Clamp Acts On Axially Moving Rod Patents (Class 297/375)
  • Patent number: 11685295
    Abstract: A seat adjustment first lever is adapted to be mounted to a first lateral end of a recline mechanism of a seatback. Rotation of the first lever about a pivot axis disengages the recline mechanism. The first lever includes a first lever input portion extending from the pivot axis for manual rotation of the first lever. A second lever input portion extends from the pivot axis and is sized to receive an input cable for actuation of the first lever from a remote location. A lever output portion extends from the pivot axis and is sized to receive an output cable to connect the first lever to a second lever on a second lateral end of the recline mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Anurag Sune, Venkateswarulu Kongathi, Rajiv Kumar, Prasanth Bhaskara, Timothy Rocheleau
  • Patent number: 11452649
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a leg rest release mechanism (1) for a wheelchair, wherein the leg rest release mechanism (1) comprises: a base member (3) having a base portion (3a) and an elongated axle portion (3b) extending from the base portion (3a), a leg rest swivel frame (5) in swivel connection with the axle portion (3b) to enable swivelling of the leg rest swivel frame (5) relative to the axle portion (3b), wherein the leg rest swivel frame (5) is configured to be connected to an elongated foot rest mounting member (9) provided with a foot rest (5), and a release member (7) having a lifting handle (7a), wherein the release member (7) extends through the leg rest swivel frame (5) and wherein the release member (7) is biased to engage with the base portion (3a) to thereby lock the leg rest swivel frame (5) in a fixed position relative to the base member (3), wherein the release member (7) is configured to disengage from the base portion (3a) by pulling of the lifting handle (7a), whereby the leg rest
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: PERMOBIL AB
    Inventor: Hakan Bergman
  • Patent number: 11390198
    Abstract: A seat having a seat back pivotally connected to a seat pan, the seat back and the seat pan independently pivotal. At the pivot between the seat back and the seat pan there is a rotary energy attenuation device. The rotary energy attenuating device cooperates with a track system along the length of seat longitudinal members allowing for different directions of travel and height adjustment. The vehicle seat offers passive or active protection from impact and sudden acceleration due to accident or explosive events and is capable of automatically resetting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: PRATT & MILLER ENGINEERING AND FABRICATION, LLC
    Inventors: Celyn M. Evans, Kevin R. Kwiatkowski
  • Patent number: 10888476
    Abstract: A standing chair comprises a main frame support assembly with a first frame support and a second frame support, at least two collapsible support arms with a first end and a second end, at least one bracket, at least one seat assembled to the collapsible support arms, a drive member positioned between right frame support and one collapsible support arm, another drive member positioned between left frame support and other collapsible support arm and a foot rest assembly with a pair of leg support bars. Right and left frame supports are parallelly connected and locked via a connecting means. The first ends of collapsible arms are moveably affixed to both right and left frame supports, whereas second ends are pivotally connected to a backrest support via fasteners. The two collapsible support arms are configured to automatically collapse and retract in accordance to sitting or standing mode of the standing chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Inventor: Mohammad Fakhrizadeh
  • Patent number: 7261378
    Abstract: A locking apparatus for a moveable component of an aircraft seat. The locking apparatus includes a housing for being slidably received in a track, a first pair of opposed cams pivotally mounted in the housing, and a release member. The cams are moved between a lock position where the cams prevent the housing from sliding within the track and a release position. The release member is selectively moveable between a first position where the cams are maintained in the lock position and a second position where the cams are maintained in the release position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: BE Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Brian Dowty, William Edward Haushalter
  • Patent number: 6971720
    Abstract: A linear recliner assembly is provided having a recliner rod slidably supported within a housing. The recliner rod is selectively engageable with a pawl which is fixed within the housing. The recliner rod is in contact with a cam which is operable to force the recliner rod into engagement with the pawl or enable the recliner rod to fall out of engagement with he pawl. The cam is biased in a first position by a biasing mechanism, such that the recliner rod is engaged with the pawl. The linear recliner assembly is implemented into a seat assembly for enabling an operator to select a plurality of recline positions of a seat back relative to a seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Fisher Dynamics Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffery T. Bonk
  • Patent number: 6955398
    Abstract: A rocking chair includes a frame and pads mounted to the frame for supporting a sitter. The frame includes a chair body having a seat portion and a seatback pivotally coupled to the seat portion and a rocker base having two concave rocker bars located on opposite sides of the chair body and two convex top bars having ends mounted to the rocker bars respectively with a stretch bar extending between each top bar and each rocker bar in an inclined manner. Opposite side edges of the seatback are pivoted to the top bars of the rocker base and opposite side edges of the seat portion are coupled to stretch bars by slide joints that are movably mounted to and selectively secured along the stretch bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Inventor: Benjamin P. Reese
  • Publication number: 20040021356
    Abstract: A linear recliner assembly is provided having a recliner rod slidably supported within a housing. The recliner rod is selectively engageable with a pawl which is fixed within the housing. The recliner rod is in contact with a cam which is operable to force the recliner rod into engagement with the pawl or enable the recliner rod to fall out of engagement with he pawl. The cam is biased in a first position by a biasing mechanism, such that the recliner rod is engaged with the pawl. The linear recliner assembly is implemented into a seat assembly for enabling an operator to select a plurality of recline positions of a seat back relative to a seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventor: Jeffery T. Bonk
  • Publication number: 20030227207
    Abstract: Continuous seat adjustment apparatus is used in conjunction with a seating device including a track assembly having an inner track and an outer track longitudinally movable on the inner track. The apparatus includes a pair of opposed jaws mounted on the outer track for pivotal movement between first and second orientations. Each of the jaws defines an opening with the inner track longitudinally extending therethrough. The jaws frictionally engage the inner track in the first orientation to substantially prevent longitudinal movement along the inner track and the jaws release the inner track in the second orientation to allow continuous longitudinal movement along the inner track. A spring device is affixed to the pair of opposed jaws to provide a bias on the jaws tending to move the jaws into the first orientation and an adjustment member is provided for moving the jaws against the spring bias from the first orientation to the second orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Applicant: Elio Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Elio, Hariharan K. Sankaranarayanan, Robert E. Glaspie
  • Patent number: 6655741
    Abstract: A linear recliner assembly is provided having a recliner rod slidably supported within a housing. The recliner rod is selectively engageable with a pawl which is fixed within the housing. The recliner rod is in contact with a cam which is operable to force the recliner rod into engagement with the pawl or enable the recliner rod to fall out of engagement with the pawl. The cam is biased in a first position by a biasing mechanism, such that the recliner rod is engaged with the pawl. The linear recliner assembly is implemented into a seat assembly for enabling an operator to select a plurality of recline positions of a seat back relative to a seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Fisher Dynamics Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffery T. Bonk
  • Patent number: 6601920
    Abstract: An assembly for adjusting the angular position of a seat back member (18) relative to a seat cushion member (12) having an anchor shaft (34) supported by a bracket (36) that is attached to the seat cushion member (12) and supports a pawl plate (32) transmitting forces thereto from a rod (24) when in a latched position. The anchor shaft (34) extends through the slot (42) to prevent longitudinal movement of the pawl plate (32) while allowing the pawl plate (32) to rotate about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis (A) of the rod (24). A pair of guide plates (44) guide the pawl plate (32) to move in an arc transversely into and out of engagement with the rod (24) between the latched and unlatched positions. An actuator pin (56) extends laterally from the pawl plate (32) and a lever (58) is supported on an axle (60), which is supported for rotation by the housing (38).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Magna Seating Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph J. Magyar
  • Patent number: 6575531
    Abstract: A reclining chair comprises a telescopic tube assembly connected to a seat for adjusting the inclination of the seat and a backrest, and a lock unit mounted on the telescopic tube assembly for locking releasably an inner tube against an outer tube of the telescopic tube assembly. The lock unit includes a torsion spring which has a coiled portion tightly sleeved around the inner tube to lock it against the outer tube adjacent an opening provided on the outer tube, and two arms extending out of the outer tube through the opening from two ends of the coiled portion. An operating unit is connected to the arms for moving the arms so as to unwind the coiled portion and unlock the inner tube, thereby the seat may be pushed forwardly or rearwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Shin Yeh Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chuen-Jong Tseng
  • Patent number: 6491344
    Abstract: A chair adjustment mechanism is disclosed which allows a change of position in an unlocked state and maintains a position in a locked state. The mechanism, when used in conjunction with an adjustable chair part, may not be unlocked without a force being applied opposite to a force urging the part to a default position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Leggett & Platt Ltd.
    Inventors: William S. Stumpf, Ken A. Beggs
  • Publication number: 20020140265
    Abstract: A portable forward leaning seating device to be used on a bleacher at sporting events to provide the user with superior support to that portion of his back which is most susceptible to fatigue and pain. The device consists of a padded seat (10) attached to a seat frame (12) which is securely attached to the bleacher by a spring loaded hook (42). The user sits on the padded seat (10) by facing the sporting event with the adjustable vertical support sleave (14) positioned between the user's thighs. The user rests his arms on the padded horizontal arm rests (16) which are positioned using the adjusting knob (32) and spring loaded tab (38) in such a way to provide comfortable support to the torso of the user in a forward leaning fashion. The lock clasp (20) serves to lock the vertical support armature (18) securely in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventor: Barton Brett Davis
  • Publication number: 20020079729
    Abstract: A linear recliner assembly is provided having a recliner rod slidably supported within a housing. The recliner rod is selectively engageable with a pawl which is fixed within the housing. The recliner rod is in contact with a cam which is operable to force the recliner rod into engagement with the pawl or enable the recliner rod to fall out of engagement with the pawl. The cam is biased in a first position by a biasing mechanism, such that the recliner rod is engaged with the pawl. The linear recliner assembly is implemented into a seat assembly for enabling an operator to select a plurality of recline positions of a seat back relative to a seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventor: Jeffery T. Bonk
  • Patent number: 6375263
    Abstract: A self-tightening mechanism mounted on a seat having a back portion. The self-tightening mechanism including a drum coupled to the back portion, a band wrapped about the drum inhibiting rotation thereof and having a first end and a second end. A tightening mechanism coupled to the first end and the second end such that a force applied to the back portion in either of two opposing directions produces a tension in the band adjacent either one of the first end and the second end and a corresponding loosening of the band adjacent the other end. The tightening mechanism including a lever pivotable about a fixed pivot point to convert a portion of the tension to reduce the loosening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Elio Engineering Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Elio, Robert E. Glaspie, Hariharan K. Sankaranarayanan
  • Patent number: 6315361
    Abstract: A system for adjusting and dumping the position of a seat, such as a vehicle passenger or driver's seat, utilizes simultaneously translating master and slave adjustment rods to pivot the seat back frame about a pivot point. Each adjustment rod is locked in a passenger pre-set position by a corresponding locking mechanism. This preset position is “remembered” by way of a marker selectively engaged to the master adjustment rod, and is restored when the marker resides within a marker dock affixed to the locking mechanism. A user adjustment input is operable to release the two locking mechanisms and the marker from the corresponding rods so that the rods can freely translate as the passenger adjusts the angle of inclination of the seat back. When the adjustment input is released, the locking mechanisms and marker re-engage to provide the memory function for the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Porter Engineered Systems.
    Inventors: Joseph Mark Stone, Donald T. Heckel, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6231123
    Abstract: A seat assembly for use in an automotive vehicle includes a seat track assembly for securing the seat in the vehicle. A seat cushion is supported by the seat track assembly and a seat back is pivotally secured to the seat track assembly and pivotal between one of a plurality of reclining positions and a forward dumping position. A linear actuator selectively adjusts the seat back between the plurality of reclining positions. A locking member intercoupled between the linear actuator and the seat back operatively locks the seat back in one of the plurality of reclining positions and a seat back releasing member is coupled to the locking member for releasing the locking member from the seat back and allowing the seat back to pivot from the reclining position to the dumping position while the linear actuator retains the previously adjusted reclining position of the seat back. A track locking member selectively locks the seat track assembly and seat in one of a plurality of fore and aft seat adjustment positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Magna Lomason, Inc.
    Inventor: Omar D. Tame
  • Patent number: 6155644
    Abstract: An apparatus for allowing pivotal movement of a top portion of a seat relative to a bottom portion, is provided. The apparatus includes a mounting bracket, a fixed portion, and a rack portion. The mounting bracket is mounted to the bottom portion of the seat. The fixed portion has a plurality of fixed portion teeth extending from the fixed portion base and is mounted to the mounting bracket. The rack portion has a plurality of base portion teeth extending from the base portion towards the fixed portion. The end portion of the rack portion is pivotally connected to the top portion. An engaging member is pivotally connected to the mounting bracket. The engaging member moves the rack portion in a direction generally toward the rack portion and to lock the rack portion and the fixed portion in an engaged relationship in response to movement of a handle in one direction. A disengaging member is pivotally connected to the mounting bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventor: Richard Rogala
  • Patent number: 6095609
    Abstract: A seat recliner having a linear recliner mechanism and a memory dump mechanism. The linear recliner mechanism includes a housing fixed to the seat bottom and a recliner rod supported for selective movement relative to the housing. The memory dump mechanism includes a second housing secured to the seatback and which is supported on the recliner rod for movement between a memory position and a free position relative to the recliner rod. A latch assembly is provided for releasably latching the second housing to the recliner rod in the memory position. When the second housing is secured in the memory position, the linear recliner mechanism can be selectively actuated to adjust the reclined position of the seatback between upright and fully-reclined positions. When the latch assembly is actuated, the second housing can be slid toward the free position in response to movement of the seatback toward its dumped position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Fisher Dynamics Corporation
    Inventor: Lawrence J. Magadanz
  • Patent number: 6045189
    Abstract: An improved seat back locking mechanism includes a first toothed rod selectively attached to a seat back. A second toothed member is pivotally received in a block that receives the rod. The second toothed member is spring biased to bring its teeth into engagement with the rod teeth. The second toothed member is selectively rotatable out of engagement with the rod teeth to allow the rod to move, and hence the seat back to pivot over the seat bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Inventor: Paul T. Schooler
  • Patent number: 6045188
    Abstract: A system for mounting a seat back relative to a seat bottom includes a rod having circumferentially spaced threaded and non-threaded portions. The non-threaded portions have a smaller diameter than the threaded portions. The rod extends through a bore in a lock ring. The lock ring bore has threaded and non-threaded portions. The threaded portions of the ring have a smaller diameter than the non-threaded portions. The lock ring is rotatable between a locked position at which its threaded portions are aligned with the threaded portions on the rod. At this position, the rod cannot move. The rod is fixed to a seat back pivot bracket, and when the rod is fixed, the seat back is prevented from pivoting relative to a seat bottom. However, when the locked member is rotated such that its non-threaded portions are aligned with the threaded portions on the rod, the rod can move. At this position the seat back can pivot relative to the seat bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Inventor: Paul T. Schooler
  • Patent number: 6017090
    Abstract: A seat recliner for interconnecting a seatback for pivotal movement relative to a seat bottom is provided. The seat recliner includes a housing and a recliner rod having one end supported for movement relative to the housing, a lock pawl retained in a predefined memory position relative to the housing for movement between a locked position and a released position, and a recline actuator assembly which can be selectively actuated for moving the lock pawl from its locked position to its released position to adjust the use position of the seatback. The seat recliner further includes a lock pin supported from the housing for movement between a first position and a second position, and a dump actuator assembly for selectively moving the lock pin from its first position to its second position. In its first position, the lock pin retains the lock pawl in the memory position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Fisher Dynamics Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffery T. Bonk
  • Patent number: 5979986
    Abstract: A seat assembly having a linear recliner assembly is disclosed that is operable for permitting selective reclining movement of a seatback relative to a seat bottom from an upright position through a range of reclined positions to a preselected use position. The linear recliner assembly is further operable to permit the seatback to be pivoted from any preselected use position to a forward dumped position. Upon return of the seatback from the forward dumped position, the linear recliner assembly is adapted to re-latch the seatback in its previous use position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Fisher Dynamics Corporation
    Inventor: Srinivas Pejathaya
  • Patent number: 5947560
    Abstract: A linear seat recliner for a vehicle seat having a single-position memory feature that permits the seatback to be returned to a predetermined upright "design" position after having been folded into a forward dump position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Fisher Dynamics Corporation
    Inventor: Song Chen
  • Patent number: 5918945
    Abstract: A handle of a friction lack comprises a body having a threaded portion extending along an axis for threadable connection to a bolt of the friction lock such that rotation of the body in a first sense advances the body on the bolt and rotation of the body in a second, opposite, sense withdraws the body from the bolt. The body extends along an axis which is transverse to the threaded portion axis. The body has a first end and an opposite second end lying on the transverse axis. A first ear extends from the first end and makes an angle with the transverse axis to cant toward the first sense of rotation and a second ear extending from the second end and making an angle with the transverse axis so as to also cant toward the first sense of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Palliser Furniture, Ltd.
    Inventors: Harry Martens, David N. Wieler
  • Patent number: 5918939
    Abstract: A seat recliner having a linear recliner mechanism and a memory dump mechanism. The linear recliner mechanism includes a housing fixed to the seat bottom and a recliner rod supported for selective movement relative to the housing. The memory dump mechanism includes a second housing secured to the seatback and which is supported on the recliner rod for movement between a memory position and a free position relative to the recliner rod. A latch assembly is provided for releasably latching the second housing to the recliner rod in the memory position. When the second housing is secured in the memory position, the linear recliner mechanism can be selectively actuated to adjust the reclined position of the seatback between upright and fully-reclined positions. When the latch assembly is actuated, the second housing can be slid toward the free position in response to movement of the seatback toward its dumped position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Fisher Dynamics Corporation
    Inventor: Lawrence J. Magadanz
  • Patent number: 5823622
    Abstract: A seat recliner for use in a seat assembly having a seatback supported for pivotal movement relative to a seat bottom. The seat recliner includes a housing secured to the seat bottom and a recliner rod having a first end secured to the seatback and a second end supported for sliding movement relative to the housing. The seat recliner also includes a recline latch assembly having a locking pawl which is releasably latched to a stop pin extending from the housing for pivotal movement between a locked position engaging the recliner rod and a released position displaced from the recliner rod. A biasing arrangement normally biases the locking pawl toward its locked position, and a recline actuator can be selectively actuated for moving the locking pawl from its locked position to its released position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Fisher Dynamics Corporation
    Inventors: Alfred J. Fisher, IV, Cecil A. Collins, Jeffery T. Bonk, Raju K. Kalidindi
  • Patent number: 5794470
    Abstract: The mechanical lock has an elongated housing. A pair of end bushings mounts in the housing, and a rod translates through the end bushings and at least partially through the housing. A pair of coiled locking springs within the housing are around the rod and between the end bushings. One end of each locking spring is fixed within the housing, and the other end of each locking spring is free. The normal inside diameter of each locking spring is less than the outside diameter of the rod so that the locking springs secure the rod. A handle can uncoil the free end of each locking spring to increase their inside diameter and release the rod. A wedge bushing mounts in the housing between the locking springs. The face on each end bushing against its respective locking spring is at an angle, and the wedge bushing also has an angled face on the other side of each spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: P.L. Porter Co.
    Inventor: Calvin R. Stringer
  • Patent number: 5779311
    Abstract: A vehicle seat having a lower seat portion and a seat back portion positionable in a range of angular orientations with a reclining mechanism. The reclining mechanism includes a housing and a strap having oppositely facing sides which are engaged by rollers that are selectively shiftable between a locked position in which the rollers grip the strap and a recline adjustment position in which the rollers release the strap allowing the strap to move relative to the actuator. The rollers are spring-biased toward the locked position in which the rollers wedge against the housing and the strap. A flexible control cable shifts a linkage and cams that are mounted on the housing to engage the rollers. A reinforcing rib is provided on the strap to maintain strap alignment within the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventor: Andrew J. Massara
  • Patent number: 5775776
    Abstract: Several locks for locking a seat back relative to a seat bottom are disclosed. The locks include members which are moveable into notches in a rod to lock the rod within a block. In one embodiment, an axially moveable pin forces a ball into a notch in the rod to lock the rod at a desired location. In a second embodiment, an axially moveable tooth is selectively moved into or out of a notch in the rod. In a third embodiment, a rotating cam forces a lock seat onto the rod to lock the rod at a desired location. Finally, a power driven embodiment is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Seating Specialities, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Schooler, Philip J. Sandula
  • Patent number: 5769493
    Abstract: A linear recliner assembly is disclosed that is operable for permitting selective reclining movement of a seatback relative to a seat bottom between an upright position and a fully-reclined position. The linear recliner assembly is further operable to permit the seatback to be pivoted from any reclined position to a forward dumped position. Upon return of the seatback from its forward dumped position, the linear recliner assembly is adapted to relatch the seatback in its previous reclined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Fisher Dynamics Corporation
    Inventor: Srinivas Pejathaya
  • Patent number: 5727847
    Abstract: A linear actuator is used in an adjustable seat back recliner mechanism to provide infinitely adjustable operation. The actuator rod is maintained in its locked position by the contact of a lower friction surface of the rod with a friction surface on a lower clamp member. Upper clamp members are further seated against an upper surface of the actuator rod. When a sudden force is applied such as in a vehicle collision, an inertial locking element is swung upwardly into contact with the actuator rod to positively lock the actuator rod to the body of the actuator preventing any relative movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Maple Automotive Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Martone, Tyrone R. Secord
  • Patent number: 5709133
    Abstract: An infinitely adjustable linear locking assembly for vehicle seats is disclosed which includes a movable elongated element defining a longitudinal axis. First and second roller ball assemblies coaxial with the elongated element are provided, which assemblies have at least two substantially equidistantly spaced apart roller balls surrounding the elongated element. First and second roller ball housings contain the first and second roller ball assemblies, respectively. The housings are coaxial with the elongated element and have internal wedging surfaces for wedging the roller balls between the internal wedging surfaces and the elongated element. A rotatable locking member is provided adjacent to each roller ball assembly, with the locking member being coaxial with the moveable element and rotatable about the elongated element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: Bertrand Faure Components Ltd.
    Inventors: Richard J. Coggon, Gulam Premji, Adolf Notta, Velio Pressacco
  • Patent number: 5676425
    Abstract: A chair control mechanism having compressible lamellas which when compressed lock a chair back and/or seat in position and when decompressed allow adjustment of the chair seat and/or back, and housing a releasable lock to compress and decompress the lamellas. The lock includes a U-shaped slide member slidable on the same shaft as that on which the lamellas are mounted, and having its cross member pressed against the lamellas and its free ends projecting through slots in a housing side wall. A coil spring between the side wall and connecting member biases the slide member against the lamellas to compress them. A cam connected to the legs of the slide member outside the side wall is moveable to pull the slide member outwardly through the side wall to release the pressure on the lamellas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: R.A.M. Machines (1990) Ltd.
    Inventor: Vaclav Pernicka
  • Patent number: 5660440
    Abstract: A linear recliner assembly is disclosed that is operable for permitting selective reclining movement of a seatback relative to a seat bottom between an upright position and a fully-reclined position. The linear recliner assembly is further operable to permit the seatback to be pivoted from any reclined position to a forward dumped position. Upon return of the seatback from its forward dumped position, the linear recliner assembly is adapted to relatch the seatback in its previous reclined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Fisher Dynamics Corporation
    Inventor: Srinivas Pejathaya
  • Patent number: 5618083
    Abstract: An adjustable seat back recliner mechanism employs a linear actuator to provide infintely adjustable operation. The actuator rod is maintained in its locked position by the contact of a friction surface on the rod with a friction surface on a lower clamp member. Upper clamp members transmit spring locking force through the actuator rod to the lower clamp member by the pivotal action of locking plates. External forces applied to the actuator amplify the locking force applied through the locking plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Assignee: Maple Automotive Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Martone, Tyrone R. Secord
  • Patent number: 5568843
    Abstract: A mechanical lock of the type where a rod is normally locked for axial movement through a lock housing by a spring tightly wound about the rod and axially fixed to the housing, the rod being released by partially unwinding the spring. The lock is assembled without welding of the components to permit use of dissimilar materials in the lock housing selected for strength and weight characteristics and use of plated or painted components. The lock housing is configured to reduce the number of parts in the lock and adjustment can be made to eliminate axial free play of the locking spring following assembly of the lock housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Assignee: P. L. Porter Co.
    Inventors: Clyde R. Porter, Calvin R. Stringer
  • Patent number: 5481941
    Abstract: A mechanism for selectively locking a stationary element and a movable element mounted on the stationary element. The mechanism comprises a pawl block mounted within a casing for sliding movement in opposite first and second directions along a first axis substantially transverse to an engagement surface on the stationary element. The pawl block has a substantially "V"-shaped cavity defined by two ramp surfaces which, together with the engagement surface, define a substantially triangular recess. A striated roller member is mounted within the recess for simultaneous circumferential engagement with the engagement surface and at least one of the inclined ramp surfaces when the pawl block is in its locking configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignee: Bertrand Faure Ltd.
    Inventor: Gulam Premji
  • Patent number: 5454280
    Abstract: At least one toothed roller cooperates with a deformable bar with respect to a casing which contains at least one V-shaped cam. The V-shaped cam has a central portion with opposed toothed ramps cooperating both with the toothed roller. A control cam acting on the V-shaped cam for permitting a blockage of the whole assembly is provided. The deformable bar is either made of vertical blades assembled and fixed to one another or provided with transverse bores. The bar will be deformed under action of the toothed roller upon great impact in an accident.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Assignee: Bertrand Faure Automobile "BFA"
    Inventor: Georges Droulon
  • Patent number: 5423592
    Abstract: A convertible lounge chair and combination wagon includes a frame divided into three rectangular sections which are respectively articulated. There are upper, center, and lower sections. Wheels are attached at the joint between upper and center sections. Flexible material may be suspended across the rectangular frames for supporting a user. Frames are constructed from lightweight tubular plastic bars. Upper and lower sections pivot about joints connecting those sections with the center to enable alternate sitting and reclining positions, as well as compact storage. Foldable arms serve as lateral restraints when the device is used as a wagon for transport of the device itself and objects carried thereon to a use location, such as the beach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Inventors: David S. Spurrier, Daniel R. Spurrier
  • Patent number: 5382077
    Abstract: An improved height adjustment mechanism for a chair seat back is disclosed. The improved height adjustment mechanism includes a U-shaped mounting bracket having a back wall and two side walls. A longitudinal cam having a handle is rotatably mounted in the bracket between the side walls and spaced from the back wall. A seat back support arm is insertable through the bracket between the cam and the bracket back wall. The cam is provided with a plurality of planar faces extending in the longitudinal direction disposed around about a third of the circumference of the cam. The radial length of the line extending perpendicularly from each planar face to the longitudinal axis of the cam increases steadily from one planar face to the next in one direction around the circumference of the cam. This steady increase in distance of the planar faces from the axis of the cam provides a cam action on the seat back support arm when the cam is rotated in one direction with the support arm located between the cam and back wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Assignee: Doerner Products Ltd.
    Inventors: William S. Stumpf, Art A. Patton, Gerard G. Helmond
  • Patent number: 5344215
    Abstract: A backrest recliner mechanism for a vehicle seat or the like includes a connector and a locking mechanism which both pivot about the same line. The backrest recliner mechanism also utilizes the energy of the backrest biasing spring to aid in the return of the locking mechanism from a disengaged to engaged position. The mechanism is actuated by a handle which minimizes the forces required to unlatch the locking mechanism. The backrest recliner mechanism is designed so as to incorporate a minimum number of parts and also to be easily and quickly assembled with minimal modification of the seat shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Assignee: Milsco Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Bruce B. Dahlbacka
  • Patent number: 5301569
    Abstract: At least one rod is normally locked by toothed rollers cooperating with toothed slanted inner portions of V-shaped locking members controlled by a locking cam. The V-shaped locking members are guided within an inner casing of a polygonal shape that has a lower portion for supporting the rod. The lower portion comprises two slanted inner elements which cooperate with a fluted roller placed underneath the underside of the rod. Under an impact, the fluted roller is locked underneath the rod by moving upwardly along one of the two slanted inner elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: Bertrand Faure Automobile "BFA"
    Inventor: Georges Droulon
  • Patent number: 5219045
    Abstract: Simplified assembly and reduced parts count in a linear mechanical lock assembly of the type where a rod is normally gripped against axial translation through a housing by a coil spring and released by unwinding the spring, is achieved by a one piece housing with integrally formed spring containment and rod bearing elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1993
    Assignee: P. L. Porter Company
    Inventors: Clyde R. Porter, George V. Babiciuc
  • Patent number: 5211444
    Abstract: The present device is a locking mechanism for a piece of seating furniture that is continuously foldable, comprising a cylindrical bushing (3), which is fixed to the frame of the piece of seating furniture and which is provided with a pair of diagonally arranged holes (4) for an upwards inclined carrier bar (6), which is fixed to the seat part, and comprising a locking member (7) jointly operative with the carrier bar (6) as well as a control member (8) acting upon the locking member (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Assignees: Ab BD Produkt Oy, Mekrapid
    Inventor: Fredrik Kjellman
  • Patent number: 5197781
    Abstract: In the reclining apparatus of the invention(1, 21, 41, 61), the support member(2, 22, 42, 62), the seat member(3, 23, 43, 63) and the back rest member(5, 25, 45, 55, 75) are adjustably interconnected and the rod(11, 31, 51, 71) of the lock device(13, 33, 53, 73) is mounted on one of the support member, the seat member and the back rest member and fitted across another one of them. When a force is applied between the rod and the member through which the rod is fitted, all the positions of the above members are maintained.When a person changes the posture, e.g., stretches himself, on the reclining chair(1, 21, 61) or the reclinable bed(41), the lock between the rod and the member through which the rod is fitted is released and the positions of the support member, the seat member and the back rest member are re-adjusted. After the re-adjustment, when the person seats or lies on the chair or the bed, the rod is again firmly engaged with the member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Inventor: Hirofumi Tada
  • Patent number: 5052752
    Abstract: A seat recliner mechanism for controllably adjusting the angular position of a seat back relative to a seat member in response to actuation by a seat occupant is disclosed. The seat recliner mechanism includes a rod adapted to be operatively connected to one of the seat back and the seat member. The recliner mechanism is pivotally connected to the other of the seat back or the seat member and is configured to receive a portion of the rod for linear movement relative thereto. The mechanism includes a split nut assembly engaging the rod which is movable between a first position inhibiting linear movement of the rod and a second position permitting linear movement of the rod. A clamp assembly having a passage for encasing the split nut assembly is provided and which has at least one pivotable lock clamp member adapted to reduce the cross-section of the passage when pivoted in a first direction and to enlarge the cross-section when pivoted in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Assignee: Fisher Dynamics Corporation
    Inventor: David L. Robinson
  • Patent number: 4898424
    Abstract: A spring loaded latch mechanism for controlling tilting movement of a seat back relative to a seat frame to which it is pivoted, includes an elongated rod having one toothed face and only one end connected to the seat, a latch frame connected to the seat and supporting the other end of the rod for reciprocation therewithin, a pawl adapted to releasably engage the teeth, a manually-operated handle, and a cam interconnecting the handle and the pawl to drive the pawl into and from engagement. In one embodiment similar latch mechanisms are provided, one on each side of the seat with the mechanism opposite to the handle being a slave having a free-floating cam plate and a lever plate driven by the operator, actuation of the slave cam plate resulting from the lever plate being rotated thereagainst independently of the master latch mechanism on the handle side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1990
    Assignee: Fisher Dynamics Corporation
    Inventor: Robert L. Bell
  • Patent number: 4887864
    Abstract: Modularly arranged seat frameworks supporting of custom upholstered seat cushions and mountable in a variety of makes, models and years of automboiles. Cable-actuated, spring release means coupled between the backrest and bench frame portions to at least one hinge member facilitate a recliner adjustment of one to the other. Included mounting brackets support a seat belt retractor to the backrest framework with the extreme ends of the belt coupling to the automotive frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1989
    Inventor: Thomas Ashton