Plural Distinct Occupant-supporting Positions Patents (Class 297/354.12)
  • Patent number: 8845028
    Abstract: An infant supporting device incorporates a central member on either side of a seat frame that houses a reclining mechanism along with mounting locations for the seat frame, a bounce wire, a carry handle, and a seat support wire. With one movement of a recline driving mechanism, a sliding member in the seat frame pushes a second gear to disengage from a first gear of the central member, and a main body of the seat frame is then rotatable with respect to the central members within a range of recline angles. The design provides an economical, smaller, and lighter weight solution to house the main features of the infant supporting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Wonderland Nurserygoods Company Limited
    Inventor: Ryan N. Miller
  • Patent number: 8845027
    Abstract: A recliner apparatus for a vehicle seat has a pair of discontinuous recliner mechanisms attached to opposite sides of the seat for comfort adjustment in which the angle of the seat back is moved to a desired angular orientation. A master easy entry recliner mechanism is attached to an inner side of one of the side support members of the vehicle seat frame. A locking pawl is operatively connected to the side support member to selectively engage a stop in a locked position. The locking pawl is moved by a control cable between locked and unlocked positions. A slave easy entry connector is connected to the master easy entry recliner mechanism by a slave control cable. The slave easy entry connector releases one of the discontinuous recliner mechanisms when the master easy entry recliner is shifted to the easy entry position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Eckhard Nock, Johannes Barzen
  • Publication number: 20140252833
    Abstract: A seat, in particular motor vehicle seat, with a seat part and a backrest pivotally mounted relative to the seat part, which includes a backrest frame with two mutually opposite side bars, is provided. The two side bars are connected with each other via a transverse shaft which is rotatably mounted on the seat part in the region of a side bar. At least one fitting arrangement with a fitting part fixed at the backrest frame is provided, in order to arrest the pivotally mounted backrest relative to the seat part. The fitting part fixed at the backrest frame is welded to one of the side bars and the transverse shaft is welded to this fitting part. An end of the transverse shaft extends through one of the two side bars and this end is rotatably mounted in a seat side part of the seat part, so that the transverse shaft defines a pivot axis about which the backrest is pivotable relative to the seat part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventors: Matthias Fischer, Jochen Hofmann, Nadine Reinhardt, Michael Flieger, Jörg Gropp
  • Publication number: 20140239687
    Abstract: A seat assembly is constructed such that the consumer can secure the base to the seat without using any tools. A consumer inserts a tab at one end of a mounting plate into a slot at one end of a base plate secured to a seat. An opening on the mounting plate is moved to receive a latch on the base plate. An actuator allows the consumer to retract a spring-loaded latch bolt on the latch to move the latch through the opening. The spring-loaded latch bolt then secures the mounting plate against the base plate. In order to limit the ability of the mounting plate to slide with respect to the base plate, projections on the base plate pass through mounting plate apertures. The seat assembly may also include controls for seat height and seat reclining resistance, as well as a seat back.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: WHALEN FURNITURE MANUFACTURING INC.
    Inventors: Thomas B. Hazzard, Tracy Leigh Hazzard
  • Publication number: 20140203612
    Abstract: An adjustment device for a vehicle seat, by which the inclination angle of the backrest of the vehicle seat can be adjusted relative to the seating part, has an adjustment range that is adjustable by removable stops.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventors: Albert Reginold Kirubaharan, Andrej Medved, Eduard Meres
  • Publication number: 20140203611
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seatback, a headrest, and a support structure that extends between the headrest and the seatback. The support structure includes a primary member, a secondary member, and a trim piece that encloses the primary and secondary members. The primary member pivotally couples with the headrest and the seatback. The secondary member has an upper end and a lower end. The upper end pivotally couples with the headrest about a lateral axis and is spaced from the primary member. A first actuator couples between with the primary member and the seatback for rotating the headrest between a rearward position and a forward position. A second actuator couples between the lower end of the secondary member and the seatback to move the headrest between a first angle and a second angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Marc Kondrad, Johnathan Andrew Line, Joe S. Talamonti, John W. Jaranson, Daniel Ferretti
  • Publication number: 20140197670
    Abstract: A seat assembly is provided with a seat bottom adapted to mount to a vehicle. The seat assembly further includes a first seat back pivotally attached to the seat bottom defining a recline angle relative to the seat bottom, and a second seat back pivotally attached to the seat bottom proximate to the first seat back defining a recline angle relative to the seat bottom. A pin is pivotally connected to the second seat back, is sized to be received within a latch mechanism on the first seat back, and is operably connected to the second seat back to pivot to a stowed position when the first seat back is pivoted to a recline angle that is less than the second seat back recline angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nizar Freijy, Rahul Deshmukh, Jianliang Ma, ShuYing Xia, YiHua Huang, Michael Heinrich Joop Heyer, Norbert Hertling, Martin Stanner, Stephan Purnhagen
  • Patent number: 8757717
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat part and a partitioned back rest. The back rest has a first segment and a second segment. The segments are each equipped with an inclination adjuster. The adjusters include means for limiting the inclination of one segment relative to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Stefan Funk, Franz Albers, James Abraham, Bernd Engels
  • Patent number: 8752898
    Abstract: A seat assembly including a pair of spaced apart lower sectors, each exhibiting an annular extending inner surface defining first and second aligning apertures, and an upper sector interposed between the spaced apart lower sectors and exhibiting a further annular extending inner surface defining a further aperture positioned between the aligning apertures of the lower sectors and defining a pivot point of the upper sector. A bushing and collar spacer are incorporated into the pivot point to maintain a desired spacing between the upper and lower sectors. A bushing exhibits male and female subassemblies, each further exhibiting an outer annular projecting perimeter lip such that the male bushing is installed through the aligning apertures in the upper and lower sector plates from the exterior side of a first selected lower sector, whereas the female bushing is installed from an exterior side of the other lower sector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: BAE Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark L. Gleason
  • Patent number: 8746794
    Abstract: An infant seat comprising an upper torso support, a lower torso support pivotally articulated to the upper torso support and a seat supporting structure; at least one of the upper torso support or the lower torso support is pivotally articulated to the seat supporting structure, the seat further comprising a converting mechanism for converting the seat between at least an angular position in which the upper torso support is inclined with respect to the lower torso support, and a planar position in which the upper torso support and the lower torso support are substantially co-planar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Tiny Love Ltd.
    Inventors: Shoshana Oren, Hagai Harduff, Amit Avigdor, Giora Shachal
  • Patent number: 8746797
    Abstract: The invention relates to improvements in the object of patent P200603269 for “Automatic rotation system for tilting seats of chairs or armchairs”, comprising rotation supports formed by two parts (1 and 2) which are rotating in relation to one another, between which there is incorporated a rotating draw-spring (4), one of the parts (2) of each rotating support determining an annular channel (5), in which there is housed a ring (6) together with a high-viscosity silicone filler, such that said ring (6) is linked by pulling with the other part (1) of the rotating support, a braking action occurring on the rotation movement between the two parts (1 and 2) due to the friction of that ring (6) with the silicone in the channel (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Figueras International Seating, S.L.
    Inventor: Jose Figueras Mitjans
  • Publication number: 20140152067
    Abstract: The subject matter of the present invention concerns a motor vehicle seat (10), especially a folding motor vehicle seat (10), comprising a backrest structure (210) and a seat structure (310) hinged to the backrest structure (210) by an adjustment device (100), wherein the adjustment device (100) has at least one adjustable fitting device (150) with a backrest section (16) for connecting to the backrest structure (210) and a seat section (18) for connecting to the seat structure (310), wherein the backrest section (16) and the seat section (18) are arranged on different sides of the backrest structure (210) and/or the seat structure (310). Moreover, the subject matter of the present invention concerns a method for this.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicants: LEAR CORPORATION, GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Andrzej Pleskot, Johannes Barzen, Eckhard Nock, Norbert Hertlung
  • Patent number: 8727444
    Abstract: An infant carrier apparatus comprises a support frame including a seat assembly that has a longitudinal axis extending from a front end to a rear end thereof, and a backrest assembly including a backrest frame and at least a holder socket, the backrest frame being mounted with the support frame via the holder socket, and the holder socket being adjustable along the longitudinal axis between a first position and a second position. In other embodiments, a method of adjusting the backrest assembly of the infant carrier apparatus is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Wonderland Nurserygood Company Limited
    Inventors: Shun-Min Chen, Zong Wang Cui
  • Publication number: 20140125105
    Abstract: An engagement section of a pole and a protruding section of an upper arm restrict movement of the pole outward in the radial direction and disable meshing of outer teeth and inner teeth, when the relative rotation angle of a lower arm and the upper arm is within a prescribed range. Outer teeth and the inner teeth of poles cannot engage as a result of the restriction on movement of the pole outward in the radial direction. The amount of movement by the poles separating from the inner teeth along the radial direction is set so as to be greater than the amount of movement by the pole separating from the inner teeth along the radial direction, when the pole reaches a position corresponding to where the outer teeth and the inner teeth cannot mesh as a result of the protruding section, etc., during the unlock operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yukifumi Yamada, Naoki Goto
  • Publication number: 20140125096
    Abstract: A vehicle seat recliner that includes a load bearing cam and an anti-chucking cam that act upon a plurality of latches to lock the recliner in a selected position. The load bearing cam is connected to the anti-chucking cam with a lost motion connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Johannes Barzen, Norbert Hertling, Eckhard Nock
  • Patent number: 8708419
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat cushion, a seat back, a reclining adjustment mechanism and a seat-position adjustment mechanism. The seat is connected to the seat cushion. The reclining adjustment mechanism adjusts an inclination angle of the seat back with respect to the seat cushion. The reclining adjustment mechanism includes a reclining operating part which is disposed on the seat cushion in a vicinity of a connecting part between the seat cushion and the seat back. The seat-position adjustment mechanism adjusts a position of the seat cushion in a forward/rearward direction. The seat-position adjustment mechanism includes a seat-position operating part which is disposed on the seat cushion below the reclining operating part within a range of a length of the reclining operating part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kozo Shimamura
  • Publication number: 20140103688
    Abstract: An office chair includes a seat and a backrest that are pivotally connected together at a pivot axis such that the backrest can pivot with respect to the seat between an upright position and a reclining position. The seat is mounted on a base such that the seat can move with respect to a base, and the seat includes front and rear portions that can pivot with respect to one another. When the backrest is pivoted from the upright position to the reclining position, both of the seat and the pivot axis move forward with respect to said base, and the seat front portion flexes with respect to the seat rear portion such that the angle between said upward faces of said seat front portion and the seat rear portion increases. The backrest may also include an upper portion and a lower portion that can pivot with respect to one another. When the backrest is moved to the recline position, the angle between the forward faces of the upper and lower backrest portions decreases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: HAWORTH, INC.
    Inventor: Harold R. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20140103693
    Abstract: A seat reclining device includes a pawl having external teeth, a first arm, a second arm, a cam assembly, and a pressing member. The first arm has a pair of guide walls that guide the pawl in the radial direction. The second arm is rotationally supported by the first arm and has internal teeth. When the cam assembly rotates in a forward direction, the cam assembly presses and moves the pawl radially outward to mesh the external teeth with the internal teeth, and presses the pressing member radially outward. When pressed radially outward, the pressing member presses the pawl in the radial direction and a direction from the guide wall towards the pawl. When the cam assembly rotates in a reverse direction, the cam assembly releases the pressing member and moves the pawl radially inward to separate the external teeth from the internal teeth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yukifumi Yamada, Naoki Goto
  • Publication number: 20140103694
    Abstract: A backrest assembly for a wheelchair includes a support plate pivotally connected to a seat, wherein the support plate is configured to be pivotally adjusted between upright and reclined positions with respect to the seat; a slide plate slidably secured on a front surface of the support plate; and a backrest adjustment assembly operatively connected to the support plate and the slide plate. The backrest adjustment assembly includes a link configured to adjust the support plate. The slide plate slides over the support plate through the link.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Permobil AB
    Inventors: Bo Engman, Urban Lind, Niklas Backstrom, Jonas Jahkel, Mehdi Mirzaie
  • Patent number: 8690250
    Abstract: An infant carrier apparatus comprises a seat assembly, a backrest assembly including a first and second backrest frame, and a backrest holding mechanism. The first backrest frame includes first side and transverse segments, the second backrest frame includes second side and transverse segments, the first side segment being coupled with the seat assembly via a first pivot point. The backrest holding mechanism can be movably assembled between the first and second transverse segment, and include a latch element movable between a first and second position. The first position of the latch element causes the backrest holding mechanism to be in locking engagement with the first transverse segment to prevent rotation of the backrest assembly relative to the seat assembly, and the second position of the latch element removes the locking engagement of the backrest holding mechanism to permit rotation of the backrest assembly relative to the seat assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Wonderland Nurserygoods Company Limited
    Inventor: Xiang Yong Zhen
  • Publication number: 20140091607
    Abstract: A seat reclining apparatus includes a first and second plates and a lock mechanism which locks/unlocks relative rotation therebetween. The first plate includes an engaging protrusion on a side engaged in a holding portion, and a protrusion-corresponding recess formed on the other side of the first plate recessed at a position corresponding to the engaging protrusion. The engaging protrusion includes a pressure receiving portion on a peripheral edge thereof and engages with an inner peripheral surface of the holding portion to receive a force therefrom when a load is exerted on a seatback frame in the locked state. The first plate includes an annular bridging portion connecting the peripheral edges of the engaging protrusion and the protrusion-corresponding recess; the annular bridging portion including a thin-wall portion, and a thick-wall portion corresponding to the pressure receiving portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: SHIROKI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Noriaki MAEDA
  • Patent number: 8672406
    Abstract: A seating apparatus that is capable of both sliding and pivoting thereby lending to advantageously positioning a hunter in relation to their prey. By enabling a seat portion to horizontally slide along a plane, the hunter can reposition away from an object, e.g., a tree. Additionally, the seat portion of the apparatus is capable of pivoting in either direction thereby enhancing line of sight to hunting game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Inventor: John P. Ross
  • Patent number: 8657326
    Abstract: A child carrier in accordance with the present disclosure is adapted to be mounted on a rolling stroller frame to hold a child for transport on the rolling stroller frame. In one mode, the child carrier is configured to provide a bassinet. In another mode, the child carrier is configured to provide a seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Cosco Management, Inc.
    Inventors: Gad J. Shaanan, Bruce K. Busby
  • Patent number: 8657377
    Abstract: A seat assembly for a vehicle includes a recliner assembly having an easy entry mechanism. The easy entry mechanism can be mounted to either an outboard or an inboard side of a seat back frame side member used in seat assemblies for both five-door and three-door vehicle models. The recliner assembly includes an adaptor to couple the easy entry mechanism to a recliner heart disposed on an opposite side of the seat back frame side member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Johannes Barzen, Eckhard Nock, Norbert Hertling, Stefan Schuhmacher
  • Patent number: 8646795
    Abstract: A seat for a wheelchair is provided. An exemplary embodiment of the seat includes a seat back portion, a bottom portion, and a linkage coupling the bottom portion to the seat back portion such that the seat back portion is movable relative to the bottom portion. The linkage generally includes a first link and a second link. The first link is generally pivotally connected to the bottom portion and the seat back portion. The second link is generally pivotally connected to the bottom portion and the seat back portion. The first link and the second link pivot relative to the seat back portion and the bottom portion as the seat back portion is moved relative to the bottom portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Invacare Corporation
    Inventor: Matthew Cerreto
  • Publication number: 20140035339
    Abstract: A reversible seat structure for a baby stroller is disclosed. The seat of the structure can be separated from or quickly assembled with a frame; a user thus has an option of turning the seat toward the front or the back side for assembling the seat on a frame. The structure mainly is provided with a front slip joint and a rear slip joint respectively on front ends and rear ends of the seat tubes of the seat for the baby stroller, the rear legs on both lateral sides of the baby stroller each has a positioning member at a mutually identical height thereon; the seat can be firmly combined with the frame of the baby stroller no matter the seat is faced frontwards or backwards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventor: Kao-Hsien LIN
  • Publication number: 20140028070
    Abstract: An adjusting device for adjusting a motor vehicle seat is provided. The adjusting device includes at least two locking device and a joint actuating device configured to actuate the at least two locking devices. The at least two locking devices are connected in series with the joint actuating device. A motor vehicle seat, a motor vehicle, and a method for adjusting a motor vehicle seat using the adjusting device are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Andrzej PLESKOT
  • Publication number: 20140008957
    Abstract: A backrest assembly for a wheelchair includes a support plate pivotally connected to a seat, wherein the support plate is configured to be pivotally adjusted between upright and reclined positions with respect to the seat; a slide plate slidably secured on a front surface of the support plate; and a backrest adjustment assembly operatively connected to the support plate and the slide plate. The backrest adjustment assembly includes a link configured to adjust the support plate. The slide plate slides over the support plate through the link.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: Permobil AB
    Inventors: Bo Engman, Urban Lind, Niklas Backstrom, Jonas Jahkel, Mehdi Mirzaie
  • Publication number: 20130328342
    Abstract: A rotational damper 10 comprising: a casing 13 provided therein with a partition wall portion 12 provided with a flow path 11; a rotation body 16 rotatably disposed within the casing and provided with a pair of rotary vanes 14, 15 for partitioning the inside of the casing into two chambers R1, R2, in corporation with the casing; a viscous fluid L contained within the casing; lip seals 17 mounted to the pair of rotary vanes in such a manner that, only when the rotation body rotates and moves in one direction, the lip seals 17 expand in the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction to prevent the viscous fluid from flowing between the two chambers; and a lid body 18 for closing the opening of the casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: Oiles Corporation
    Inventors: Akihiko Okimura, Naohiro Horita
  • Publication number: 20130307307
    Abstract: A lock for a vehicle seat has a catch which is pivotable about a catch axis between a release position and a locking position in order to cooperate with a locking bolt or a locking clip of a vehicle structure, and has an ejector. The ejector has a spring element disposed in a housing of the lock. The ejector can be brought into abutment against the vehicle structure or the locking bolt or locking clip by a biased spring element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2011
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: Keiper GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Peter Müller, Kadir Yasaroglu, Volker Windecker, Silke Labuk, Stefan Haber
  • Patent number: 8579377
    Abstract: A drive device for a motor vehicle seat (1) has a mount (22), a drive (24) which is mounted to the mount (22), so as to be pivoted about a first axis (A), an output (25) which is mounted to the mount (22), so as to be rotated about a second axis (B), and a transmission. The transmission transmits a driving pivot movement of the drive (24), which moves the drive (24) from an initial position into a deflected position, to the output (25) and causes a rotating movement of the output (25). At least one rolling body (26) is provided as the transmission. The rolling body (26), in the initial position and during the driving pivot movement of the drive (24), is in friction contact both with the drive (24) and simultaneously with the output (25) and rolls along same, and releases during the pivot movement back into the initial position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: KEIPER GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Rolf Schüler
  • Publication number: 20130292985
    Abstract: A motor vehicle including a motor vehicle seat with an adjusting device for the multiple adjusting of a motor vehicle seat is provided. In one example, a backrest adjusting device with a discontinuous detent fitting arrangement for adjusting a backrest part relative to a sitting part, including a detent fitting arrangement connected in a stationary manner with the sitting part via connecting means, and at least one actuating arrangement rotatable about at least one rotation axis for actuating the detent fitting arrangement is provided. The at least one rotation axis is constructed in an integrated manner with at least one of the connecting means, and a method for this is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Andrzej PLESKOT
  • Publication number: 20130292986
    Abstract: In a vehicle seat, in particular motor vehicle seat, with a seat part, a backrest which, as a supporting structure, has a backrest structure with at least one side part, and at least one fitting by which the backrest is connected to the seat part and can be pivoted relative thereto, wherein a distance is defined in an axial direction between the fitting and the side part, the backrest structure has at least one profile body which is fixedly connected at one end to the side part and at the other end to the fitting and which at least partially has a profile which is constant in the axial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventor: Wolfgang Pluta
  • Patent number: 8567863
    Abstract: A back support is pivotally oriented to locate a pivot point relative to posterior superior iliac spines of a seated user, such that when an upper portion of the back support contacts the upper torso of the user and moves to a desired angular orientation to balance the upper torso over the pelvic area, the back support transfers support to the posterior superior iliac spines to maintain the pelvic skeletal structure in alignment. A lower portion of the back support angularly contacts, supports and confines gluteal and buttocks tissue of the user independently of the degree of pivotal orientation of the upper portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Aspen Seating, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas R. Hetzel, Rex Stevens, Bruce D. Roemmich, Steven C. Maurus
  • Patent number: 8556340
    Abstract: A vehicle seat is provided with a pair of discontinuous reclining mechanisms on opposite sides of the seat that are connected by a connecting rod. A pair of torque transmission joints are provided on opposite ends of the connecting rod. The torque transmission joints connect the opposite ends of the connecting rod to the reclining mechanisms. The torque transmission joints permit torque to be transmitted by manipulation of a handle to adjust the vehicle seat. Loads applied from the rear to the vehicle seat back are prevented from transmitting torque to the connecting rod by a lost motion connection provided by the torque transmission joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventor: Roberto D'Agostini
  • Patent number: 8550560
    Abstract: A seat reclining apparatus for a vehicle, includes the pair of lower arms each connected to the lower side frame, the upper arm positioned between the pair of lower arms and fixedly attached to the upper side frame, the pair of recliners joined to the upper arm and to the pair of lower arms, the electric motor, the lower side frame provided as a pair for sandwiching the pair of lower arms and connected to the pair of lower arms in a manner that the pair of lower arms is pivotable relative to the lower side frame, and a lock member for engaging with the pair of lower side frames and with the pair of lower arms for restricting a relative pivoting movement between the pair of lower side frames and the pair of lower arms in a state where a relative pivot angle therebetween is at a predetermined angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Genta Moriyama, Hideki Fujisawa, Masaharu Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20130234488
    Abstract: A locking device for an adjustment device for adjusting a motor vehicle seat is provided. The locking device includes an adjustable fitting and an adapter unit that joins the adjustable fitting with a seat part and a backrest that is adjustable in relation to the seat part so as to release and/or block an adjustment of the backrest relative to the seat part. A backrest force element interacts with the backrest to expose the backrest to a force at least with the locking device in an unlocked state. The backrest force element is arranged on an interior side of the locking device. An adjustment device, a motor vehicle seat, a motor vehicle, and a method for manufacturing the locking device also are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Andrzej PLESKOT
  • Patent number: 8528977
    Abstract: A mechanism for a vehicle seat for adjusting the angle of inclination, and a hub-shaped centering means. The mechanism includes a first arresting fitting, a transfer means, rotatable about an axis of rotation, for release of the first arresting fitting, and a centering means, disposed between the first arresting fitting and the transfer means, configured to center the transfer means in a starting position and, against a return force, to enable a rotation about the axis of rotation and relative to the first arresting fitting out of the starting position about a first angular range in the first direction, and about a second angular range in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Faurecia Autositze GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Naughton
  • Publication number: 20130221721
    Abstract: A vehicle seat has a backrest part which is provided on a seat part such that the former can be rotated by a backrest adjuster. The backrest adjuster has a shaft which preferably transmits a torque to the backrest adjuster. And axial securing mechanism is provided on the shaft at both ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventor: Jörg Seibt
  • Publication number: 20130187423
    Abstract: An adjustment device for adjusting a motor vehicle seat is provided. The adjustment device includes a locking arrangement with a rotation axis about which a backrest part and a seat part are able to be folded with respect to one another. The adjustment device also includes an adapter arrangement and an operating unit fixed on the adapter arrangement and arranged remote from the rotation axis. A motor vehicle seat, a motor vehicle, and a method for adjusting a motor vehicle seat using the adjustment device are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
  • Publication number: 20130161993
    Abstract: A vehicle seat including: a rotatable arm configured to release a holding state of a holding mechanism of a seat body; and an operating strap configured to rotate the arm by being pulled at a first end portion thereof, wherein a second end portion of the operating strap opposite to the first end portion is fixed to the seat body, a middle portion of the operating strap is folded back and is hanged to an engaging portion provided to the arm, and the arm is configured to be rotated by pulling the operating strap so as to pull in the engaging portion by the middle portion, and wherein the middle portion, which is folded back from the second end portion, is folded back from an outer side to an inner side with respect to a rotational center of the arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
  • Patent number: 8469451
    Abstract: A vehicle seat, in particular for a passenger automobile, is provided having a seat part, a back part connected thereto so it is rotatable, and a fitting for adjusting the angle between seat and back parts. The fitting including, but not limited to a first fitting part, which is fixedly connected to a structure of the seat part, and a second fitting part, which is rotatable in relation to the first fitting part, and which is fixedly connected to a structure of the back part. The first fitting part being both positively connected and also non-positively connected or materially bonded to the structure of the seat part, and/or the second fitting part being both positively connected and also non-positively connected or materially bonded to the structure of the back part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jens Braun, Armin Rossmann
  • Publication number: 20130154330
    Abstract: In a fitting for a vehicle seat, a catch assembly has a pivot axis, and the catch assembly has a catch and a lever which can be pivoted relative to one another about an axis spaced from the pivot axis. The catch has a hook-like contour and in the pivoted-out position of the backrest engages with a catch locking element for locking in a punctiform or linear contact region. The catch cooperates with a spring. The lever is mounted pivotably about the pivot axis and the lever rotatably mounts the catch. In the unloaded pivoted-out position, the perpendicular in the contact region runs on one side of the pivot axis or through the pivot axis. When a return pivoting force is imposed on the backrest in the pivoted-out position, the perpendicular in the contact region runs on the opposing side of or outside of the pivot axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventor: Peter Thiel
  • Publication number: 20130134758
    Abstract: A seat for use in an aircraft having a floor is provided. The seat has a support assembly, a seat, a seat back pivotably coupled to the support assembly for movement between an upright position and a reclined position relative to the support assembly, and an occupant back support having an upper portion and lower portion pivotally coupled to the seat back at the upper portion. A pivot link pivotally couples to the rear portion of the seat at a first end and pivotally couples to the lower portion of the occupant back support at a second end. The pivot link causes the lower portion of the occupant back support to move downwardly and forward relative to the seat as the seat back moves from the upright position to the reclined position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Inventor: Burkley U. Kladde
  • Publication number: 20130119736
    Abstract: A baby carriage includes a frame, a lock mechanism, a seat back and a webbing. The frame has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The lock mechanism has a housing and a lock member, the housing is disposed on the first end, a through hole is formed on the housing, and the lock member is disposed in the through hole. The webbing passes through the through hole, it is wound around a back side of the seat back and attached on the second end. The webbing is clamped in the lock member, so as to keep the seat back at a recline angle. When the lock member is operated to release the webbing, the webbing is capable of moving within the through hole, so as to adjust the recline angle of the seat back.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Inventors: Ryan N. Miller, Nathanael Saint
  • Patent number: 8434823
    Abstract: An eccentric free pivot for a reclining seat assembly may include a seat cushion, a seatback, a gear system, an input mechanism, a rod, and an eccentric pivot. The gear system may pivotally couple the seat cushion to the seatback. A rod extending generally across the seat assembly may be coupled to the gear system on one side and the eccentric pivot on the other side. When the gear system and/or input mechanism rotate the rod and eccentric pivot, this rotation causes the side of the seatback opposite the gear system and/or input mechanism to move up and down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies
    Inventors: Robert Du, Paul G. Ferraiuolo, Jerry R. Brown, Brian Haidar, Jerry J. Naujokas
  • Publication number: 20130106160
    Abstract: A strap adjuster is adapted for use with a strap, and includes a housing permitting passage of the strap therethrough, a strap-guiding member disposed in the housing, and a locking member disposed in the housing and cooperating with the housing to define a locking area therebetween. The housing permits the strap to enter therein in an entry direction. The strap-guiding member guides the strap to change from extending in the entry direction to extending in an exit direction. The locking area permits the strap extending in the exit direction to pass therethrough. The locking member is operable for restricting movement of the strap, and the housing further permits the strap passing through the locking area to exit therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: WONDERLAND NURSERYGOODS COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventor: Er-Xue Wang
  • Publication number: 20130088062
    Abstract: An adjustable and pivotable seat includes a base, a backrest plate and an adjusting rod. The base has a receiving portion disposed on one end of the base and a receiving space defined in the receiving portion, and an opening inclinedly defined through the receiving portion. The backrest plate is pivotally connected with the base and has a series of teeth disposed on the backrest plate and a series of slots respectively defined in between the series of teeth. The series of teeth is correspondingly and movable received in the receiving space in the base. The adjusting rod is selectively inserted into the opening and selectively engages one of the series of slots. Therefore, the backrest plate is pivotable relative to the base and an angle between the backrest plate and the base is adjustable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Inventor: Andy Wang
  • Publication number: 20130057041
    Abstract: A seat assembly includes a seat cushion, a seat back for pivotal movement between an upright position, a plurality of reclined positions, a fold flat position, and a dumped position. A recliner assembly is coupled between the seat cushion and seat back for actuation between locked and unlocked conditions allowing pivotal movement of the seat back. A seat track is coupled to the seat cushion for actuation between locked and unlocked conditions allowing fore and aft sliding movement of the seat assembly. An easy-entry mechanism is coupled to the recliner assembly and the seat track for actuating the recliner assembly and the seat track to the unlocked conditions and providing movement of the seat assembly to an easy-entry position defined by the seat back pivoted to the dumped position and the seat track sliding the seat assembly to a full-forward position allowing access behind the seat assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventors: Christopher Ngiau, Jonathan A. Calhoun
  • Publication number: 20130049425
    Abstract: A seat assembly includes a seat cushion and seat back supported above a floor by a rear leg. The seat back is pivotally coupled to a recliner bracket. The seat cushion is selectively pivotally locked relative to the recliner bracket. A disc recliner operatively couples the recliner bracket and rear leg. The disc recliner allows the rear leg to pivot relative to the recliner bracket to move the seat assembly from a-design seating position to a slouch position. The seat back is pivoted towards the seat cushion and the recliner allows the rear leg to pivot relative to the recliner bracket, thereby lowering the seat, assembly to move the seat assembly to a fold and kneel position. The seat cushion is unlocked relative to the recliner bracket to pivot the seat cushion towards the seat back to move the seat assembly to a stadium position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: Magna Seating Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Runde, Peter Paul Zeimis, III