Including Antifriction Feature (e.g., Ball Bearings, Etc.) Patents (Class 297/344.26)
  • Patent number: 12168404
    Abstract: A seat rotating device includes a base plate, a rotating plate, a coupling unit, and a drive unit. The coupling unit includes a link, a guide having a linearly extending shape, and a moving body that is movable along the guide and supports the rotating plate. The drive unit can move the moving body along the guide. The link includes a fixing end and a rotating end. The guide has a shape extending linearly along a diameter of a virtual circle, the virtual circle having length twice the distance between the fixing end and the rotating end as its radius, and having the fixing end as its center. The moving body moves the rotating plate along the guide while relatively rotating the rotating plate with respect to the moving body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2024
    Assignee: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Sadao Ito, Naoya Okamoto, Ryosuke Shioya
  • Patent number: 12024070
    Abstract: A seat device that can reliably prevent a rotation operation of a seat by a seated person, in a long state where the back of the seat is along a wall. A rotation lock mechanism (60) that can restrain the rotation of a seat (1), a rotation operation unit (200) that performs a release operation of restraint by the rotation lock mechanism (60), and a rotation operation prevention mechanism (210) that disables the release operation in the rotation operation unit (200), when the seat (1) is in the long state are included. The rotation operation prevention mechanism (210) includes an engaging unit (211) provided in the leg stand (11), and an engaged unit (207) that is provided in the rotation operation unit (200) in the movable stand (20), and disables the release operation in the rotation operation unit (200) by being engaged with the engaging unit (211) when the seat (1) is in the long state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2024
    Assignee: KOITO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Masanobu Nakane, Shunya Ebina, Yutaka Nagao
  • Patent number: 11833936
    Abstract: A set of seats for an automotive vehicle, where the set of seats comprises a first seat and a second seat, where the first seat is provided with a first seatback and a first seat bottom, where the second seat is provided with a second seatback and a second seat bottom, the set of seats is configured in order to have: a road configuration in which the first seat bottom extends substantially horizontally and the first seatback extends substantially vertically; and a relaxed configuration in which the second seat is in a table position in which the second seatback extends substantially horizontally and the second seat bottom extends substantially vertically, where the second seatback and the second seat bottom delimit a knee space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: FAURECIA Sièges d'Automobile
    Inventor: Pierre-Henri Petiphar
  • Patent number: 11338707
    Abstract: A vehicle seat having a pivoting function about a vertical axis, the seat comprising a pivoting assembly) with a base, a rotating ring mounted on the base by means of a hinge mechanism interposed between the base and the rotating ring, a seating portion frame connected to the rotating ring, directly or via a raising mechanism and/or longitudinal rails, the hinge mechanism allowing rotation, about a vertical main axis, of the rotating ring relative to the base and blocking any substantial movement in the other degrees of freedom, namely the other two rotations and the three translations in an orthogonal reference system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: FAURECIA Sièges d'Automobile
    Inventors: Gérald Garotte, Bertrand Touzet
  • Patent number: 10966531
    Abstract: An ergonomic chair, includes: a support structure, a seat assembly, and a backrest. The seat assembly includes a seat and a seat mount arranged on the support structure. The backrest is rotatably connected to the support structure through a backrest support, and the backrest is configured to be rotatable and fixed relative to the seat assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Inventor: David James France
  • Patent number: 10926669
    Abstract: A swivel assembly for a vehicle seating assembly is provided that includes first and second frames spaced apart by one or more supports. One of the first and second frames is operably coupled with a seat base. A fixed plate is positioned between the first and second frames. The fixed plate is coupled with one of the first and second frames. A retaining bracket has first and second edges. The first edge is operably coupled with the fixed plate. A rotating plate is positioned between the fixed plate and the retaining bracket. The rotating plate is rotatable relative to the fixed plate. A first bearing member is positioned between the rotating plate and the retaining bracket. A second bearing member is positioned between the rotating plate and the fixed plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Macit Aktas
  • Patent number: 10857914
    Abstract: A locking device includes a locking pin mounting box, a locking pin, a locking spring, a handle and an unlocking tension spring. Respective ends of the locking pin pass through corresponding locking pin guide holes in lateral sides of the locking pin mounting box. A spring bearing boss is provided in a middle position of each locking pin. The locking spring surrounds the corresponding locking pin with one locking spring end in contact with one lateral side and another end in contact with the spring bearing boss. One end of the handle is hinged to a top side of the locking pin mounting box. The unlocking tension spring has one end connected to the handle and another end connected to an end of the locking pin that has passed through the first lateral side. In the locking device, the locking pin is inserted into a locking hole to achieve locking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Adient Engineering and IP GmbH
    Inventors: Qingwei Q. Feng, Dahai Qian, Shuai Xu, Feixiang Zhu, Xun Tan
  • Patent number: 10611485
    Abstract: The present invention includes a movable seat assembly for a vehicle, comprising: first and second predetermined paths located on the floor of the vehicle, each path having an operational location at a first end and an ingress/egress location at a second end, the paths having a substantially straight portion and a curved portion; a seat slidably connected to the paths and capable of translation between the first and the second position; two or more openings on the floor of the vehicle on or about the first and second predetermined paths that provide a locking position for the seat, wherein the two or more opening are connected via a conduit below the surface of the floor; and at least one locking pin/plunger connected to the seat and capable of engaging the two or more openings to lock the seat in place along the first and second predetermined paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON, INC.
    Inventors: Joshua Andrew Emrich, Guillaume Noiseux Boucher
  • Patent number: 10500988
    Abstract: A rotation assembly for a vehicle includes a ring gear coupled to a frame of the vehicle and having serrations integrally formed therein and an inner ring that rotatably engages with the ring gear. The inner ring may directly mounted to an underside of guide tracks on a seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mohammad Omar Faruque, S.M. Iskander Farooq, Dean Jaradi
  • Patent number: 9493242
    Abstract: An aircraft passenger seat swivel assembly for an aircraft seating unit that includes a pair of transversely spaced-apart base rails, each including fore and aft fittings for connecting the base rails to an aircraft deck. The base rails define a transversely-extending horizontal plane extending between the pair of base rails. A swivel assembly is mounted between the pair of base rails in the laterally-extending horizontal plane. The swivel assembly provides a low profile seat with a spar that forms a part of the swivel assembly and transfers loads from the seat efficiently to the aircraft deck. A slide assembly enables the seat occupant to slide the seat fore-and-aft and side-to-side independent of the rotation of the seat on the swivel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael L. Oleson
  • Patent number: 8979184
    Abstract: A camp chair that levels to accommodate uneven ground and swivels. In the various embodiments, the camp chair includes a swivel assembly between the seat and the legs. The camp chair collapses into a compact portable configuration for transportation and expands into an operable seating configuration. The length of each leg is individually adjustable to allow leveling of the camp chair for use on an uneven or inclined surface. The camp chair optionally includes attachment points for connecting accessories. The swivel assembly allows the seat and any attachments to rotate freely about the vertical axis of the camp chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Inventors: Todd W. Stafford, Michael Allison
  • Publication number: 20140217796
    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 includes a rotation adjustment device for rotating at least the seat part with respect to the bodywork part with a ball bearing unit, and with a rotating shell part which is rotatable with respect to a stationary shell part. The utility vehicle seat further includes a rotation adjustment device overload protection unit with support elements by means of which the rotating shell part and the stationary shell part are additionally capable of being supported with respect to each other when the carrying capacity of one of the circular ball tracks reaches or exceeds a critical deformation value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: GRAMMER AG
    Inventor: Erwin HALLER
  • 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: 8205945
    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: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Jia Ma, Wei Le, Zhi Han, Yi Sun
  • Patent number: 8167374
    Abstract: A swivel chair including a swivel-mounting assembly having a lower plate, and an upper plate, and bearings for rotatably mounting the upper plate to the lower plate. The lower plate and the upper plate defining an annular gap therebetween cooperating with the interior of the swivel-mounting assembly. The improvement includes an annular gasket having a first portion that receives the bearings is positioned in-between the plates. The annular gasket further having a second portion depending from the first. The second portion includes upper and lower sections extending from the first portion and have an inside facing section being in partial surface-to-surface contact with the lower and upper plates. Thus, the annular gasket prevents foreign particles from entering into the interior of the swivel-mounting assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Suntracker Products, LLC
    Inventor: Robert B. Findlay
  • Patent number: 8079641
    Abstract: The invention discloses an adjusting apparatus for adjusting vehicle seat. The adjusting apparatus of the invention includes a first guiding rail, a base and a supporting member. The first guiding rail is mounted on a floor of a vehicle. The base further includes a first sliding portion, slidably disposed in the first guiding rail; a receiving base disposed on the first sliding portion; and a rotation-guiding groove. The supporting member further includes an axle rotatably mounted in the receiving base; and a guiding wheel movably disposed in the rotation-guiding groove. When the first sliding portion slides in the first guiding rail, the base and the supporting member slide opposite to the first guiding rail. Additionally, when the axle rotates in the receiving base, the guiding wheel moves along the rotation-guiding groove, so that the supporting member rotates opposite to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Red Heart Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ching-Yung Lung, Hsiu-Chu Shen
  • Publication number: 20110163586
    Abstract: A swivel chair including a swivel-mounting assembly having a lower plate, and an upper plate, and bearings for rotatably mounting the upper plate to the lower plate. The lower plate and the upper plate defining an annular gap therebetween cooperating with the interior of the swivel-mounting assembly. The improvement includes an annular gasket having a first portion that receives the bearings is positioned in-between the plates. The annular gasket further having a second portion depending from the first. The second portion includes upper and lower sections extending from the first portion and have an inside facing section being in partial surface-to-surface contact with the lower and upper plates. Thus, the annular gasket prevents foreign particles from entering into the interior of the swivel-mounting assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventor: Robert B. Findlay
  • Patent number: 7967383
    Abstract: A furniture member swivel base includes a hollow first ring having L-shaped walls, including an outer wall vertically oriented and a ball contact wall horizontally oriented in an operating position. A hollow second ring includes ball bearing cavities proximate a second ring outer perimeter. The second ring is positioned below the first ring in the operating position. A ball bearing is rotatably received in each of the ball bearing support cavities and extends partially above the second ring to rotatably support the ball contact wall and permit the first ring to rotate with respect to the second ring. The first ring is fixed to the furniture member so the furniture member is supported on the first ring. The furniture member and the first ring are rotatable about an axis oriented transverse to the second ring with the second ring non-rotatably in contact with a floor surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
    Inventor: Larry P. LaPointe
  • Patent number: 7891629
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a rotatable support for a beach chair that has a low profile, can be lightweight, is durable and may include a bearing that is resistant to sand. The support is easy to use, store and transport. It may be easily attached and removed from a beach chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Labrador Development LLC
    Inventor: Brent Moyers
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7828383
    Abstract: A rotating seating assembly for use in marine vessels. The seat assembly includes a car and track assembly with moveable sections. The sections can move about curvilinear paths which are defined by the curved track segments. A unique bearing/track linkage mechanism, interlocking the component parts, is incorporated into the novel design. In one configuration, the seating sections rotate about a circle track, a full 360 degrees. Bearing assemblies and rolling mechanisms provide smooth, quiet and efficient operation of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Justin James Urbanek, John W. Hamilton, Michael Dru Merry
  • Publication number: 20100264711
    Abstract: A swivel and reclining chair has a base support, a base bowl mounted on the base support, and a seating bowl slidably disposed in and over the base bowl. A plurality of friction reduction features are disposed on the inside surface of the base bowl. The outer surface of the seating bowl is spherical in shape and rests on the friction reduction features. The seating bowl is larger in area than the base bowl, and can freely slide in two dimensions as well as rotate in a spherical surface. Optionally, a guard ring is disposed outside of the base bowl and is attached to the base bowl at their rims.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventor: Joseph Nazari
  • 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: 7717514
    Abstract: A chair designed for outdoor use, in particular various hunting applications. The chair is independently adjustable in the seat platform, the legs and the seatback to meet the different requirements for hunting various types of game, such as reclining for fowl flying above, or upright for land animals. It is also mounted on a swivel for quickly pivoting to follow the movement of game. The invention can be used in conjunction with blinds, or can include a pop up tarp for partially concealing the hunter. The seat is not just useful for hunters, but other outdoor enthusiast that want to view wildlife easily and in comfort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Inventor: Dean Redmann
  • Publication number: 20090174246
    Abstract: A seat assembly for a vehicle includes a seat bottom and a mounting assembly having a first portion that attaches the seat bottom to the vehicle and a second portion. The second portion permits rotation of the seat bottom relative to the first portion and the vehicle and permits translation of the seat bottom relative to the first portion and the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventors: Ronald J. Kaip, David A. Bargiel, Steven R. Swailes
  • Publication number: 20090140564
    Abstract: A swivel chair includes a seat unit and a base unit. The seat unit includes a downwardly extending post. The base unit includes: a base member; a sleeve member that extends upwardly from the base member, that surrounds the post of the seat unit, and that has a top end portion; a bearing that is disposed fixedly in the sleeve member and that is sleeved on the post so as to couple rotatably the post to the sleeve member; a first positioning ring that is fixed in the top end portion of the sleeve member, that surrounds the post, and that forms an annular clearance with the post; and a second positioning ring that is sleeved fixedly on the post, that extends into the first positioning ring, and that is rotatable relative to the first positioning ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventor: Chuen-Jong TSENG
  • Patent number: 7540567
    Abstract: A lounge chair rotatable 360 degrees and collapsible into flat position comprising a round rotatable base member having a bottom portion receiving ball bearings therein and a cover portion one of disposed over and within the bottom member and further disposed over such ball bearings. The cover rotates 360 degrees with respect to the bottom portion. A plurality of leg members are removably attachable to upper surface of the cover and extend upwardly and inwardly therefrom. A seat member is removably attachable to the plurality of leg members. A pair of arm rests are engaged on a bottom surface thereof with a removable attachment mechanism which further engages one of the upper surface of the cover and a bottom surface of the seat for removably attaching arm rests to the lounge chair. A back support member engages a removable attachment mechanism which in turn engages one of the seat and a pair of the leg members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Inventor: Carlo Gambino
  • Patent number: 7328952
    Abstract: A detachable swivel apparatus for a beach chair including a load-distributing platform for positioning upon the ground and saddle pivotally secured atop the platform. The saddle has a rectangular plate with a keyhole at each of its corners. A number of mounting clips are releasably secured to the saddle for grasping the legs of a beach chair. One of the clips is associated with each keyhole. Each of the clips has a pair of arcuate jaws for receiving and grasping therebetween one leg of a beach chair. A shaft is affixed to, and extends downwardly from, the jaws. A key bit is affixed to, and extends outwardly from, the bottom of the shaft. In use, the shaft and key bit of each of the clips can, in one angular orientation, be slid through a keyhole and, upon rotation to another angular orientation, be prevented from withdrawal through the keyhole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Inventor: Derrek Guerrini
  • Patent number: 7325875
    Abstract: A beach chair including a seat having rigid, yet collapsible, frame. The frame carries a flexible platform for supporting the buttocks of a person seated upon the seat and a flexible backrest with shoulder straps secured thereto for supporting the back of a person seated upon the seat and permitting the chair to be easily transported when not employed for seating purposes. The frame has a U-shaped forward support member with a pair of forward legs being connected together by a forward crosspiece for maintaining the front of the platform at a fixed height above the ground. The frame also has a U-shaped rearward support member with a pair of rearward legs being connected together by a rearward crosspiece for maintaining the rear of the platform at a fixed height above the ground. A swivel apparatus is attached to the seat and is provided with a load-distributing platform for positioning upon the ground. A saddle is pivotally secured atop the platform for supporting the seat above the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Inventor: Derrek Guerrini
  • Patent number: 7159940
    Abstract: A swivel seat device is disclosed for bringing an individual adjacent to a table without moving or lifting the chair the individual is seated upon includes an upper supporting member eccentrically pivotally interconnected to a lower supporting member whereupon the individual sits on the upper supporting member that is eccentrically rotated so that the individual is brought adjacent and forward to the table without ever moving the chair. The lower supporting member is secured to the seat rest of the chair by flexible straps that wrap around both the chair seat rest and the lower supporting member for attachment beneath the chair seat rest. The upper supporting member can also include a semi-circular backrest upwardly extending from the periphery of the upper supporting member to provide further support for the individual seated thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Inventor: Jerry Mac Atkins
  • Patent number: 7140685
    Abstract: A swivel chair joint utilizing a tapered roller bearing assembly to substantially transform the seating load to the tapered roller bearings and thereby reducing frictional resistance to swiveling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Gardner
  • Patent number: 7121608
    Abstract: An operator's seat for a vehicle includes a base structure that allows the operator's seat to be rotated with respect to a platform floor of an operator's compartment within the vehicle. The operator's seat may further include a swivel structure that allows an operator support to swivel independently of the rotation of the base structure. At least one presence sensing device may be provided to detect the presence of an operator. The presence sensing device(s), and rotational position of the operator support may provide input signals to a control module that controls the vehicle travel, load handling features, and/or other features of the vehicle that may be selectively enabled, limited or otherwise controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Crown Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Steven C. Billger, Michael P. Gallagher, Kevin A. Gilliland, Eric J. Kaiser, Leroy M. Kluver, Jay L. Kuck, Steven R. Pulskamp, Craig J. Rekow, Adam M. Ruppert, Gary L. Topp, George R. Wetterer
  • Patent number: 6997512
    Abstract: A 360 degree swivel cushion for bathroom encompassing a rotating device having a base plate, a ball bearing plate and a rotating plate disposedly configured between a lower fixed pad and an upper rotating pad. A plurality of stainless steel ball bearings atop the ball bearing plate are used to rotate within a large circular track and a small circular track of the rotating plate. Upon a mobility handicapped person sitting atop the cushion, the body can be rotated by merely swaying the body left and right, which thereby conveniences a family member or a house keeper to assist bathing and cleaning the body of the mobility handicapped person. Waterproof antiskid pads covering the rotating pad and the fixed pad not only provide for comfortable sitting and prevent slipping; moreover, both upper and lower surfaces are available for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Inventor: Ming-Ming Yu
  • Patent number: 6916065
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotating patient chair mounted with an integrated ear diagnosis and treatment unit that controls the position of a microscope 48 and a monitor 50 rotating around the rotating patient chair 30 at a predetermined angle or 180 degrees, the unit including: suctioners 44, 52, a treatment board 46, a blood pressure tester 54 and a manipulating switch box 40 for controlling the diagnosis and treatment tools, and the monitor 50 and the microscope 48 positioned in correspondence with the patient's ears anatomically positioned at 180 degrees to enable the patient to observe all of the treatment processes to the ear parts including the thin, dark auditory canals and eardrums on the monitor 50 installed at an opposite side and to enable the practitioner to explain all of the treatment processes shown on the monitor to the patient and his guardians, thereby improving reliability on the practitioner and the treatment processes and maximizing the treatment effects, and performing diagnosis
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Inventor: Ja-Ryoung Park
  • Patent number: 6896330
    Abstract: A 360 degree swivel cushion includes a swivel ball seat configured between a swivel plate and a base plate. The steel balls are positioned within the swivel ball seat so that the cushion can slide on circular tracks configured on a base of the swivel plate. A cover is disposed on the swivel plate, and the cushion can rotate 360 degrees on top of the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Inventor: Ming-Ming Yu
  • Patent number: 6722737
    Abstract: A structure of revolving seat including a revolving frame and a pedestal fixed at the side of a floor of vehicle. An anchor unit is provided between the revolving frame and pedestal to prevent breakage of the revolving seat and its associated revolving mechanism. The anchor unit comprises a first anchor element of generally “J” shape including a hole and a projection and a second anchor element of generally “inverted J” shape including a hole and an a projection. When a great load is applied to the revolving seat, the projection of first anchor element is quickly brought to engagement in the hole of second anchor element, while simultaneously, the projection of second element is brought to engagement in the hole of first anchor element. Thus, the great load is immediately transmitted and escaped through the mutually engaged first and second anchor elements to the floor of vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Tachi-S Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigeru Kanai
  • Patent number: 6666514
    Abstract: A structure of revolving seat including a revolving frame member and a pedestal fixed at the side of a floor of vehicle. A latch unit is provided between the revolving frame member and pedestal to prevent breakage of the revolving seat and its associated revolving mechanism. The latch unit comprises: a first latch element including a protrudent portion and an engagement hole; and a second latch element including a latch pawl portion. The latch pawl portion of the second latch element is latchingly engaged in the engagement hole of the first latch element, thereby reinforcing the revolving frame member and allowing a great load applied to the revolving seat to be transmitted and escaped through the latch unit to the floor of vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Tachi-S Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Masami Muraishi, Shigeru Kanai
  • Patent number: 6619742
    Abstract: A pivot assembly for a swiveling chair is provided. The pivot assembly includes an elongated rod received in a tubular element, the elongated rod being capable to pivot by the intermediary of bearing assemblies such as to allow the chair to swivel. Each bearing assembly includes two segments mechanically engaged with one another. Each bearing assembly is responsive to pressure tending to urge the segments toward one another such as to close itself on the elongated rod and thus reduce or eliminate any clearance that may develop between the elongated rod and the bearing assembly. This arrangement is useful because it eliminates or at least it reduces free play that may develop in the components of the pivot assembly over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Dutailier International Inc.
    Inventor: Pierre Bellefleur
  • Publication number: 20030164637
    Abstract: A swiveling chair is described. The swiveling chair has a back portion, a seat portion attached to the back portion, a swiveling component attached to the seat portion, a leg support attachment attached to the swiveling component, wherein the leg support attachment has at least three leg openings, and at least three chair legs attached to the leg support attachment, wherein the at least three legs attach to the leg support attachment at the at least three leg openings and wherein the at least three legs attach at an angle from a perpendicular line to the leg support attachment to a center line in each of the at least three legs and wherein the angle is between 35 and 55 degrees.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2003
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Inventor: Hui Chu Ko
  • Patent number: 6575532
    Abstract: A swivelable beach chair having excellent corrosion resistance, where the chair has a PVC tubing frame, which supports a flexible fabric covering that forms the seat and the back; has a PVC tubing underpinning that supports the seat; has a planar bearing that has a pair of self aligning plastic disks; and has a base, which is a PVC tubing ring assembly having spoke like components that radiate from the bottom disk of the planar bearing. The beach chair also, optionally, has arm rests with a recline feature for adjusting the angle of the back. The hinge connecting the back to the seat is also comprised of PVC tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventor: Richard A. Almerico
  • Patent number: 6575420
    Abstract: An engaging and sliding portion (21) having a substantially inverted-U cross sectional shape is formed in a lower base (11). An upper base (13) is arranged via an engaging and sliding portion (21) of the lower base (11) and a first rolling member (23). A sliding portion (25) having a substantially U cross sectional shape and engaging with the engaging and sliding portion (21) is formed in a holding member (15). A second rolling member (27) is provided between the sliding portion (25) of the holder (15) and the engaging and sliding portion (21) of the lower base (11). A recess (13a) is formed at a position of an adhered portion of the holder (15) in the upper base (13). A position of an adhered portion in a seat main body is formed in a substantially linear shape. A mounting portion (15a) having a substantially inverted-U cross sectional shape is formed in the holder (15). A rotating lever (45) having a lock hook (45a) inserted to a lock hole (62) of the lower base (11) is pivoted to the upper base (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Automotive Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Tomonori Yoshida, Moriyuki Eguchi
  • Patent number: 6447065
    Abstract: A swivel assembly for use in a seat suspension having a first swivel plate and an opposingly located second swivel plate with a plurality of ball bearings disposed between the swivel plates. The bearings permit the first swivel plate to rotate with respect to the second swivel plate. A lip is located inwardly from the bearings on the first swivel plate with the lip defining an aperture. An adjustment plate having an outer edge engages the lip. The adjustment plate also includes a plurality of sloped adjustment surfaces which increase in height and which have slots formed in the sloped adjustment surfaces. A plurality of fasteners extend through the slots into the second swivel plate and further engage the sloped adjustment surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Sears Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Dale R. Ropp
  • Patent number: 6446758
    Abstract: In a front end forklift truck having an undercarriage with a load lifting unit disposed at its front end and a rear box structure with drive components disposed at its rear end, an operator seat unit is mounted on a pivot column disposed in front of the rear box structure and includes an operator seat projecting rearwardly from the column over the box structure. A footrest and pedal structure extend forwardly from the bottom area of the column for pivotal movement therewith. Steering and control members for steering the forklift truck and for controlling the load lifting unit are mounted to the pivotable operator seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Inventor: Werner Schatz
  • Patent number: 6315360
    Abstract: A swivel apparatus is provided for a folding, beach chair. The apparatus includes a load-distributing platform configured like an inverted bowl with a bottom surface for stable engagement with sand and other unconsolidated soils. A swivel mechanism is secured atop the load-distributing platform. A carriage is secured atop the swivel mechanism and has a number of clips for selective fastening to the legs of a folding, beach chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Inventor: Derrek Guerrini
  • Patent number: 6299247
    Abstract: A seat for receipt of a child capable of providing exercise and entertainment comprising a seat having an upper support and a lower support, the lower support having leg openings for passage of the legs of a child supported therein. An upper supporting tray has a radially interior opening for receiving and supporting the seat, the upper supporting tray having a radially exterior periphery with projections extending downwardly therefrom. A bowl-shaped base, preferably with radial ribs, is provided, the upper periphery of the base having spaced upstanding towers with openings depending from the upper ends thereof. Upstanding posts are also provided, each post having a lower end received within the upper end of a tower, each post having an upper end with a recess for receiving a downwardly depending projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Evenflo Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul K. Meeker, William R. Gibson, John C. Riedl
  • Patent number: 6186573
    Abstract: A swiveling vehicle seat for permitting swiveling a front vehicle seat into a rearward facing position in spaced relationship to a vehicle air bag to permit safe placement of a child seat in the swiveled front seat of the vehicle. The swiveling vehicle seat includes a vehicle seat adapted for placement in the front passenger area of a vehicle. The seat has a back support portion pivotally coupled to a bottom portion. The bottom portion is coupled to a swiveling base fixed to the vehicle. The swiveling base is designed to permit adjustment of the vehicle seat between forward and rearward facing positions to permit safe placement of a child safety harness device in the seat when the seat is facing rearward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: Judy Thurab
  • Patent number: 6179376
    Abstract: A seat for receipt of a child capable of providing exercise and entertainment comprising a seat having a rigid upper support and a lower support therebeneath and a circular bearing surface therebetween, the lower support having leg openings for passage of the legs of a child supported therein. An upper supporting tray has a radially interior opening in a circular configuration for receiving and supporting the seat, the upper supporting tray having a radially exterior periphery with projections extending downwardly therefrom. A bowl-shaped base, preferably with radial ribs, is provided, the upper periphery of the base having spaced upstanding towers with openings depending from the upper ends thereof. Upstanding posts are also provided, each post having a lower end received within the upper end of a tower, each post having an upper end with a recess for receiving a downwardly depending projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Evenflo Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul K. Meeker, William R. Gibson, Steve Courtney
  • Patent number: 6179255
    Abstract: A seat mounting assembly to rotate a seat in a segment of an inclined rotational plane. The assembly rotates at a predetermined angle with respect to the direction of the force of gravity to bank the seat upward as it traverses to either the left or the right. The seat mounting assembly is constructed and arranged to receive a seat and to be mounted in a vehicle, such as a boat. An anti-rotational assembly is provided to control the rotational speed and the segment within the rotational plane in which the assembly reciprocates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: John W. Radford