Horizontal Movement Concurrent With Vertical Movement; I.e., Oblique Movement Patents (Class 297/344.14)
  • Patent number: 11846315
    Abstract: The invention relates to a control element, in particular for a vehicle seat, comprising a second element which is arranged to be movable relative to a first element, wherein the second element is connected to a Bowden cable and is lockable relative to the first element, wherein the control element comprises a spring element, on which a first latching element is provided, wherein the first latching element presses against a second latching element through the spring force of the spring element, whereby the first latching element and the second latching element latch, wherein the first element and the spring element are formed in one piece and the second latching element is arranged on the second element, or the second element and the spring element are formed in one piece and the second latching element is arranged on the first element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: GRAMMER AG
    Inventors: Florian Dotzler, Florian Schanderl
  • Patent number: 11819464
    Abstract: A suspension for a vehicle is provided. The suspension includes, for example, a frame, at least one drive assembly and at least one caster pivot arm. The at least one drive assembly and the at least one caster pivot arm are pivotally connected to the frame such that the drive assembly and the front caster pivot arm are pivotable relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: INVACARE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert Bekoscke, Damon Jurkiewicz
  • Patent number: 11589682
    Abstract: An infant supporting chair including a frame, a seat movably supported on the frame, a unitary tray and a cooperative guidance and latching system. The cooperative guidance and latching system being configured to magnetically pull the unitary tray toward at least one latching position when the unitary tray is in range of the at least one latching position relative to the seat, releasably secure the unitary tray to the seat when the unitary tray is engaged to the at least one latching position, and slidably position the unitary tray relative to the seat when the unitary tray is partially disengaged from the at least one latching position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Thorley Industries, LLC
    Inventor: Jared Rosenthal
  • Patent number: 11453319
    Abstract: A conveyance seat includes: a seat back; a seat cushion which includes a pair of cushion side frames extending in a front to back direction of the seat; a slide rail which slides the seat back and the seat cushion in the front to back direction of the seat; a connecting member connecting the seat cushion and the slide rail; and a first rotation portion which-rotatably connects the connecting member to the slide rail, the seat cushion is movable from a first height position to a second height position below the first height position in an up and down direction of the seat, and when the seat cushion moves to the second height position, the first rotation portion is disposed at the same height position as the slide rail in a side view of the conveyance seat to suppress an increase in size of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: TS TECH CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shinya Aita
  • Patent number: 11376994
    Abstract: Provided is a vehicle seat having a pitching function, which not only has an assist function for bringing a main frame to a seated position or a forward tilted position, but also prevents the increase in the width and the increase in the weight of the seat. The vehicle seat includes: a base frame; a main frame disposed on the base frame and having a back frame and a cushion frame; and a link mechanism that allows the main frame to swing to the seated position and the forward tilted position with respect to the base frame. A third rotating shaft of the link mechanism is provided with a torsion spring that urges the main frame to swing from the forward tilted position to the seated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: TACHI-S CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masakazu Takeda, Keita Myochin, Naoki Toda
  • Patent number: 11338705
    Abstract: A seat assembly of a vehicle may include a support having a lower end portion connected to a floor of the vehicle; a seat frame having a connection portion provided above the support and having an entire slope which is changed by a curvature of the connection portion when the connection portion is slid, the connection portion being formed in a curved line or a curved surface; and a seat mounted on the seat frame and configured for implementing reclining by having a slope which is changed together with the seat frame when the seat frame is slid on the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Dong Eun Cha, Jin Ho Hwang, Sang Heon Lee
  • Patent number: 10940949
    Abstract: A multi-function lever actuation system includes a control lever having a neutral position and configured to be actuated in a clockwise direction and in a counterclockwise direction. The system further includes a bell crank coupled to the control lever and configured to rotate in an opposite direction from the control lever and to actuate a first controlled component in response to a first rotation of the control lever in a first direction corresponding to the clockwise direction or the counterclockwise direction. The system further includes a first cable coupled to the control lever and configured to actuate a second controlled component in response to a rotation of the control lever in a second direction corresponding to the other of the clockwise direction or the counterclockwise direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: AMI INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Douglas E. Hoover, Kyle David Doughty
  • Patent number: 10932561
    Abstract: A stepless adjustable telescopic device includes a first support, a second support, and a folding arm connecting the first support to the second support. The folding arm includes a first quadrangular structure, a second quadrangular structure, and a power support device connected to the first quadrangular structure. A first end of the first quadrangular structure is rotatably connected to the first support. A first end of the second quadrangular structure is rotatably connected to the second support, and a second end of the second quadrangular structure is rotatably connected to a second end of the first quadrangular structure via a rotary connection structure. The power support device and the first quadrangular structure form a triangular structure, and the power support device is configured to drive the first quadrangular structure to rotate such that the first quadrangular structure drives the second quadrangular structure to rotate synchronously with the first quadrangular structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: ZHUHAI RUNXINGTAI ELECTRICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ying Zhang, Huaide Ren, Yuan Huo, Wentao Wang
  • Patent number: 9399415
    Abstract: A seat assembly (21) for a vehicle including a seat (22), a seat mounting assembly (20) mounting the seat for movement along an upwardly concaved arcuate path, a backrest assembly (25) having a lower backrest portion (18) coupled for motion with the seat and an upper backrest portion (99) mounted in a vertically extending direction. The backrest assembly further includes a recliner frame and mechanism (32, 33). The seat assembly, also including the steps of mounting the seat (22) for spherically guided movement along said path, mounting the backrest proximate the seat. The assembly (21) and method disclosed further employs mounting the seat (22) having a spherical surface (161) and guide track (28) the guide track mated to spherical support surface (162), and may include slider roller elements (27, 142) such that the seat mounting assembly accommodates lateral, diagonal and fore and aft seat motion (35, 163).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: AMERICAN ERGONOMICS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hector Serber
  • Patent number: 8991925
    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: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
    Inventor: Larry P. LaPointe
  • 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: 8783764
    Abstract: A seating unit includes: a base; a frame with arms on opposing sides; a seat; a backrest; at least one ottoman; a reclining mechanism, a lift mechanism and a power unit. The reclining mechanism interconnects the frame, the seat, the backrest, and the at least one ottoman, and comprises a series of pivotally interconnected links and configured to move the seating unit between (a) an upright position, in which the backrest is generally upright and defines a first backrest angle relative to horizontal, the seat is generally horizontal, and the at least one ottoman is retracted below the seat, (b) a TV position, in which the backrest substantially maintains the first backrest angle, and the at least one ottoman is extended in front of the seat, and a fully reclined position, in the at least one ottoman remains extended on front of the seat, and the backrest defines a second backrest angle relative to horizontal that is shallower than the first backrest angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Ultra-Mek, Inc.
    Inventors: Marcus L. Murphy, D. Stephen Hoffman
  • Patent number: 8616644
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle seat with an upper part (2, 3, 7) comprising a seat part (2) and a backrest (3), and a lower part (11), wherein a vertically adjustable seat frame (4) with at least two scissor arms (5, 6) connected to each other in a rotatable manner is arranged between the upper seat part (2, 3, 7) and the lower seat part (11), wherein at least one first end (5a, 6a) of at least one of the scissor arms (5, 6) is connected to at least one slide element (12) for the displacement—sliding in at least one displacement direction (10)—of the first end (5a, 6a) along at least one guide rail (7, 11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Grammer AG
    Inventor: Konstantin Lorey
  • Patent number: 8585148
    Abstract: The seat lifter device for a vehicle includes a lock/unlock device which is formed with an engagement/disengagement mechanism to produce a lock condition in which the relative rotation between a first rotation member and a second rotation member is restricted and an unlock condition in which the relative rotation therebetween is allowed by the engagement/disengagement operation of the engagement/disengagement mechanism such that a detent member movably supported on the first rotation member fixed to the base frame side engages with or disengages from the second rotation member fixed to the rear link member. This seat lifter device can firmly hold the seat lifted position even when an exterior force generated upon a vehicle collision is applied to the engagement/disengagement mechanism through the rear link member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yukifumi Yamada, Tateki Kawamura, Naoaki Hoshihara, Naoki Goto
  • Patent number: 8408650
    Abstract: A highchair comprising a base arranged to rest on a floor, a carrier mounted on said base and adjustable in a substantially vertical direction with respect to said base, and a seat comprising a substantially horizontally extending seat surface connected to said carrier, wherein said carrier extends substantially downward from the front edge of said seat surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Nuna International B.V.
    Inventors: Imre Peter Jacobs, Martijn Hans Van Gelderen, Eric Biermann, Fiona Amy Van Petegem
  • Patent number: 8317266
    Abstract: A vehicle seat (10) includes a support frame (12) that mounts a suspension frame (22) by a spring suspension (29) under the operation of a control lever (32) and a slide assembly (38) for providing suspension of the seat and horizontal positioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Adam Alfredsson, Christer Andersson, Odd Jaegtnes
  • Patent number: 8157327
    Abstract: A high chair, comprising a supporting structure, which is provided with a supporting element associated to one post arranged along a first longitudinal direction substantially starting from an end portion of the supporting element to define at least three resting regions, the one post supporting a respective coupling element which supports a seat which forms a sitting surface, elements being provided for blocking the coupling elements with respect to the respective post in order to adjust the distance between the seat and the supporting element; the supporting element being articulated so that it can rotate, substantially at the end portion, to the post in order to pass from an extended condition, in which the supporting element is angularly spaced with respect to the respective post to a folded condition in which the supporting element is angularly closer to the respective post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: L'Inglesina Baby S.p.A.
    Inventor: Liviano Tomasi
  • Patent number: 8141943
    Abstract: Children's chair having a height adjusting device and a folding device completes folding up by height adjusting. A first leg frame of the children's chair includes a first upper leg and a first lower leg capable moving relatively. When operating the height adjusting device to adjust the first upper leg relative to the first lower leg, an actuator on the first upper leg pushes a slider of the folding device, which locates at the pivot of the first leg frame and a second leg frame. The slider then interferes with a coupler locating at the second leg frame to disengage from a base mounted on the first leg frame. The second leg frame is then rotatable relative to the first leg frame and may be folded to a folding position. The children's chair is easy to perform height adjustment and folding movement by simply operating a button at the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Wonderland Nurserygoods Company Limited
    Inventors: Jun-Jie Hu, Wen-Qu Hu, Shun-Min Chen
  • Patent number: 8087728
    Abstract: A raiser seat for assisting a person from a sitting to a standing position is described. The seat comprises: a seat frame (4); a seat (10) supported for movement relative to the seat frame between a lowered position and a raised position; and a movement mechanism for moving the seat between the lowered and the raised positions. The movement mechanism comprises at least one cam (104) and the seat rests on the at least one cam such that rotation of the at least one cam results in movement of the seat relative to the seat frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Corcost Limited
    Inventor: Steven Phillip Corcoran
  • Patent number: 8033605
    Abstract: A vehicle seat may include a seat main body having a seat cushion, a rotation mechanism that is arranged and constructed to horizontally rotate the seat main body with respect to a vehicle floor, a vertically moving mechanism that is arranged and constructed to vertically move the seat main body while moving the seat main body between vehicle interior and vehicle exterior, and a seat support that is capable of attaching the seat main body to the vertically moving mechanism. A cushion frame of the seat cushion is composed of a pair of longitudinal side frame elements, an anchor frame positioned between the side frame elements and anchor members attached to the anchor frame. The anchor frame is connected to the seat support via reinforcement members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Shatai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuya Miura, Tomoya Hirakawa, Kazuhiro Hibi
  • 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
  • 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: 7922247
    Abstract: An adjustable chair and a tilt assembly for use therewith typically provides side to side tilting of the chair seat and preferably provides forward and backward tilting of the seat separately or in combination with the side to side tilting. A hydraulic system is provided for controlling the tilting movement. Progressive hydraulic valves are used to control the resistance to the tilting movement whereby the chair is useful for exercise while the user is seated and the rate at which the tilting occurs may be controlled. The seat may be locked in any tilted position or the user may shift weight on the seat to provide a continuous shifting of the tilt angle and tilt direction of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Spark Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert G. Dickie
  • 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: 7832801
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention discloses a highchair with adjustable seat, including a frame and support device, which are connected to the frame and which form a bearing plane for supporting the frame on a floor. The frame includes at least two substantially parallel uprights which in a position of use of the chair protrude at least partly obliquely above the bearing plane. Further, the highchair includes a part adjustable along the uprights, which is provided with an engaging device for engaging the two uprights, wherein the engaging device includes at least one receiving chamber for engaging part of the way round the upright.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Mutsy B.V.
    Inventor: Franciscus Johannes Cornelis Driessen
  • Patent number: 7828384
    Abstract: A height adjusting device for an automobile seat is disclosed. The height adjusting device includes a sector gear (13) arranged between a side frame section (1) of a seat cushion frame of the seat and a linkage arm (2) and supported to a fixing pin (2a) of the linkage arm (2), a plating pin (16) for interconnecting the linkage arm (2) and a linkage rod (4), the planting pin (16) being provided at the sector gear (13), and a spiral spring (14) stretched between the fixing pin (2a) projected from the linkage arm (2) and the planting pin (16) with an innermost end portion (14a) thereof being retained around an end of the fixing pin (2a), and with an outermost end portion (14b) thereof being retained around an end of the planting pin (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: TS Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsuhiko Shinozaki
  • Patent number: 7806479
    Abstract: A pivoting joint for use in a task chair or the like provides an adjustable elastomeric coupling that permits multi-axis rocking of the seat pan with a restoring force that provides controlled stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Wisys Technology Foundation
    Inventors: Hans R. Jensen, Robert J. Jensen
  • Publication number: 20100148555
    Abstract: The invention discloses a seat moving device including a first mounting base, a seat first mounting arm, a first supporting arm, a second supporting arm, and a motor member. A seat can be carried by the seat mounting arm. The first supporting arm and the second supporting arm are engaged with the first mounting base and the seat mounting arm. The motor member drives the first supporting arm to rotate relatively to the first mounting base, so as to drive the seat mounting arm and the second supporting arm to rotate relatively to the mounting base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: Red Heart Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ching-Yung Lung, Hsiu-Chu Shen
  • Patent number: 7673934
    Abstract: A high chair is convertible into multiple operative configurations to provide flexibility in utilization. The high chair includes a youth chair having a seat member affixed to a Z-shaped frame. A booster seat including a reclining seat back is mountable on the seat member such that the seat member is nested within the booster seat. A latch mechanism carried by the booster seat secures the booster seat to the seat member. A separate base member can also be nested into the bottom of the booster seat so that the booster seat can be utilized on a standard chair. The tray is mountable into the booster seat so that the tray can be utilized therewith irrespective of whether the booster seat is used in a high chair configuration or a booster seat configuration. The Z-frame incorporates telescopic support legs to define height adjustment for the high chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Wonderland Nurserygoods Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Adam D. Bearup, Curtis M. Hartenstine, Joseph F. Fiore, Jr., Sharon A. Gillett
  • Patent number: 7635164
    Abstract: A controller module for a wheelchair automatically, automatedly adjusts position of the wheelchair seat with respect to the wheelchair base. The wheelchair seat is pivotally connected to the wheelchair base, for movement of the seat with respect to the base by a powered actuator. The controller module includes a microprocessor connected to the powered actuator for operating the powered actuator to move the seat. A sensor, such as a 3-axis sensor, is connected to the microprocessor. The microprocessor performs a programmed sequence, to periodically adjust the seat position when the wheelchair seat is occupied, through feedback from the sensor. The controller module can provide medical and therapeutic benefits by operations of periodically adjusting the seat position, thereby varying a wheelchair occupant's pressure contacts, weights, and loadings against the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Inventors: Hank Torres, Randal Jay Marsden
  • Patent number: 7614699
    Abstract: A controller module for a wheelchair automatically, automatedly adjusts position of the wheelchair seat with respect to the wheelchair base. The wheelchair seat is pivotally connected to the wheelchair base, for movement of the seat with respect to the base by a powered actuator. The controller module includes a microprocessor connected to the powered actuator for operating the powered actuator to move the seat. A sensor, such as a 3-axis sensor, is connected to the microprocessor. The microprocessor performs a programmed sequence, to periodically adjust the seat position when the wheelchair seat is occupied, through feedback from the sensor. The controller module can provide medical and therapeutic benefits by operations of periodically adjusting the seat position, thereby varying a wheelchair occupant's pressure contacts, weights, and loadings against the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Inventors: Hank Torres, Randal Jay Marsden
  • Patent number: 7600815
    Abstract: A raiser seat for assisting a person from a sitting to a standing position is described. The seat comprises: a seat frame (4); a seat (10) supported for movement relative to the seat frame between a lowered position and a raised position; and a movement mechanism for moving the seat between the lowered and the raised positions. The movement mechanism comprises at least one cam (104) and the seat rests on the at least one cam such that rotation of the at least one cam results in movement of the seat relative to the seat frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Corcost Limited
    Inventor: Steven Phillip Corcoran
  • Publication number: 20090096265
    Abstract: A vehicle seat may include a seat main body having a seat cushion, a rotation mechanism that is arranged and constructed to horizontally rotate the seat main body with respect to a vehicle floor, a vertically moving mechanism that is arranged and constructed to vertically move the seat main body while moving the seat main body between vehicle interior and vehicle exterior, and a seat support that is capable of attaching the seat main body to the vertically moving mechanism. A cushion frame of the seat cushion is composed of a pair of longitudinal side frame elements, an anchor frame positioned between the side frame elements and anchor members attached to the anchor frame. The anchor frame is connected to the seat support via reinforcement members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: TOYOTA SHATAI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kazuya Miura, Tomoya Hirakawa, Kazuhiro Hibi
  • Patent number: 7513571
    Abstract: A seat assembly includes a seat element constituting a component of the seat structure of a motor vehicle seat, a tubular drive element connected pivotably around its longitudinal axis to the seat element that constitutes a component of a displacement arrangement for an adjustable seat part, for example, for a height adjustable seat cushion, as well as a preferably electrically operated weight sensor for the detection of seat occupancy using the weight of a person sitting in the corresponding motor vehicle seat. Through the detection of seat occupancy, it is possible to control various functional groups of a motor vehicle as a function of seat occupancy, such as, for example, automatic occupancy- and/or weight-dependent adjustment of certain seat components as well as the occupancy- and/or weight-dependent deployment of an airbag module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co.KG, Coburg
    Inventors: Jochen Hofmann, Bernhard Schrimpl, Andreas Schmid, Martin Schwarz
  • Publication number: 20090026823
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention discloses a highchair with adjustable seat, including a frame and support device, which are connected to the frame and which form a bearing plane for supporting the frame on a floor. The frame includes at least two substantially parallel uprights which in a position of use of the chair protrude at least partly obliquely above the bearing plane. Further, the highchair includes a part adjustable along the uprights, which is provided with an engaging device for engaging the two uprights, wherein the engaging device includes at least one receiving chamber for engaging part of the way round the upright.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2005
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: MUTSY B.V.
    Inventor: Franciscus Johannes Cornelis Driessen
  • Patent number: 7458638
    Abstract: A chair has an essentially horizontal seat. An adjustable positioning assembly between a horizontal upper brace supporting the chair and a lower brace allows for varying the height between the chair and a recipient surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Inventor: Donald R. Frank
  • Patent number: 7455360
    Abstract: An article of seating furniture is provided with a lift mechanism. The article can be a chair with a base and a seat that is pivotally connected to the base. A back is coupled to the seat and may be either fixed to the seat or rotatably coupled to the seat. An actuator is mounted to the base extending towards the rear of the chair. The actuator is pivotally coupled to the base on one end and is pivotally coupled to the seat on the other end. The actuator moves the seat between a generally horizontal position and a raised position. With the back rotatably mounted to the seat, a linkage bar can be added that extends from base front to a bracket that mounts the back to the seat. The linkage bar reclines the back as the seat is raised from horizontal position to the raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: L & P Property Management
    Inventors: Nikki White, Shelby Ladner, Bill Tacker, Kenneth Graham
  • Patent number: 7393055
    Abstract: A vehicle seat, especially an aircraft passenger seat, has at least one seat component which can be adjusted in its position, such as a seat part. The seat part can be mounted with its seat frame structure (3) by swivelable support legs (7, 11) above a floor structure (1). The support legs (7, 11) act on the seat frame structure (3) in pairs in the area of the front edge (9) and rear edge (5) of the seat of the seat part. An actuating mechanism is connected by action to a pair of support legs (7, 11) for producing a swiveling motion of the support legs (7, 11) causing a change in the position of the seat part. The actuating mechanism is coupled to the assigned pair of support legs (7, 11) by a differential mechanism (13) which converts the swiveling motion of the support legs (11) into a change of the effective length of the assigned pair of support legs (11). The length determines the vertical distance between the seat frame structure (3) and the floor structure (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Recaro Aircraft Seating GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Hans Dieter Abt
  • Patent number: 7360471
    Abstract: A transfer case assembly (10) for selectively moving a seat assembly in a plurality of adjustment directions. The assembly comprises a motor (12) and a drive shaft (14) operatively connected to the motor (12) for rotation in response to actuation of the motor. A plurality of driving gears (16, 18, 20) are mounted to the drive shaft for rotation therewith. A plurality of driven (24, 28, 32) shafts corresponding with the respective plurality of driving gears are provided for independently controlling movement of the seat assembly in the fore/aft, up and down direction. A driven gear is rotatably mounted to each of the driven shafts and meshed with a respective one of the driving gears for rotation therewith. A coupler (22, 26, 30) is disposed adjacent to each of the driven gears for selectively coupling the driven gears to the respective driven shafts (24, 28, 32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Intier Automotive Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Lavoie, Brent Frazier
  • Publication number: 20080088166
    Abstract: An aircraft seat includes a hollow seat structure that is made from a single layer of a reinforced composite material. In a unitary construction, the seat structure has a seat portion and a backrest, and it is formed with a convex surface that is located under the seat portion. A base frame formed with a concave surface is attached to the aircraft fuselage, and it is oriented for juxtaposition with the convex surface of the seat structure to provide for a relative sliding motion of the seat structure on the base frame. A connector is also provided for selectively holding the convex surface of the seat structure in a fixed orientation relative to the concave surface of the base frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Inventors: Richard J. Gardiner, Benn Isaacman, Kip Devon Harkness
  • Patent number: 7316454
    Abstract: Ends of each supporting pin are projected to both sides of each link plate. Each supporting shaft is fixed by welding to each link plate at a position near one end side of the plate. A pipe-like connecting shaft is axis-aligned to and fitted on an end portion of the supporting pin which projects inward from each link plate, so as to be supported between link plates. An end portion of the supporting pin which projects outward from each link plate is passed through a side frame section and fixedly riveted over. Further, each link plate is fixed by welding to both ends of the connecting shaft, and a link base frame is assembled between side frame sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: TS Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masami Yoshida
  • Patent number: 7147287
    Abstract: A seat including a frame section and a seat section and backrest arranged thereon. The frame section is arranged movably in the back and forth direction to the base of the seat, whereby the backrest is pivotally connected to the frame section by a first lever structure for adjusting the tilt of the backrest. A second lever structure is pivotally connected to the frame section, and in one position it is arranged to lock the frame section to the base and in another position to release the frame section to move back and forth for longitudinal adjustment of the seat. The seat including an adjustment arranged to affect both the first and the second lever structure so that moving it in one way is arranged to affect the first and moving it in another way is arranged to affect the second lever structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Tunturi Oy Ltd
    Inventor: Henri Kuivala
  • Patent number: 7124851
    Abstract: A seat mounting structure is disclosed for reducing injury to vehicle occupants in side impact collisions. The seat mounting structure may include an inflation module, a linkage system, a sensor system, and a side airbag. The inflation module may include an inflatable structure and inflator or a piston device. The linkage system attaches the seat mounting structure to a seat and may help guide the movement of the seat. The sensor system may include a radar sensor and an optical sensor to help the sensor system anticipate an impending side impact. The seat mounting structure mitigates injury to the occupant by moving the occupant vertically up and laterally toward a centerline of the vehicle, thus increasing the space between the sidewall of the vehicle and the occupant. Additionally, the inflation module may comprise an inflatable structure that stiffens a floor structure of the vehicle upon inflation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley W. Smith, Saeed D. Barbat, Donald J. Paxton
  • Patent number: 7066539
    Abstract: Vehicle seat of retractable type having a rotary support link mechanism, which is displaceable between upper use position and lower storage position. The rotary support link mechanism comprises a forward link element and a backward link element smaller in length than the forward link element, wherein the forward link element has upper and lower pivotal support points between the seat and a vehicle floor, while the backward link element has upper and lower pivotal support points between the seat and vehicle floor. The lower pivotal support point of the backward link element is disposed backwardly of and above the lower pivotal support point of the forward link element, and the backward link element is inclined more backwardly than the forward link element. With this arrangement, the seat can be displaced by operation of motor between the upper use position and lower storage position in a manner analogous to a manual operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Tachi-S Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Susumu Hatta, Mitsuru Tsukada
  • Patent number: 7000991
    Abstract: There is provided a vehicular seat capable of achieving smooth sliding motion. A first slider is formed by connecting center rails, on an outside of inner rails to each other by brackets, and a second slider, having a seat, is formed by connecting outer rails to each other by a bracket. A drive mechanism has ends of a driving chain, set around a drive sprocket, fixed to the bracket of the first slider after being returned by sprockets of the inner rail. A sending-out mechanism, which moves the second slider beyond the first slider when the first slider is moved beyond a swivel upper, is formed by fixing a sending-out chain, which is fixed relative to the inner rail and to the bracket of the outer rail after being returned by a sprocket at a front end of the center rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Autech Japan Inc.
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Seki
  • Patent number: 6981745
    Abstract: A reconfigurable chair arranged for ease of operation by an elderly or disabled person, to change configuration to assist a person in sitting and standing, to limit the risk of a person becoming trapped in the operating mechanisms thereof and/or comprising means for sensing an abnormal load condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Inventor: John Christopher Rees
  • Patent number: 6951371
    Abstract: A multi-functional child high chair includes a pair of incurved fore legs and a pair of incurved rear legs collapsibly connected by a pair of circular joints, a first stretcher connected the lower end of the fore legs including a pair of casters at two end, a second stretcher connected the lower end of the rear legs including two caster at each end, a pair of rotary positioning joint slidably sleeved on the upper portion of the fore legs respectively and axially connected to a chair seat therebetween. The chair seat has an angle of elevation adjustable chair back, a large and a small platform and an adjustable foot rest. The rotary positioning joints facilitate the ascent and descent of the chair seat along the guide groove of the fore legs. A pair of drag devices respectively disposed in the fore legs and controlled by the rotation of the circular joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Inventor: Kun Wang
  • Patent number: 6719371
    Abstract: Each of right and left X-shaped leg assemblies (2) is constructed by pivotally joining middle parts of a front leg (3) and a rear leg (4). The right and the left X-shaped leg assembly (2) are connected to parallel right and left bases (8). One of the front leg (3) and the rear leg (4) of each X-shaped leg assembly (2) has a lower end pivotally connected to the base (8), and the other of the front leg (3) and the rear leg (4) has a lower end supported for turning and longitudinal movement on the base (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Combi Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiro Yoshie, Yutaka Ukitsu, Tokihiko Ikuno
  • Patent number: 6715827
    Abstract: Disclosed is a backrest adjusting mechanism used in a high chair for infants, toddlers and small children and installed in the hollow section of the backrest body of the high chair, which includes a fixed handle, a movable handle, a set of springs, a movable rod, and a horizontal lever for adjusting the inclination angle of the backrest portion of the high chair, in which the springs are connected between the movable rod and the movable handle. The backrest adjusting mechanism is characterized in that a first groove is formed in each of the two bottom sides of the movable rod of the backrest adjusting mechanism, and a second groove is formed in each of the two bottom sides of the backrest body, and said horizontal lever penetrates through the bottom of the backrest body and communicates to said first and second grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Inventor: Shun-Min Chen