Including Means To Lock Unit At Distinct Rotated Positions Patents (Class 297/344.22)
  • Patent number: 11964596
    Abstract: Provided is a vehicle seat including: a seat cushion supported by a support member so as to be rotatable around an axial direction along the seat up-down direction; a seatback configured such that the angle of the seatback relative to the seat cushion is adjustable by unlocking and locking of an angle adjustment mechanism, the seatback being biased to be tilted forward in the seat front-rear direction when the angle adjustment mechanism is unlocked; an operated member configured to unlock and lock the angle adjustment mechanism, the operated member being placed on a first end side of the seat cushion in the seat width direction; and an operating member provided in the support member such that the operating member is configured to relatively operate the operated member along with a rotation of the seat cushion so as to unlock the angle adjustment member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Satoshi Ajisaka
  • Patent number: 11877667
    Abstract: A detachable seat includes an elongate support bar including a first bracket and a second bracket each positioned adjacent opposing ends of the elongate support bar, a seat support frame including a first support member and a second support member affixed to the first support member, a hinge pivotally connecting the first support member to the elongate support bar, a seat mounted on the second support member, the seat support frame and the seat pivoting around the elongate support bar upon pivotal movement of the first support member, and a retaining arm affixed to and extending from the elongate support bar adjacent the first bracket, the retaining arm including a plurality of alignment apertures formed along a length thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Friend Success, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Chad Christie
  • Patent number: 11866301
    Abstract: A foldable stairlift includes a rail, a carrier that drives along the rail and a chair supported by the carrier. The chair and carrier define a stairlift unit. The chair includes a base body coupled to the carrier, a foldable seat body coupled to the base body, a foldable leg body coupled to the seat body, a foldable footrest body coupled to the leg body, a back rest body coupled to the base body, and a foldable armrest body coupled to the backrest body. Each of the seat body, leg body, and footrest body have their own respective folding system that controls the folding and unfolding of their respective seat body, leg body, and footrest body. And each folding system is controlled by an assigned motor that operates according to a variable speed profile. A method of controlling the folding and unfolding action of the foldable stairlift includes operating the motors according to one or more speed profiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: TK HOME SOLUTIONS B.V.
    Inventors: Paul Kasbergen, Maarten Dubbeld, Sjaak Wisse, Matt Rebel
  • Patent number: 11858382
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a seat rotation locking mechanism, including a locking mechanism mounted on a rotating disc in a seat rotation mechanism and at least one lockhole disposed on an outer circumference of a fixed disc in the seat rotation mechanism, where the locking mechanism includes: a lock support fixed on the rotating disc; and at least two lock pins horizontally and moveably configured in the lock support, where a first end of the lock pin is of a truncated-cone-shaped structure; and the first end of the lock pin is inserted into the lockhole, to implement zero-clearance locking by using wedging between the truncated-cone-shaped structure of the first end of the lock pin and the lockhole. The present invention eliminates a fit clearance existing after a rotation mechanism is locked, improves a grade of a product, and improves user experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: YANFENG INTERNATIONAL SEATING SYSTEMS CO. LTD.
    Inventors: Qingwei Feng, Jiabin Ding, Feixiang Zhu
  • Patent number: 11691541
    Abstract: A utility vehicle includes a chassis and a work implement movably coupled to the chassis. An operator support is positioned within an operator cab. The operator support includes a seat and a backrest coupled to the seat. A position of the operator support is selectively adjustable relative to the chassis. The utility vehicle further includes a control system in communication with the operator support. The control system includes a sensor operable to sense a position of the work implement relative to the chassis, and a controller including a processor and a memory. The controller is configured to receive a signal from the sensor representative of the position of the work implement. The controller is further configured to generate a signal to automatically adjust the position of the operator support relative to the chassis based in part on the position of the work implement relative to the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Gregory O. McConoughey, Brian M. Huenink, Jeremy G. Hamilton
  • Patent number: 11679696
    Abstract: A seat assembly includes a swivel mechanism for providing rotation of the seat assembly in an automotive vehicle. The swivel mechanism includes a first plate assembly coupled to a second plate assembly at a rolling-element bearing to facilitate axial rotation of one of the first and second plate assemblies relative to the other of the first and second plate assemblies. A lock plate slidably disposed on the second plate assembly selectively engages a lock pin extending from the first plate assembly for movement between a locked position in which the swivel mechanism cannot rotate and an unlocked position in which the swivel mechanism can freely rotate. Actuation of the lock plate between the locked position and the unlocked position actuates movement of a wedge between a cinched position to stabilize the swivel mechanism and an uncinched position to allow unimpeded rotation of the swivel mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Magna Seating Inc
    Inventors: Louis Vetere, II, Detjon Marini, Michael D Nacy, Kai Zhao, Cheikh Dioum, Omar D Tame
  • Patent number: 11647839
    Abstract: A rotating work surface system for a chair including a seat base having a top engaging surface, a seat support having top side and a bottom side and a rotating surface positioned in between the seat base and the seat support. The rotating surface includes a top side and a bottom side wherein the rotating surface is adapted to pivotally engage about an axis and a fixed position of the seat base and the seat support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Inventors: Nicholas Brian Gillissie, William James McDonald, Gary Neil
  • Patent number: 11584334
    Abstract: A vehicle occupant restraint system for a seat of a vehicle. The system includes a first arm portion mountable on a first side of the seat, the first arm having an engaging portion; and a second arm portion mountable on a second side of the seat, the second arm having an engaging portion, the engaging portion of the first arm portion being engageable with the engaging portion of the second arm portion to restrain an occupant on the seat. At least one of the first arm portion and the second arm portion is adjustable relative to the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: APV CORPORATION PTY LTD
    Inventors: Harrison Luke Penfold, Cameron Scott Hickling, Harry Charles William Hickling, Christopher Thomas Sweetman, Douglas Lewis Moss Keesing
  • Patent number: 11583089
    Abstract: A detachable seat includes an elongate support bar including a first bracket and a second bracket each positioned adjacent opposing ends of the elongate support bar, a seat support frame including a first support member and a second support member affixed to the first support member, a hinge pivotally connecting the first support member to the elongate support bar, a seat mounted on the second support member, the seat support frame and the seat pivoting around the elongate support bar upon pivotal movement of the first support member, and a retaining arm affixed to and extending from the elongate support bar adjacent the first bracket, the retaining arm including a plurality of alignment apertures formed along a length thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: FRIEND SUCCESS INC.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Christie
  • Patent number: 11292367
    Abstract: A swivel plate assembly is provided that comprises a first swivel plate coupled to a second swivel plate. Each of the first and second swivel plates includes a first portion and a second portion. A channel is defined by the first swivel plate and the second swivel plate. A ball bearing assembly is positioned within the channel. A ball bearing of the ball bearing assembly is positioned substantially flush with the first and second swivel plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Macit Aktas, Cung K. Chieu
  • Patent number: 10471873
    Abstract: The rotation device includes means for locking the seat in extreme angular positions, comprising a movable abutment carried by the seat, and interacting with a complimentary fixed abutment when the seat is in one of its extreme angular positions. The movable abutment may be moved between a locked position in which it abuts the fixed abutment, and an unlocked position in which it is above the fixed abutment. The device has a means for unlocking the seat, wherein it comprises at least one pneumatic control member and pneumatic means for driving the movable abutment from its locked position to its unlocked position when the control member is actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: ALSTOM TRANSPORT TECHNOLOGIES
    Inventors: Christophe Pailler, Jean-Louis Lugol, Julien Febvre
  • Patent number: 9725016
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Yanmar Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jarrod Hyder, Kazuyuki Kotani
  • Patent number: 9584887
    Abstract: A speaker rigging system is provided with a frame, a cam pivotally connected to the frame about a pivot axis and a sector secured to the cam with a peripheral surface with a plurality of teeth formed therein. The speaker rigging system also includes a lever arm and a pawl. The lever arm is pivotally connected to the frame with a proximal end and an intermediate portion extending between the proximal end and the pivotal connection to be oriented proximate to the sector. The pawl extends from the intermediate portion of the lever arm and is spring-biased toward the sector for engaging one of the plurality of teeth to lock the cam to the frame in a locked condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Harman International Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jacques Spillmann, Lawrence Romestant
  • Patent number: 9004586
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat, a pedestal, a swivel mechanism connected to the pedestal for permitting the seat to rotate about a vertical axis and a latch located external to the swivel mechanism for preventing rotation of the seat. The seat assembly may further include a bracket for mounting the seat to the swivel mechanism in any one of a plurality of positions. Another vehicle seat assembly includes a track, a seat having a seating portion and a seat back, a base connected to the seat and engaging the track so as to permit longitudinal movement of the seat along the track and a locking mechanism for retaining the seat in a desired position along the track. The locking mechanism includes a vertically extending pin located beneath the center of the seating portion of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: E.V.S. Ltd.
    Inventors: James E. DeCraene, Jeffry H. Wells
  • Patent number: 8990975
    Abstract: A user assistance apparatus and system is disclosed. The apparatus and system may include a base and a platform rotatably positionable about the base. A lift assist chair may be disposed upon the platform, and handrails may be attached to the platform such that the handrails rotate with the platform. The handrails extend from the platform to define an entry, and the handrails are configured to assist a user as the user passes between the entry and the lift assist chair. Fixtures may be disposed in a generally curved arrangement to cooperate with the entry as the platform is rotatably positioned about the base. Related methods of use are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventors: Jerrell W. Harden, Russell J. Harden
  • Patent number: 8827345
    Abstract: An electro-mechanical seat swivel system may include a bottom plate mounted on a frame of a machine or vehicle, and top plate pivotally mounted on the bottom plate, and an operator seat mounted on the top plate. A pawl may be movably mounted on the bottom plate and engage latch catch brackets mounted to the top plate to lock the seat in predetermined operator seat positions. An electro-mechanical actuator may be mounted to the seat and operatively coupled to the pawl. Latch control switches disposed at operator controls may be operated to cause the electro-mechanical actuator to disengage from one of the latch catch bracket to allow the seat to be rotated to another of the predetermined operator seat positions where the pawl will engage the corresponding latch catch bracket to again lock the operator seat in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Brian VanMiddendorp, Matt Gielda, Jonathan C. Catton, Jason Dare, Lalit S. Deshpande
  • Publication number: 20140167472
    Abstract: The invention relates to a utility vehicle seat with a seat part, with a backrest part and with a seat substructure for arrangement on a bodywork part of a utility vehicle. The seat substructure including a rotation adjustment device having a roller body bearing unit for rotating at least the seat part about a vertical axis, a longitudinal adjustment device and a transverse adjustment device. The rotation adjustment apparatus is arranged between two longitudinal rail units or transverse rail units, in such a way that a vertical extension of the rotation adjustment apparatus amounts to a maximum of 150% or 100% of a vertical extension of the longitudinal rail units or the transverse rail units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: GRAMMER AG
    Inventor: Erwin HALLER
  • Publication number: 20140167471
    Abstract: The invention relates to a commercial vehicle seat with a seat portion, with a backrest portion and with a seat substructure for mounting on a body portion of a commercial vehicle, wherein said seat substructure has locking means for securing against an unintended rotary movement of a rotary adjustment means for rotating at least the seat portion relative to the body portion, wherein the locking means comprises a locking member that is supported so as to be translationally displaceable along a displacement axis, for fixing the rotary adjustment means, and wherein said locking member comprises a base body member secured against rotation about the displacement axis, the base body height of which base body member is at least two to four times, preferably more than six times smaller than the base body width thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: GRAMMER AG
    Inventor: Erwin HALLER
  • Publication number: 20140167469
    Abstract: The invention relates to a commercial vehicle seat having a seat substructure supporting part and a seat substructure base parteach attached underneath a seat part, the seat substructure supporting part being movable and/or height-adjustable relative to the seat substructure base part, where the seat substructure supporting part comprises an upper supporting part joined to the underside of the seat part and a lower supporting part joined to the base part, wherein at least one roller bearing with a roller bearing ring, which extends orbitally about a notional rotary axis running in the vertical direction of said vehicle seat, is arranged between the upper supporting part and the lower supporting part, in order to rotatably support said upper supporting part relative to said lower supporting part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: GRAMMER AG
    Inventor: Erwin HALLER
  • Patent number: 8740306
    Abstract: A chair structure comprises a seat frame having a first coupling element, a support base, and a pivot link assembly mounted on the support base. The pivot link assembly includes a pivot axle, and a second coupling element pivotally mounted around the pivot axle. The second coupling element includes a latch operable to lock the first coupling element with the second coupling element when the seat frame is assembled with the support base, and unlock the first coupling element from the second coupling element for allowing separation of the seat frame from the support base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Nuna International, B.V.
    Inventors: Peter R. Tuckey, Jonathan K. Mountz
  • Publication number: 20140054943
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat, a pedestal, a swivel mechanism connected to the pedestal for permitting the seat to rotate about a vertical axis and a latch located external to the swivel mechanism for preventing rotation of the seat. The seat assembly may further include a bracket for mounting the seat to the swivel mechanism in any one of a plurality of positions. Another vehicle seat assembly includes a track, a seat having a seating portion and a seat back, a base connected to the seat and engaging the track so as to permit longitudinal movement of the seat along the track and a locking mechanism for retaining the seat in a desired position along the track. The locking mechanism includes a vertically extending pin located beneath the center of the seating portion of the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: E.V.S. LTD.
    Inventors: James E. DeCraene, Jeffry H. Wells
  • Patent number: 8641144
    Abstract: A bi-plate ball bearing is configured for horizontally mounting between a base and a chair. The ball bearing has an upper plate and a lower plate defining a ball bearing race and a tension member holding the plates together disposed through a central rotational axis of the bi-plate ball bearing. The tension member may be configured as a threaded metal tube fixed to a first one of the upper plate and the lower plate and held to a second one of the upper plate and the lower plate by a nut. The threaded metal tube defines a passage through the central rotational axis of the bi-plate ball bearing through which power and control wiring may pass. The bearing may provide a cost-effective swivel bearing for chair that includes powered electronics, for which it is desired to pass wiring from the swiveling chair into a chair base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventors: Wendell R. Davis, Jr., Dale Robert Lundeen, Kay Daniel Vetter
  • Publication number: 20130334851
    Abstract: A kiosk may include a main body with a front surface and a seat assembly located near the main body adjacent to the front surface of the main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: Solohealth, Inc.
    Inventors: ERIC W. HOELL, STEVEN J. DUERO
  • Patent number: 8480173
    Abstract: An auxiliary moving device contains a first cushion and a second cushion mounted on the first cushion. A rotating mechanism is retained between the first and second cushions, with the first cushion used to hold the second cushion by using the rotating mechanism. The second cushion rotates relative to the first cushion by ways of the rotating mechanism. A positioning mechanism is connected with the first and the second cushions, and second cushion is fixed on the first cushion by using the positioning mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventor: Miao-Yuan Huang
  • Patent number: 8424966
    Abstract: Described herein are embodiments of seating with an eccentric swivel that pivots to change the orientation of that seat. The seating with an eccentric swivel includes an eccentric pivot and other support structures that stabilize the seat as it pivots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Lane Furniture Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Teddy J. May
  • Patent number: 8251456
    Abstract: A locking mechanism comprises an elongate body having first and second rails each having a first end and a second end and a void disposed therebetween. Lock slots are disposed in the first end of each rail and a pad is connected to each of the rails at the second ends to join the first and second rails. A mid bar is rotatably connected to the first and second rails and positioned within the void. An extension is disposed on a second end of the mid bar, wherein the extension provides a visual indication of both a locked state and an unlocked state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Kustom Seating Unlimited
    Inventors: Michael A. Nolan, William J. Luebke
  • Patent number: 8220871
    Abstract: Child safety seat to be placed in a vehicle, comprising at least one movable section. The movable section is provided for displacement in the first direction and prevented from displacement in the second direction, when a predetermined weight is exerted on the child safety seat, preferably on the movable section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: HTS Hans Torgersen & Sonn AS
    Inventor: Henk Vertegaal
  • Patent number: 8210613
    Abstract: A swiveling seat comprises a seat bottom, a swivel mechanism and a swivel resistance system. The swivel mechanism allows the seat bottom to rotate at least partially around a first axis of rotation. The swivel resistance system may include a first member that rotates with the swivel mechanism, a second member that is fixedly positioned relative to the swiveling of the swivel mechanism and an operator adjustable resistance control that is operated by the vehicle operator to bias the second member into the first member so as to vary the resistance required to swivel the operator's seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Crown Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Adelsperger, Christoph Babel, Michael Hoiss, James V. Kraimer
  • Patent number: 8042871
    Abstract: A chair mounting device for mounting a chair on a mounting frame of a motor-driven wheeled vehicle includes a seat post mounted on the mounting frame, a seat stem mounted on a seat of the chair, a locking member movable relative to the seat stem between a locking position to guard against swiveling movement of the stem relative to the seat post and an unlocking position to permit the swiveling movement, a lever mounted on and operable relative to an anchored mount located above the seat, a biasing member disposed to bias the locking member to the locking position, and a pulling cord coupled with the locking member and the lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Giant Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yu-Chan Lin
  • Publication number: 20110193390
    Abstract: A locating member for locating scooter seats is revealed. The locating member includes a seat and a support rod, pivoted to each other. A control rod disposed with a locking part and a returning member is pivoted to the seat. The other end of the returning member is fixed on the seat. The support rod is arranged with a locating disk. The locking part of the control rod is locked into a locating part of the locating disk so as to fix the seat at a proper position with the required angle. Thus users can ride scooters conveniently. Moreover, two ends of the control rod away from a pivot region are respectively disposed with a first grip and a second grip and users can choose freely one grip to pull the control rod. Thus the elderly, the disabled and even the handicapped can operate and rotate the seat conveniently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: SUNPEX TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: CHEN-CHI HSIAO
  • Patent number: 7984946
    Abstract: Child and infant safety seats for automotive vehicles, comprises in one embodiment, a safety seat apparatus including a base unit that may be secured to a vehicle seat, a coupling unit extendably and retractably coupled to the base unit, and a safety seat pivotally and removably coupled to the coupling unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Inventor: Chirine M Zahar
  • Patent number: 7950492
    Abstract: An operator's station for a machine having at least two stations comprises a seat mounted to swivel between at least a first position and a second position, at least first and second windshield portions disposed generally opposed or at an angle to one another and generally corresponding to the first and second positions, and at least first and second windshield wipers movably mounted to selectively sweep the first and second windshield portions, respectively. At least one control device selectively renders the first windshield wiper selectively operable when the seat is disposed in the first position and inoperable when the seat is disposed in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Forest Products Inc.
    Inventor: Chad K. Jorgensen
  • 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: 20110018324
    Abstract: A mechanism for rotating a vehicle seat body and a mechanism for restraining rotation of the seat body are partially shared, reducing the number of parts. The seat includes a seat body, a seat rotation mechanism, a gear forming member having a rotation gear, a drive gear meshable with the rotation gear, and an actuator for rotating the drive gear. The seat further includes a moving mechanism that relatively moves the drive gear and the gear forming member in a direction of a rotation restraint position such that the drive gear is placed in such a position so as to interfere with the gear forming member when the seat body rotates to a first position and when the seat body is urged to rotate in a direction of a second position while the drive gear is in such a position so as to not mesh with the rotation gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: TOYOTA SHATAI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kenji Horiguchi, Hideki Kinoshita, Yasuo Suga, Nobuyuki Bandou, Kazuhiro Hibi
  • Publication number: 20110012411
    Abstract: A rotary mechanism includes an upper seat pan, a lower seat pan and an arc slideway mechanism. The upper and lower seat pans are connected at their sides and can rotate relative to each other. A middle inner slide rail of the arc slideway mechanism, which has a long through-hole in its center and is fixed to the lower seat pan, is positioned between an upper supporting plate and a lower supporting plate, both of which have a long aperture in their respective centers. Fixed parts run through the long through-hole and the long apertures, and fix an upper outer slide rail and a lower outer slide rail. A locking mechanism having portions fixed to the upper seat pan and the lower seat pan, respectively, is arranged to cooperate with the arc slideway mechanism to limit relative rotation of the upper and lower seat pans.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jia Ma, Wei Le, Zhi Han, Yi Sun
  • Publication number: 20100253123
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat, a pedestal, a swivel mechanism connected to the pedestal for permitting the seat to rotate about a vertical axis and a latch located external to the swivel mechanism for preventing rotation of the seat. The seat assembly may further include a bracket for mounting the seat to the swivel mechanism in any one of a plurality of positions. Another vehicle seat assembly includes a track, a seat having a seating portion and a seat back, a base connected to the seat and engaging the track so as to permit longitudinal movement of the seat along the track and a locking mechanism for retaining the seat in a desired position along the track. The locking mechanism includes a vertically extending pin located beneath the center of the seating portion of the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: E.V.S. LTD.
    Inventors: James E. DeCraene, Jeffry H. Wells
  • Patent number: 7753428
    Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle seat device operating as follows. A retracting instruction is given by a seat switch to start operation of a seat back actuator. Lock of the seat back and a seat cushion is released to rotate the seat back to the position where it is overlapped with the seat cushion. A floor actuator is driven to release engagement between the floor panel and the floor lock. A lift up motor is operated to lift up the vehicle seat device toward the vehicle body. After this, a dragger lock motor is operated to lock a striker on the seat back rear surface and the dragger unit, thereby completing the retraction operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Shatai Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideyuki Kato, Takahiro Sugama, Masami Natsume, Takahiro Kan, Mikihito Muramatsu
  • Patent number: 7753444
    Abstract: A child seat attached to a vehicle seat comprises a base platform which is attached on the vehicle seat and comprises a guide groove; and a child seat body which comprises a bottom face and a guided member which is fixed on the bottom face. The guided member being slidably engaged with the guide groove. The guide groove comprises a curved portion. The child seat can turn to a substantially lateral direction to a moving direction of a vehicle by the guided member being guided along the curved portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Michael Vallentin
  • Publication number: 20100102611
    Abstract: A seat swivel for providing angular adjustment of a seat to an infinite number of rotational positions with respect to a seat base. The seat swivel includes a swivel assembly having a swivel plate rotatably supported between a pair of fixed plates, the swivel plate being adapted to be affixed to the seat and the fixed plates being adapted to be affixed to a seat base. The seat swivel further includes a brake assembly having a mechanism for releasably retaining the seat in any one of the infinite number of positions when the seat is subjected to a first dynamic impact loading, the mechanism being either mechanically or electrically actuated, the mechanism being adapted to withstand a dynamic impact loading of up to about 16 g in at least one rotational position of the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Catalin Bunea, Daniel I. Udriste
  • Patent number: 7694930
    Abstract: Apparatus for operation of a vehicle seat swivel or rotation mechanism are disclosed. A disclosed apparatus includes a cable assembly having a first end and a second end. The first end of the cable assembly is configured to be operatively coupled to a rotation mechanism of a vehicle seat. A release member is operatively coupled to the second end of the cable assembly so that the rotation mechanism is urged toward a locked condition in the absence of a force being applied to the release member by a person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Allen Ritter, Bobby Leo Woodward
  • Patent number: 7673942
    Abstract: A high chair incorporates a swivel feature and a height adjustment feature that permits the seat member to be positioned to the convenience of the caregiver. The high chair includes an H-shaped base member having a vertical pedestal member that houses a gas cylinder that provides height adjustment for the seat member and that supports the seat member for rotational movement relative to the pedestal. The H-shaped base allows the high chair to be positioned close to the caregiver. A swivel lock includes an actuation lever that has handles positioned on opposing sides of the seat member for actuation from either side of the high chair. The pivoted actuation lever also includes a spring-loaded stop member that is engagable with a toothed gear plate affixed to the pedestal to secure the rotated position of the seat member by positioning the stop member between teeth on the gear plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Wonderland Nurserygoods Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Peter R. Tuckey, Adam D. Bearup, Joseph F. Fiore, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7648186
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for a rotation seat includes a plate member fixed to an underside of the rotation seat, a stopper member attached to the plate member, a base member fixed to a base, a rotary shaft which supports the plate member rotatably with respect to the base member, a locking recess formed in an intermediate portion of the guide slot, and a resilient member provided in the plate member for urging the stopper member in a direction in which the stopper member is locked to the locking recess. The base member is formed with a guide slot. The locking recess is formed continuously from the guide slot so that the width thereof becomes narrower with distance from the guide slot. When the stopper member moves in a guide direction along the guide slot and gets into the locking recess, the stopper member is urged in the direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki
    Inventors: Yosuke Ukai, Kazushi Kamiya
  • Publication number: 20090230638
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a chair configured for transporting a subject (e.g., up or down an elevated surface (e.g., a stairway, a curb, a ramp, etc.)) and methods of using the same. In particular, the present invention provides a chair comprising a rail assembly, a pair of back legs and a pair of front legs, wherein the rail assembly is fastened to the back legs and wherein the back legs and front legs are interconnected via a pair of side rails and a seat assembly, wherein the seat assembly comprises a seat frame and a swivel seat assembly, and methods of using the same (e.g., to load and/or unload a subject onto the chair and/or to transport a subject).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: MONSTER MEDIC, INC.
    Inventors: Jaime C. Reed, Jeffrey J. Krieger, Richard T. Seizer, Dale F. Baumer
  • Publication number: 20090224586
    Abstract: A spring force of a thrust spring can be determined independently of a spring force of a locking spring, reducing an operating load of an unlocking operation. A locking device includes a locking mechanism provided on one of two members to be engaged with each other, and a striker provided on the other of the two members. The locking mechanism includes a base plate, a hook, a pawl, a cam, a locking spring, a thrust spring and a canceling plate. The base plate has a recess that is capable of receiving the striker. The hook, when rotated relative to the base plate, is capable of forming a locked condition in which the striker is held between the hook and the recess of the base plate or an unlocked condition in which the hook is spaced away from the striker. The pawl is capable of rotating relative to the base plate and maintaining the hook in the locked condition. The cam is capable of further pressing the hook in the locked condition toward a locking direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Taiyou Otsuka, Makoto Asano
  • Patent number: 7575276
    Abstract: A pivotal vehicle child seat and associated method includes a base member with a top surface and vertically upstanding walls formed therewith. The top surface is countersunk below a top edge of the walls, such that a recessed cavity is formed therein, and a seat member is vertically stacked on top of the base member and has a bottom ridge within the recessed cavity. A mechanism lifts and swivels the seat member above the base member and about a vertically registered fulcrum axis centrally defined within the recessed cavity. The mechanism is maintained at a locked position so the user is required to actively maintain an actuating force traversing the fulcrum axis so that the bottom ridge remains elevated above the recessed cavity during swiveling procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Inventor: Collin Henry
  • Patent number: 7559606
    Abstract: A modular child restraint system for use in vehicles comprises a base and interchangeable attachable seats where the seats are for different stages of childhood development. The system can further comprise additional bases adapted to other uses such as strollers and infant swings. A common engagement mechanism allows the various seats to be moved from one base to another. One such system comprises a base and a seat configured to rotate relative to one another when engaged. The seat can also lock in a position relative to the base. The base includes a visual indicator to show that the seat is secured to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Orbit Baby, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph S. Hei, Bryan T. White
  • Patent number: 7533930
    Abstract: Aircraft seats are provided which may be convertible between a seating condition and a bedding condition. According to exemplary embodiments, aircraft seats comprise a seat bottom, a seat back, and a pair of arm rests positioned laterally with respect to the seat bottom, the seat back being mounted to the seat bottom for pivotal movements between an upright position (wherein the seat back extends vertically upwardly relative to the seat bottom) and a reclined position (wherein the seat back extends substantially horizontally relative to the seat bottom), and each of arm rests being coupled to the seat back and the seat bottom so as to be moveable between raised and lowered positions in response to the seat back being pivoted from the upright position to the reclined position, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Embraer - Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A.
    Inventors: Armand Fissette, Magnus Aspergren
  • Patent number: 7520567
    Abstract: A vehicle seat arrangement is provided for a working vehicle comprising an operator's seat having an adjustable feature. A first control element is arranged such that a first work operative position is defined. A seat adjusting element is further provided for enabling the operator to set the adjustable feature of the operator's seat. The seat adjusting element is positioned relative to the first control element such that the operator may selectively control the adjustable feature of the seat without significantly interrupting the first work operative position or without significantly interrupting a transition from a first task to a second task and/or from a first work operative position to a second work operative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Crown Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Steven C. Billger, Michael P. Gallagher, Kevin A. Gilliland, Eric J. Hanson, Leroy M. Kluver, Jay G. Pollack, Steven R. Pulskamp, Adam M. Ruppert, Gary L. Topp
  • Publication number: 20090039692
    Abstract: A high chair incorporates a swivel feature and a height adjustment feature that permits the seat member to be positioned to the convenience of the caregiver. The high chair includes an H-shaped base member having a vertical pedestal member that houses a gas cylinder that provides height adjustment for the seat member and that supports the seat member for rotational movement relative to the pedestal. The H-shaped base allows the high chair to be positioned close to the caregiver. A swivel lock includes an actuation lever that has handles positioned on opposing sides of the seat member for actuation from either side of the high chair. The pivoted actuation lever also includes a spring-loaded stop member that is engagable with a toothed gear plate affixed to the pedestal to secure the rotated position of the seat member by positioning the stop member between teeth on the gear plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventors: Peter R. Tuckey, Adam D. Bearup, Joseph F. Fiore, JR.
  • Publication number: 20090039691
    Abstract: A rotatable seat mount apparatus is disclosed. A disclosed apparatus includes a seat mount having a locking arm pivotally mounted within the seat mount. A lever is rotatably coupled to the locking arm so that rotation of the lever causes the locking arm to pivot from a first position in which the seat mount is prevented from rotating and to a second position in which the seat mount is enabled to rotate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventor: Kevin Downey