Mounted For Horizontal Oscillating Movement Patents (Class 297/344.11)
  • Patent number: 11639118
    Abstract: A passenger compartment has a flat floor, a movable component and a positioning system for positioning the movable component on the floor. The positioning system has a lower rail extending along a first direction attached to the floor, a carriage slidably engaging with the lower rail for sliding along the first direction, and an upper rail extending along a second direction not coinciding with the first direction and slidably engaging with the carriage for sliding along the second direction. An interface member is attached to the upper rail and provided with openings for being removably connected to the movable component and making the movable component integral with the upper rail in a movement along the first and second directions. The lower rail has continuous-track electrical contacts extending along the lower rail. The carriage has sliding electrical contacts arranged in contact with the continuous-track electrical contacts for transmitting electrical signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: ITALDESIGN-GIUGIARO S.P.A.
    Inventors: Fabio Danna, Massimiliano Chidichimo, Elena Flaminia Dirce Tammaro, Diego Sabba, Daniele Gerbino, Antonio Matullo, Roberto Bodrone
  • Patent number: 11479151
    Abstract: A seat for a motor vehicle, the seat comprising a backrest and a seating portion, the backrest being mounted to rotate relative to the seating portion about a substantially transverse axis, a hinge being provided for adjusting a tilt of the backrest relative to the seating portion about the substantially transverse axis, the seat being provided with a plurality of means for controlling a movement of the hinge, the seat further comprising an interface for controlling said movement of the hinge, the interface comprising a central portion and a peripheral portion, the peripheral portion being arranged around the central portion, the interface further comprising a plurality of recesses shaped to receive the plurality of means for controlling the movement of said hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: FAURECIA Sièges d'Automobile
    Inventors: Mustapha Younes, Sébastien Seille, Erick-Pascal Levernieux
  • Patent number: 10065531
    Abstract: A vehicle seat and method for adjusting the vehicle seat uses a hinge mechanism (18), a guide mechanism (20), and a single actuation device (22) designed to function selectively either in a backrest control mode, acting on the blocking device (28) in order to move the blocking device (28) towards the release position, or in a track (30) control mode, acting on the locking device (36) in order to move the locking device (36) towards the unlocking position. The actuation device (22) is controlled by a user to cause the actuation device to function either in backrest control mode or in track (30) control mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Faurecia Sièges D'Automobile
    Inventors: Ludovic Ferre, Jean-Noël Rey
  • Patent number: 9027899
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle seat comprising a seat part, comprising a back rest part and comprising a linear guide device for translational adjustment of the vehicle seat, in which the linear guide device comprises a guide rail means and a slide rail means which is displaceable with respect thereto, in which a bearing means interacts between the slide rail means and the guide rail means and at least comprises slide rod elements so as to mount the slide rail means with respect to the guide rail means, and in which the slide rod element comprises an elongate undulating base body, the slide rod element having an effective external diameter which is greater, at least when the slide rod element is radially unloaded, than a core external diameter of the elongate undulating base body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Grammer AG
    Inventors: Erwin Haller, Jens Kolb
  • Patent number: 8919719
    Abstract: A vehicle seat sliding device includes: a lower rail adapted to be fixed to a vehicle floor; and an upper rail adapted to be fixed to a vehicle seat, and coupled with the lower rail in a relatively movable manner. A projection is arranged in the vicinity of the rear end portion of the lower rail, and protrudes above the bottom wall of the lower rail. A fitting recess is formed in the bottom wall more forward than the projection. A block body placed on the bottom wall extends to the projection and has a slanted surface more forward than the projection. The block body includes: a fitting protrusion, which fits into the fitting recess and positions the block body in the lateral direction; and a fitting wall, at least a part of which fits on the protrusion. The fitting wall positions the block body in the lateral direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mikihito Nagura, Satoshi Masuda, Motoharu Yoshii, Toshihiro Kimura, Ryousuke Mizuno
  • Patent number: 8899542
    Abstract: A seat track system for use in a vehicle seat assembly having a seat base frame. The seat track system includes a lower track assembly having a first lower track and a second lower track and an upper track assembly having a first upper track slidably disposed within the first lower track and a second upper track slidably disposed within the second lower track. The first upper track has a portion extending upwards that forms a first side member of the seat base frame and the second upper track has a portion extending upwards that forms a second side member of the seat base frame. The first upper track and the first side member are formed integrally to form a one-piece unitary member and the second upper track and the second side member are formed integrally to form a one-piece unitary member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Alexander I. Balin, Kyle Doxey, Alexander Saveski, Kurt A. Seibold, Ornela Zekavica
  • Patent number: 8888185
    Abstract: A motion platform having decoupled two axes adopts four modularized pneumatic bellows configured in an orthogonal arrangement. The pneumatic bellows can be independently controlled to cause the motion platform to be operated in one rotational degree of freedom with a frontward-and-backward swinging or a leftward-and-rightward swinging; or the pneumatic bellows can be synchronously controlled to cause the motion platform operated in two rotational degrees of freedom without being interfered with each other. Thus, the motion platform of the present disclosure is characterized with advantages of simplified mechanism, fewer components, convenient maintenance and reduced cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: INJOY Motion Corp.
    Inventor: Chung-Shu Liao
  • Patent number: 8870147
    Abstract: A track assembly is provided and may include a track, at least one slide mechanism, and a lock mechanism. The at least one slide mechanism may be slidably attached to the track. The lock mechanism may be associated with the at least one slide mechanism and may operate between a locked state restricting movement of the at least one slide mechanism relative to the track and an unlocked state permitting movement of the at least one slide mechanism relative to the track. The lock mechanism may include a plurality of lock plates independently movable relative to one another between a first position engaging the track and a second position disengaged from the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Fisher & Company, Incorporated
    Inventors: Andrew J. Simms, David L. Robinson
  • Patent number: 8864232
    Abstract: A vehicle-seat control apparatus includes an operation determination device, an exit determination device, a forward/backward adjusting device and a height adjusting device. The operation determination device is configured to determine whether a passenger operates a vehicle. The exit determination device is configured to determine whether the passenger exits the vehicle. The forward/rearward adjusting device is configured to move the vehicle seat rearward or forward according to a case where the passenger exits the vehicle or a case where the passenger operates the vehicle equipment. The height adjusting device is configured to move a rear part of the seat cushion to an upward state or move a front part of the seat cushion to a downward state when the passenger exits the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Koji Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 8807652
    Abstract: A back reclining apparatus interlocking with a seat cushion for a vehicle may include a back frame including a main frame fixed to a vehicle body and a reclining frame that may be selectively reclined around a reclining hinge on an inner surface of the main frame, a reclining locking unit connected to the main frame and the reclining frame to selectively release locking of the main frame and the reclining frame, a cushion locking unit selectively releasing locking of a cushion frame and the reclining frame, and a cushion sliding unit connected between the cushion frame and a floor panel to interlock with the reclining frame and to make the cushion frame move to slide forward when the locking of the reclining locking unit may be released and the reclining frame may be reclined around the reclining hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Chan Ho Jeong, Byung Jae Lee, Sang Wook Yu, Mi Sun Kwon, Seon Chae Na
  • Patent number: 8757716
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a piezoelectric motion sensing apparatus and a bouncer control device configured to control the oscillation of a children's bouncer based on feedback from the piezoelectric motion sensing apparatus. In various embodiments, the piezoelectric motion sensing apparatus is configured to sense the motion of a body to which it is attached, such as a children's bouncer, and provide a feedback signal indicative of the motion. In addition, various embodiments of the present invention are directed to an infant support control device configured to impart soothing sensation to a child positioned in the infant support. In particular, the infant support control device is configured to impart gentle, repetitive pulses to an infant support that mimic the heartbeat of a parent or caregiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Kids II, Inc.
    Inventors: Chen Jing Ru, David Gilbert, Zheng Qiao Xing
  • Patent number: 8740280
    Abstract: A stopper includes an attachment portion and a pair of flanges. The attachment portion contacts an outer surface of a bottom wall portion of a lower rail and is attached to the bottom wall portion. The flanges extend from the attachment portion to be passed through insertion holes in the bottom wall portion. The flanges are located in an inner space of the lower rail. The flanges are engaged with second cut-and-raised pieces formed in an upper rail, thereby limiting the range of movement of the upper rail relative to the lower rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Kojima, Hideo Nihonmatsu, Yoshihisa Hori
  • Patent number: 8733725
    Abstract: A power slider includes a lower rail and an upper rail which are engaged with each other so as to be mutually slidable along each other, a screw rod which is rotatably supported on one of the lower rail and the upper rail, a feed nut which is supported on the other of the lower rail and the upper rail and is screw-engaged with the screw rod, and a gearbox which is supported on the one of the lower rail and the upper rail via a holder and which rotatably drives the screw rod. The gearbox is provided with a mounting bolt through-hole and is supported by the holder via a mounting bolt that is inserted through the mounting bolt through-hole. A resilient member is positioned in a space defined between the mounting bolt through-hole of the gearbox and the mounting bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Shiroki Corporation
    Inventors: Akihiro Kimura, Tomohiro Enokijima
  • Patent number: 8690248
    Abstract: An auxiliary moving device contains a first cushion and two support members disposed on two sides of the first cushion. The first cushion is allowed to move on the support members, with one of the two support members including a plurality of holes. A positioning mechanism is fixed on the first cushion and includes a post. The post is inserted into one of the holes of the one of the two support members to fix the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Inventor: Miao-Yuan Huang
  • Patent number: 8684461
    Abstract: The invention relates to a seat for a vehicle, in particular for all-terrain vehicles, with at least one seat area extending in the longitudinal direction (X) of the vehicle and in the width-wise direction (Y) of the vehicle for receiving a person, a backrest for supporting the back of the person and a holding device connected in the vertical direction (Z) under the seat area and to the latter for keeping the seat area at a distance from a coupling region for coupling the seat to the vehicle, wherein the holding device has at least one spring device for the movable arrangement at least for a time of at least the seat area with respect to the coupling region in the longitudinal direction (X) of the vehicle and/or in the width-wise direction (Y) of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Grammer AG
    Inventors: Erwin Haller, Jens Kolb
  • Patent number: 8678336
    Abstract: The vehicle seat runner comprising first and second profiles sliding inside each other and a stop fixed on the first profile to limit the travel of the second profile. The stop passes through a first opening in the first profile and has, inside the runner, a stop face oriented capable of stopping the second profile and a nose opposite the stop face and that rests against an inner face of the first profile. The stop is extended opposite the nose, by a shank that extends against an outer face of the first profile to a fixing lug clipped into a second opening in the first profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Faurecia Sièges d'Automobile
    Inventors: Christian Couasnon, Emmanuel Levert
  • Patent number: 8678508
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle vibration apparatus with a horizontal spring device for the horizontal springing of a seat element and/or a driver's cab with respect to a base element, wherein the horizontal spring device is arranged between the seat element or the driver's cab respectively and the base element, and comprises at least one spring element, the longitudinal axis of which extends substantially parallel to a surface of the base element, and at least one adjustment element, which reacts automatically to inclinations of the seat element with respect to a horizontal plane and which first increases the spring pre-stressing of the spring element in order subsequently to position the horizontal spring device in the centre of the spring path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Grammer AG
    Inventor: Jens Kolb
  • Patent number: 8657376
    Abstract: The present document describes a link member for providing an interface between an actuator and a seat base. The link member has a translational degree of freedom and at least two rotational degrees of freedom. The link member comprises: a joint member having a spherical surface, the joint member for attachment to one of the actuator and the seat base; a housing for attachment to the other one of the actuator and the seat base; and a slider mounted on the spherical surface and within the housing. The slider is free to move in a direction of a translational plane within the housing thereby providing the translational degree of freedom. Furthermore, the slider is free to slide on the spherical surface and to pivot about a first axis and a second axis thereby providing the at least two rotational degrees of freedom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: D-Box Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Stéphane Gagnon, Jean-François Ménard, Steve Boulais, Sylvain Trottier
  • Publication number: 20140049086
    Abstract: A gliding mechanism for a gliding recliner seating assembly comprises a floor-standing base having a longitudinal cross member parallel to a width of the seating assembly. Two front connecting links and two back connecting links respectively connect, pivotally, front and back portions of the seating assembly to the floor-standing base. The longitudinal cross member supports a weight transferred by the seating assembly to the floor-standing base and is positioned closer to the back portion of the seating assembly than to the front portion of the seating assembly. The gliding mechanism can be made part of a gliding recliner chair, for example an armchair, having vertical side frames pivotally connected to the floor-standing base. A footrest can be added to the seating assembly and be operated in extended position without preventing gliding movement of the chair. The floor-standing base may comprise a pivoting portion allowing rotation of the chair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Inventors: Patrice Pelletier, Pelletier Gino
  • Patent number: 8632043
    Abstract: A fore-aft adjustable vehicle seat formed of a plastic seat shell having an integrally formed latch handle recess molded into the shell that pivotally receives and retains a latch having a handle at one end and that is disposed in pivotal engagement with the shell at its opposite end. The latch is provided by an elongate bar that is spring biased outwardly into a slide plate engaging position that opposes fore-aft seat movement. A preferred latch handle recess includes a recessed latch seating channel integrally molded into the shell in communication with a latch receiver pocket integrally molded into the shell in which one end of the latch bar is pivotally received with engagement between the latch bar and shell defining a pivot about which the latch is biased by a coil spring outwardly toward a seat position adjustment opposing position where the latch bar releasably engages the slide plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Milsco Manufacturing Company, A Unit Of Jason Incorporated
    Inventors: Bruce Dahlbacka, Kenneth Braun
  • Patent number: 8602495
    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: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, Daewon Sanup Co., Ltd.
    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: 8596720
    Abstract: A vehicle sheet includes: a longitudinal sliding mechanism configured to support a seat body such that the seat body is slidable relative to a vehicle floor in the vehicle longitudinal direction; a lateral sliding mechanism configured to support the seat body such that the seat body is slidable in the vehicle lateral direction; a reclining mechanism configured to connect a seat back to a seat cushion and adjust a reclining angle of the seat back; a first lever configured to be able to cancel fixation of the reclining angle of the seat back, which has been provided by the reclining mechanism; and a release mechanism configured to release locks on both the longitudinal sliding mechanism and the lateral sliding mechanism upon detection of a motion of tilting the seat back to a forward tilt position, which is caused by an operation of the first lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Taiyou Ootsuka, Tomokazu Igarashi
  • Patent number: 8550420
    Abstract: A vehicle seat track assembly includes a first track having first and second spaced apart walls. Each of the first and second walls include a plurality of openings formed therein. A second track is slidably mounted relative to the first track. The vehicle seat track assembly further has a locking mechanism including a first pin carried by the second track and slidably movable between an engaged position such that the first pin extends through one of the plurality of openings formed in the first wall of the first track and a disengaged position such that the first pin is retracted from the plurality of openings formed in the first wall of the first track. A second pin is carried by the second track and is slidably movable between an engaged position such that the second pin extends through one of the plurality of openings formed in the second wall of the first track and a disengaged position such that the second pin is retracted from the plurality of openings formed in the second wall of the first track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Wojatzki, Klaus Walter, Andre Schebaum, Marc Laumeier, Joerg Sternberg, Hans-Peter Mischer, Christian Ruthman
  • Patent number: 8408511
    Abstract: An actuation lever according is provided for a longitudinal adjustment device of a car seat, and includes, but is not limited to a gripping section, which a person uses to grab the actuation lever, and at least one attachment section for mechanically coupling the lever with a locking unit of the longitudinal adjustment device. The actuation lever is at least section ally, but preferably completely, made out of an injection molded plastic part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Valerii Semenchenko
  • Patent number: 8398172
    Abstract: A locking chair adjustment mechanism for adjusting a position of a chair component. The mechanism comprises a central shaft, a spiral jaw clutch comprising two interconnecting spiral jaw interfaces and a slotted element wherein the slot is sized to slideably receive the central shaft for displacement of the slotted element when the mechanism is in an unlocked position. A locking pad locks the mechanism against the slotted element. A rotatable adjustment handle allows the mechanism to toggle from a locked position, to an unlocked position, by displacement of the spring mechanism caused by the rotation of the spiral jaw interface fixedly mounted on the adjustment handle, therefore releasing pressure on the locking pad. A spring mechanism is activated when the claimed mechanism goes from a locked position to an unlocked position, pulling the claimed mechanism back to a locked position. The claimed mechanism provides a low cost solution offering better locking capabilities than traditional braking mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Groupe Dutailier Inc.
    Inventor: Éric Fontaine
  • Patent number: 8382057
    Abstract: A seat track system for a seat of a vehicle includes at least one seat track having a lower track member adapted to be fixed to a vehicle structure and an upper track member adapted to be connected to a seat and moveable relative to the lower track member. The seat track system also includes a manual positive engagement locking system cooperating with the at least one seat track to allow longitudinal adjustment of the upper track member relative to the lower track member and to positively engage the at least one seat track such that a locking element does extend through the locking plate but does not extend below the lower track member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: CRH North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Mircea Napau, Ioan Napau, Dean Lenane, Robert James Bachula, Tobias Keller, Patrick Frank Timmerman
  • Patent number: 8376460
    Abstract: The problem to be solved is to provide a seat track assembly which is simple, easy to operate seat track assembly where locking is simplex and intact and which renders a smooth sliding of seat and the problem is solved by providing a seat track assembly with a lower channel, upper channel, latch bracket, latch pin, lever and sliding assemblies wherein sliding assemblies provide a streamlined sliding to the upper channel and at the desirable position latch pin engages with the lower channel to lock the seat track mechanism from moving further forward or rearward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Hema Engineering Industries Limited
    Inventors: Prasad Nadgouda, Prasad Ghalsasi, Ashok Ramteke
  • Patent number: 8282151
    Abstract: A stopper includes an attachment portion and a pair of flanges. The attachment portion contacts an outer surface of a bottom wall portion of a lower rail and is attached to the bottom wall portion. The flanges extend from the attachment portion to be passed through insertion holes in the bottom wall portion. The flanges are located in an inner space of the lower rail. The flanges are engaged with second cut-and-raised pieces formed in an upper rail, thereby limiting the range of movement of the upper rail relative to the lower rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Kojima, Hideo Nihonmatsu, Yoshihisa Hori
  • Patent number: 8251446
    Abstract: The articulated child seat apparatus provides a base, a plurality of spaced apart rotatable rungs disposed laterally within the base, a pinion gear disposed on each rung, a rack disposed above and in communication with each pinion gear, a reversible motor driving one of the pinion gears, whereby the rack is moved forwardly and rearwardly within the base, a platform affixed to the rack and extended upwardly from the base, a seat bottom affixed to the platform, a seatback affixed to the seat bottom by a pivot, a reversible motor disposed within the seatback, the motor in communication with the pivot, whereby the seat back is pivoted upwardly and downwardly, a remote control separately controlling each motor, and a harness system fitted within the seat bottom and seatback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Inventor: Natalie R. Guerrido
  • Patent number: 8245994
    Abstract: A seat apparatus for a vehicle includes a longitudinal sliding mechanism including a first lower rail adapted to be fixed to a vehicle floor and extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle and a first upper rail slidably supported to the first lower rail, a width-directional sliding mechanism including a second lower rail mounted on the first upper rail and extending in a width direction of the vehicle and a second upper rail slidably supported to the second lower rail and adapted to be fixed to a seat frame member, and an attachment bracket extending in parallel to the second lower rail and including an upper wall portion and first and second engagement portions extending downwardly from the upper wall portion, facing each other in the longitudinal direction, and supported by the first upper rail, wherein the second lower rail is fixed between the first and second engagement portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yukifumi Yamada, Naoki Goto, Shinya Isobe
  • Patent number: 8215711
    Abstract: A vehicular seat can include a pair of right and left slide devices, right and left lock mechanisms, and a synchronous releasing mechanism releasing the right and left lock mechanisms in synchronism with each other. The synchronous releasing mechanism can include a rod whose both end portions are rotatably mounted between upper portions of right and left side frames of a seat cushion, right and left levers mounted to portions of the rod near both end portions thereof so as to be incapable of rotating with respect to the rod, and right and left connection members connecting the right and left levers and the right and left lock mechanisms to each other. Clearance portions can be included between the right and left levers and the right and left connection members, to prevent the connection members from moving so as to release the lock mechanisms in synch with the levers when the side frames are downwardly crushed, and the rod and the levers move downwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tomokazu Fukuda
  • Publication number: 20120161485
    Abstract: 1. The prime object of the P.L.R.U. seat is to allow the seat to remain level and the operator upright, when traversing a side hill, slope or valley. 2. A problem exists with prior art seats available today, as the seat tips sideways with the vehicle, making it difficult to remain on the seat without hanging on to the fender or bracing with the feet. 3. By using a self locking sleeve bearing to hang the seat in a pendulum fashion, allows the seat to remain level, and thereby a more comfortable and safe condition, with hands and feet free to operate the controls. 4. Incorporating a lift and lowering device allows mounting the seat on a wide variety of both new and old vehicles. No other prior art seat has taken this universal approach for replacement seats.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventor: Alvin Stockwell
  • Patent number: 8191850
    Abstract: A longitudinal adjuster, in particular for a vehicle seat, has at least one first seat rail (2) and, at least one second seat rail (3) which is arranged in a manner such that it can be displaced in a sliding manner relative to the first seat rail (2), and at least one end stop (11, 21, 31, 41, 51) which is attached to the first seat rail (2) and limits the relative displaceability of the two seat rails (2, 3) to each other by means of interaction with a second end stop (3a) which is formed by the second seat rail (3) or is attached to same. The first seat rail (2) is provided with at least two apertures (2e) through each of which protrudes a region of the end stop (11, 21, 31, 41, 51) serving to limit the seat rail movement in the longitudinal direction of the seat rails (2, 3), and the region is formed by a respective tab (11a, 21a, 31a, 41a, 51a); formed integrally with the end stop (11, 21, 31, 41, 51).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: KEIPER GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Stefan Wetzig, Hans Dropmann, Philipp Giesecke
  • Publication number: 20120043798
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle suspension device for a vehicle seat (4, 4a, 4b) or a vehicle cab (3) comprising a lower part (20) and an upper part (4a, 4b) spring-mounted relative to the lower part (20) by means of at least one spring device, wherein the upper part (4a, 4b) is mounted relative to the lower part (20) in such a way that it is pivotable (17) about an imaginary or real axis (15) extending in the vehicle width direction or vehicle length direction (8) when vibrations occur between the upper part (4a, 4b) and the lower part (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: GRAMMER AG
    Inventors: Erwin HALLER, Jens KOLB
  • Publication number: 20120019036
    Abstract: A support and gliding mechanism for a chair or sofa includes a base; a post; on the base; a frame on the post including a crossbar on top of the post, and a pair of sides connected to the ends of the crossbar; pivot arms between and pivotally connected to the ends of the frame sides, the arms having bottom ends beneath the crossbar; and a carriage including a top plate for supporting a chair or sofa, and a pair of sides extending downwardly from the top plate with bottom ends pivotally connected to the inside bottom ends of the pivot arms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventor: Denis Viger
  • Patent number: 8079564
    Abstract: A mechanism for locking rails of a motor vehicle seat including a first rail joined to a structure element along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle, a second rail sliding in the first rail and supporting the seat frame of the seat, a first cross-bar pivoting in the second rail along an axis essentially perpendicular to the two rails coaxially held in a desired position relative to one another via a return mechanism of the first cross-bar, and a second cross-bar, which includes a first protuberance oriented toward the front of the seat and a second protuberance oriented toward the rear of the seat, connected to the first cross-bar so that the longitudinal displacement of the seat is controlled by the two protuberances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Renault S.A.S
    Inventor: Michel Martel
  • Patent number: 8075039
    Abstract: The invention concerns a rail comprising a fixed profiled section and a mobile profiled section sliding relative to the fixed profiled section. The body has a linking portion wherein the body is shaped like a plate having first and second opposite lateral surfaces, and an edge linking said first and second surfaces. A first profiled section comprises a groove. The linking portion is tightly fitted in the groove. The plate is attached to the first profiled section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Faurecia Sieges d'Automobile
    Inventors: René Rohee, Jean-Marie Fretel
  • Patent number: 8052112
    Abstract: A fore-aft positioning adjuster adapted for use with an object, such as a seat, includes a locking mechanism, and an actuator employing an active material element operable to undergo a reversible change when exposed to or occluded from an activation signal, and configured to selectively cause the mechanism to release, so that the object can be repositioned, as a result of the change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jennifer P. Lawall, Diane K. McQueen, Nancy L. Johnson, Paul W. Alexander, Alan L. Browne, Nilesh D. Mankame
  • Publication number: 20110260513
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a horizontal oscillating device providing postural adjustment, primarily structured so that a bottom portion of a chair is fitted with an oscillating device enabling horizontal oscillation of the chair, and the oscillating device is equipped with a recline actuating device, which can be a telescopic link, to enable changing the angle of elevation of the chair back of the chair. The chair operates on a lever principle through actuation of the recline actuating device, and further enables changing the angle of the chair back to cause the chair back to recline, while at the same time conforming to ergonomics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventor: Ko-Po CHEN
  • Patent number: 8029063
    Abstract: A track assembly for a vehicle seat includes a first track member and a reinforcing member. The first track member has a first portion defining a first set of apertures configured to receive a locking device. The reinforcing member, which may be in the form of a plate, is coupled to the first portion and defines a second set of apertures corresponding to the first set of apertures. The second set of apertures are also configured to receive the locking device. The reinforcing member is configured to reinforce the first track member in an area around and between the first set of apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: David A. Kazyak, Michael J. Leighton, William S. Brewer, Simon Moore, Todd M. Tommelein
  • Patent number: 8006949
    Abstract: A seat slide device includes a handle rotatably supported in holding holes provided respectively at a pair of upper rails to rotate a radial projection portion for releasing a lock mechanism, and a bearing member having an outer edge portion disposed between the upper rail and the radial projection portion formed at the handle, a holding portion disposed between the upper rail and the outer periphery of the handle, and a cushioning portion allowing the handle to move in an axial direction. The bearing member is disposed to fit into the holding hole for supporting the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Kojima, Masatoshi Hayakawa
  • Publication number: 20110198906
    Abstract: An adjustable memory track assembly for a vehicle seat has a lower rail (18) adapted to be secured relative to a vehicle frame, and an upper rail (20) adapted to support the seat for fore/aft sliding movement relative to the lower rail (18). The adjustable memory track assembly (24) also has a track lock assembly (24) operable via a first actuator (28) between a locked, engaged state wherein relative movement between the lower (18) and upper rails (20) is resisted, and an unlocked, disengaged state wherein the seat can be slid to and then locked in a user-selected position. The adjustable memory track assembly (24) is characterized in that the memory module (24) is provided with a blocking element to prevent rearward movement of the seat past the user-selected position independent of the locking state of the track lock assembly (24).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael Wojatzki, Hans-peter Mischer, Klaus Walter, Marc Laumeier, Andre Schebaum, Joerg Sternberg
  • Patent number: 7980525
    Abstract: A locking device for a rail adjustment system of a vehicle seat, with a number of locking bolts and with a lever element, which is pivotable about a pivoting axis, for unlocking the locking bolt is provided, wherein the locking bolts can be unlocked by an application of force to an adjusting surface of the lever element in the unlocking direction. Furthermore, a rail adjustment system is provided which comprises an upper rail which can be connected to a vehicle seat, a lower rail which can be mounted in a positionally fixed manner, an articulation shaft and a locking device of the type mentioned at the beginning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Sergej Kostin
  • Patent number: 7959229
    Abstract: A seat may be obtained with good operability of plural operating members for operating plural adjustable units. A vehicle seat is provided with: a seat lifter, provided to a seat body for sitting on and adjustable by operation force transmitted from a first operating system; a reclining mechanism, provided to the seat body and adjustable by operation force transmitted from a second operating system; and an operation force imparting unit that is provided at a position where it is able to be operated by a seat occupant at a predetermined position on the seat body. The operation force imparting unit is able to independently take up a first state in which a lifter knob is operated and the seat lifter adjusted, and a second state in which the reclining lever is operated and the reclining mechanism adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takahiro Ishijima, Katsuya Ueda
  • Patent number: 7938490
    Abstract: A seat may be obtained with improved operability of plural adjustable units. A vehicle seat 10 is provided with: a seat lifter 22 provided to a seat body for sitting on, adjustable by transmitted operation force; a reclining mechanism 20 provided to the seat body, adjustable by transmitted operation force; and an operation lever 30, to which operation force from operation by a seat occupant is input; and a switching mechanism 50 that is able to selectively switch between a first state in which operation force of the operation lever 30 is able to be transmitted to the seat lifter 22, and a second state in which operation force of the operation lever 30 is able to be transmitted to the reclining mechanism 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takahiro Ishijima, Satoshi Akiba, Hiroshi Mizobata
  • Patent number: 7926875
    Abstract: A memory device for blocking a component configured to move between an adjusting position and a functional position is provided. The memory device includes a housing configured to be coupled to the component, a blocking element pivotally coupled to the housing and a variable transmission mechanism coupled to the housing. The variable transmission mechanism is configured to transfer the movement of the component to the blocking element as a variable transmission when the component is moved from the adjusting position toward the functional position. According to one exemplary embodiment, the component is an adjustable easy entry vehicle seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventor: Uwe Schmale
  • Patent number: 7905461
    Abstract: A track system for a seat is disclosed. The track system comprises a first track including a plurality of apertures; a second track configured to move relative to the first track and including a plurality of apertures; and a latch assembly coupled to the first track. The latch assembly comprises a base, a first pin, and a second pin. The base comprises a first slot and a second slot. The first pin is moveable in the first slot between a first position, in which the first pin engages the second track and cants in a first direction, and a second position, in which the first pin disengages the second track. The second pin is moveable in the second slot between a first position, in which the second pin engages the second track and cants in a second direction, and a second position, in which the second pin disengages the second track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventor: Karl Noffz
  • Patent number: 7905462
    Abstract: A cover assembly covers a portion of a seat adjuster mechanism, wherein the seat adjuster mechanism includes a lower member configured to be coupled to a vehicle floor and an upper member operative for substantially vertical adjustment relative to the lower member. The cover assembly includes a lower cover and an upper cover. The lower cover is coupled to the lower member for concealing at least part of the lower member. The upper cover covers at least part of the upper member. The upper cover is pivotally coupled to the upper member of the adjuster mechanism and pivotally coupled to the lower cover so as to conceal the at least part of the upper member of the adjuster mechanism during the vertical adjustment of the upper member relative to the lower member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Leon Tony Toma, Bill Deming
  • Patent number: 7874615
    Abstract: Described are several mechanisms for permitting a user to adjust the seat on a stationary exercise bicycle. The described mechanisms can be used to adjust the height of the seat or the fore and aft positioning of the seat on an upright type bicycle. Each of the described mechanisms can be configured to provide users with an optimum seat position and with a convenient latch mechanism to adjust the position of the seat. Also described is a seat mechanism for use with a recumbent type stationary exercise bicycle where the seat can be adjusted along the longitudinal length of the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Benjamin N. Huyck, Kenneth C. Lundgreen
  • Patent number: 7866723
    Abstract: A seat for a vehicle having an interior portion and a rear portion comprising a first position substantially within a vehicle and a second position substantially outside the vehicle. A transfer coupling element is operatively coupled to a structure in the interior portion of the vehicle, wherein said seat has a substantially constant orientation during a motion between first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Inventors: V. Guy Ninio, Ken Boyar