Vertically Adjustable Patents (Class 297/344.12)
  • Patent number: 8459740
    Abstract: An adjustable-height support member, also referred to as a chair, provides support in a panel assembly having an inner wall and an outer wall. The chair includes a base configured for attachment to an interior surface of the inner wall. A shaft extends from the base. An optional cap covers the shaft such that the total length of the chair corresponds with a desired thickness between the inner wall and the outer wall of the panel assembly. During assembly, the chair prevents sagging between the inner wall and the outer wall. The chair also allows the insulating foam to be applied so as to substantially fill the void between the inner and outer wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Inventor: Revis Jimmy Massey
  • Publication number: 20130140865
    Abstract: A seat height adjusting apparatus for a vehicle includes an air spring configured to raise or lower a seat of the vehicle, a control valve connected to the air spring and configured to selectively supply air to the air spring, a push rod configured to selectively press an air injection pin or an air discharge pin of the control valve, an arm rod fastened to the push rod and configured to rotate the push rod, a height adjusting cable fastened to one side of the arm rod and configured to rotate the arm rod, and a height adjusting lever configured to move the height adjusting cable in one direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: HAN IL E HWA CO., LTD
    Inventor: Chun-Ho Shin
  • Publication number: 20130134756
    Abstract: A seat-cushion shell unit is configured to include a support panel provided to be movable up and down and tiltable to an arbitrary angle below a seat cushion shell, and a support pad provided between the seat cushion shell and the support panel. A front end part and a rear end part of a support panel are fixed to the seat frame, and the seat-cushion shell unit is attached to the seat frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: NHK SPRING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: NHK SPRING CO., LTD.
  • Patent number: 8414074
    Abstract: A chair with articulable support sections and an integrated lift system may have support sections mechanically linked such that a single actuation control device may articulate multiple sections. The chair includes configurable accessories directed to the comfort of an occupant of the chair. The support sections may include air cells to adjust firmness of support section surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Kramer, Marshall S. Dahneke, Reed N. Wilcox, David T. Schwanemann, John P. Biondo, Francis C. Ganance, Scott A. Schultz, Russell L. Hardy, Troy D. Acton
  • Publication number: 20130049422
    Abstract: A chair and a method for fabricating the chair are provided. Therein, a butterfly mechanism has projecting portions for engaging with receiving recesses formed on a seat frame of the chair, and then the combined butterfly mechanism and seat frame can be fixed by screw members. A tubular portion at the butterfly mechanism is then mounted around a gas lift of a base portion of the chair. Then forward-extending projecting portions formed on a back frame of the chair are engaged with receiving recesses formed correspondingly on the butterfly mechanism, and the back frame and the butterfly mechanism are fixed by using screw members. An inward-extending connecting portion formed at a lower part of each of two armrest supports is inserted into a through hole on the seat frame, and the two components are fixed by using screw members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventors: Kuo-Ching Chou, Ding-Kuo Chou
  • Patent number: 8366195
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle seat comprising a base frame and comprising a seat frame which can be adjusted relative to the base frame, and comprising a gas spring which acts between this base frame and this seat frame and which is supported against the seat frame, wherein at least one pressure source and at least one valve device which is in fluid connection with this pressure source are provided, and in that furthermore a manually operated actuation element is provided for adjusting the vehicle seat, wherein this at least one valve device is arranged on or in the actuation element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Grammer AG
    Inventor: Erwin Haller
  • Patent number: 8362911
    Abstract: Device for vehicle seat occupancy detection, wherein a base frame which can be adjusted in the height direction of a vehicle seat and which is composed of at least two scissors arms which are connected to one another is arranged between a seat part of the vehicle seat and a vehicle body part, the device comprising a first detector which is attached to at least one of the scissors arms and which, when the vehicle seat is occupied by a minimum weight, detects a predefinable height setting of the scissors arm which is lower than a maximum possible height setting, and at least one spring which is fixed to at least one of the scissors arms and the predefinable pretensioned spring force of which corresponds at most to the downward-acting weight force due to the minimum weight and counteracts the latter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Grammer AG
    Inventors: Jens Kolb, Frank Himmelhuber
  • Publication number: 20130020779
    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 sweat 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: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: SKIP'S PATENTS, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel T. GREEN, Maurice H. DOWDING, Susan E. PERRY
  • Patent number: 8356861
    Abstract: An skirt having an upper portion and a lower portion covers at least components of a suspension of an active suspension seat, wherein the upper portion is coupled to an upper frame of the suspension and includes at least an upper front portion having a curved cross-section, and wherein the lower portion is coupled to a lower frame of the suspension and includes a lower front portion that has an upper edge and that has either a curved or L-shape cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Kniffin, Robin S. Weeks
  • Patent number: 8348344
    Abstract: An adjustment mechanism for a vehicle seat comprising a support including an annular inner surface, an output member mounted to pivot and including an outer surface, first and second rolling bearing members interposed respectively in first wedge-shaped areas, a driving member having driving fingers designed to push the first and second rolling bearing members, the outer surface including driving portions designed to be pushed by said first and second rolling bearing members respectively in the second and first directions of rotation, the outer surface not having direct contact with the annular inner surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Faurecia Sièges d'Automobile
    Inventors: Denis Richard, Olivier Kircher
  • Patent number: 8333420
    Abstract: A sling seat includes a seat back and a seat bottom cushion connected by resilient arms. Flexible supports and emergency release connectors suspend the seat from an overhead structure. The height of the seat, and the position of the seat back relative to the seat bottom cushion, are adjustable. The seat may be used in a military vehicle, for example as a gunner sling seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: BAE Systems Safety Products Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Alan Mehl, Andrew Walker, Norman Raul Shimizu, Jorge Cuervo, Michael Duncan, Marianne Kump
  • Patent number: 8328283
    Abstract: A chair with articulable support sections and an integrated lift system may have support sections mechanically linked such that a single actuation control device may articulate multiple sections. The chair includes configurable accessories directed to the comfort of an occupant of the chair. The support sections may include air cells to adjust firmness of support section surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Kramer, Marshall S. Dahneke, Reed N. Wilcox, David T. Schwanemann, John P. Biondo, Francis C. Ganance, Scott A. Schultz, Russell L. Hardy, Troy D. Acton
  • Patent number: 8292368
    Abstract: An electrically-operated seating apparatus for use on a boat which assists a user in standing up or sitting down is intended for use by elderly and/or disabled users, particularly in low-riding boats such as bass-boats, ski-boats and the like. The apparatus comprises a chair assembly mounted to the boat deck and a drive assembly which raises the seat up and down and tilts seat portion forward with the aid of electrical drive motors. In such a manner, the user can be assisted when getting into or out of the chair. Each side of the seat portion is provided with a small armrest to help secure the individual as well as aid in the lifting and lowering process. The electric motors would be powered from the boat battery and controlled through a set of arm-mounted switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Inventor: William S. Yarbrough
  • Patent number: 8292367
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pumping device for a seat cushion of a vehicle, in which a brake assembly 40 is disposed outside a clutch assembly 30 and parts are arranged in a line, such that it is possible to reduce the entire size, volume, and weight, thereby reducing cost. Further, because it is possible to prevent pollution of parts, it is possible to improve the durability, performance, and quality. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce operational noise and improve operational sensitivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: DAS Corporation
    Inventor: Jiyong Park
  • Publication number: 20120241234
    Abstract: A chair for use by a person with limited lower-body mobility, the chair having a height adjustable seat and chair sides that fold down to form a ramp or bridge to facilitate lateral movement by a user between the chair and an adjacent surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: Wright HI/LO Solutions Ltd.
    Inventor: Donald W. Wright
  • Patent number: 8256842
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle seat having a device for vehicle seat occupancy detection, wherein a base frame which can be adjusted in the height direction of the vehicle seat and which is composed of at least two scissors arms which are connected to one another is arranged between a seat part of the vehicle seat and a vehicle body part, wherein the base frame can be adjusted in the height direction by means of at least one gas spring, wherein the gas spring is connected to a pressure sensor, by means of which an exceeding of a predefinable pressure threshold value can be detected upon a transition of the vehicle seat from an unoccupied state to a state occupied by a minimum weight due to a change in pressure within the gas spring which is brought about as a result of the transition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Grammer AG
    Inventors: Frank Himmelhuber, Jens Kolb
  • Publication number: 20120205953
    Abstract: A wheelchair lift system that allows a wheelchair and a person sitting in the wheelchair to be selectively positioned at a standing height or a sitting height. A lift system that is attachable to wide variety of existing wheelchairs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: KATEZLIFT, INC.
    Inventors: Tod A. BRUESTLE, Donald T. BORCHERT
  • Publication number: 20120169100
    Abstract: The invention relates to a seat part of a motor vehicle seat, comprising a base part having a transverse supporting element and an adjustable part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: JOHNSON CONTROLS GMBH
    Inventor: Jurgen Arrenberg
  • Publication number: 20120158138
    Abstract: A convertible chair, for example, a hair transplantation chair that permits movement of the patient during a procedure while the patient's head remains substantially stationary. The chair may include a head support and a plurality of body supports that may be mounted on a base, or on a cradle movably attached to the base. The chair can be configured for a follicular unit harvesting procedure and it could be also converted into a hair implantation configuration for hair implantation procedure. The patient remains in the chair during the procedure with his head substantially stationary, while various parts of his body may be repositioned, for example, by rotation of the cradle. The chair may be automated, or assisted with pneumatics, motors, foot pumps and the like. The chair is particularly useful for assisting robotic hair transplantation procedures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: Restoration Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark D. Brinkerhoff, Robert A. Hines, Gary R. Schultheis, Eric R. Winger
  • Publication number: 20120146380
    Abstract: A height adjustment mechanism is disclosed that includes a pedestal height variability mechanism. The pedestal height variability mechanism includes a first member and a biasing mechanism. The biasing mechanism is configured to hold the first member in a first position. The first member has a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The biasing mechanism has a first portion attached to the first member adjacent the first end of the first member. The biasing mechanism also has a second portion attached to the first member adjacent to the second end of the first member. Preferably, a second member is also provided that is moveably attached to the first member. The second member may be configured such that movement of the second member actuates height adjustment of a chair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: Knoll, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Allison, Arkady Golynsky
  • Patent number: 8186658
    Abstract: A suspension system for a seat assembly of a machine includes an upper support member and a lower support member. A plurality of vertically aligned guide pins interconnect the upper and lower support members, and are telescopically movable to adjust a distance between the upper and lower support members. A plurality of suspension devices are operatively connected to the upper and lower support members for biasing the upper support member away from the lower support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Charles E. Lewis, II
  • Patent number: 8177300
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a suspension system for a vehicle seat. The system comprises a top portion (9) and a first part (1) having a base portion (2), means (3b, 20) to receive the top portion and means (3, 4) to allow movement of the base portion (2) and top portion (9) towards and away from each other. The system further comprises a second part consisting of a spring element (10, 14) adapted in use to control movement of the base portion (2) and top portion (9) towards and away from each other. The top portion (9) and the second part (10, 14) are, in addition, releasably connected (13, 11a, 20) to the first part (1). This suspension system allows for flexibility in the manufacturing process and the replacement of parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: KAB Seating Limited
    Inventors: David Moorhouse, Phillip Britton
  • Publication number: 20120112508
    Abstract: An adjustment mechanism for a vehicle seat comprising a support including an annular inner surface, an output member mounted to pivot and including an outer surface, first and second rolling bearing members interposed respectively in first wedge-shaped areas, a driving member having driving fingers designed to push the first and second rolling bearing members, the outer surface including driving portions designed to be pushed by said first and second rolling bearing members respectively in the second and first directions of rotation, the outer surface not having direct contact with the annular inner surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: Faurecia Sieges d'Automobile
    Inventors: Denis Richard, Olivier Kircher
  • Patent number: 8162404
    Abstract: A seat operation device having improved operability of both a height adjustment mechanism and an angle adjustment mechanism, and a seat. The vehicle seat (10) has a seat lifter (22) that is provided at a seat body for seating and is adjusted by operation force transmitted, a reclining mechanism (20) that is provided at the seat body and is adjusted by operation force transmitted, and an operation lever (30) that adjusts the seat lifter (22) and the reclining mechanism (20). The operation lever (30) can take both a first predetermined position and a second predetermined position. At the first predetermined position, operation force by operation of a person seated can be transmitted to an operation load input section (28) of the seat lifter (22). At the second predetermined position, operation force by operation of the person seated can be transmitted to a reclining release plate (38) of the reclining mechanism (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Katsuya Ueda
  • Publication number: 20120091773
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle seat (1) with an upper part (5) and a lower part (6) and a frame (4) arranged between them and vertically adjustable by means of at least one fluid spring (11) capable of being retracted and extended, wherein a component (17) with at least one element (24) of resilient material for the damping of vibrating movements of the vehicle seat (1) is provided, wherein the component (17) is connected to a first end (20) of the fluid spring (11) and the upper part (5) of the seat or the lower part (6) of the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventor: Konstantin Lorey
  • Publication number: 20120091769
    Abstract: A chair has a supporting frame, a seat portion for supporting an occupant, and a back portion for supporting the back of a seated occupant. The portion is reclinable relative to the supporting frame between a generally upright position and a generally reclined position. A preference control is operatively engaged between the back portion and a chair component, wherein displacement of the back portion toward the generally reclined position causes displacement of the chair component. The preference control is adjustable to vary the amount of displacement of the chair component caused by a given amount of displacement of the back portion toward the generally reclined position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: FORMWAY FURNITURE LIMITED
    Inventors: Kent Wallace Parker, Paul Michael Wilkinson, Lyall Douglas Stewart, Daryl Owen Neal, Martyn Walter Goodwin Collings, Peter Alan Tierney
  • Publication number: 20120091772
    Abstract: A compact multi-motion lifting and transferring apparatus and a method of operating same are disclosed. In one particular embodiment, the apparatus may comprise an intermediary support member configured to be rotated about a substantially vertical axis, an electrically or hydraulically powered up/down extension arm, a support member for supporting a seat for accommodating at least one person, and a latching mechanism for securing the seat and seat support mechanism in a fully stowed position suitable for traveling in a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventor: Thomas F. Egan
  • Publication number: 20120068512
    Abstract: An office chair is provided with includes a chair arm assembly on each opposite side thereof for supporting the arms of a user. The arm assemblies each include a latching assembly to permit adjustment of the height of an arm cap thereof while maintaining the arm cap at a selected elevation. The latch assembly is engageable with an inner liner provided within a support post. Further, the armrest assembly has a plurality of interconnected and relatively movable plates which permit adjustment of the angular orientation of the arm cap along with adjustment of the arm cap in the front-to-back direction and the side-to-side direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventors: Tim Fookes, Tracy Cook, Keith Shoemaker, Brian Gessler, Rick Roels, Joanna Atman
  • Publication number: 20120068511
    Abstract: A seat apparatus for a vehicle includes a slide rail arranged slidably relative to a vehicle floor in a longitudinal direction, a bracket including a first end portion fixed to the slide rail, a second end portion, and a connecting portion connecting the first end portion to the second end portion, a vehicle seat supported by the bracket, and a load detection device arranged between the slide rail and the second end portion of the bracket and detecting a load applied to the vehicle seat, wherein rigidity of the connecting portion of the bracket in a vertical direction of the vehicle is set to be lower than rigidities of the first end portion and the second end portion of the bracket in the vertical direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Muneto Inayoshi, Hiroyuki Fujii, Yoshiaki Tomatsu
  • Publication number: 20120062007
    Abstract: A vehicle seat system and method in which a seat belt restraint assembly is secured directly to the seat. The vehicle seat system includes a seat frame and a seat base that supports the seat frame. The system includes a first stop operating at rear portions of the seat base and seat frame to couple the seat base and seat frame and to limit forward pivoting movement of the seat frame upon sudden deceleration. The system may also include a second stop to limit rearward pivoting movement of the seat frame. The coupling of the seat base and seat frame provides the seat system with sufficient strength to satisfy load testing requirements and to provide comfort to the occupant. The vehicle system may include a tilt adjustment mechanism that allows tilting of the seat frame and that may also form part of a cushion slide mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: CVG MANAGEMENT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Stephen Patrick Telesco
  • Publication number: 20120043799
    Abstract: A vehicle seat comprises an adjusting element having an output with a driving gearwheel and an output gearwheel. The gearwheels are connected to each other for conjoint rotation. The output gearwheel interacts with an adjustment in an interlocking and/or frictional manner. The driving gearwheel and the output gearwheel comprise multiple pieces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: Johnson Control Technology Company
    Inventors: Uwe Breitfeld, Frank Triebeneck
  • Patent number: 8109373
    Abstract: A pumping device and a height adjuster for a vehicle seat are disclosed. The pumping device comprises a support plate; a cam receiver accommodated in the support plate; a brake cam received in the cam receiver to be integrally rotated with the shaft, and defining receiving spaces between the brake cam and the cam receiver; locking means received in each receiving space to allow and prevent rotation of the brake cam in the cam receiver; a control plate for applying the pushing force to the locking means; a bidirectional clutch coupled to the control plate if rotating force is applied and returned to a state of being decoupled from the control plate if the rotating force is not applied; a cover plate assembled with the support plate; a lever plate provided outside the cover plate; and elastic returning means for returning the lever plate to a predetermined reference position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Austem Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyun-Sung Paing, Heon-Pil Lim
  • Patent number: 8079644
    Abstract: An ergonomic footrest includes a substantially planar platform having a pair of lateral extensions. A support structure suspends the platform a desired distance above an underlying surface. The support structure includes means for adjusting the height and angle of the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Inventor: Maria H. Pangilinan
  • Publication number: 20110304186
    Abstract: A transfer chair and a method of using the same. The transfer chair includes a base frame, a seat frame, and a seat having a front edge and a back edge and that is supported by the seat frame. A vertical lift mechanism couples the base frame to the seat frame and is configured to translate the seat from a first height to a second height. A seatback extends upwardly from the back edge of the seat in a first configuration and extends downwardly from the back edge of the seat in a second configuration. When the seatback is in the second configuration, a patient may slide over the back edge of the seat. A transition mechanism moves the seatback between the first and second configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventor: Michelle Andrews
  • Publication number: 20110298266
    Abstract: The invention concerns a pneumatic springing system for vehicles with at least a first and a second part (3, 4), wherein the two parts (3, 4) are mounted vibration-mobile and pneumatically sprung in relation to each other by means of at least one pneumatic spring (8), wherein a first control device (10) is arranged to supply air to and extract air from the pneumatic spring (8), which carries out the extraction of air after a first travel end zone (62) of the springing system has been reached in which the pneumatic spring (8) is in a compressed state, and which carries out the supply of air after a second travel end zone (63) of the springing system has been reached in which the pneumatic spring (8) is in an extended state, wherein a second control device (20) is provided to supply air to the pneumatic spring (8) and disable the extraction of air from the pneumatic spring (8) during a pre-determinable first time interval (61) after a first travel end stop (58) in the first travel end zone (62) has been reached
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: GRAMMER AG
    Inventor: Erwin Haller
  • Publication number: 20110291454
    Abstract: A soldier platform system and method includes a soldier platform system in a vehicle. In an embodiment, the soldier platform system includes a seat assembly. The seat assembly includes a seat and straps. The soldier platform system also includes a restraint harness belt. The restraint harness belt is secured to the seat assembly. In addition, the soldier platform system includes mounting assemblies. The straps attach the seat to the mounting assemblies. The soldier platform system further includes a ratchet platform that has a platform upper assembly and a platform lower assembly. The soldier platform system also has a strap retractor and a retractor strap. The retractor strap is extractable from the strap retractor, and the retractor strap is retractable by the strap retractor. Additionally, the strap retractor retracts the retractor strap upon achieving a strap threshold. Moreover, the strap retractor is secured to the platform lower assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: BLACK MOUNTAIN INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Kyle L. Greenwood
  • Publication number: 20110272976
    Abstract: A tattoo chair, comprises a backrest (1), a seat (2), a brace (3) for supporting the said seat (2), and a base (4) for allowing the chair to stand stably, the lower end of the said backrest (1) is rotatablely attached to the inner side of the said seat (2); a supporting fixed plate (5) is provided under the bottom surface of the said seat (2); at least one fixed gear rack (10) is mounted from top to bottom on the rear surface of the said backrest (1); a supporting rod (50) is provided on the said supporting fixed plate (5); one end of the said supporting rod (50) is rotatablely attached to the said supporting fixed plate (5), and the other end is put into one of grooves of the said gear rack (10) on the rear surface of the said backrest (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventors: Wen Wei, Michael Chen, Billy Chen
  • Patent number: 8051967
    Abstract: The seat adjustment mechanism has a housing with an outer ring and an inner ring. The rings are arranged concentrically. Clamping bodies interact with double clamping ramps on the rings and are arranged in an annular space between the rings. Spring supports pivot in relation to each other, interact with a stop on the housing, are arranged concentrically with the rings, and engage in each case both in the annular space and in an inner space arranged radially within the inner ring. The spring supports are braced in relation to each other by a spring, which is arranged in the inner space to secure the clamping bodies in the center of the double clamping ramps. Stop surfaces of the spring supports are acted upon by a force in the direction in which they are minimally spaced apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Schaeffler KG
    Inventor: Harald Hochmuth
  • Publication number: 20110266851
    Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting the height of a vehicle seat. The apparatus includes an input shaft for inputting a torque by using a lever installed at one side of the seat; an output member connected to a link means to output the torque for adjusting the height of the seat; a clutch drum interposed between the input shaft and the output member on a torque transfer path; a torque transfer unit comprising a plurality of neighboring engagers wherein the engagers disposed at two ends of the torque transfer unit are spaced apart from each other, and wedge-combined between the input shaft and the clutch drum to transfer the torque; and an elastic member for providing an elastic restoration force for moving the torque transfer unit to its initial position. According to the present invention, since a conventional retainer may be omitted, backlash caused by a retaining clearance and an operation clearance may be prevented and thus an operational efficiency may be increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventor: Jae-Ho KIM
  • Publication number: 20110254336
    Abstract: A chair, convertible into a baby's highchair, comprising a base frame to which it is possible to connect a seat body with height adjustment elements, the seat body comprising a fixed back to which a movable and height-adjustable back is connected, a sill being further provided which can be detachably associated with the seat body and being provided with safety elements adapted to prevent coupling to the seat body when the movable back is in an incorrect position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: BREVI S.R.L.
    Inventor: Pius PONTICELLI
  • Publication number: 20110241373
    Abstract: A sling seat includes a seat back and a seat bottom cushion connected by resilient arms. Flexible supports and emergency release connectors suspend the seat from an overhead structure. The height of the seat, and the position of the seat back relative to the seat bottom cushion, are adjustable. The seat may be used in a military vehicle, for example as a gunner sling seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: BAE Systems Safety Products Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Alan Mehl, Andrew Walker, Norman Raul Shimizu, Jorge Cuervo, Michael Duncan, Marianne Kump
  • Patent number: 8029014
    Abstract: A stroller includes a frame assembly, a seat supported by the frame assembly, and first and second adjustable seat supports engaged with the frame assembly to support the seat in a position relative to the frame assembly. A link couples the first and second seat supports such that a movement of the first seat support is mirrored in a corresponding movement of the second seat support to adjust the position of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Graco Children's Products Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Ahnert, Daniel Newhard, Derek Saville, John (Jason) C. Arnold, IV
  • Publication number: 20110181087
    Abstract: An skirt having an upper portion and a lower portion covers at least components of a suspension of an active suspension seat, wherein the upper portion is coupled to an upper frame of the suspension and includes at least an upper front portion having a curved cross-section, and wherein the lower portion is coupled to a lower frame of the suspension and includes a lower front portion that has an upper edge and that has either a curved or L-shape cross-section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventors: Mark Kniffin, Robin S. Weeks
  • Patent number: 7984950
    Abstract: An automobile seat height adjuster includes a linkage base frame between the seat's side frames and seat brackets so as to be vertically swingable. The base frame has two pairs of linkage members interconnected by respective shafts. Each of the linkage members extends between one of the side frames and one of the brackets so as to be collapsable. A power transmission mechanism transmits to the linkage base frame power generated by operation of an operating knob and causes the linkage base frame to swing vertically, thereby causing the seat to move vertically. Stops on the linkage base frame abut the installation surfaces, limiting downward movement of the seat and keeping the seat in a lowermost position at which side frames of the seat are spaced from the installation surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: TS Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayuki Hoshi, Shinji Sugiyama, Masami Yoshida
  • Publication number: 20110163584
    Abstract: A seat plate assembly that is secured without the use of tools or special skill to the bottom of a seat of a home or office chair that is sold disassembled. The no-tools seat plate assembly includes a seat plate housing that is connected to and slidable along the seat relative to a catch and a cam lock that is pivotally connected to and rotatable relative to the seat plate housing. The seat plate housing has a gas cylinder receiver in which to receive a gas lift cylinder. When the seat plate housing is first connected to the seat, the cam lock is rotated over top the gas cylinder receiver to block receipt of the gas cylinder. During installation, the seat plate housing slides axially along the seat, and the cam lock is rotated into locking engagement with the catch. The gas cylinder receiver is now unblocked to accept the gas cylinder therewithin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventor: James E. Grove
  • Patent number: 7963605
    Abstract: A vehicle seat having a lift structure for adjusting the position of the seat employs a load transfer link (9) to transfer the loads applied to the seat from a lift link (3) and an upper support (2) to a pivot bracket (7), which is typically coupled to the floor of the vehicle. The load transfer link is coupled to the pivot bracket on one end and to the lift link on the opposite end, in order to transfer the load. The lift structure permits movement of a restraint seatbelt with the height adjustment of the vehicle seat, thus reducing the potential for discomfort of the occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Inventors: Ganesh T. Ramaseshadri, William S. Brewer
  • 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: 7950511
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for a seat height adjustment mechanism of a vehicle seat, comprising a drive element which can be driven in opposite directions of rotation, and a driven element which can be driven by means of this drive element, and also comprising two unilaterally acting freewheels which are arranged between this drive element and this driven element and are connected to run in opposite directions, and of which in each case one can be brought out of engagement by means of an unlocking device, and further comprising a restoring device, by means of which the drive element can automatically be brought back into the neutral position when it is deflected out of its neutral position, wherein, in order to allow a fine adjustability of the driven element driven by the drive element, the pivotability of the drive element is limited by means of two stops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Grammer AG
    Inventor: Konstantin Lorey
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20110101752
    Abstract: An adjuster for a vehicle seat, in particular for a motor vehicle seat, includes a drive, a gear stage (8) driven by the drive. The gear stage (8) includes a drive wheel (81) rotatable about a first rotational axis (A1) and drive teeth (81a) and a driven wheel (82) rotatable about a second rotational axis (A2) and including driven teeth (82a). Driven wheel (82) meshes with the drive wheel (81) with a fluctuating gear ratio and at least one load bearing gear driven by the gear stage, in particular a geared fitting. The fitting parts thereof performing a relative rotation with a superimposed wobble motion. At least two drive teeth (81a) and/or at least two driven teeth (82a) in the circumferential direction of the associated rotational axis (A1, A2) have different dimensions and/or different spacings from the adjacent teeth, and/or in the axial direction of the associated rotational axis (A1, A2), different dimensions and/or different axial positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventors: Elmar Deegener, Heinz Voss, Rolf Schüler, Bernd Bossmanns