Gas Or Hydraulic Cylinder Patents (Class 297/344.19)
  • Patent number: 10702430
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a wheelchair (1) with tilt capabilities. The electric wheelchair comprises a chassis (3), a lift device having a base member which is fixedly arranged to the chassis, and a lifting member arranged to move rectilinearly relative to the base member along an axis defined by a longitudinal extension of the lifting member, a tilt frame, a first arm pivotally coupled to the lifting member and the tilt frame, and a second arm coupled to the base member, and which second arm is pivotally coupled to the first arm forming a pivot connection, wherein movement of the lifting member towards the extended position moves the pivot connection towards the base member and movement of the lifting member towards the retracted position moves the pivot connection away from the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: PERMOBIL AB
    Inventors: Jonas Jahkel, Goran Mansson, Stefan Nilzen, Johnny Nordin, Rune Stenstrom, Hakan Bergman, Magnus Andersson, Richard Ronngardh, Ake Melander, Bo Engman, Adam Karpinski, Corey Blauch, Lori Weaver, Mehdi Mirzaie
  • Patent number: 10477970
    Abstract: A gas cylinder includes: a base tube including a cavity; a spindle inserted into the cavity and performing a reciprocating motion in a longitudinal direction of the base tube; a cylinder mounted in the spindle and charged with gas; a piston dividing the cylinder into an upper chamber and a lower chamber; a valve portion sealing an upper portion of the cylinder and including a pipe holder having a cavity through which the gas is introduced; a flow prevention portion inserted into the spindle and having an inner surface contacting a surface of the spindle; and a spindle guide disposed between the base tube and the spindle and mounted to include at least a portion of the flow prevention portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: SAMHONGSA CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yong A. Park
  • Patent number: 9757852
    Abstract: A work stool includes a support whose one end has a cushion and an opposite end has a base. The base has a bottom provided with a plurality of casters. The support has a gas strut. A tray is mounted around the support and positioned between the cushion and the base. A connecting assembly has one end fixedly connected to the tray and has an opposite end connected to the gas strut so that a distance between the tray and the cushion is fixed and the tray is adjustable in terms of altitude by operating the gas strut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: HIEVER CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tony Huang
  • Patent number: 9637192
    Abstract: A height adjustment device for a bicycle saddle is provided and essentially includes a hydraulic cylinder, an adjustment disk, and a driving mechanism. An annular guiding groove is disposed on the adjustment disk and has a bottom whose height decreases from one end of the annular guiding groove to the other end of the annular guiding groove. When the adjustment disk is being driven by a motor, the annular guiding groove enables a relief valve of the hydraulic cylinder to turn on and turn off according to the level of the accumulated pressure, so as to fine-tune saddle height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Inventor: Shang-Hua Lai
  • Patent number: 9188278
    Abstract: A lifting support structure includes an actuating element having a cylinder and a movable rod moved reciprocally in the cylinder. A bearing seat is disposed on a lateral side of the actuating element, and one end of the movable rod is inserted in the bearing seat. A connecting rod is pivoted on the bearing seat and can pivot in the horizontal direction relative to the bearing seat. One end of the connecting rod is connected with the movable rod, and the other end is suspended freely. And a pedal is connected on the free end of the connecting rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Inventor: Chin-Chu Li
  • Patent number: 9131775
    Abstract: Among other things, a seat includes a base; a back-supporting surface coupled to the base; and a seating surface movable relative to the base in a direction of motion toward and away from the back-supporting surface. The back-supporting surface has a lower portion nearer the seating surface that is movable, relative to an upper portion of the back-supporting surface that is farther from the seating surface, in the direction of motion as the seating surface moves in the direction of motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Inventor: Joel H. Eisenberg
  • Patent number: 9010867
    Abstract: An article of furniture is disclosed. The article of furniture comprises a stool configured to be used on a generally horizontal surface such as a floor. The stool comprises a seat and a base comprising a rounded bottom surface configured to rest upon the floor. A mass is positioned beneath the seat so that the base is at equilibrium in a first tilted orientation relative to the floor. The base can be tilted to second tilted orientation relative to the floor by tilting the rounded bottom surface of the base relative to the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Kirt Martin, Fredric Biddle, David Eberlein, Brett Kincaid, Mark Schoolmeester
  • Patent number: 8991928
    Abstract: A constricting member of a chair footrest ring is revealed. The constricting member is mainly a constricting sleeve with a hole mounted on a center thereof. A plurality of tapered-shaped mounting and fixing parts is disposed projectingly on an outer surface of the constricting sleeve, from top to bottom and expanded outward. At least one trench is also formed on the outer surface of the constricting sleeve. A positioning projective ring is projecting from and integrally formed on an outer edge on a top end of the constricting sleeve. The structure is simple so that the manufacturing cost is reduced and the assembling is more convenient and faster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventor: Kun-Yu Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8915318
    Abstract: A shifting machine structure contains a base unit, a seat unit, a hydraulic unit, a cushion support unit, a rod unit, and a control handle unit. Thereby, a pressing pedal and a releasing pedal of the hydraulic unit are pedaled to move the elderly or patients toward a desired position by using the base unit, the seat unit, the hydraulic unit, the cushion support unit, the rod unit, and the control handle unit, thus obtaining delivery safety and convenience. In addition, a copper sleeve and a copper piece of each of plural shafts of the seat unit rub with each other to enhance rigidity and durability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventor: Jin-Liang Lin
  • Patent number: 8888184
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tilting device (5) for a chair, comprising a lower plate (6) and an upper plate (7). An elastic body (8) is located therebetween. The lower plate (6) has a bulge (9) in the vertical direction, by means of which the tilting device (5) is placed onto the upper end of a gas spring (2). The seat plate (3) of the chair is fastened to the upper plate (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Topstar GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Meyer, Peter Wagner
  • Publication number: 20140191551
    Abstract: A no-tools chair and chair arm assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes an armrest support configured and arranged to connect to a seat of a chair. The armrest support has mating formations thereon. A backrest support is configured and arranged to connect to a backrest of a chair. The backrest support is pivotally connected to the armrest support. A chair arm has an armrest portion and support member depends from the armrest portion. A connector extends from the support member and has reciprocal mating formations thereon configured and arranged to interlock with the mating formations on the armrest support. The chair arm locks the backrest support in position when coupled to the armrest portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: WHALEN FURNITURE MANUFACTURING INC.
    Inventors: Thomas B. Hazzard, Tracy Leigh Hazzard
  • Publication number: 20140145483
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a column unit for a chair, wherein the column unit for a chair is compact and can improve durability against lateral forces. The present invention relates to a column unit for a chair, in which the height thereof is controlled by upward and downward movements of a spindle assembly, wherein the column unit comprises: an outer pipe comprising an inclined portion of which the diameter gradually becomes larger as it approaches a front end thereof; an inner pipe which is inserted into the outer pipe to form a space portion between the inclined portion and the inner pipe; and a spindle guide which is inserted into the inner pipe to guide the upward and downward movements of the spindle assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: SAMHONGSA CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Eun Ha Kim, Ki Cheol Lee
  • Patent number: 8708407
    Abstract: A golf bag stool is provided for comfortable seating at locations where golf if played, or where users would like to be reminded of the game of golf. The golf bag stool has a small or miniature sized golf bag, a base, a central vertical column comprised of a pneumatic device and a seat such that the stool can be conveniently used for seating at conventional tables and countertops. The device permits the user to rotate universally in any 360 degree direction and to tip the golf bag stool toward or away from center, while still maintaining axial alignment between the vertical column and the golf bag structure. The golf bag stool can be adapted to display a wide array of insignia to remind the user of, e.g., a favorite team, tournament, university or golfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas M. Marino
  • Patent number: 8459736
    Abstract: An adjustable poolside chair comprises a chair assembly, a height-adjustable support mechanism, and a weighted base. The chair assembly comprises an outdoor padded chair with a tilting back portion and is constructed of lightweight, waterproof materials. The weighted base comprises a pair of horizontally adjustable hooks which are extended around a lip of a pool. The base also comprises a pair of rollers for transportation of the chair. The adjustable support mechanism comprises a height adjustable pneumatic cylinder and also provides a swivel function. In use, the base is placed in a desired location and the hooks are extended around the lip of the pool and secured in place using tightening knobs, thereby providing additional stabilization of the chair in a poolside position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Inventor: Floyd A. Begley, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130093231
    Abstract: A height adjustable seat tube includes an outer tube and an inner tube is inserted into the outer tube. An end cap is fixed to the inner tube and a valve unit in the inner tube extends through the end cap and co-movable linearly with the inner tube. An inlet valve is connected to the inner tube. An oil tube is connected between the inlet valve and the valve unit. A first oil room is defined between the oil tube and the valve unit. An oil storage member is connected between a connection member and the end cap. A first air room is defined between the inlet valve, the oil storage member and the inner tube. A second oil room is defined between the oil tube, the oil storage member and the end cap. An oil path is in communication between the first and second oil rooms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventor: JUNG YU HSU
  • Patent number: 8388066
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Knoll, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Allison, Arkady Golynsky
  • Patent number: 8382076
    Abstract: A support column with a vertical tube has a coaxially installed gas spring including a cylinder divided by a piston into first and second working chambers. A piston rod passes through the second working chamber in a sealed manner to the outside, where it is attached to a bottom support piece of the vertical tube. The cylinder projects out of the vertical tube and is guided with freedom to slide back and forth in a guide sleeve installed in the end of the vertical tube opposite the bottom support piece. A connection between the first and second working chambers can be blocked by a manually actuatable valve. A second valve between the chambers, which is closed when the gas spring is under load, can be switched to the open position after the load on the gas spring has been absent for a certain period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Stabilus GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Etzkorn, Manfred Metzdorf, Thomas Müller
  • Publication number: 20130038109
    Abstract: A chair gas lift allowing easy disassembly is revealed. A gas lift is disposed between a seat cushion and a chair base of a chair. By extension or retraction of a piston rod of the gas lift, the seat cushion height is adjusted. At least one polygonal ring assembly is arranged around a circumference of the gas lift. Due to the polygonal ring assembly being mounted in an opening of a wrench, a force is applied to the wrench to remove the gas lift from the seat cushion easily.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventor: CHING-HUI CHI
  • Patent number: 8308124
    Abstract: A bicycle seat adjustable device includes an outer tube and an inner tube inserted into the outer tube. A piston seat and a clamp unit are connected to the inner tube. A valve unit extends through the piston seat and is located in the inner tube. The valve unit includes a rod extending through the piston seat and reaches the bottom end of the outer tube. A control unit has a control unit connected to the bottom end of the outer tube and an action unit is located outside of the outer tube. The control unit has a push member connected with the rod. The action unit has a cable extending through the outer tube and connected to the push member. A switch is connected to the cable. The push member is indirectly moved to move the rod to control the hydraulic path in the piston seat by pulling the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Inventor: Jung Yu Hsu
  • 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: 8191964
    Abstract: An adjustment device for bicycle seat includes a connection portion located close to a top of the seat post and at least one through hole is defined through a wall of the connection portion. An adjustment device is located between the seat connector and the seat post so as to adjust the seat post relative to the seat tube. The adjustment device includes an adjustment path which can communicate with the at least one through hole or be sealed from the at least one through hole. A balance unit is connected to the connection portion and includes a cylinder and a piston ring is movably received in the cylinder to define an inner space of the cylinder into a liquid space and an air space. The cylinder includes a supply path which communicates with the liquid space and the at least one through hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventor: Jung Yu Hsu
  • Patent number: 8167373
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Knoll, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Allison, Arkady Golynsky
  • 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
  • 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: 7909404
    Abstract: A height adjustment system for a seat assembly of a machine includes a first support member and a second support member vertically spaced from the first support member. A pneumatic bladder is operatively connected to the first support member and the second support member for adjusting a distance between the first support member and the second support member. At least two guide pins interconnect the first support member and the second support member at opposing ends thereof. A locking device maintains an adjusted distance between the first support member and the second support member. The height adjustment system is preferably independent from and may be positioned in series with a suspension system for the seat assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: John C. Spangler, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7905549
    Abstract: A highchair with a foot part and a seat element mounted thereon has a length-adjustable gas-filled strut therebetween for support and height adjustment of the seat element. The gas-filled strut may be length adjustable with two-handed safety operation. The seat element is held on two lateral support arms, on each of which an actuating element of the two-handed safety operation is arranged. Each actuating element is connected via a wire or rope pull to a pressure element acting on an actuating projection of the gas-filled strut. The seat element is pivotable and fixable about a horizontal transverse axis forwards and backwards in a tilting position. An inclination catch is provided on at least one support arm and has a rotary locking element acting between a spindle of the seat element and a support arm, which is transferable into a locking or release position by means of an actuation cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: iLinko Ltd.
    Inventors: Jon Lake, Davy Kho, Jason Lewis
  • Publication number: 20110037300
    Abstract: A shock-absorbing structure comprises a frame having front and rear sides. The frame provides mounting points for first and second shock-absorbing assemblies. The mounting points are located side-by-side across a transverse dimension of the frame and may be provided on a single frame member. The frame has front and rear faces each capable of supporting a linear slide to which a seat or other item may be attached. A first shock-absorbing assembly is mounted to the first mounting point and coupled to a first seat or other item supported on a linear slide on one of the front and rear faces of the frame. The shock absorbing structure may be applied to support seats in a boat or other vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventors: Marc Pettigrew, Paul Taylor
  • Publication number: 20100231020
    Abstract: A gas cylinder includes a spindle vertically reciprocating along a center shaft, a cylinder installed in the spindle and filled with gas, a piston member sectioning an inside of the cylinder into an upper portion and a lower portion, and a valve member sealing an upper end of the cylinder and controlling flow of the gas filling the inside of the cylinder. The valve member includes a pipe holder sealing an upper end of the cylinder, an open pin inserted in the pipe holder by penetrating the pipe holder, and a sealing member provided at an end portion of the open pin to contact the pipe holder. When the open pin is inclined by a predetermined angle with respect to the center shaft, a gap is formed between the sealing member and the pipe holder so that the flow of the gas is controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: SAMHONGSA CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Wansoo Kim, Keonyoung Yun
  • Patent number: 7784871
    Abstract: An occupational support chair system and method that provides frontal support to a user. The support chair system includes a lower support frame composed of a dual section hydraulic frame and an upper support frame. The upper support frame can be configured as a spinal column associated with a number of individual locking segments. The upper support frame further includes a breast support and a removable chin support in order to provide frontal support to the user. An adjustable swivel seat can be attached to the upper support frame to relieve stress and fatigue stemming from prolonged periods of standing. The support chair system further includes a stabilizing base segment, which comprises retractable wheels and a housing for batteries, electrical and computer components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Dennis Cochran
  • Patent number: 7758007
    Abstract: A commercial vehicle seating and operating unit fastened to a support (1) comprises a rotatably supported base plate (2), by means of which the seating and operating unit is supported rotatably about a vertical axis of rotation. The bearing arrangement comprises two cylindrical sleeves, which are disposed one coaxially in the other, a first inner sleeve (19) that is rigidly connected to the commercial vehicle and a second outer sleeve (21) that is rigidly connected to the seating and operating unit, the inner sleeve (19) forming a passage for the penetration of cables, pipes or hosepipes that connect the seating and operating unit to a unit of the vehicle. The bearing arrangement has a limiting device, which limits the rotation of the seating and operating unit about the vertical axis to a preset maximum angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Dipl.-Ing. agr. Andreas Reichhardt
    Inventor: Alfred Link
  • Patent number: 7744155
    Abstract: The protection system is used especially for the protection against a fatal effect of vertical accelerations triggered by a landmine on the passengers of an armored vehicle. For this, the sitting unit consisting of a seat body (7) and a backrest (8) is held movable in vertical direction and is coupled with an end area (15) of a longitudinally variable damping device (11), whose other end (13) is connected to the roof (4) of the vehicle (2) through a carrying equipment (6). In addition, the sitting unit is carried with vertical distance from the vertical guide (18) in a lower guide path (19) transversally directed so that the sitting unit executes both a downward as well as a tilting movement relative to the vehicle together with a passenger (3) during loading through vertical acceleration. In this way, an improved usage of the constructively limited effective length of the damping device (11) occurs so that the effect of the protection system is essentially improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Mowag GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Jörg List, Uwe Fehr, Kai-Uwe Keller, Michael Bieniek
  • Patent number: 7721640
    Abstract: A cable operated gas cylinder comprises: a base tube; a spindle which is inserted at hollow part in said base tube; a cylinder which is mounted within said spindle; a piston dividing the gas-filled space within said cylinder into upper part and lower part; a pipe holder sealing airtight the upper part of said cylinder; a gas opening/closing pin which is mounted penetratingly through central part of said pipe holder and for controlling getting in and out of the gas filled within said cylinder; a release arm for controlling the opening/closing of said gas opening/closing pin; a cable for controlling turning of said release arm when being pulled by external force; and a taper holder which receives said release arm therein and rotationally intervenes within said spindle, wherein said release arm and said taper holder are capable of rotating together as said cable rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Samhongsa Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ho Min Lee
  • Patent number: 7673941
    Abstract: A gas spring adapted for automatically re-adjusting to a predetermined position, the gas spring incorporating a delay mechanism so that the automatic re-adjustment is delayed by a predetermined amount of time, and articles incorporating such a delay gas spring, such as a height adjustable chair. In one embodiment, the delay mechanism comprises a delay valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Humanscale Corporation
    Inventors: Robert King, Thomas Latone
  • Publication number: 20090289487
    Abstract: A height adjustment system for a seat assembly of a machine includes a first support member and a second support member vertically spaced from the first support member. A pneumatic bladder is operatively connected to the first support member and the second support member for adjusting a distance between the first support member and the second support member. At least two guide pins interconnect the first support member and the second support member at opposing ends thereof. A locking device maintains an adjusted distance between the first support member and the second support member. The height adjustment system is preferably independent from and may be positioned in series with a suspension system for the seat assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Inventor: John C. Spangler, JR.
  • Patent number: 7594696
    Abstract: A single leg support for sitting on by a user has a seat member adjustably connected to a post member, with the post member connected to a base member which contacts a ground surface. In typical use, the support axis of the support is between about five and twenty-five degrees relative to the vertical such that the user remains in equilibrium with most of his/her weight supported by his two legs at about five degrees from the vertical with the knees slightly bent. Thus, the support carries only a small portion of the user's weight for increased comfort. The support is adapted to be fitted into a bicycle. Additionally, the support may be used with a heavy base member having a flexible joint allowing rotating movement of the support while a user is seated thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Inventor: Jean Girard
  • Patent number: 7549703
    Abstract: A wheeled chair apparatus is adapted for connection with an elevatable stand, such as a hydraulic stand, and the subject wheeled chair apparatus includes a wheeled chair unit which includes a seat portion and a reclinable seat back portion connected to the seat portion. A wheel assembly is connected to the seat portion, and elevatable stand attachment means are connected to a bottom side of the seat portion. The elevatable stand attachment means are adapted for connection with the elevatable stand. By using the elevatable-stand-adapted, wheeled chair apparatus of the invention, substantial amounts of time, effort, and stress on a person in the wheeled chair are reduced in carrying out a cosmetological activity on the person, when compared with conventional procedures for handling a person in a wheeled chair when carrying out a cosmetological activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Inventor: Suellen M. McElhinney
  • Patent number: 7517018
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a compact base for a seat with a suspension for a vehicle driver, for use in buses, heavy vehicles or special use vehicles, including excavation vehicles or foresting equipment, in which the operator or driver is subject to vibrations. The present invention provides total independence of the suspension properties, including stiffness, damping and range of travel, with height adjustment. In order to accomplish this, the compact base for the seat is divided into parts including a suspension and a seat height adjustment mechanism. These parts have no common component including balloons, dampers or guiding systems. In this manner, the suspension properties of the seat are not affected by the seat height adjustment. Moreover, the invention provides a compact seat base through the use of structures and balloons that fit one within the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Baultar I.D. Inc.
    Inventors: Claude Therer, André Albert, Bruno Archambault, Étienne Archambault, Maxime Laplante
  • Patent number: 7484799
    Abstract: A seat assembly for an occupant of a vehicle possibly subjected to upsetting forces generally consisting of a base member mountable on a body portion of the vehicle, an occupant seat means for restraining an occupant positioned on the seat, means operatively interconnecting the base member and the seat for guiding the seat along a line of travel when the seat is displaced relative to the base member, means operatively interconnecting the base member and the seat for dampening a force imposed on the seat in first direction along the line of travel and means operatively interconnecting the base member and the seat for dampening a force imposed on the seat in a second direction along the line of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: GPV, L.L.C.
    Inventor: William A. Meyer
  • Publication number: 20090026816
    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: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: Grammer AG
    Inventor: Erwin Haller
  • Publication number: 20090021065
    Abstract: The mechanism which is designed for a chair, in particular for a rotatable office chair with a gas spring which is arranged in a vertical manner in the lower frame of said chair and has a telescopically extendable piston rod for adjusting the height of a seat, has the effect that the adjustment of the inclination of the seat is synchronous with the adjustment of the inclination of the backrest. The mechanism has a base (20) which is stationary per se, through which a stationary first rotary shaft (D1) extends and on which a seat support which can be inclined is mounted. A front connecting means (21) which is connected in an articulated manner in a stationary third rotary shaft (D3) on the base (20) and in a moveable fourth rotary shaft (D4) is arranged between the base (20) and the seat support. The mechanism also has a rear connecting means (24) which is connected in an articulated manner in a moveable sixth rotary shaft (D6) at one end and in a further moveable rotary shaft (D5) at the other end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventor: Egon Brauning
  • Patent number: 7478880
    Abstract: A multipurpose adjustment mechanism for a synchrotilt chair mechanism and a chair with the mechanism. The synchrotilt chair mechanism is for use on a chair that has a base assembly with an extending pedestal, a seat, and a back. The synchrotilt mechanism includes a chassis that is coupled to the pedestal and a seat plate that is coupled to the chassis and to the chair seat. The seat plate slides relative to the chassis. The synchrotilt mechanism further includes a multipurpose adjustment mechanism that can adjust both the height of the chair as well as the orientation of the seat with respect to the chassis. The multipurpose adjustment mechanism may also lock the seat plate with respect to the chassis, such that the seat will not move when the user reclines the chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventors: LeRoy Johnson, Earl Boyer
  • Publication number: 20090015051
    Abstract: A vertical springing device to allow the vertical springing and absorption of vibrations of a first telescopic element, in particular connected to the seat-part of a seat, with respect to a second fixed element, in particular connected to the base of the seat, comprises adjustment means of the elastic type, disposed inside the first telescopic element and able to adjust in height the level of the first telescopic element with respect to the second fixed element, and a springing mechanism, for the vertical springing of the first telescopic element with respect to the second fixed element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: F.I.S.A.-Fabbrica Italiana Sedili Autoferroviari- SRL
    Inventor: Eugenio Fraenkel Haeberle
  • Publication number: 20090008977
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle seat with a height-adjustable seat frame which comprises at least two seat frame parts which can move relative to one another and at least one fluid spring, in particular an air spring, arranged on the seat frame parts for height adjustment purposes, with at least one control device which is provided for influencing the fluid spring and which comprises at least one valve device with control valves which is attached to the first seat frame part and is designed to control fluid flows for the fluid spring, and also a control element which is provided on a second seat frame part and is designed to actuate the control valves, so that a height adjustment and/or damping oscillatory movement of the vehicle seat is ensured, wherein the valve device comprises an internally cylindrical component with at least one rod element arranged displaceably therein as a control element, wherein at least one fluid intake and discharge opening of the rod element can selectively be assigned to one o
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: GRAMMER AG
    Inventors: Konstantin Lorey, Erwin Haller, Thomas Burger
  • Publication number: 20080284218
    Abstract: The invention provides a gas spring adapted for automatically re-adjusting to a predetermined position, the gas spring incorporating a delay mechanism so that the automatic re-adjustment is delayed by a predetermined amount of time. In one embodiment, the delay mechanism comprises a delay valve that. The invention further provides articles incorporating such a delay gas spring, such as a height adjustable chair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Robert King, Thomas Latone
  • Publication number: 20080203797
    Abstract: A tilt control mechanism for an office chair includes a spring assembly therein which controls the tilt tension on the back assembly. The tilt control mechanism includes a control plate mounted to the control shaft on which the uprights are mounted, wherein the control plate rotates in combination with the uprights. This control plate is located within the control body and cooperates with a front stop assembly and a back stop assembly to vary the limits of forward and rearward tilting of the seat and back assemblies. Also, the tilt control mechanism includes a pneumatic actuator assembly having fixed and rotatable cam blocks. The rotatable cam block rotates relative to the fixed block such that the rotatable cam block is driven downwardly to depress the control valve of the pneumatic cylinder and thereby vary the height of the seat assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventors: Richard N. Roslund, Naveen Guntur
  • Patent number: 7407228
    Abstract: A system for mounting a seat to the front of a gaming machine. A base platform is provided that has a front edge. At least one hole is disposed in the base platform proximate its front edge. A seat is attached to the base platform utilizing a vertical column. The vertical column is adjustable in height between a fully extended position and a fully retracted position. The vertical column holds the seat in a position facing the gaming machine. However, when the vertical column is in its fully retracted position, the seat can be turned ninety degrees to facilitate a person entering or exiting the seat. A locking mechanism joins the base platform to the gaming machine. Authorized personnel can only open the locking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventor: Vittorio Infanti
  • Patent number: 7401858
    Abstract: A system and method are presented for discovering mobile collaborators on a peer-to-peer (P2P) network. Each collaborator is identified on the P2P network by a unique ID. Each collaborator may also be identified by an identity file posted on the P2P network. Collaboration applications may include any of a variety of applications involving the exchange of information between 2 or more collaborators, such as voice over IP (VoIP). Dynamic file querying can be performed to filter the identity files most relevant to a particular peer partner. Web services are used end-to-end between P2P mobile devices and also between devices and third party service providers. Search engines use self-provisioning concepts for searches and WEB services querying. End-user devices register their personal information on P2P networks using identity self-provisioning and WEB services templates for a variety of uses, such as personal, gaming or business.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Manplus Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jong-Ho Lee
  • Patent number: 7401856
    Abstract: There is provided a sit-stand stool comprising a seat adapted to support a pelvis of a user and a base. The base supports the seat and is adapted to securely engage a floor. The base is adapted to provide a tilting motion of the seat, between a raised position and a forwardly inclined position, in a vertical plane about a pivot axis in accordance with the posture of the user while constraining the movement to prevent lateral tilting or inclination transverse to the vertical plane. The base is also adapted to prevent a rearward motion beyond the raised position, and a forward motion beyond the forwardly inclined position in order to reduce the risks for the user to lose stability. Such a stool permits to the user to stabilize his posture, without being in a completely seated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Transfert Plus S.E.C.
    Inventors: Denis Marchand, Lyne Noiseux
  • Patent number: 7396081
    Abstract: A chair control mechanism has a rotatable shaft with a radially extending member abutting an actuating finger of a gas control cylinder. A slider may push a second radially extending member of the rotatable shaft in order to rotate the shaft. The slider has a tab extending into the mouth of the head of a further shaft which is rotated by a user operated handle. Thus, when the user operates the handle, the head of the further shaft causes the slider to slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Leggett & Platt Canada Co.
    Inventors: Gerard J. Matern, David Lloyd Hobb, Kerry J. Brodrecht
  • Patent number: 7350863
    Abstract: Work chair, comprising a seat, supported in a height-adjustable manner by a column on a foot, and an adjustable backrest, the seat, at least in part, having a substantially horizontal position, and the backrest promoting an upright position of the user's back, characterized in that the column (3) is composed of three parts (4, 5, 6) and as a result provides a two-stage adjustability for the seat height, in that the seat is divided into two parts (7, 8), in such a manner that a rear section (7) is fixed and always retains the substantially horizontal position, while a front section (8) is hinged with respect to the rear section, and in that the front section (8) is secured to the column (3) in a hinged manner (11) by a rod (9) secured to it in a hinged manner (10). The chair can be dimensioned in such a way that it allows an ergonomic working position to be adopted by virtually all users, irrespective of their corporal size, with the possibility of increasing the size of the workstation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Inventors: Paul Arthur Engels, Joannes Henricus Maria de Kroon, Gaston Lionel van Amerongen