Pivotal Linkage Assembly Patents (Class 297/344.15)
  • Patent number: 11299069
    Abstract: A vehicle seat comprises: a seat base; a first side member is affixed to a base at a first side of the base; a second side member is affixed to the base at a second side of the base, opposite the first side of the base; a slider slidably received in the base; a seat back assembly is rotatably coupled to the first side member and rotatably coupled to the second side member; a linkage rotatably coupled to the seat back assembly and rotatably coupled to the slider; a first lower seat lifting mechanism comprising a lifting bracket, wherein the lifting bracket is rotatably coupled to the first side member at a first end of the lifting bracket; and a second lower seat lifting mechanism comprising a bracket rotatably coupled to the base and a link arm rotatably coupled to the bracket and rotatably coupled to the slider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: VOLVO CAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Peter Setterberg, Lars Modh
  • Patent number: 11273733
    Abstract: A relaxation comfort seat for a vehicle is equipped with a mechanism for realizing a relaxation comfort mode to enable an occupant to take a relaxed comfortable posture for providing comfort and stability to the occupant. In addition, even in a state in which a height of the seat is increased according to a body shape of the occupant, it is possible to easily realize the relaxation comfort mode of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Chan Ho Jung, Bong Ku Kim, Seon Chae Na, Hyeok Seung Lee, Ju Yeol Kong, Jae Wook Kim, Jung Sang You, Ho Suk Jung
  • Patent number: 11225174
    Abstract: A lifter device includes: a pinion gear; a rotation control device including: a rotation shaft rotating in synchronization with the pinion gear; a support member supporting the rotation shaft; a rotation drive mechanism configured to rotate the rotation shaft; and a lock mechanism configured to lock rotation of the rotation shaft when an operation handle is in an operation-released state and including: a first tooth; and a second tooth configured to selectively mesh with the first tooth to lock relative rotation of the rotation shaft and the support member; and a speed increasing mechanism provided closer to the rotation shaft than a meshing portion of the first tooth and the second tooth in a rotation transmission path, configured to transmit the rotation of the rotation shaft to one of the first tooth and the second tooth, and configured to speed up the transmitted rotation of the rotation shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yasuaki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 11052790
    Abstract: A vehicle seat structure includes: a first side frame (11a) extending in a front-rear direction along one side portion of a seat cushion (4); a second side frame (11b) extending in the front-rear direction along the other side portion of the seat cushion (4); posture changing mechanisms (6, 7) mounted on the first side frame (11a) and capable of changing the posture of the seat cushion (4), and reinforcement members (R1, R2) provided at a portion of the second side frame (11b) where the reinforcement members (R1, R2) overlap the posture changing mechanisms (6, 7) in a side view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takashi Suzuki, Koji Nonowaki, Shin Sakai, Shigeru Kobayashi, Hiroyuki Iwakura
  • Patent number: 10828214
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a stand-up unit having a parallelogram and a hinged lever that is coupled to the parallelogram and to the seat such that the seat is disposed at an angle in relation to the seat as the parallelogram moves toward the standing position. Disclosed also are wheelchairs, therapy chairs, and other devices or apparatuses that can incorporate the stand-in unit for purposes of assisting a user in moving from a sitting to a standing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: Dane Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Heinz Bogli, Fabian Wolter, Dan Johnson
  • Patent number: 10322654
    Abstract: A vehicle seat frame that uses one spacer to enable maintaining of positional relationship between three components is provided. The vehicle seat frame comprises a rod; a first frame; a second frame that comprises a first open hollow for the rod to pass through and extends to cross a rod axis; a third frame that extends to cross the rod axis; and a spacer that comprises a first spacer portion that is disposed between and contactable to the first frame and the second frame, and a second spacer portion that extends from the first spacer portion, passes through a second open hollow disposed in the second frame towards a third frame, and has an extending end that is contactable to the third frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tomokazu Fukuda
  • Patent number: 9980865
    Abstract: An elevating wheelchair is disclosed. The wheelchair may have a gas cylinder disposed between the seat of the wheelchair and the frame of the wheelchair. By engaging the gas cylinder and pressing against an assistive push bar, the user may translate the seat along at least a portion of a seat travel path, elevating the seat of the wheelchair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Inventors: Christopher Miranda, Peter Thomas Georgiou, Rachel Bone, Yen-ting Lai
  • Patent number: 9381827
    Abstract: A seat for a vehicle having a seating. The vehicle having a floor. The seating having a first flank and a second flank, on the opposite sides with respect to the seating. The seating further having a lower face facing at least one portion of the vehicle floor. The seat comprising a support for the seating suitable to allow at least the height adjustment of the seating relative to the vehicle floor, comprising a first piston rod and a second piston rod arranged at the front part and externally facing on opposite sides the flanks of the seating, and comprising a third piston rod and a fourth piston rod arranged at the back and facing on opposite sides the flanks of the seating or elongations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: SABELT S.P.A.
    Inventors: Giorgio Cerruti, Antonio Bello, Raffaello Cornolti
  • Patent number: 9291300
    Abstract: An active vibration isolation system for isolating a suspended platform from vibration input to the vibration isolation system base includes an exoskeleton which supports the suspended platform relative to the base. The exoskeleton includes first and second scissors mechanisms with main links of unequal length. The main links pass through a parallel condition as the suspended platform moves over its intended range of travel relative to the base. The vibration isolation system may include a rotary actuator and a drive mechanism separate from the exoskeleton for providing force output from the rotary actuator to the suspended platform. The rotary actuator may include inner and outer rotors which rotate relative to each other and may be free to rotate relative to the exoskeleton. The rotary actuator may be free to translate relative to the vibration isolation system base and the suspended platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Preston Parker, Thomas C. Schroeder, Dariusz Antoni Bushko, Brian A. Selden, Mark A. Hayner, Brian M. Lucas
  • Patent number: 9027993
    Abstract: A vehicle seat comprises: a vehicle body side member; a seat cushion having left and right side frames; left and right front links provided respectively between front end sides of the left and right side frames and the vehicle body side member, the left and right front links configure a portion of a lifter mechanism that moves the seat cushion, and one end side of the respective left and right front links is coupled to the vehicle body side member so as to be rotatable about an axis along the seat left-right direction; and a coupling member coupling together front end sides of the left and right side frames along the seat left-right direction, that is rotatable with respect to the left and right side frames about an axis along the seat left-right direction, and that is joined to other end side of the respective left and right front links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: NHK Spring Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nozomu Munemura, Hironobu Nakane, Ryo Nagahara, Tadanori Hisamoto
  • Publication number: 20150108810
    Abstract: A seat support structure for a working vehicle comprises a fixed plate, a parallel link mechanism, a supporting plate, a rotation shaft, a rotation plate, a seat, a rear upper shaft, and a rotation lock unit. The fixed plate is fixed on a vehicle body of the vehicle. The parallel link mechanism includes a front link and a rear link. The supporting plate is connected to the fixed plate via the parallel link mechanism. The rotation shaft is fixed on a center portion of the supporting plate. The rotation plate is rotatably supported on the rotation shaft. The seat is attached to the rotation plate. The rear upper shaft connects the rear link to the supporting plate. The rotation lock unit is provided on the rear upper shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Jarrod HYDER, Kazuyuki KOTANI
  • Publication number: 20150097404
    Abstract: In a vehicle seat having a seat cushion frame and a rear side link including a metallic sector gear, a first revolving arm of the rear side link is assembled to the one-end-side frame made of CFRP in the seat cushion frame. Furthermore, in order to assemble the first revolving arm to the one-end-side frame, a first shaft pin made of metal is inserted into both a link assembling hole of the one-end-side frame and a pin hole of the sector gear in a state in which the holes and communicate with each other, and the first shaft pin is fixed by welding to the sector gear in a state in which a flange portion is locked to the one-end-side frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventor: Masaya Furuta
  • Patent number: 8998325
    Abstract: A vehicle seat carrier for a vehicle seat comprises a position adjustment arrangement adapted to enable the vehicle seat carrier to be displaced between a plurality of different positions and a position lock adapted to retain the vehicle seat carrier at a selected position. The position lock is adapted to be disabled as a response to a detected crash, or a detected imminent crash, so that the vehicle seat carrier is permitted to be displaced along a first path at least partly defined by the position adjustment arrangement, to provide for a passenger protective function. The passenger protective function utilizes the existing position adjustment arrangement to provide for a controlled displacement during a collision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Volvo Car Corporation
    Inventor: Tony Jonsson
  • Patent number: 8985686
    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 a fitting part in an interlocking and/or frictional manner. The driving gearwheel and the output gearwheel comprise multiple pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Uwe Breitfeld, Frank Triebeneck
  • Patent number: 8960802
    Abstract: The invention concerns a vehicle seat with a seat upper part comprising a seat part and a back rest, and with a seat lower part, wherein between the seat upper part and the seat lower part is arranged a height-adjustable seat frame with at least two scissor arms connected rotatably together, wherein at least a first end of at least one of the scissor arms is connected with at least one slide element for sliding displacement of the first end in at least one displacement direction along at least one guide rail, wherein the slide element has at least one flexibly formed pressure force element to exert a pressure force directed against the guide rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Grammer AG
    Inventor: Frank Himmelhuber
  • Patent number: 8944398
    Abstract: A portable lift facilitation assembly assists in lifting a person from a seated position. The assembly includes a base and a top. A biasing member urges the top away from the base into an extended position. Extension arms are coupled to the base and the top. Each extension arm is extendable between a retracted position and an elongated position. A latch is coupled to the base and selectively secures the top to the base. A release is coupled to the base and operationally coupled to the latch for selectively releasing the latch from the top wherein the biasing member urges the top into the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventor: Carol D. Miller
  • Patent number: 8944507
    Abstract: Seating mechanisms enable the user to vary the seating angle of a chair or stool by enabling at least the portion of the chair that supports the thighs to be tilted forwardly to controllably increase the seating angle while maintaining the spine and pelvic region in vertical alignment. The extent of forward tilt is controlled by pressure applied by the user's thighs that also serves to counterbalance the weight of the user's torso.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark W. Goetz
  • Publication number: 20150028643
    Abstract: An adjustable lift apparatus for use with a rocking/reclining chair having at least one support leg, the apparatus comprising an upper support having at least one leg stand to securely engage at least one leg, and an adjustment means for adjusting each leg support stand to the desired location to engage all of the chair's legs; a lift means for reversibly biasing the upper support away from the base; a base adapted to rest on the floor and support the apparatus; a controller in communication with and controlling the lift means, whereby, the adjustable lift apparatus provides an inexpensive and universal way of engaging and raising the rocker/recliner chair with varying styles of legs and bases through the use of a controller to automatically position the chair to a user desired height thereby making it easier for elderly and handicapped persons to get into and out of the chair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: Cora Marie Reborse
  • Patent number: 8936318
    Abstract: A vehicle seat including: a moving member that moves as one with a rail configured to move in a vehicle front-rear direction; a seat cushion that is coupled to the moving member through a lifter mechanism, is disposed above the rail, and is configured such that the top-bottom direction position of the seat cushion is capable of being adjusted by the lifter mechanism; and a gap concealing member that extends between a vehicle rear direction lower portion of the seat cushion and the rail to conceal a gap between the seat cushion and the rail. The gap concealing member is integrally formed from the top end portion to the bottom end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: NHK Spring Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Sasaki, Yusuke Ohkawara, Hiroaki Inaba
  • Patent number: 8936306
    Abstract: A composite chair includes a stationary seat and a movable portion installed on the stationary seat. The stationary seat includes at least one first carrying portion and two first tracks. The movable portion includes a second carrying portion and a linkage mechanism connected to the stationary seat and second carrying portion to allow the second carrying portion to proceed a lift movement against the stationary seat. The second carrying portion includes two second tracks. The linkage mechanism includes two first linkage bars and two second linkage bars. Through the first and second linkage bars sliding in the first and second tracks, the second carrying portion can be lifted and switched to become a tabletop or a seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Keysheen Industry (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Lausan Chung-Hsin Liu, Shopo Hsin Tsu Liu, Fibro Tsu Kun Liu
  • Patent number: 8931750
    Abstract: The invention concerns a spring system for use in vehicles for adjustment of the suspension characteristics, comprising at least one spring element to provide a spring force, an upper and a lower arrangement area to receive forces, a scissors-type frame arranged between the upper and the lower arrangement area for coupling the spring element with at least one force acting on one of the arrangement areas. According to the invention the spring element is coupled with a deflection means to influence the spring force and between the deflection means and a segment of the scissors-type frame an active connection can be created to transmit forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Grammer AG
    Inventors: Josef Kohl, Johann Deml
  • Publication number: 20140346830
    Abstract: Links are provided, each between one of the side frames of the seat cushion and the support member, and can be swung. A band extends at a substantially center part of the seat cushion and between the side frames, and is provided beneath the seat pad. One end of the band is secured to the top of one side frame, and the other end (free end) hangs over the top of the other side frame. The free end of the band further extends via the direction changing member provided on the side frame, first passing by a first relay point, i.e., the axle of the link provided on the side frame, and then passing by a second relay point, i.e., the axle of the link provided on the support member. At an emergency, the traction device pulls and stretches the band.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: TACHI-S CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Koji TANAKA, Hiroshi NOZU, Hiromasa TANJI, Atsushi ICHIDA, Hideo TOBATA, Atsushi KOIKE
  • Patent number: 8894143
    Abstract: In a drive device for a vehicle seat (1), having a frame (10) which belongs to the vehicle seat (1), an output (14a, 14b) which belongs to the vehicle seat (1), is hinged to the frame (10) and is pivotable relative to the latter about an axis (A), and a geared fitting (16), the two fitting parts (16a, 16b) of which perform a relative rotational movement with superposed tumbling movement in a drive situation. One fitting part (16a) acts on the output (14a, 14b) and the other fitting part (16b) is supported on the frame (10). A transmission element (25, 35, 37) is provided between the fitting part (16a) which acts on the output (14a, 14b) and the output (14a, 14b). The transmission element (25, 35, 37) is torsionally rigid in the circumferential direction of the axis (A) and simultaneously flexible in the radial direction of the axis (A).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Rolf Schüler, Bernd Bossmanns
  • Publication number: 20140339873
    Abstract: A seat (1) for a vehicle having a seating (2), said vehicle having a vehicle floor (101), said seating (2) having a first flank (6) and a second flank (7), on opposite sides with respect to the seating (2), said seating (2) further having a lower face (45) facing at least one portion of said vehicle floor (101), said seat (1) comprising a support (10) for said seating (2) suitable to allow at least the height adjustment of said seating (2) relative to the vehicle floor (101), comprising a first piston rod (11) and a second piston rod (12) arranged at the front part and externally facing on opposite sides said flanks (6 and 7) of said seating (2), and comprising a third piston rod (13) and a fourth piston rod (14) arranged at the back and facing on opposite sides said flanks (6 and 7) of said seating (2) or elongations thereof, each of said piston rods (11, 12, 13, 14) having a respective upper hinge (15, 16, 17, 18) directly or indirectly connected to said flanks (6, 7) of said seating (2), and a respective l
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2012
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventors: Giorgio Cerruti, Antonio Bello, Raffaello Cornolti
  • Publication number: 20140339874
    Abstract: An adjustment drive of a motor vehicle seat is provided, the adjustment drive, having a control pinion. The control pinion, in the event of a collision, is subjected to a torque which acts from the structure of the motor vehicle seat. Overload protection is provided for an adjustment drive of a motor vehicle seat against forces which act in the event of a collision, using a simple device. This is achieved by the control pinion being rigidly connected to a torsion bar, and the control pinion is situated in an extension of the rotational axis of the control pinion, and free end of the torsion bar being integrated into a drive of the control pinion in a rotationally fixed manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventor: Meinhard Behrens
  • 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: 8851563
    Abstract: Fitting system including base seat surface and leg support segments. The seat surface segment is displaceable in relation to the base segment, and the leg support segment is pivotable between a storage position and a use position, and wherein the relative positions of the seat surface and leg support segments with respect to the base segment are forcibly coupled to each other. The seat surface segment is connected to the base segment by a first bracket. The leg support segment is pivotable about a pivot axis fixed in position with respect to the base and leg support segments. The leg support segment is connected to the seat surface segment by a second bracket pivotable about a pivot axis on the leg support and seat surface segment sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Kintec-Solution GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Hortig, Boris Besler
  • Patent number: 8851570
    Abstract: A seat lifter smoothly lifts and lowers right and left seat frames relative to respective base members so that a seat can be lifted and lowered smoothly. The seat lifter has first to fourth links (4a to 4d), and a coupling (6) that couples the first link (4a) and the second link (4b), and has a first sun gear (62) and a second sun gear (162). The first link (4a) has a first link body (41) that is coupled interlockably to a first planetary gear group (40) with a plurality of first planetary gears (44), and a planetary-gear operating section (5). The second link (4b) has a second link body (141) that is coupled interlockably to a second planetary gear group (140) with a plurality of second planetary gears (144).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Delta Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaru Fujihara, Jun Fukuda, Yasukazu Oki
  • Patent number: 8844894
    Abstract: A scissor suspension mechanism, optionally used as a seat base, comprising both small footprint base and movable element, a set of two pairs of crossed first and second scissor arms and a linkage assembly including a plurality of pivot interfaces and linkages; which are designed in a way that the crossed first and second scissor arms describe, during the total elevation stroke of the movable element with respect to the base element, both positive and negative angles with respect to each other while passing through a null angle at which the overall mechanism length is maximal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Baultar I.D. Inc.
    Inventor: Etienne Archambault
  • Patent number: 8807507
    Abstract: A lifting mechanism of a vehicle seat for adjusting a seating height position of the vehicle seat is provided. The lifting mechanism includes a lifter link having one side that is rotatably shaft-supported to a floor-side member provided on a vehicle floor and the other side that rotatably shaft-supports a frame member of a seating-side configuring part for seating; and a stopper link having one side that is rotatably shaft-supported to the floor-side member and the other side that is loosely fitted in a long hole formed in the lifter link. A rotation of the lifter link in a rear direction is restrained by a loosely fitted portion of the stopper link contacting an inner circumferential part of the long hole. A rotation of the lifter link in a front direction is restrained by a restraining contract part provided to the lifter link contacting a stopper part provided to the floor-side member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignees: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tsutomu Ito, Shunsuke Kuwayama, Teruyuki Hadatsuki, Shou Terada, Satoshi Masuda
  • Patent number: 8800976
    Abstract: A vehicle seating system includes a top frame for mounting to a vehicle seat. The top frame has integral rails or channels with roller tracks at one end and vibration dampening systems at the other. An opposing pair of the roller tracks includes a vibratory dampening or regulation system that controls the amount of fore and aft travel of the top frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: CVG Management Corporation
    Inventors: Raju Bethina, Anurag Sharda, Andrew Schultz
  • Patent number: 8800947
    Abstract: A stepped lowering device includes a lifting/lowering link having a pivot on a base and on an ascending/descending body; a toothed link pivoted on the base or the ascending/descending body, includes a link ratchet and swings in association with the lifting/lowering link; an input member, supported by the ascending/descending body or the base; a first lowering prevention latch mechanism engaged with the link ratchet to prevent the toothed link swinging downward when the input member is in a neutral position and allows the toothed link to swing downward when the input member is swung in a lowering direction; and a second lowering prevention latch mechanism which allows the toothed link to swing downward by one tooth of the link ratchet and which is engaged with the link ratchet to prevent the toothed link further swinging downward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Shiroki Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Suzuki, Hidehiko Fujioka, Hiroshi Koga
  • Patent number: 8783772
    Abstract: A vehicle seat, in particular a utility vehicle seat, has a seat frame which can be pivoted by a pneumatic spring and which can be adjusted in terms of height. An adjuster (20) establishes the actual value of the height of the seat frame. The adjuster (20) has a cable roll (22) which is supported on a first portion of the seat frame so as to be able to be rotated about an axis (A), and a cable (24), which can be at least partially wound on the cable roll (22), unwound therefrom and is secured to a second portion of the seat frame that can be moved relative to the first portion, and which controls at least one control valve (36) of the pneumatic spring in accordance with a desired value of the height of the seat frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Components GmbH & Co. KG.
    Inventors: Rolf Schüler, Christoph Schuhn, Heinz Voss
  • Patent number: 8783640
    Abstract: A rotatable drive connection is provided for transmitting torque. The connection includes a first component having an aperture with a plurality of corners. The connection further includes a second component having an end portion with a plurality of edges. The end portion of the second component is smaller than the aperture of the first component. The end portion of the second component is disposed within the aperture of the first component such that at least one of the edges of the end portion is always biased into engagement with at least one of the corners of the aperture throughout a full rotation of the first and second components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventor: Neil Gentry Goodbred, III
  • Publication number: 20140183918
    Abstract: A vehicle seat with a height adjustable seat bottom, includes left and right side frames each including a main body portion extending in a front-rear direction and a mount portion for a seat back frame protruding from a rear portion of the main body portion, which side frames constitute left and right frames of the seat bottom, a height adjustment mechanism configured to allow the left and right side frames to be lifted and lowered, and an operation unit including an operation knob configured to be operated by an occupant to cause the height adjustment mechanism to be actuated which operation unit is fixed to one of the left and right side frames. The operation unit is so disposed that at least a part thereof lies over the mount portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: TS TECH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Kaku, Masaya Furuta, Hidetoshi Ozawa
  • Patent number: 8764111
    Abstract: A height adjustment mechanism for a vehicle seat includes an adjustment parallelogram. The adjustment parallelogram includes a seat frame part, an upper rail and lateral links connecting the seat frame part and the upper rail. A spindle drive can adjust the adjustment parallelogram such that a distance between the seat frame part and the upper rail is changed by changing a length of the spindle drive. The spindle drive connects two obliquely opposing corners of the adjustment parallelogram (1) together in a reinforcing manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Thomas Foelster, Dirk Kirchner, Stephan Kuenzel
  • Publication number: 20140167470
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle seat, comprising a vertically adjustable seat connection arranged between and mechanically interconnecting an upper seat part and a lower seat part. At least one oscillation limiting device is provided to limit a vertical oscillation movement of the upper seat part in a direction away from the lower seat part, is arranged between the lower seat part and the upper seat part, and is rigidly connected to the upper seat part. The oscillation limiting device comprises at least one reel-off element with a presettable reel-off length that determines a maximum deflection height in the vertical direction. The oscillation limiting device limits movement of the upper seat part in the vertical direction, in the direction away from the lower seat part, after reel-off of the presettable reel-off length, without damping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: GRAMMER AG
    Inventor: Alexander LOREY
  • Patent number: 8690114
    Abstract: A support assembly includes a first support frame having a first bearing surface, and a second support frame spaced a vertical distance from the first support frame. A biasing member is connected to the first support frame and includes a first end and a second end. The first end bears against the first bearing surface. An adjustment assembly is connected to the second support frame and is adjustable with respect to the second support frame. The second end of the biasing member bears against the adjustment assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Seats, Inc.
    Inventor: Jesse C. Boyarski
  • Patent number: 8672406
    Abstract: A seating apparatus that is capable of both sliding and pivoting thereby lending to advantageously positioning a hunter in relation to their prey. By enabling a seat portion to horizontally slide along a plane, the hunter can reposition away from an object, e.g., a tree. Additionally, the seat portion of the apparatus is capable of pivoting in either direction thereby enhancing line of sight to hunting game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Inventor: John P. Ross
  • Patent number: 8662585
    Abstract: A motion seat for use in a vehicle motion simulator comprises a seat back, a seat pan, a first actuator coupled to a linkage assembly located on one side of the seat pan, a second actuator coupled to an identical linkage assembly on the other side of the seat pan, and a third actuator coupled to a linkage assembly on the aft end of the seat pan, wherein the first and second actuators are effective to independently produce roll right and roll left motion of the seat pan while collectively creating upward and downward heave motion of the seat pan and the third actuator is effective to create surge motion of the seat pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Industrial Smoke & Mirrors, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew W. Garvis, Dennis P. Wilhelm, Richard E. Johnson, Steven G. Lansrud
  • Patent number: 8662588
    Abstract: A chair lift including scissors pivotally mounted to a carriage and a lifting device pivotally positioned within the carriage. The lifting device closes the scissors and lifts the chair as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Fabio G. Delmestri
  • Patent number: 8641141
    Abstract: A vehicle seat (1), in particular commercial vehicle seat, is provided with a framework, in particular scissors-type framework (3), a seat frame (10) which is articulated thereon via a pivot axis (B), and a backrest (20) which is attached to the seat frame (10) and by means of which a torque acts about the pivot axis (B) on the seat frame (10) in the event of a crash or misuse. The framework (3) has a first catch element (31) and the seat frame (10) has a second catch element (32) which normally do not interact. In the event of a crash or misuse, the catch elements approach each other and then interact creating a further path for the force flux.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: KEIPER GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Klaus Hassler, Rüdiger Nissen, Thorsten Schweizer, Thomas Gundall, Harald Klein, Thomas Weber
  • Patent number: 8622362
    Abstract: A suspension system includes a base frame, a carrier frame and a linkage mounted on the base frame and supporting the carrier frame. The linkage includes a first arm pivotally coupled to the frames and a second arm pivotally coupled to the frames and pivotally coupled to the second arm about a linkage pivot axis. A rotary motor has a housing and a shaft which rotates with respect to the housing. The shaft is aligned with the linkage pivot axis. The housing is non-rotatably coupled to the first arm. The shaft is coupled to a transmission which is coupled to the second arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Eric A. Keen
  • Patent number: 8622363
    Abstract: A vehicle seat having an oscillatory scissor-type stand and a damper that is articulated at two parts of the scissor-type stand which are movable relative to one another. One end of the damper is articulated at a pin that extends in transverse direction of the seat and extends between two structural parts arranged at a distance from one another in transverse direction of the seat at a part of the scissor-type stand. A bearing bushing is arranged with its axial bushing opening on a tubular component part enclosing the pin, wherein the bushing opening has a spherical longitudinal section with the greatest diameters at the two axial ends and the smallest diameter in the middle of the bushing opening. The bearing bushing is enclosed by a bearing ring of the damper having a shorter axial length than the bearing bushing and is arranged on the bearing bushing at an axial distance from the two ends of the bearing bushing so as to be secured against axial displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Keiper GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Frank Ellerich
  • Patent number: 8616645
    Abstract: A seat lifter device includes a seat support member; a front link rotationally coupled to a front section of the seat support member; a rear link rotationally coupled to a rear section of the seat support member; a frame member including a front section rotationally coupled to the front link and a rear section rotationally coupled to the rear link at a position rearward of the coupling portion between the seat support member and the rear link; a cushion member including a front section rotationally coupled to the frame member and a rear section rotationally coupled to the rear link at a position further separated from the coupling portion between the seat support member and the rear link than the coupling portion between the rear link and the frame member; and a rotation transmitting member for rotating one of the front link and the rear link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Sadao Ito
  • 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: 8616636
    Abstract: In a vehicle seat, first and second front links as well as first and second rear links are pivotally connected between a seat cushion frame and a floor of vehicle. The first front link has one pivot point pivotally connected with a drive pinion rotatably supported in one side of the seat cushion frame and another pivot point disposed forwardly of that one pivot point. Likewise, the second front link has one pivot point pivotally connected with the other side of the seat cushion frame and another pivot point disposed forwardly of that one pivot point. A first connecting link element is pivotally connected between the afore-said another pivot point of the first front link and the first rear link. A second connecting link element is pivotally connected between the afore-said another pivot point of the second front link and the second rear link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Tachi-S Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuyoshi Arata
  • Publication number: 20130341984
    Abstract: Disclosed is a scissor lift including a bottom frame a top frame, a scissor mechanism arranged between the bottom frame and the top frame to displace the bottom frame and the top frame in relation to each other by means of the force provided by a linear actuator, a gearing arranged between the scissor mechanism and the linear actuator, where the linear actuator has a linear actuator point of attack at one end of a lever arm of the gearing, wherein the bottom frame is connected to a bottom frame point of attack at another end of the lever arm and wherein the scissor mechanism is connected to the lever arm through a lever arm pivotal joint arranged between the linear actuator point of attack and the bottom frame point of attack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventor: Martin OLESEN
  • 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: 8596651
    Abstract: A height adjustable work seat is disclosed. The work seat is collapsible and extendable, and has a base, a seat pan and four folding and lockable legs. Four wheels are mounted to the bottom of the base. The folding legs connect the seat pan to the base. Each folding leg pivots at the base, the seat pan and a center pivot. The seat pan is at a maximum height relative to the base with the four folding legs fully extended. The seat pan is at a minimum height relative to the base with the four folding legs fully folded. A releasable locking mechanism secures each of the folding legs in a fully extended condition. One or more crossbars may connect opposing sleeve locks, aiding in locking, unlocking, folding or extending the pair of legs between which each crossbar extends. The seat pan may have a seatback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Inventor: James D. Canova