Foldable Forwardly Over Bottom Patents (Class 297/378.1)
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Patent number: 7918507Abstract: A device for limiting the adjustability of a component, in particular, a vehicle seat is provided. The device has an adjustment range, running in the longitudinal direction of a vehicle wherein the adjustment range comprises a first forward partial range and a second rear partial range. If the component is adjusted to a functional position that is different from the normal position, the device limits the adjustability of the component to the first partial range.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2005Date of Patent: April 5, 2011Assignee: Johnson Controls GmbHInventor: Uwe Schmale
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Patent number: 7909407Abstract: A vehicle seat comprises a seat bottom with a frame with a slot or a pivotal connection. A seat back has a frame with the other of the slot and the pivotal connection to cooperate with the seat back for collapsing the seat back upon the seat bottom. A receiver is mounted to one of the seat bottom or the seat back with a first locking component and an insert is mounted to the other with a second locking component. The seat back is assembled to the seat bottom by pivoting the seat back to align the receiver and insert and translating the seat back along the slot until the insert is inserted into the receiver and the locking components are locked. The vehicle seat connection permits the seat bottom and seat back to be fabricated at separate facilities and then shipped to an assembly facility.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2007Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Eugene S. Dudash, Don Bernhardt, Jeff Frelich, Raymond E. Scott
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Publication number: 20110062737Abstract: A rear seat for a motor vehicle with a seat part and a backrest which is upright in a seating position and folded down in a loading position, and in the loading position increases the loading space floor with its rear side facing a loading space of the motor vehicle is provided. The seat part is connected with at least one electromotive drive for translatorily adjusting and/or folding down the seat part from the seating position into the loading position and for translatorily returning and/or folding back the seat part from the loading position into the seating position.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2010Publication date: March 17, 2011Inventor: Gregor Kroener
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Publication number: 20110062738Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle seat (1) comprising at least one first segment (3, 3?) with a seat part (6) as well as a second segment (2) with a seat part (5) and a backrest (4). The second segment can be stowed underneath the seat part (6) while the backrest (4) is collapsible.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2008Publication date: March 17, 2011Applicant: Johnson Controls GmbHInventors: Miles Lindley, Joerg Tabellion, Ponnarasu Annal Ganesan, Michael Fahl, Raghu Balla
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Publication number: 20110057495Abstract: A seat assembly having headrest that includes an expansion assembly that operates to expand the cushion when the headrest is in the lower position. As the headrest is raised, the expansion assembly retracts, removing the bulge and creating a more planar surface for comfortably resting the head of a seat occupant. The headrest is also configured to reduce expansion of flatten as the seatback is folded flat.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2009Publication date: March 10, 2011Applicant: JOHNSON CONTROLS TECHNOLOGY COMPANYInventor: Antonio Buccinna
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Patent number: 7901007Abstract: A vehicle seat that is foldable can include a linkage mechanism for operatively withdrawing the headrest during fold down procedures and automatically extending the headrest to a use position during unfolding procedures of the seat.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2007Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Derek Lindsay
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Patent number: 7901005Abstract: A seat is disclosed for use in a vehicle. The seat includes a pivotable seat cushion, a pivotable seatback, and a pivotable headrest. A rearward portion of the seat cushion is pivotably attached to the floor of the vehicle by an anchor member. A forward portion of the seat cushion is pivotably coupled to a forward support leg that contacts the floor of the vehicle when the seat cushion is retained in a generally horizontal position. The forward support leg automatically retracts to a position proximate the seat cushion when the seat cushion is released and pivoted upwardly to a generally vertical stowed position proximate the seatback. The seatback is pivotably attached to the anchor member and may be downwardly pivoted to a generally horizontal stowed position proximate the seat cushion. The headrest may be pivotally attached to the seatback, and may be movable to a stowed position.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2003Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: Honda Motor Co., LtdInventors: Zaki A. Khan, Michael D. McCannell, Koji Uno, Patrick Basile
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Patent number: 7896441Abstract: A vehicle seat having a seat frame that in its rear region is adapted to be releasably arrested on structural elements by a left arresting device and a right arresting device, which are releasable separately relative to one another, preferably via different displacement processes. A back rest frame is preferably releasably arrested on the seat frame via a freely pivotable device, such as an arresting control. An actuating device, especially an actuating handle, that is activatable by the user is preferably provided for releasing the freely pivotable device. A first one of the arresting devices can be releasable by the actuating device, whereby different displacement paths can be provided for the release of the freely pivotable device and of the first arresting device. One or more driver systems can be provided for forming idle paths or free play.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2008Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: Faurecia Autositze GmbHInventors: Mareike Krahn-Lau, Klaus-Dieter Habendank
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Publication number: 20110043024Abstract: A seat for a vehicle includes a seat cushion frame reciprocating between seating and retracted positions, a seat back frame rotatable between standing and forward-tilted positions, a head rest movable between stationary and retracted positions, a pair of links provided at both end portions of the seat cushion frame on a floor in a lateral direction of the vehicle, a guide member including a guide groove extending between the seating and retracted positions, a slide member arranged at the seat cushion frame and sliding along the guide groove, a head rest retaining device retaining the head rest in the stationary position, a rotary member supported by the seat back frame and rotated by the slide member, and an interlocking device arranged between the rotary member and the head rest retaining device and releasing the head rest from the stationary position in accordance with a rotation of the rotary member.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2010Publication date: February 24, 2011Applicants: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA, TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Motohiro KOKUBO, Masaki Hatano, Hideki Fujisawa, Kazuya Iwasa, Hiroaki Hayahara
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Patent number: 7887134Abstract: A seat control mechanism for a seat frame has an interlock device that includes a lock plate slidably coupled to a seatback for movement between a locked and a released position. A stop bracket is coupled to a seat bottom and has a first end engageable with the lock plate in the locked position when the seatback is in a full-forward position and a second end engageable with the lock plate in the locked position when the seat back is in a fold-flat position. An actuator moves the lock plate from the locked to the released position to release the lock plate and permit movement of the seatback between the full-forward position and the fold-flat position. The lock plate is biased toward the locked position to engage the ends of the stop bracket to lock the seat back in either the full-forward or the fold-flat position after releasing the actuator.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2006Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventor: Yi Shao
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Patent number: 7878595Abstract: Operation force required for pivot operation of a movable body can be set almost constant independent of variation in the angular position of the pivoting. A pivot mechanism (tumble mechanism (10A)) has a floor-side member (B) fixed to a predetermined position; a seat-side member (12) connected to the floor side member (B) by hinge coupling so as to be pivotable in a predetermined angle range; and a torsion spring member (14)provided to urge the seat side member (12)in the opposite direction to gravity that acts on the seat side member (12). The pivot mechanism is constructed such that weight moments about a pivot center (13a) acting on the seat-side member (12) as the pivot mechanism move varies. The torsion spring member (14) has an urging the section (14b) for urging the seat seat member (12) and a support section (14a) that is supported by the floor side member (B).Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2005Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Taku Imajou
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Patent number: 7871128Abstract: A seat-back motion controller is used in a foldable vehicle seat to control motion of a seat back relative to a seat base. The motion controller includes a seat recliner configured to be locked to retain the seat back in a selected reclined position and unlocked to free the seat back to be pivoted forwardly to assume a forward-leaning seat-back dumping position to facilitate passenger access to a back seat area in a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2008Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: Faurecia Automotive Seating, Inc.Inventors: Jeffery Bonk, Miroslav Tasevski
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Patent number: 7871127Abstract: A recliner mechanism for use with a vehicle seat having a floor striker engaging bottom and a pivotally associated seatback. A seatback is pivotally secured to a fixed support and includes an arcuate lower surface upon which are defined teeth. A pawl is pivotally secured to the support and includes an upper surface with additional inter-engaging teeth when the seatback is in an upright position. A release cam secures to the support proximate a recessed underside location of the pawl and maintains the pawl in locking engagement with the seatback sector in a first position. The release cam rotates to cause the pawl to pivot out of engagement with the seatback, allowing it to pivot to a dump position opposing the seat bottom and concurrent with the seat bottom releasing from the floor striker and tumbling to a forward rotated position.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2008Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: BAE Industries, Inc.Inventors: Stephen Bruck, David Grable
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Patent number: 7862121Abstract: A seat may be obtained with improved operability of plural adjustable units. A vehicle seat 10 is provided with: a seat lifter 22 provided to a seat body that is for sitting on, and is adjusted by operation force transmitted from a first operating system; a reclining mechanism 20 provided to the seat body, that is adjusted by operation force transmitted from a second operating system; and an operation lever 30, imparting operation force for independently adjusting the reclining mechanism 20 and the seat lifter 22. The operation lever 30 imparts operation force to the seat lifter 22 when operated by rotation along the seat up-down direction in the direction of arrow D and arrow E, and imparts operation force to the reclining mechanism 20 when operated by rotation along the seat width direction in the direction of arrow F.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2007Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Shiroki CorporationInventors: Takahiro Ishijima, Yoichi Takada
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Patent number: 7857392Abstract: A vehicle seat can include a stopper capable of stopping a forward tilting of a seat back at a forwardly tilted position, and a stopper operation mechanism. The stopper operation mechanism has a main pivoting member that is pivoted through an operation of a forward tilting operation lever, a sub pivoting member that is pivoted with respect to the main pivoting member, and a connection spring connecting these tilting members to each other. When the forward tilting operation lever is operated, the sub pivoting member receives a force from the connection spring to be pivoted together with the main pivoting member, causing the stopper to move to an acting position. When the stopper is pushed from the acting position toward a non-acting position, with the forward tilting operation lever being operated, the sub pivoting member receives a force from the stopper to elastically deform the connection spring, and is pivoted with respect to the main pivoting member together with the stopper.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2008Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Assignees: Toyota Boshuku Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiromasa Hayakawa, Shingo Suzushika, Masaharu Nakamura, Ko Ishikawa
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Publication number: 20100320824Abstract: A stowable vehicle seat with improved operability is configured so that a stowing and restoring operation can be performed by rotating seat support parts and provided on the rear end part of a seat cushion in the front and rear direction around the rotating center. The seat support part is provided with a rotating shaft provided on the seat cushion side, a rotating shaft bracket pivotally supporting the rotating shaft on the vehicle body floor side, and spiral springs one end part side of which is always locked to the rotating shaft side and which urges in the restoration rotating direction. The other end part side of the spiral springs is locked to the vehicle body floor side at different predetermined angles of the seat cushion.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2009Publication date: December 23, 2010Applicant: TS TECH CO., LTDInventors: Kazuya Aoki, Tatsuo Sayama
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Publication number: 20100314920Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a side support capable of supporting a side portion of the torso of an occupant seated in the seat. The seat has a seatback capable of being tilted up or down relative to a seat cushion. A support shaft extending from a lateral surface part of the seatback in a widthwise direction toward an outside of a vehicle is rotatably supported by a bracket. A spring for urging the seatback in a forward-tilting direction is disposed between the support shaft and the bracket. The bracket and the spring are positioned proximately to a rear surface part of the side support.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2010Publication date: December 16, 2010Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Yuji Arata, Kazuyuki Kaneko
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Publication number: 20100308552Abstract: A pushchair seat (10) comprising a seat back (18) mounted for pivotable movement relative to a seat base (20). A bumper bar (14) is pivotably coupled to and carried by the seat (10) and is moveable between a stowed position generally adjacent to the seat base (20) and a deployed position spaced from the seat back (18) and the seat base (20). Drive mechanisms (16) are provided at each end of the bumper bar (14) and comprise a selectively engageable coupling mechanism in the form of a clutch mechanism (30, 32) and a control mechanism (34, 56, 58). The coupling mechanism couples movement of the seat back (18) between its stowed position and its operating position into a corresponding movement of the bumper bar (14) between its stowed position and its deployed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2008Publication date: December 9, 2010Applicant: MAMAS & PAPAS (HOLDINGS) LIMITEDInventors: Nicolas James Mival, Andrew Gordon Wallace, Martin Paul Bagwell, Benjamin James Peter Hubert, Simon Lewis Bilton
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Publication number: 20100308614Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicular frame, a utility bed, a seat back, and a scat bottom. The utility bed is coupled with the vehicular frame. The utility bed comprises a bed frame, a bed floor, and an end wall. The bed floor comprises first and second floor portions. The first floor portion is pivotable between an upright position and a cargo support position. The second floor portion is coupled with the frame. The end wall is movably coupled with the bed frame and is moveable between an erected position and a collapsed position. The seat back is coupled with first floor portion. The seat bottom is coupled with the end wall. When the first floor portion is in the upright position with the end wall in the collapsed position, the seat back and the seat bottom cooperate to provide a seat.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2009Publication date: December 9, 2010Inventor: David W. Arnold
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Patent number: 7845726Abstract: A juvenile vehicle seat includes a seat base adapted to set on a vehicle seat and a foldable backrest associated with the seat base. The juvenile vehicle seat also includes a backrest lock coupled to the foldable backrest.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2008Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: Cosco Management, Inc.Inventor: Andrew B. Mendenhall
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Publication number: 20100295356Abstract: This invention relates to a chair device for person carrier which is formed by a backrest unit, composed of a front backrest and a rear backrest, pivotally jointed with respect to a seat unit, in which two opposite fan-shaped limit projecting members are provided at each pivot-joint end of the seat unit. The fan-shaped limit projecting members can be angularly displaced to a position so as to be engaged with fan-shaped recesses in the pivot-joint ends of the rear backrest. In this way, the fan-shaped limit projecting members have a position limited space for angular displacement within the fan-shaped recesses so that the backrest unit of the chair can move in the range between a collapsing state and an unfolding state. Furthermore, reinforcing edge ribs for strength reinforcement purpose are provided at both sides where the front backrest is assembled to the rear backrest, so as to reinforce the strength of the backrest unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2009Publication date: November 25, 2010Inventor: Shih-Wen Chen
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Patent number: 7823972Abstract: A recliner including a power adjustment system operable at a first rate, and at least one sensor including an active material element, wherein the sensor is configured to determine an obstacle to adjustment and selectively retard the rate when the obstacle is determined.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2008Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson, Artie J Martin, James Y. Khoury, William B. Carter
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Publication number: 20100264714Abstract: A seat assembly includes a seat back pivotally coupled to a seat cushion for movement between a generally upright seating position and a folded position overlying the seat cushion. A head restraint is slidably coupled to an upper end of the seat back for vertical movement between a use position spaced apart from the upper end and a stowed position adjacent the upper end. A mechanism is operative for automatically moving the head restraint between the use and stowed positions in response to pivoting the seat back between the seating and folded positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2008Publication date: October 21, 2010Inventor: Omar D. Tame
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Patent number: 7802850Abstract: A seat for a motor vehicle, includes a backrest part and a seat part. The backrest part is configured to fold relative to the seat part from a normal position into a folded position and vice-versa. A lower seat structure is included and the seat is configured to move relative to the lower seat structure. At least one front first fastening, one rear second fastening and one diagonal fastening are provided to fasten the seat part to the lower seat structure. The seat is configured to adjust at least into an entry position and into a lowered position distinguishable from the normal position, and the second fastening is configured to release in the entry position. The diagonal fastening is configured to release in the lowered position.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2004Date of Patent: September 28, 2010Assignee: Johnson Controls GmbHInventors: Bernd Deiβmann, Hans-Jürgen Caro, Piotr Szablewski
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Publication number: 20100207420Abstract: There is provided a stowable vehicle seat that can be stowed and restored with improved operability. The stowable vehicle seat has a seat support part for supporting a seat cushion so that the seat cushion is rotatable in the front and rear direction, a seat back having a reclining mechanism that folds over the seat cushion, a stowage recess provided on the vehicle body floor side, a front leg provided on the front side of the seat cushion, a leg locking element that engages and disengages the front leg with and from the vehicle body floor side, a link mechanism connected to the reclining mechanism and the leg locking element, and a strap that operates the reclining mechanism and the leg locking element via the link mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2008Publication date: August 19, 2010Applicant: TS Tech Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tatsuo Sayama
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Patent number: 7775597Abstract: A folding seat has a support structure, a backrest and a seat base. The seat base is pivotally mounted on the support structure for pivoting between a seating position with the seat base extending generally horizontally and the backrest generally vertically, a stored position with the base and backrest both extending generally vertically, and a table position with base and backrest both extending generally horizontally. A first over-centre spring biases the seat base towards its generally horizontal position or its generally vertical position depending on the location of the base. Also, a second over-centre spring biases the backrest towards its generally vertical position or its generally horizontal position depending on the location of the backrest.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2008Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: Agco GmbHInventor: Alexander Barzen
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Patent number: 7775596Abstract: An electronic trigger assembly for triggering an actuator, the electronic trigger assembly having a trigger member capable of connection to the actuator. The trigger member may be configured for rotation between a first position and a second position and the trigger member may be able to trigger the actuator as the trigger member rotates between the first position and the second position. The trigger member may also include a guide. A shape memory alloy member may be connected to the trigger member and may be received by the guide such that a substantial portion of the shape memory alloy member is disposed in a curvilinear arrangement. The shape memory alloy member may contract when electrified. The shape memory alloy member may be confined by the guide to contract along a path such that the shape memory alloy member exerts torque on the trigger member and causes the trigger member to rotate from the first position to the second position.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2006Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Karl R. Kennedy, John F. Nathan, Samuel R. Hanlon, H. Winston Maue
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Patent number: 7775591Abstract: In a fitting connected at one side to a backrest structure of a backrest and at the other side to the supporting structure of a seat part, having a first actuating element, by way of which the fitting can be activated to adjust the inclination of the backrest between use positions in a first angle range, having a second actuating element, by way of which the fitting can be activated so as to pivot the backrest freely from a use position in the first angle range into a pivoted-free position in a second angle range, and having a ring which is rotatably mounted on the fitting, when the fitting is activated, the second actuating element couples the backrest to the ring, so that the backrest, as it is pivoted freely, drives the ring at least when the second angle range is reached, and the ring then unlocks a longitudinal adjuster.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2008Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: Keiper GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Birger Hahn, Gunnar Schäfer
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Patent number: 7766430Abstract: A seat assembly is adapted to be coupled to a vehicle floor and includes a seat back (16) and a seat cushion (12). The seat back is pivotally coupled to a support bracket (50) mounted to the floor. A fold flat mechanism (58) includes a transfer link (60) pivotally coupled to the support bracket, a seat cushion link (68) coupled between the seat cushion and the transfer link, and a seat back link (76) coupled between the seat back and the transfer link for transferring pivotal movement of the seat back through the transfer link to the seat cushion link to automatically move the seat assembly between a seating position wherein the seat back is in an upright position and the seat cushion is spaced above the floor, and a stowed position wherein the seat back is pivoted to a fold flat position overlying the seat cushion and the seat cushion is lying flat against the floor.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2006Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: Intier Automotive Seating Systems GmbHInventor: Kevin J. Ventura
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Publication number: 20100176638Abstract: A vehicle seat is provided with a seat part with a backrest part that can be folded over in the direction of the seat part. The seat part with respect to the vehicle longitudinal direction comprises a front seat part and a back seat part of which the front seat part for forming a base for the backrest part can be transferred into a forward folded position and the back seat part is stationarily arranged on a vehicle structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2010Publication date: July 15, 2010Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Harald CZERWENSKI, Hans-Peter GIMBEL
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Patent number: 7753449Abstract: A reclining seat for an automobile is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2006Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: TS TECH Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masami Yoshida
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Patent number: 7735914Abstract: The ottoman recliner chair includes a pair of opposed side panels, a seat coupled between the side panels, and a back pivotably coupled to the seat. The back is pivotable between a stowed, horizontal position and a generally vertical position. A footrest is coupled to the side panels and seat with a footrest linkage. The footrest is movable between a stowed and extended position wherein the ottoman recliner chair is movable between a stowed ottoman position with the back in the horizontal position and the footrest in stowed position, and a reclined position with the back in the generally vertical extended position and the footrest in extended position.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2004Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: L & P Property Management CompanyInventor: Cabot Longnecker
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Patent number: 7731288Abstract: The present invention relates to a motor vehicle seat (2) comprising a seat part (6) which may be moved by means of a seat part mechanism (20) from an operating position into a non-operating position, a backrest (4) which may be swiveled by means of a backrest mechanism (8) about a swivel pin (10) in the direction of the seat part (6), and a coupling element (44) for coupling the movement of the backrest (4) to the movement of the seat part (6), the coupling element (44) cooperating with the backrest mechanism (8) and the seat part mechanism (20) such that the coupling element (44) exerts a tensile force on the seat part mechanism (20), in order to move the seat part (6) from the operating position into the non-operating position.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2007Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: Intier Automotive Seating Systems GmbHInventors: Kevin J. Ventura, Bernd Winkelhake
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Patent number: 7722120Abstract: An automobile seat in which spaced apart side brackets of a seat back are individually faced to spaced apart side brackets of a seat cushion, a pivot shaft is penetrated through the brackets and bridged between the brackets, and reclining lock devices are assembled on the axis of the pivot shaft to the side brackets, whereby the seat back is held upright such that the angle of the seat back relative to the seat cushion is adjustable and that the seat back is reclinable forward and rearward, and in which the seat back is urged by return spring members to the upright direction. The spring members comprise first and second torsion bar springs that are arranged in proximity to the pivot shaft. The springs are engaged at both end portions thereof with corresponding side brackets in such a manner that the springs cross each other.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2005Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: TS Tech Co., Ltd.Inventors: Osamu Toyooka, Masanobu Kojima
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Publication number: 20100109388Abstract: A support for a support material that is to be embroidered, comprising a strip-shaped support that in a conveying direction thereof and/or transversely to the conveying direction is provided with a plurality of window-like openings for passage of an embroidery needle, wherein the window-like openings are adapted to be covered by the support material. A conveying device is provided and has a drive mechanism for displacing the strip-shaped support. An embroidery machine or sewing machine incorporating the conveying device is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2008Publication date: May 6, 2010Inventors: Klaus-Dieter Habedank, Mareike Krahn-Lau
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Patent number: 7703851Abstract: A tilt mechanism portion is connected to an front downward-extending portion of a side frame (cushion side fame) of a seat cushion so as to move vertically the seat cushion. A rear downward-extending portion of the cushion side frame is supported at a support pin of a base side frame. Thereby, the rear end of the seat cushion changes little longitudinally despite the vertical movement (tilt) of the front portion of the seat cushion. Accordingly, any conformability deterioration that may be caused by a large forward movement of the seat cushion at a seat back taking a large reclining position can be prevented properly.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2007Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Kouichi Nakaya, Kousei Nakano
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Patent number: 7681945Abstract: This invention is related to an ottoman convertible to a seating unit comprising a back-support assembly, a seat-support assembly, a base frame, and a pair of opposed armrests. Additionally, the ottoman includes a linkage system comprising a plurality of pivotably interconnected linkages, where the linkage system is configured to rotatably couple the seat-support assembly to the back-support assembly, and translatably couple the seat-support assembly and the base frame. In operation, this furniture piece is moveable between a closed position, resembling an ottoman, and an open position, wherein the back-support assembly forms the backrest of a seating unit accessible to a seated occupant. Specifically, the pivotably interconnected linkages operate such that rearward rotational movement of the back-support assembly induces forward translation of the seat-support assembly in relation to the base frame. This movement coincidentally induces the pair of opposed armrests to raise.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2008Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignee: L & P Property Management CompanyInventors: Glenn N. Wiecek, Gary Masters
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Patent number: 7677656Abstract: A center seat console that moves between a forward position between front seats, an intermediate position, and a rear position between rear seats is disclosed. The seat/console may function as a seat in the rear seat position, or in the intermediate position. In the intermediate position, the seat/console in the seat configuration may advantageously be used to support a child safety seat. The seat/console may also be configured as a console in either the rear seat, intermediate, or front seat positions. The seat/console is provided with an adjustable height support that permits the seat/console to be lowered to fit beneath arm rests assembled to the front seats when it is desired to place the console between the front seats.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2006Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Mohammad Saberan, James Klein, Brian D. Phillips, David Kolena, Wee Gam, Sanjay Vakil, Artur W. Dlugosz, Fred Kresky, Kyle Calvert, Daniel Kirk
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Publication number: 20100060065Abstract: A chair with height adjustable armrests and a foldable back utilizes an engaging rod to control the height at which the armrest is positioned and a locking assembly to control the folding operation of the chair back, so that the user can adjust the height of the armrests as desired and fold the chair back for facilitating storage of the chair.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2008Publication date: March 11, 2010Inventor: Yu-Ching Hung
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Publication number: 20100026073Abstract: A power seat assembly with motor actuated release and rewind of a seatback sector. First and second support plates sandwich a forwardly biased seatback sector and a cam engaged with the seatback sector in an upright position. A first pin extends from said cam offset its pivotal connection and passes through a slot defined in the second support plate to define a range of pivotal motion of the cam. A toothed gear sector rotatably mounted to an exterior of the second support plates and exhibits a polygonal shaped portion as well as an end shoulder offset and inwardly recessed from exteriorly defined teeth and the polygonal shaped portion. An electric motor includes an output gear in toothed engagement with the gear sector and for rotating the gear sector in a first direction so that the polygonal shaped portion contacts and deflects the pin and cam out of contact with the seatback, causing it to rotate to a forward dump position.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2008Publication date: February 4, 2010Applicant: Bae Industries, Inc.Inventors: Stephen Bruck, Tavis Lutzka
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Publication number: 20100019558Abstract: A buoyant pool chair supports a swimmer in an upright, semi-reclining or sitting position while the chair is floating in a swimming pool. Interconnected rigid frame members collectively form an open chair frame for supporting buoyant cushions. The buoyant cushions include layers of flexible cushion material secured together in overlapping relation, with the frame members being sandwiched between the overlapping layers. A layer of adhesive material bonds the overlapping cushion layers together and forms a water-tight seal around the frame members. A flexible layer of a water-resistant coating material is bonded to external surface portions of the buoyant cushions to provide a further protective layer and water-tight seal.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2009Publication date: January 28, 2010Inventors: Robert S. Scheurer, Michael L. Perry
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Publication number: 20100013289Abstract: One aspect of the present invention can include a vehicular seat including a seat cushion, a seat back inclinably attached to the seat cushion, and a restricting falling down mechanism. The restricting falling down mechanism restricts the seat back from falling down forward when the seat back falls down from a substantially erected state so that the seat back is maintained in a forward inclining attitude. The restricting falling down mechanism comprises an interference lever pivotably attached to the seat cushion. When the seat back falls down forward from the substantially erected state, the interference lever is squeezed between a member on a side of the seat back and a member on a side of the seat cushion. And the seat back is restricted from falling down forward by the member on the side of the seat cushion via the interference lever.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2009Publication date: January 21, 2010Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Yoshiyuki KUMAZAKI, Masumi KONAKA
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Patent number: 7648202Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat bottom and a seat back. The seat bottom includes a forward section and a rear section. The seat back is pivotably mounted about the seat bottom. The seat back is positionable in a reclined position and a folded position. The pivotable link system characteristically positions the forward section of the seat bottom in a lowered position and one or more raised positions.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2008Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Tobias Bokelmann, Stanislaw Andrzej Wieclawski
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Patent number: 7631934Abstract: A foldable portable stadium chair folds between a collapsed position for carrying and an open position for seating. Such chair includes an adjustable base member engageable with and securable to a bleacher bench, a chair frame coupled to the adjustable base member and having at least a portion thereof movable towards and away from the adjustable base member, a chair back coupled to a substantially vertical portion of the chair frame, and a chair seat coupled to a substantially horizontal portion of the chair frame.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2008Date of Patent: December 15, 2009Inventor: Peter J. Mac Isaac
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Patent number: 7614702Abstract: A rear seat system of a motor vehicle includes at least one seat that has a backrest and a seat surface. The backrest has, laterally, a backrest sidewall extending at least over part of the height of the backrest, and can be folded over forward about a pivot axis independently of the lateral backrest sidewall or cheek. It is important that the backrest sidewall is mounted such that it can be adjusted by pivoting about the pivot axis and is configured in such a manner that it can be adjusted together with the backrest into at least two different backrest inclination positions. In this case, the backrest can be folded over forward about the pivot axis from each backrest inclination position independently of the lateral backrest sidewall.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2007Date of Patent: November 10, 2009Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Markus-Claus Kübler, Klaus-Roger Düwel, Klaus Padberg
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Patent number: 7614701Abstract: A system and method for remote release actuation is disclosed. The system includes a control mechanism, a switch, a power supply, an actuator assembly, a position sensor, a ground, a cable, and a latch mechanism. The method includes the steps of: providing a remote release actuating system; powering the control mechanism with the power supply; powering the position sensor via the control mechanism; and using the control mechanism to check the electrical connection of the position sensor and powering the actuator assembly to release the cable which releases the latch mechanism into a home position if the position sensor is not connected.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2004Date of Patent: November 10, 2009Assignee: Schukra of North AmericaInventors: Xinde Liang, Xiao Ming Zhao, Hans Kogel, Renato Colja
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Publication number: 20090267398Abstract: An armrest assembly for an automobile seat, in which an armrest protrudes from a foldable seatback such that a passenger rests his/her arm on the armrest when the seatback is folded, and comes into contact with the seatback when the seatback is folded out in order to take a seat. The armrest assembly includes an armrest, which is installed on a seatback of the seat via links so as to protrude from the seatback, an external force transmitting device, which is coupled with at least one of the links, and transmits external force to the coupled link such that the armrest protrudes from the seatback, and a pressing unit, which installed on one side of the seatback such that the external force is applied to the external force transmitting device when the seatback is folded.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2008Publication date: October 29, 2009Applicant: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Seon Chae Na
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Patent number: 7604297Abstract: An adjusting mechanism includes a first sub-assembly, a bolt disposed on the first sub-assembly and a second sub-assembly. The bolt is configured to receive a force in a radial direction relative to an axis of the bolt. The second sub-assembly is mounted so as to be rotatable relative to the first sub-assembly by means of the bolt. The rotatability of the second sub-assembly relative to the first sub-assembly is configured to be reduced by a positive connection created using plastic deformation between the bolt and at least one of the first sub-assembly and the second sub-assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2005Date of Patent: October 20, 2009Assignee: Johnson Controls GmbHInventor: Frank Weber
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Publication number: 20090250987Abstract: A motor vehicle seat is provide that includes, but is not limited to a backrest which is pivoted from an essentially upright usage position into an essentially horizontal non-usage position, the backrest having a wing rest which is pivotable in the non-usage position of the backrest from an armrest non-usage position, which is essentially parallel to a middle backrest par of the backrest, around the pivot axis into an armrest usage position to implement an armrest, and having a locking configuration which is lockable in two positions and by which the wing rest is lockable in both the armrest usage position and also the armrest non-usage position.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2009Publication date: October 8, 2009Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventor: Jurgen MAIER
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Patent number: 7594699Abstract: A seat apparatus includes a seat cushion on which an operator is seated, a seatback supporting the operator seated on the seat cushion, the seatback being configured to incline forward to reduce an angle of the seatback relative to the seat cushion and to incline rearward to increase the angle of the seatback relative to the seat cushion, a seatback drive device inclining the seatback forward and rearward relative to the seat cushion, a seatback operating switch provided at a position where is reached by the operator seated on the seat cushion, the seatback operating switch operating the seatback driving device in response to an operation of the switch, and an excessive load restricting device restricting an excessive load applied to the operator seated on the seat cushion by limiting a forward inclination of the seatback when the seatback operating switch is operated so as to incline the seatback forward.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2006Date of Patent: September 29, 2009Assignees: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hirota Satta, Hidemitsu Higashi, Masaya Mizuguchi, Hideharu Kato, Tomonori Suzuki