Pin And Slot Patents (Class 297/376)
  • Patent number: 11730647
    Abstract: A backrest assembly of a wheelchair seat has a tubular seating frame. The backrest assembly includes a backrest, two hollow backrest tubes connecting the backrest to the seat, and at least two joints allowing movement of the backrest tubes between at least first and second end positions. Two locking means are provided for locking and/or unlocking the joints. A hollow handle tube has a single handle for effecting the locking means which is arranged between the backrest tubes and mechanically connected to the locking means via cables. The handle further effects movement of the backrest tubes, via the joints, with use of one hand in constant grip of the handle. The handle is actuated by at least partly sliding, rotating, squeezing, pushing and/or pulling. The locking means automatically re-locks after unlocking and reaching the first or second end positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Sunrise Medical (US) LLC
    Inventor: Michael Knopf
  • Patent number: 11035591
    Abstract: A solar tracker bearing assembly has a rotating element sandwiched between two mounting brackets and held together by fasteners. The rotating element includes an arc-shaped slot such that the rotating element can pivot against the fixed mounting brackets. Bearings may be positioned within the arc-shaped slot. The rotating element can be configured to accept toque tubes of various cross-sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: CoroSolar LLC
    Inventor: Isaac Riley Joseph Childress
  • Patent number: 9868370
    Abstract: A seatback frame structure includes a reclining mechanism, a joining member that is joined to the reclining mechanism, a fastening member, a seatback frame, and a restricting member. The seatback frame forms a frame of a seatback that can support a back of a seated occupant. The seatback frame is fastened to the joining member by the fastening member. The restricting member includes a restricting portion. The restricting portion is fastened, together with the seatback frame, to the joining member by the fastening member. The restricting portion is configured to restrict relative movement of the seatback frame with respect to the joining member when a vehicle is involved in a rear collision. The seatback frame is made of resin, and the seatback frame is fixed in a state sandwiched by the restricting member and the joining member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Akira Kaneko, Hiroshi Tamura, Takuya Ishikawa
  • Publication number: 20150130246
    Abstract: An angle adjuster (71) is equipped with a first arm (1) provided with a winding-and-tightening member (5) and a second arm (10) provided with a rotation shaft portion (13). As seen in the axial direction of the rotation shaft portion (13), one end portion (5a) and the other end portion (5b) of the winding-and-tightening member (5) are provided at the first arm (1) in a manner in which they are separated from each other. The first arm (1) and the second arm (10) are connected so that the second arm (10) is rotatable centering the rotation shaft portion (13) in a state in which the winding-and-tightening portion (6) of the winding-and-tightening member (5) is wound on the outer peripheral surface (13a) of the rotation shaft portion (13). It is configured so that a rotation of the second arm (10) by a frictional force (SM) and (GM) generated by a rotational movement of the second arm (10) in a forward rotation direction (S) or a reverse rotation direction (G) is allowed or prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Shigetaka Hashida, Takeshi Yamawaki, Yoshi Sakurai, Masao Honda
  • Patent number: 8926019
    Abstract: Provided is a seat back latch for locking or unlocking a seat back of a motor vehicle seat in order to fold the seat back, and more particularly, a seat back latch for a motor vehicle capable of adjusting an inclination of a seat back in a multi-stage and firmly maintaining a locked state of the seat back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: KM&I Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jong-Chan Lee, Minyi Gil
  • Publication number: 20140035340
    Abstract: A power disc style seat reclining mechanism for a vehicle seat includes a seat base fixed mounted guide disc pivotally connected to a set of pivotal discs. The pivotal discs include an internal disc segment and a seat back attaching member. Within the internal disc is a connection features and linkage that may be actuated by a center shaft that is driven by a motor. When the internal disc is rotated, the desired seat back position is the end result as the motion is discontinued.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventor: Everett Sollars
  • Patent number: 8641145
    Abstract: An assembly of a vehicle comprises a first vehicle part and a second vehicle part being pivotal relative to the first vehicle part, at least one detent fitting which is constituted to hold the two vehicle parts in position to each other in a locked state and, therein, to establish a force flow between the two vehicle parts and to allow for a pivoting of the two vehicle parts relative to each other in an unlocked state, an actuation shaft for actuating the at least on detent fitting and a free-pivoting mechanics which is actuatable in order to disrupt the force flow between the two vehicle parts for providing a free-pivoting function. Herein, it is provided that the free-pivoting mechanics for providing the free-pivoting function interacts with the actuation shaft and, therein, is constituted to come into operational connection with the actuation shaft only if the free-pivoting mechanics is actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. KG, Coburg
    Inventors: Peter Schwarze, Frank Schlemmer
  • Patent number: 8616647
    Abstract: A release actuator can comprise a support element, a latch mechanism, a release button movably assembled with the support element, a transmission element connecting the latch mechanism with the release button, and a safety latch key disposed adjacent to the release button. The release button can be movable parallel to a first axis for driving unlocking operation of the latch mechanism. The safety latch key and the release button are assembled so as to be movable relative to each other parallel to a second axis for either blocking or unblocking movements of the release button parallel to the first axis. Moreover, one embodiment of an infant carrying apparatus is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Wonderland Nurserygoods Company Limited
    Inventor: Rui-bin Chen
  • Patent number: 8550559
    Abstract: A power disc style seat reclining mechanism for a vehicle seat includes a seat base fixed mounted guide disc pivotally connected to a set of pivotal discs. The pivotal discs include an internal disc segment and a seat back attaching member. Within the internal disc is a set of slots that may be actuated by a center shaft that is driven by a motor. When the internal disc is rotated, the desired seat back position is the end result as the motion is discontinued.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Inventor: Everett Sollars
  • Patent number: 8419130
    Abstract: The invention concerns a seat tilt apparatus (3) for an electric wheelchair, which wheelchair comprises a chassis (1) and a seat (2). The seat tilt apparatus comprises; a base member (11), which is fixable to the chassis and provided with at least one first guide slot (16); a seat supporting member (40) which is arranged to supportably receive the seat, movable in relation to the base member and guided by the first guide slot; and a linear drive means (17) which is connected to the base member and to the seat supporting member, for moving the seat supporting member along a motion path, in relation to the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Permobil AB
    Inventor: Hakan Bergman
  • Patent number: 8356862
    Abstract: An adjustment mechanism and an inclination-adjustable seat are provided. The inclination-adjustable seat comprises a connecting base, a seat frame, at least one adjustment mechanism and a supporting base, wherein the seat frame is connected to the connecting base, the adjustment mechanism is adapted to adjust the inclination of the inclination-adjustable seat and is connected to the seat frame and the connecting base, and the supporting base is connected to the connecting base for supporting the connecting base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Nuna International B.V.
    Inventor: Eric Biermann
  • Patent number: 7954898
    Abstract: A latch mechanism may include a housing, a claw rotatably supported within the housing between a latched position and an unlatched position, a first cam rotatably supported within the housing and operable to lock the claw in the latched position, and a second cam supported within the housing and slidably coupled to the first cam to selectively translate and rotate the first cam relative to the claw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Fisher & Company, Incorporated
    Inventors: Bernardus W. G. Van De Geer, Erik O. Pettersson
  • Patent number: 7832797
    Abstract: A foldable chair that is convertible to either a seat or a table that includes a laterally extending wedge shaped frame, a backrest, a leg, and a seat. The chair includes two chambers for respectively receiving the backrest and the leg. The backrest and the leg are pivotally connected to the seat. The chair includes a locking structure for securing the backrest and leg in either of a retracted or extended state. In the retracted state, the backrest and leg are flush with the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Inventor: Takeshi Miyakawa
  • Patent number: 7708344
    Abstract: A patient chair for use in a dental operatory or the like generally comprises a base, a chair frame supported by the base, and a seatback support coupled to the chair frame. The seatback support is slidably movable relative to the chair frame. To provide a desired connection or fit between components, a locking assembly is configured to apply a clamping force between the seatback support and the chair frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Midmark Corporation
    Inventors: Jacob E. Broering, Leo R. Hanus
  • Patent number: 7669930
    Abstract: A lockable pressure adjustment seat of a fitness apparatus includes a base, a seat back, and an adjustment unit. The base is disposed with a slide track and a locating hole. The seat back is pivotally connected to the base. The seat back includes an extension rod. One end of the extension rod is linked and fixed to the seat back. A through hole is disposed adjacent to the other end of the extension rod. The adjustment unit includes a lever, a pressure bar, and a locking set. The lever penetrates the slide track. The pressure bar includes a push rod and a fixation base. The push rod holds against the lever. The fixation base is secured to the other end of the extension rod. The locking set is fixed to the fixation base, and comprises an elastic member and a locating rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Inventor: Long-chuan Hsu
  • Patent number: 7654496
    Abstract: A backrest for a motorcycle includes a base plate including an upper portion, and a lower portion including first and second opposing ends. A frame and/or pad are attached to the support portion. The lower portion includes a first vertical recess in the first end, and a second horizontal recess in the second end. A bracket is slidably mounted to the base portion, the bracket being slidable along a transverse axis between open and closed positions. In the closed position, a third recess in the bracket at least partially encloses the second recess for securing a pin within the second and third recesses. A locking arm is pivotally mounted to the bracket member for releasably securing the bracket member in the closed position. The bracket member and locking arm allow the backrest to be quickly attached to and released from a motorcycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Summit Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Sharpe, Gary Chez
  • Patent number: 7618094
    Abstract: A seat assembly includes a frame operably attached to a vehicle. A seat bottom is operably attached to the frame. The seat bottom is repositionable between a seating position and a stowed position. A seat back is operably attached to the frame. The seat back is repositionable between a seating position and a stowed position. The seat back rotates about a longitudinal axis during repositioning of the seat back between the seating and the stowed positions. A method of repositioning the seat assemblies includes repositioning a seat bottom between a seating position and a stowed position, and repositioning a seat back between a seating position and a stowed position about a longitudinal axis. Another seat assembly includes a seat bottom operably attached to the frame with at least one pivoting link and at least one sliding link. The seat bottom is repositionable between a seating position and an elevated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Louis D DeLellis, John E Schambre, Lloyd G Montford, Jeffery E Long, Leonard C Paul, Jr., Michael O Forker
  • Patent number: 7219959
    Abstract: A swing seat configured to be supported by a swing frame includes a seat bottom frame, a seat back frame movably coupled to the seat bottom frame, and a recline mechanism to recline the seat back frame relative to the seat bottom frame. The recline mechanism includes first and second mounts on opposite sides of the seat back frame to movably mount the seat back frame to the seat bottom frame, at least one recline lock associated with at least one of the first and second mounts and configured to lock the seat back frame in at least two recline positions relative to the seat bottom frame, and a recline actuator having a grip intermediate the first and second mounts and movable between an un-actuated position and an actuated position. The at least one recline lock is movable between a locked position to set the recline position of the seat back frame relative to the seat bottom frame and an unlocked position to allow adjustment of the recline position of the seat back frame relative to the seat bottom frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Graco Children's Products Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Ransil, Jeff G. Greger
  • Patent number: 7100988
    Abstract: A child's highchair for receiving a child in a seated orientation includes a supporting frame, a seat supported by the frame, and a back connected to the frame wherein the back is movable between a substantially vertical orientation and a rearwardly tilted or reclining orientation. A release mechanism is integrated into the highchair and includes a release handle, a pair of cable arrangements and securing pins that are movable between a locked position and a released position by manipulation of the release mechanism. With the securing pins in a locked position, the back is fixed in position in a substantially vertical orientation. With the securing pins retracted, the back is able to be moved manually to a reclining position so as to enlarge the included angle between the back and the seat, making it easier to place a child in the highchair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Inventor: William J. Hyslop
  • Patent number: 7066542
    Abstract: A child high chair includes a seat body disposed between two side guarding members on an upper portion of a support leg, a backrest unit having two lateral ends pivotally coupled to the side guarding members to be turnable relative thereto, two bolts disposed movably on the lateral ends in a longitudinal direction, an actuator movably disposed on the backrest unit in an upright direction, and two flexible members interconnecting the actuator and the bolts such that when the actuator is moved from a lower position to an upper position, the flexible members are pulled to move the bolts in the longitudinal direction from an extended position where the bolts engage retaining members on the side guarding members to a retracted position where the bolts disengage from the retaining members so as to permit turning of the backrest unit relative to the seat body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Adora Business Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chih-Wei Wang
  • Patent number: 7044554
    Abstract: A seat assembly for supporting an occupant in an automotive vehicle. The seat assembly includes a seat cushion and a seat back. The seat back is operatively coupled to the seat cushion for pivotal movement of the seat back about a first pivot axis relative to the seat cushion. A head restraint support assembly is operatively coupled to the seat cushion for pivotal movement with the seat back about the first pivot axis and independent pivotal movement relative to the seat back about a second pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Intier Automotive Inc.
    Inventors: Roland Furtado, Mari C. Milosic, Steven James Reed
  • Patent number: 6983992
    Abstract: A backrest of a motorcycle is provided with a pair of angle-adjusting units. In each angle-adjusting unit, a metal arm of the backrest is pivotally connected, by a connecting shaft, to an inner side of each of a seat stay mounted along a side of a seat. A retaining unit selectively and detachably retains a lower end of the metal arm at a plurality of retaining positions. The retaining unit is biased by a biasing member in a retaining direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Access Corp.
    Inventor: Hiroyasu Oomori
  • Publication number: 20040090101
    Abstract: A vehicle seat having a seat bottom and a seat back pivotally connected to the seat bottom. The vehicle seat also has a recliner mechanism for adjusting the angle between the seat back and the seat bottom. The recliner is capable of substantially supporting the seat back relative to the seat bottom below a threshold force acting on said seat back during normal operating loads. The operating loads are below a threshold level. The seat also has an impact control mechanism operatively connected to the seat back and the seat bottom. The impact control mechanism is operable between a disengaged position and an engaged position. In the disengaged position, the seat back is permitted to move relative to said seat bottom. In an engaged position, the impact control mechanism restrains the seat back from moving relative to the seat bottom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: Christer Andersson, Odd Jaegtnes
  • Patent number: 6688694
    Abstract: A chair comprises a seat frame and a backrest frame. A first connecting member is provided on each of two lateral sides of the seat frame. A second connecting member is provided on each of two lateral sides of the backrest frame. Each second connecting member is pivotally connected with an associated first connecting member. The inclination angle of the backrest frame relative to said seat frame is adjustable. A safety device includes a frame fixed to one of the second connecting member and a pin extending through the frame and including an end located on a path of the associated first connecting member, thereby restraining a maximum inclination angle of the backrest frame relative to the seat frame. The safety pin is movable away from the path of the associated first connecting member, allowing the backrest frame to be moved to a position aligned with the seat frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventor: Wei-mei Yu
  • Patent number: 6682137
    Abstract: An adjustable frame of rocker includes a rocking frame and a supporting frame foldably coupled with the rocking frame, wherein the rocking frame includes a pair of coupling means for pivotally coupling two supporting arms with a supporting frame, so as to inclinedly support the supporting frame in position. Moreover, by unlocking the coupling means, the supporting frame is capable of pivotally rotating about the coupling means in order to adjust the inclination of the supporting frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Inventor: Ben Ming Hsia
  • Patent number: 6672665
    Abstract: A swing includes a seat unit swingably connected to an upright support frame through suspending members. The seat unit includes a seat frame disposed between side frames, a backrest frame pivoted to the seat frame, and a pair of backrest-adjusting units. Each backrest-adjusting unit includes an engaging plate fixed to a respective side frame and formed with an arcuate slot, and a locking screw rod extending through the slot to threadedly engage a threaded hole in the respective backrest frame in such a manner that tightening of the locking screw rod results in securing of the backrest frame to the seat frame at a desired position relative to the seat frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Taiwan Shin Yeh Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chuen-Jong Tseng
  • Patent number: 6666505
    Abstract: A chair is provided that includes a seat member, a back rest pivotally connected to the seat member, and first and second recline mechanisms. The seat member includes a first back rest support portion and a second back rest support portion. The back rest support portions each have a tooth-receiving member at an upper exterior surface. The recline mechanisms each include a lever mounted to the back rest. The lever of each recline mechanism has a tooth for receipt in a respective tooth-receiving member, and the lever is movable between an engaged state and a disengaged state. When the lever is in the engaged state, the tooth engages the tooth-receiving member to prevent rearward pivotal motion of the back rest relative to the seat member. When the lever is in the disengaged state, the tooth is disengaged from the tooth-receiving member. When the levers of the recline mechanisms are both in the disengaged state, the back rest is allowed to pivot relative to the seat member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Graco Children's Products Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff G. Greger, Baku Kakuda
  • Patent number: 6659554
    Abstract: An adjustment device of a chair backrest includes a fixed member a movable member and a fixing spanner. The fixed member is fixed to a bottom of a seat of a chair. The movable member is pivoted to the fixed member, and a support rod of the backrest is connected to a rear end of the movable member. The fixing spanner is connected to an outer end of a bolt passing through both a lateral curved slot of the fixed member and a round hole of the movable member from a connecting end portion thereof so as to be turnable between an unlocking position for allowing adjustment of the backrest and a locking position for fixing the movable member after the adjustment. The fixed member further has a curved bump enclosing the curved slot. The bump has a tapering lateral side with an upper portion bigger than a lower portion thereof, whereby the backrest can be further secured in position after the adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventor: Wen-Fa Su
  • Patent number: 6601921
    Abstract: A seatback latch release mechanism includes a latch plate fixed for rotation with a rotatable member, a first pin extending from the latch plate, a cam plate pivotally supported by a support plate and including a cam edge in selective sliding contact with the first pin and a second pin extending from the cam plate and in selective sliding contact with an edge of the latch plate. The cam plate is rotatable through a first range in which the first pin slidably engages the cam edge to provide a first torque for rotating the latch plate and the member from a first position. Further rotation of the cam plate transitions to a second range in which the first pin disengages the cam edge and the second pin slidably engages the edge of the latch plate to provide a second torque for rotating the latch plate and the member to a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Fisher Dynamics Corporation
    Inventor: Cecil A. Collins
  • Patent number: 6296304
    Abstract: An inclined back support arrangement for folding furniture includes a pair of back support joints pivotally connected to two bottom ends of two back frame legs and a pair of inclination locker for pivotally coupling the two back support joints with two lower portions of the two rear side crossed legs of the seat frame respectively, so as to inclinedly support the two back frame legs in position. Moreover, by varying the coupling position of the two rear side crossed legs with the two bottom ends of the two back frame legs can adjust the inclination of the two back frame legs of the back frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Inventor: Edward Zheng
  • Patent number: 6257667
    Abstract: A pivot bracket for a convertible boat lounge seat and a bracket in combination with a convertible boat lounge seat having connections for attaching to a pivot bracket beneath and spaced inward of the horizontal seat side edges of the horizontal seat, the bracket having a vertical slot, the bow of a back pivotally and slidably connected to the bracket within the slot for movement of the back into a forward facing position, a rearward facing position, and an upward facing lounge position, the bow pivoting in movement in a slot in the horizontal seat spaced inward from the side edge of the horizontal seat, and bow retaining members spaced forward and aft on the bracket to retain the bow in its forward and rearward facing positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Bayliner Marine Corporation
    Inventors: Kelly LaMarr Boren, John Harley Canada
  • Patent number: 6186595
    Abstract: A folding seat hinge (10) having a first hinge member (16) with an arcuate slot (46) radially displaced from the pivot axis (40) of the hinge. A second hinge member (12) is disposed with respect to one side (54) of the first member (16) to fully cover the slot (46) over the full range of pivoting motion of the hinge members (12, 16). A guide pin (58) is coupled to the second member (12), extends through the arcuate slot (46) in the first member (16) and functions to limit the pivoting motion between the hinge members. A cover plate (70) is disposed with respect to an opposite side (72) of the first hinge member (16) to fully cover the slot (46) over the full range of pivoting motion. A pivot pin (14) secures the hinge members (12, 16) and the cover plate (70) in an assembly and provides the axis of rotation (40) for the hinge members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: W. K. Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Richard W. Ward, Edward W. Hand
  • Patent number: 6158808
    Abstract: A fully adjustable lounge chair with an independently adjustable back support member, thigh support member and foot support member. A support pole for each of the support members attaches at its lower end to a horizontally disposed push bar. A rolling pinion gear is rigidly attached to each end of a shaft supported within the push bar so that the pinion gears reside at each end of the push bar. A pair of parallel rack type gears mate with the rolling pinion gears. A motorized screw type linear translation mechanism pivotally attached to each of the push bars causes the support members to raise and lower. "U" bracket type hinge members attach each support pole to the underside of each of the back support, thigh support and foot support members. A pair of shafts and associated pivotal hinge points attachs the back and thigh support members to a pair of vertically disposed support plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Inventors: Meg Margolis, Kenneth Tarlow, Rhoda Colen, August Colenbrander, Jeanne Colenbrander
  • Patent number: 6113189
    Abstract: A reclining seat back replaces a canvas seat back in a wheelchair frame. The reclining back has left and right brackets which attach to existing upright back supports of the wheelchair frame. A reclining back pivoted to the brackets is adjustable to a desired recline position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Lenjoy Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: John Bennett, Willis C. Bradley
  • Patent number: 6074008
    Abstract: A device for adjusting the inclination of the seating portion in chairs in general, to be applied to a support for the seating portion formed in at least two parts (2, 12) hinged together about a transverse axis (14) and associated with a spring (20) interposed between them to elastically maintain the back rest of the chair in its most forwardly inclined position, and also associated with a locking member (24) to maintain them in other predetermined positions corresponding to different inclinations of the back rest, characterised by comprising: a locking bolt (26) forming part of the locking member (24) and fixed to one (2) of the two parts (2, 12) of the support for the seating portion, a plurality of holes (22) provided in the other part (12) of the support for the seating portion in positions engageable by the bolt (26) and corresponding to different relative inclinations between the two parts (2, 12) of the support, a rod (30) for axially operating the bolt (26), an axially bistable device (34) for contro
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Imarc S.P.A.
    Inventors: Claudio Gorgi, Daniela Zanetti
  • Patent number: 6045190
    Abstract: A folding seat hinge (10) having a first hinge member (16) with an arcuate slot (46) radially displaced from the pivot axis (40) of the hinge. A second hinge member (12) is disposed with respect to one side (54) of the first member (16) to fully cover the slot (46) over the full range of pivoting motion of the hinge members (12, 16). A guide pin (58) is coupled to the second member (12), extends through the arcuate slot (46) in the first member (16) and functions to limit the pivoting motion between the hinge members. A cover plate (70) is disposed with respect to an opposite side (72) of the first hinge member (16) to fully cover the slot (46) over the full range of pivoting motion. A pivot pin (14) secures the hinge members (12, 16) and the cover plate (70) in an assembly and provides the axis of rotation (40) for the hinge members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: W. K. Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Richard W. Ward, Edward W. Hand
  • 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: 5975631
    Abstract: A swing with a pivotally attached tray for pivotable movement about a generally vertical axis, a vibrating mechanism attachable to a seat bottom of the swing, wheels mounted on a frame for selective engagement with the floor when the frame is tilted back when grasping a pair of handles on the frame, a lost motion coupling mechanism for a motorized drive mechanism, and a reclinable seat with an adjustment wire for selecting different reclined positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Evenflo Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul F. Fair, Mark D. Jankowski
  • Patent number: 5956810
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of hinges, and specifically, to seat hinges of the type used for foldable boat seats. A hinge including two seat cushion supporting members and a back plate is taught. One supporting member has a pair of acruate channels formed about a central pivot through which fasteners pass. The arcuate channels are concealed between the other supporting member and back plate and limit the hinge between its fully closed and fully opened positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Estran Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth A. Spaeth
  • Patent number: 5951108
    Abstract: There is provided a joint fitting of a backrest for a motor vehicle seat, which has a first part of a joint, which is arranged at a seat frame (22) and a second part of a joint, which is arranged at a back of the seat (24), whereby both parts of the joint are adjustable towards each other via an adjustment device, for the reason of which one axis (32) of one part of the joint protrudes into a recess of the other part of the joint, the recess is a long hole (30), within which the axis (32) is guided on a dictated path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: C. Rob. Hammerstein GmbH & Co KG
    Inventors: Heinz Bauer, Burckhard Becker, Ernst-Reiner Frohnhaus
  • Patent number: 5725279
    Abstract: A folding seat hinge (10) having a first hinge member (16) with an arcuate slot (46) radially displaced from the pivot axis (40) of the hinge. A second hinge member (12) is disposed with respect to one side (54) of the first member (16) to fully cover the slot (46) over the full range of pivoting motion of the hinge members (12, 16). A guide pin (58) is coupled to the second member (12), extends through the arcuate slot (46) in the first member (16) and functions to limit the pivoting motion between the hinge members. A cover plate (70) is disposed with respect to an opposite side (72) of the first hinge member (16) to fully cover the slot (46) over the full range of pivoting motion. A pivot pin (14) secures the hinge members (12, 16) and the cover plate (70) in an assembly and provides the axis of rotation (40) for the hinge members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: W.K. Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Richard W. Ward, Edward W. Hand, III
  • Patent number: 5707112
    Abstract: A seat recliner having a linear recliner mechanism and a dump mechanism is disclosed. The linear retractor device is provided for adjusting the reclined position of the seatback. The dump mechanism includes a bracket mounted to the seat bottom which has a pair of elongated guide slots formed in two sidewall portions thereof. A carriage is slidably mounted in the elongated guide slots of the bracket and is coupled to the linear retractor mechanism for permitting sliding movement thereof between a memory position and a free position relative to the bracket. A latch device is provided for releasably securing the linear retractor mechanism in the memory position. When secured in its memory position, linear recliner mechanism can be selectively actuated to adjust the reclined position of the seatback between upright and fully-reclined positions. When the latch device is actuated, the linear retractor mechanism can be slid toward its free position in response to movement of the seatback toward its dumped position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Magna Lomason Corporation
    Inventor: Marshal Duane Zinn
  • Patent number: 5669664
    Abstract: A highchair comprises a child's chair and a supporting frame on which the chair is supported. The chair has at least one portion which is reclinable by a manual adjusting device. The adjusting device is movable between a position allowing free adjustment and a locked position in which adjustment is prevented. The manual adjusting device includes an operating element disposed on the backrest of the chair for movement between the locked position and the position of free adjustment. Advantageously, the entire chair forms the reclinable portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: Peg Perego Pines, S.p.A.
    Inventor: Gianluca Perego
  • Patent number: 5593211
    Abstract: An adjustable back system for releasable attachment to spaced-apart substantially vertical wheelchair frame posts (52). The back system includes a relatively rigid shell back (36) formed to extend transversely between the posts (52) for support of a user's back, a plurality of post-engaging assemblies (50) coupled to shell back (36) by a plurality of independently adjustable coupling assemblies. The post-engaging assemblies (50) including an upper pair of post-engaging assemblies extending transversely from opposite sides of shell back (36) and a lower pair post-engaging assemblies extending transversely from opposite sides of shell back (36) below upper post-engaging assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Jay Medical Ltd.
    Inventors: Eric C. Jay, John A. Dyer, John C. Dinsmoor, III
  • Patent number: 5205579
    Abstract: An operating mechanism disposed on a handle bar of a baby carriage for actuating locking mechanisms disposed at opposite ends of the handle bar and which locks the handle bar at a predetermined position or locks the baby carriage in a folded or an unfolded position. The handle bar has a hollow tubular construction and is bent in a U-shape or an inverted U-shape as viewed from its front. The operating mechanism includes a pair of slide members each of which is slidably disposed at the central portion of the handle bar, operating wires inserted into the handle bar, each of the operating wires having an upper end respectively retained by each of the slide members and a lower end attached to the locking mechanisms, and slide guide projections projecting from upper and lower sides of each of the slide members and an operating grip rotatably mounted on the surface of the handle bar, the operating grip having U-shaped guide grooves formed therein into which the slide guide projections are received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Assignee: Combi Corporation
    Inventors: Hitoshi Kato, Yuichi Arai
  • Patent number: 5116102
    Abstract: A bracket and a fighting chair for a fishing boat incorporating the bracket. The bracket includes a first part which can be attached to the seat of a fishing chair, and which has two removable pins and a fixed pin extending between two walls, and a rotating part which has a near end with a slot which is inserted between the two walls of the fixed part to engage the pins. The rotating part has a far end which can be attached to the back of the chair. With the bracket incorporated in the chair, the seatback has an upright position, an intermediate reclining position, a down position underneath the seat of the chair where the seatback is entirely out of the way, and a locked position just beyond the down position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1992
    Inventor: Robert L. Chaundy
  • Patent number: 4953259
    Abstract: A torque control for providing a desired frictional resistance to a pivotally mounted vehicle accessory, such as an armrest or headrest, which includes a resilient member having an irregular arcuate slot. A resistance element extends in the slot to move along the length thereof as the pivoted component pivots about the pivot axis. In one modification, the shape of the slot provides a desired predetermined frictional resistance and in another modification a cutout is made in one of the walls of the slot permitting such wall to flex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Assignee: Prince Corporation
    Inventors: Dale J. Frye, Kenneth M. Lindberg, Alan L. Kindig, Robert J. Stander, Joseph B. Buonodono, Jeffrey D. Gras, David A. Ozios
  • Patent number: 4882807
    Abstract: A torque control for providing a desired frictional resistance to a pivotally mounted vehicle accessory, such as an armrest or headrest, which includes a resilient member having an irregular arcuate slot. A resistance element extends in the slot to move along the length thereof as the pivoted component pivots about the pivot axis. The shape of the slot provides a desired predetermined frictional resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1989
    Assignee: Prince Corporation
    Inventors: Dale J. Frye, Alan L. Kindig, Kenneth M. Lindberg, Robert J. Stander
  • Patent number: 4648651
    Abstract: A collapsible, stick-folding, lie-back push-chair including seat support members having back rest members and armrest members, the inclination of the back rest members being controlled by connector members slidable along armrest members and having locking means in the form of a spring loaded pin for engagement with a hole in the armrest members. In the fully reclined position, the back rest members, and thus the seat, lie substantially parallel with the ground, at an angle of 165.degree.-170.degree. to the horizontal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1987
    Assignee: Andrews Maclaren Limited
    Inventor: Peter C. Hawkes
  • Patent number: 4500102
    Abstract: The sports wheelchair includes a one-piece, welded tubular frame assembly (A). A pair of rear wheels (30) are horizontally and adjustably positionable in a rear wheel mounting plate (34). The mounting plate has a plurality of slots (36, 38, 40) and a plurality of alternating ridges (44) and valleys (46) which mesh with like ridges (50) and valleys (52) on an axle receiving assembly (42). A pair of front wheels (80) are mounted with a front wheel mounting assembly (82) to be selectively positioned in any one of three vertical positions (FIGS. 6, 8, and 9). The front wheels are further mountable on the inside or the outside of a lower horizontal frame portion (10) and in any one of a plurality of positions fore and aft along the horizontal frame portion. The user is supported by a fabric seat (170) which is laced to upper horizontal frame portions (12) and to a back structure (150).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1985
    Assignee: Invacare Corporation
    Inventors: Gilbert E. Haury, Nathalal G. Patel, Walter G. Lockard, Thomas R. Wiatrak