formed by a pair of rails (5, 7), and with spindle holders (15). The area of connection of at least one of the spindle holders (15a) to one of the rails (5) lies outside of the hollow space formed by the rails (5, 7). The spindle holder (15a) extends with a partial area, with which it is connected to an end (13a) of the spindle (13), into the hollow space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: KEIPER GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Georg Ruess, Jürgen Krebs, Heinrich Hammann, Thomas Dill, Ulf Schäffling, Andreas Rüth
  • Patent number: 8523263
    Abstract: In a power slide device for vehicle seat which moves an upper rail in the forward/rearward direction by rotationally driving a screw rod, by providing a screw rod supporting rail with a pair of load transmitting members that are spaced from each other in the forward/rearward direction and providing the screw rod with a load receiving member which is in contact with the pair of load transmitting members, bucking is supported at a plurality of points when the buckling occurs in the screw rod due to an axial force acting on the screw rod, and this limits the direction of the buckling to reduce the amount of the buckling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Shiroki Corporation
    Inventors: Akihiro Kimura, Hirohito Aoi, Toshiharu Ito
  • Patent number: 8500202
    Abstract: An item of furniture includes a frame mounting two adjustable sections which each includes a pivot shaft to cause pivoting of the respective section relative to the frame. Each pivot shaft mounts a claw-shaped arm having two legs. A dual linear actuator having openings at its opposite ends is suspended from the two claw-shaped arms and is operable to rotate the pivot shafts by engagement of sliding spindle nuts therein with the respective claw-shaped arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Linak A/S
    Inventors: Jens Jørgen Nielsen, Kurt Lorenzen
  • Patent number: 8480172
    Abstract: A universal reclining armrest system for use with an articulated examination chair. The system includes an armrest adapter having a universal aperture for receiving a post portion of an armrest assembly. The armrest adapter further includes a splined peg for coupling to a pivoting mechanism of an articulated chair. The pivoting mechanism enables the chair to move throughout an operable range of motion while maintaining a fixed rotational position of an attached armrest adapter. The armrest assembly further includes an adjustable joint to provide 360° of rotational adjustment to the armrest relative to the fixed position of the armrest adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventors: Jeff Baker, Mike Bradfield, Brad Baker