Armrest Or Its Supporting Member Movable About A Vertical Axis Patents (Class 297/411.31)
  • Patent number: 12082981
    Abstract: A surgical armrest is disclosed. In one embodiment, the surgical armrest includes a body having two dorsal mounting brackets attached thereto. Each of the dorsal mounting brackets have an elongated aperture with an armrest member attached thereto. Each of the elongated apertures defines two ranges of rotation substantially parallel to a horizontal axis of the body. Each of the armrest members are configured to support a surgeon's elbow, forearm, wrist, or a combination thereof, during a surgical procedure, such as an operative microsurgery procedure on the skull and brain, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2024
    Inventor: Frederick H. Sklar
  • Patent number: 11986094
    Abstract: An arm assembly for a chair having a post, a first member, and an armrest. The first member is angularly adjustable relative to the post about a first axis between first angular movement limits, with a non-finite number of angular adjustment positions of the first member relative to the post. The armrest is operatively connected to the first member to translationally slide generally forward and rearward relative to the first member between first translational movement limits, with a non-finite number of translational adjustment positions of the armrest relative to the first member. The armrest is angularly adjustable relative to the first member about a second substantially upright axis between second angular movement limits, with a non-finite number of angular adjustment positions of the armrest relative to the first member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: Formway Furniture Limited
    Inventors: Christopher Warren Bisman, James Clifford Prier, Fabian David Haarbeck, Paul Michael Wilkinson, Damon Gregory Burwell, Hugh Thomas Mccoshim, Leon Harley Craze, Rachael Jessica Hall
  • Patent number: 11934587
    Abstract: A keyboard palm rest includes a base including a raised intermediate member, first and second cavities extending from two sides of the intermediate member respectively, and first and second grooves disposed through the first and second cavities respectively; a first pad including a first projection slidably disposed in the first groove; a second pad including a second projection slidably disposed in the second groove; a first sliding member including a first resilient member moveably disposed in the first cavity, and a first fastener driven through the first resilient member into the first projection to pivotably secure the first pad to the first sliding member; and a second sliding member includes a second resilient member moveably disposed in the second cavity, and a second fastener driven through the second resilient member into the second projection to pivotably secure the second pad to the second sliding member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Inventor: Cheng Yu Huang
  • Patent number: 11825766
    Abstract: Provided in some embodiments is a riding mower arm rest system that includes an armrest clamp adapted to couple to a control handle of a zero-turn radius (ZTR) riding mower, a first armrest member rotatably coupled to the armrest clamp (where the first armrest member is adapted to rotate about a first rotational axis oriented transverse to a longitudinal axis of the control handle), a second armrest member rotatably coupled to the first armrest member (where the second rotatable armrest member is adapted to rotate about a second rotational axis oriented transverse to the first rotational axis), and an armrest coupled to the second armrest member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Bad Boy Mowers, LLC
    Inventor: Zachary Crowl
  • Patent number: 11266247
    Abstract: An easily assembled chair armrest composed an armrest support, a connecting portion, and an armrest revealed. The connecting portion with a lock head is selectively disposed on the armrest or the armrest support while a locking hole is arranged at the armrest or the armrest support without the connecting portion. A locking slot communicates with the inner side of the locking hole. The armrest and the armrest support are in a first assembled state when the lock head is mounted into the locking slot through the lock hole. Then the lock head is horizontally rotated a staggered angle within the locking slot so that a lengthwise central axis of the armrest and a lengthwise central axis of the armrest support are coupled. Now the armrest and the armrest support are fastened into one part to be in a second assembled state. Thereby both structural strength and tightness are improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: ATEC INTERNATIONAL TEAM CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Te-Chun Chen, Fu-Ming Chen
  • Patent number: 11123243
    Abstract: A mobile object of the invention includes: a moving base including a front wheel and a rear wheel; a seat having a seating surface; and an armrest located outward of the seating surface in a width direction of the mobile object. The armrest includes: a supporting part supported on the moving base; a body part supported by the supporting part; and a grip protruding from the body part. The armrest is configured so as to be changeable between the position of use in which a user seated on the seating surface can hold the grip with the arm positioned upward of the armrest, and the lift-up position in which the grip is positioned upward of the position of use. The grip in the lift-up position is located outward in the width direction of the mobile object with respect to the grip in the position of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masayoshi Wada, Gopinath Raja
  • Patent number: 10952912
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a chair with a rotatable armrest, comprising a seat body, which is provided with an armrest, a backrest and a rotating member; wherein the backrest is arranged at a position on one end portion of the seat body, the rotating member is fixed on one end of the seat body near the backrest, the armrest is rotatablely connected with the seat body through the rotating member, and the armrest is capable of rotating roughly horizontally with respect to the seat body. According to the present disclosure, a user can leave the chair from one side of the seat body, moreover, when the user is leaving the chair, the rotated armrest can still provide help for the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Inventors: Xianguo Xu, Lei Xu
  • Patent number: 10853962
    Abstract: A reclining state determination device includes a detecting unit, an image capturing unit, and a control unit. The detecting unit detects an acceleration of a display device attached, so as to be capable of tilting, to a rear surface of a reclining seat. The image capturing unit captures an image from the display device. The control unit determines a reclining state of the reclining seat on the basis of the captured image and the detected acceleration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Taku Ueno
  • Patent number: 9849987
    Abstract: An aircraft sideboard includes a first portion with a first top surface and a first panel. The first top surface is disposed substantially horizontally at a first height and the first panel is disposed substantially vertically adjacent to the first top surface. A second portion is disposed adjacent to the first portion at a first end of the first portion. The second portion includes a second top surface and a second panel. The second top surface is disposed substantially horizontally at a second height and the second panel is disposed substantially vertically adjacent to the second top surface. A table is stowed interiorly to the first portion. The table extends from the first portion when deployed. The first top surface is immovable. The table deploys by tilting the first panel along a pivot axis defined adjacent to a bottom end thereof. The first height is greater than the second height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER INC.
    Inventors: Pierre Gagnon, Tom Deka, Patrick Fahmy, Michele Monardo
  • Patent number: 9457695
    Abstract: A carrier structure for an armrest for pivotal articulation to a mount in a vehicle includes two carrier arms carrying a support body, wherein the carrier arms are connected at one end to a cross member. The cross member has pins for pivotable support in the mount. The cross member is produced by tube forming, bending and punching of a steel sheet corresponding substantially to the planar projection of the cross member, wherein the pins are formed on the cross member as tube parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventor: Steffen Mangold
  • Patent number: 9340129
    Abstract: An automobile armrest is described. The armrest allows lateral movement in an outboard direction while resisting inboard movement. The armrest facilitates occupant egress and mitigates injury in a collision. Lateral outboard movement of the armrest is non-destructive and the armrest returns to a standard position upon removal of the outboard force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Raj S. Roychoudhury
  • Patent number: 9125495
    Abstract: A universal reclining armrest system for use with an articulated examination chair. The system includes an armrest adapter having a universal aperture for receiving a post portion of an armrest assembly. The armrest adapter further includes a splined peg for coupling to a pivoting mechanism of an articulated chair. The pivoting mechanism enables the chair to move throughout an operable range of motion while maintaining a fixed rotational position of an attached armrest adapter. The armrest assembly further includes an adjustable joint to provide 360° of rotational adjustment to the armrest relative to the fixed position of the armrest adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Inventors: Jeff Baker, Mike Bradfield, Brad Baker
  • Patent number: 9056569
    Abstract: A passenger armrest assembly includes an armrest coupled to a support tube that is pivotally mounted to an armrest support bracket. The armrest support bracket is configured to be reversibly mounted to a mounting bracket that is installed on a motorcycle structure adjacent to a passenger seat. The armrest support bracket is easily removable when a motorcycle is not carrying a passenger, and is easily attachable to the mounting bracket when a passenger is to be carried on the motorcycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Kuryakyn Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher D. Lindloff
  • Publication number: 20140300147
    Abstract: A seat that includes a seat bottom and seat back, an endbay assembly positioned to one side of the seat bottom, and an armrest positioned within the endbay assembly and selectively moveable between an upper position for use as an armrest and a lower position level with an upper seating surface of the seat bottom for allowing ingress and egress to the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan J. Suhre, Mark W. Peurifoy
  • Patent number: 8840188
    Abstract: Horizontally movable arm pads are useful for, among other things, their ability to be ergonomically positioned. An arm pad comprises a pad cover and a pad pan and is attached to an arm support. In one embodiment, a pad is laterally movable with respect to the arm support. In another embodiment, a pad is capable of moving forwards and backwards. In yet another embodiment, a pad is capable of moving laterally and forwards and backwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Humanscale Corporation
    Inventors: Niels Diffrient, Emilian D. Cartis, Mark McKenna, Steven Remy
  • Patent number: 8615828
    Abstract: a reclining bed that raises the upper body and legs above horizontal, but also allows the legs to recline below, the horizontal position. The resulting ergonomic benefits of sitting up for extended periods of time makes the desk specifically designed for such a bed a necessity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventor: Ferdinand Schermel
  • Patent number: 8534759
    Abstract: A passenger seat includes a seat back pivotably connected to a seat pan assembly, an armrest pivotally connected to the seat back, and a main linkage pivotably connected to the seat pan assembly at a first pivot point defining a first pivot axis. The main linkage is interconnected to the seat back through a secondary linkage and the main linkage is also interconnected to the armrest through a guide member that travels within a guide slot carried on the armrest and defining a guide pathway. Inclination of the seat back with respect to the seat pan assembly pivots the main link about the first pivot axis with respect to the seat pan assembly, which vertically moves the armrest with respect to the seat pan assembly, and maintains an upper surface of the armrest in substantially parallel relation with the seat pan assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: BE Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Javier Valdes De La Garza, Catalin Bunea, Daniel Udriste
  • Patent number: 8496295
    Abstract: A chair elbow capable of rotating with double shaft is disclosed. Two bearings are disposed on a mount board fixed on a chair. Each of the bearings connects one end of each of two rotating plates, while the other ends thereof are pivotally connected in a linear slot of a seat plate used for securing an armrest. The length of the slot is longer than the distance between the two bearings, and the latter is longer than the length of the rotating plates. Thus, the armrest on the seat plate can rotate against the mount board with 360 degrees and move forward and backward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Inventor: Chao-Ken Chen
  • Patent number: 8491055
    Abstract: An armrest for a motorcycle passenger, which permits one or both armrests to swing out to a side thereby accommodating a boarding passenger. Optionally, the armrests can be pivoted to rearward-facing orientation in order to form a rack behind a sissy bar of a motorcycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Enchantment Motor Sports, LLC
    Inventors: William Freer, II, Mary Martin
  • Patent number: 8480172
    Abstract: A universal reclining armrest system for use with an articulated examination chair. The system includes an armrest adapter having a universal aperture for receiving a post portion of an armrest assembly. The armrest adapter further includes a splined peg for coupling to a pivoting mechanism of an articulated chair. The pivoting mechanism enables the chair to move throughout an operable range of motion while maintaining a fixed rotational position of an attached armrest adapter. The armrest assembly further includes an adjustable joint to provide 360° of rotational adjustment to the armrest relative to the fixed position of the armrest adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventors: Jeff Baker, Mike Bradfield, Brad Baker
  • Patent number: 8287046
    Abstract: An armrest includes a base and an arm support. The base has a connecting portion and an installing portion. A first surface at an end of the connecting portion is opposite to the installing portion. The arm support is adapted to assemble with the base, and the arm support is pivotable with respect to the base. The arm support includes a second surface abutting the first surface, with a cavity defined in one of the first and second surfaces. An engaging member is pivotally received in the cavity in a single pivoting direction from an unlocked position to a locked position. The arm support is fixed to the base in the locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Chuan Hsing Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ching-Chang Wang
  • Patent number: 8104837
    Abstract: The invention provides a chair armrest that is variably adjustable to allow a user to assume an ergonomically preferred sitting position. The ergonomic chair armrest comprises, either separately or together, an arm support assembly capable of adjustment to various positions through a vertical plane and an arm pad assembly capable of adjustment to various positions through a horizontal plane. The invention further provides an ergonomic chair having an armrest that is adjustable in both a vertical plane and a horizontal plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Humanscale Corporation
    Inventor: Niels Diffrient
  • Patent number: 8070221
    Abstract: The present disclosure concerns embodiments of an operating support that supports a surgeon in a sitting position straddling a patient. By straddling the patient, the surgeon is ideally positioned to perform certain types of laparoscopic surgery, such as pelvic surgery, which requires the use of relatively long surgical instruments. The operating support supports the surgeon in a more ergonomically correct position that reduces the stress and strain on the surgeon's body as compared to the conventional technique of performing laparoscopic surgery in a standing position at one side of the operating table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Ethos Surgical, LLC
    Inventors: Craig Turner, John Economaki
  • Publication number: 20110254340
    Abstract: A reversing assembly for an office chair armrest is provided. Therein, an armrest is provided atop with a positioning element, so that the armrest, by combination of a fastening element and the positioning element, is pivotally positioned between the fastening element and the positioning element. The armrest is provided with a ball to be resiliently laid into one of positioning holes formed on the positioning element. Thereby, the armrest, when posed forward, is allowed to swing in both directions in a predetermined range, and the armrest is also allowed to rotate 180 degrees so that the reversed armrest is absent to touch the desk-top, and thereby the seat and legs of the chair can be received under the desk-top.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventor: Tsai Hsuan-Chin
  • Patent number: 8020808
    Abstract: An aircraft subassembly including a shelf combined with a longitudinal banquette for a passenger, a mechanism for moving the shelf along one of the two longitudinal sides of the banquette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Airbus
    Inventors: Alexandra Collins, Mark Collins
  • Publication number: 20110156464
    Abstract: According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a bearing structure including: a resin bush having a flange formed to be brought into contact with a plate face around a bearing hole from one side, a locking edge formed to be locked with the plate face around the bearing hole from the other side, and a circular through-hole formed to bear the support shaft inserted therethrough, wherein, upon receiving a load applied to the support shaft, the entire resin bush is flexibly displaced so that an inner circumferential surface of the through-hole is aligned with a hole edge of the bearing hole and the support shaft is born by the hole edge of the bearing hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: TS TECH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroshi IZAWA, Makoto TAKEUCHI, Takahiro KOBORI
  • Publication number: 20110074188
    Abstract: An armrest for a motorcycle passenger, which permits one or both armrests to swing out to a side thereby accommodating a boarding passenger. Optionally, the armrests can be pivoted to rearward-facing orientation in order to form a rack behind a sissy bar of a motorcycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: Enchantment Motor Sports, LLC
    Inventors: William Freer, Mary Martin
  • Patent number: 7862123
    Abstract: A universal reclining armrest system for use with an articulated examination chair. The system includes an armrest adapter having a universal aperture for receiving a post portion of an armrest assembly. The armrest adapter further includes a splined peg for coupling to a pivoting mechanism of an articulated chair. The pivoting mechanism enables the chair to move throughout an operable range of motion while maintaining a fixed rotational position of an attached armrest adapter. The armrest assembly further includes an adjustable joint to provide 360° of rotational adjustment to the armrest relative to the fixed position of the armrest adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Medical Technologies Industries
    Inventors: Jeff Baker, Mike Bradfield, Brad Baker
  • Patent number: 7850236
    Abstract: A rotatable armrest assembly comprises: an armrest support adapted to be connected to a base of the child car seat and having an insert hole; and an armrest having top and bottom ends that are opposite to each other in an axial direction, and provided with a shaft that extends into the insert hole so as to permit the armrest to be rotatable relative to the armrest support about an axis of the shaft that extends in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Wonderland Nurserygoods Company Limited
    Inventors: Shun-Min Chen, Jian-Qun Li
  • Patent number: 7845033
    Abstract: A medical examination table is provided. The medical examination table comprises a base providing a storage area, a patient support movable independent of the base between a lowered position and a raised position, and a lift mechanism coupled to the patient support for moving the patient support between the lowered position and the raised position. The patient support comprises a backrest and a seat. Movement of the patient support independent or separately from the base and without interfering with the storage areas within the base may allow for the efficient use of the examination table as a storage area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: The Brewer Company, LLC
    Inventors: Jack A. DeBraal, Michael J. Marchant, Mark E. Jensen, Michael Bargiel, Michael F. Hoft, Richard Walters
  • Publication number: 20100227292
    Abstract: Disclosed is a dental chair and accessory unit that includes an adjustable support device that can be quickly and easily configured for either left hand or right hand operation and requires a minimum of valuable office floor space without resorting to expensive and time consuming disassembly and reassembly of the support device while providing a secure and stable support for the DAU. Also disclosed is a DAU with an adjustable support device as described above, configured for retrofit to an existing dental chair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventor: Tom Benfield
  • Patent number: 7648207
    Abstract: A rotating structure for armrests includes a rotary plate disposed onto a support mounted to a holder extending upwardly on each of two sides of a chair. The support includes a receiving chamber formed on the top surface thereof and having a plurality of toothed recesses arranged around the external rim thereof. The rotary plate includes a pivotal member extending therefrom corresponding to the support and having a cutout fixed on one side thereof for receiving a slidable retaining tab which is biased by a spring. The retaining tab includes a number of toothed protrusions attached thereon and engaging with the toothed recesses. The bottom of a holding panel for placing a user's elbow may be assembled with the rotary plate, thereby obtaining a quick and secure positioning purpose and preventing making noise while in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Inventor: Yu-Shan Lai
  • Publication number: 20090241263
    Abstract: A medical examination table is provided. The medical examination table comprises a base providing a storage area, a patient support movable independent of the base between a lowered position and a raised position, and a lift mechanism coupled to the patient support for moving the patient support between the lowered position and the raised position. The patient support comprises a backrest and a seat. Movement of the patient support independent or separately from the base and without interfering with the storage areas within the base may allow for the efficient use of the examination table as a storage area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventors: Jack A. DeBraal, Michael J. Marchant, Mark E. Jensen, Michael Bargiel, Michael F. Hoft, Richard Walters
  • Publication number: 20090243352
    Abstract: In herringbone seats of the prior art, armrests on the closed angle side form an obstacle for the passengers in the seat in case of a shock, since the latter are generally projected along the axis of the vehicle and thus towards the armrest thus creating a high risk of injury for the passenger in case of a shock. The present invention provides a secure herringbone arrangement for the armrest of a seat i.e. making it possible to reduce the risk of injuries caused by the armrest, in case of a shock. Therefore, the present invention provides to leave a space between the seating part structure and the armrest to enable the passenger on the seat to be projected along the axis of the airplane in case of a shock without hitting the armrest. More precisely, the aim of the invention is a herringbone arrangement for the armrest of a seat wherein the armrest is angularly shifted with respect to the seat, so as to form a free space (33) between the seat and the armrest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: SOCIETE INDUSTRIELLE ET COMMERCIALE DE MATERIEL AERONAUTIQUE-SICMA AERO SEAT
    Inventor: Jeremy Cailleteau
  • Patent number: 7513000
    Abstract: A medical examination table is provided. The medical examination table comprises a base providing a storage area, a patient support movable independent of the base between a lowered position and a raised position, and a lift mechanism coupled to the patient support for moving the patient support between the lowered position and the raised position. The patient support comprises a backrest and a seat. Movement of the patient support independent or separately from the base and without interfering with the storage areas within the base may allow for the efficient use of the examination table as a storage area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: The Brewer Company, LLC
    Inventors: Jack A. DeBraal, Michael J. Marchant, Mark E. Jensen, Michael Bargiel, Michael F. Hoft, Richard Walters
  • Patent number: 7490910
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing an adjustable armrest. The adjustable armrest includes a horizontal armrest support, a fixed rear armpad and a slideable front armpad able to translate along the horizontal armrest support in a lengthwise direction. The adjustable armrest also includes a vertical member connected to the horizontal armrest support to bear the horizontal armrest support. The vertical member includes a gas-charged piston to vertically adjust a height of the horizontal armrest support. On the vertical member is a manually operated control used to actuate the gas-charged piston to vertically adjust a height of the horizontal armrest support. Additionally, the horizontal armrest support is configured to pivot around a connection point to the gas-charged piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Inventor: Roman Draughon
  • Patent number: 7380886
    Abstract: A pivoting column with stop cells formed inside the column is disclosed. The stop cells have to functioning positions, a locking position and a moving position. In the locked position the stop cells allow the column to rotate freely in one chosen direction, and prevent rotation in the opposite direction. In the moving position the stop cells allow free rotation of the column in either direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Inventor: David John Copello
  • Publication number: 20070246990
    Abstract: An abdominal support swivel chair is comprised of a support base with a plurality of leg arms having casters and radiating about the base frame in a common horizontal plane. An adjustable center post assembly extends vertically from the center of the support base and along a central vertical axis. A seat is secured to a frame connected at a top end of the center post. The seat has a rear buttocks support section and a central narrow frontal projecting section merging therewith through opposed side thigh cavities. An abdominal support pad is secured to an adjustable support arm connected to the saddle frame. The support arm has an upper securing end section adapted for securement of the abdominal support pad and to position same inclined forwardly. The adjustable support arm extends forwardly of the frontal projecting section and aligned therewith and has an adjustable connecting mechanism to position the abdominal support pad for the comfort of a user person above the frontal projecting section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Publication date: October 25, 2007
    Inventor: Daniel Grenon
  • Patent number: 7252340
    Abstract: A passenger seat with increased knee space for an aft-seated passenger, including a seat base for being attached to a supporting deck and at least one seat frame including a seat back and seat bottom carried by the seat base. At least one arm rest assembly is carried by the seat frame and including an arm rest mounted for pivotal movement about a pivot member between a use position with an upper support surface in a horizontal position for supporting a forearm of a passenger seated in the seat, and a stowed position wherein the upper support surface of the arm rest is perpendicular to the use position. The arm rest pivot member is mounted on the seat frame at a point forward of a plane defined by the seat back carried by the seat and above a point defined by the seat bottom for allowing the knee of an aft-seated passenger to occupy space behind the pivot member of the arm rest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: B E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventor: Glenn A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7207629
    Abstract: A tilt chair having a foot adapted to be supported by a support surface and a first leg pivotally mounted to the foot. A second leg is pivotally mounted to the first leg. A moveable support member is mounted to the second leg and is adapted to be supported by the support surface. The moveably support member is moveable in a first and second direction toward and away from the foot respectively as the first leg pivots relative to the second leg and as the first leg pivots relative to the foot. In one embodiment, the moveable support member is configured as a wheel. In one embodiment, a lower back member has a lower end pivotally mounted to the first leg and an upper back member pivotally mounted to an upper end of the lower back member. A restraining link is pivotally mounted between the lower back member and the second leg. An upper back link has a lower end pivotally mounted to the first leg and an upper end pivotally mounted to the upper back member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark W. Goetz, Robert L. Beck, Joel R. Dral, Robert W. Roth
  • Patent number: 7182403
    Abstract: A reclining chair, in particular a passenger chair, for use in a vehicle such as an aircraft, bus or mobile home. The chair includes a base assembly, a seat frame located above the base assembly, a seat attached to the seat frame, and a seat back connected to the seat frame. In various embodiments, the chair includes features such as an energy absorbing base assembly, an adjustable arm rest, a fully reclining seat back and a seat that increases its angle with respect to the horizontal as the seat back reclines, thereby forcing one back into the chair. The seat and seat back is also capable of achieving a fully horizontal position when the seat back is fully reclined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: John Williamson, Sreekanth Chintapudi
  • Patent number: 7156459
    Abstract: A stackable chair has a backrest mounted on back supports by resilient mount units for tilting between an upright position and a tilted-back position. Each mount unit includes a rigid coupling member having a lower portion received within an upper end portion of the respective back support and pivotally joined to the respective back support and having an upper portion received within and affixed to a socket in the backrest. A compression spring received within the upper end portion of the back support and engaged between the lower portion of the coupling member and a front wall of the respective back support biases the backrest to the upright position. An armrest is slidably supported on an armrest support for simultaneous and controlled pivotal movement about a substantially vertical pivot axis of a rearward part of the armrest relative to a forward part of the armrest and translatory movement in a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis. Movements of the armrests permit dense stacking of the chairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Center for Design Research and Development N.V. c/o Open Ark B.V.
    Inventor: Emilio Ambasz
  • Patent number: 6988772
    Abstract: A back support for displacing a person's weight from the lower area of the spine by providing support for the upper torso and for use with a seat having a seat base and a seat back, the back support comprising two axillary rests disposable against the seat back and protruding therefrom, supporting the major muscles in the area of each axilla. Each axillary rest may swivel to become relatively flush with the seat back. The support can be provided from the top using the seat back or headrest, or alternatively from the bottom using the seat base, or from a combination of both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Inventor: John Rutty
  • Patent number: 6948774
    Abstract: A chair, such as a swivel chair for the office, has an armrest that is made up of an armrest carrier, which includes a carrier and a sleeve sliding thereon and attached to the seat at the bottom by a seat flange which can be displaced transversely to the seat direction, and of an arm support, which can be displaced longitudinally via a guide and can be rotated via a rotary part mounted in a rotary bearing. The guide is arranged parallel, but eccentrically in relation, to the axis of symmetry of the arm support. Since the rotatability of the arm support is at least 1800, it is possible to set different clear distances between the two arm supports of the chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Sedus Stoll AG
    Inventors: Klaus Maier, Michael Klaesener, Thomas Stenzel
  • Patent number: 6619746
    Abstract: A height-adjustable and rotatable chair arm for an office chair includes a rotatable sleeve that is rotatably connected to an upright support post of the chair, and an arm assembly supported on the sleeve. Rotation of the sleeve relative to the upright permits the chair arm to be rotated to a desired position. Additionally, the sleeve includes a vertical row of slots and the arm assembly includes a lock mechanism which engages the slots whereby the arm assembly is vertically slidable along the sleeve and lockable at a selected elevation to adjust the height of the chair arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Haworth, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard N. Roslund, Jr., Gary Kiesgen, Matthew B. Rutman, Larry A. Wilkerson, Robert Leonetti
  • Patent number: 6619747
    Abstract: A torso and forearm support is provided for supporting the body of a user resting in a seated or standing position with forearm supports for allowing the user to rest at least one forearm during forearm movement while continuously engaging the armrest. The forearm supports are individually adjustable vertically and rotatably to accommodate the dynamic and/or continuous movement of the user's arm(s). Articulated armrest brackets fold in a compact manner behind the post assembly for storage when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventors: Kam Ko, Kay K. Lau
  • Patent number: 6588847
    Abstract: A chair has a chair body and armrests installed on the sides of the chair body. The armrests include arm supports and arm mounts, with the arm supports being attached to the sides of the chair body and the arm mounts being supported by the arm supports. Linking elements, or other suitable elements, are provided between the chair body and the arm supports or in part of the armrest for controlling at least the arm mounts so that they can move in a substantially regular path around a person in the chair, between a first use position, wherein the length direction of the arm mounts is nearly in the longitudinal direction of the chair body; and a second use position wherein the length direction of the arm mounts is nearly in the lateral direction of the chair body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Kokuyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomokazu Murakami
  • Publication number: 20020074844
    Abstract: An armrest (1) for a work chair is adjustable in the vertical and longitudinal directions. Moreover, the armrest (1) is pivotal in a substantially horizontal plane about a pivot axis (13) which is disposed in a rear end region of the armrest (1). The armrest (1) is disposed on a rail (6) longitudinal in relation to the longitudinal axis of the armrest (1) in the lower region (5) of the armrest (1). The rail (6) is pivotally connected to the armrest (1) in the pivot axis (13). The rail (6) is further displaceable along its length in relation to a pedestal (2) which supports the armrest (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: Michael Klingstedt, Arne Ekbom
  • Patent number: 6361118
    Abstract: The present invention is a support arm mechanism that is simpler, more durable and more reliable in use than support arm mechanisms of the prior art. The invention also relates to an improved hinge that can be used in a trunk support arm mechanism, and in other applications. One embodiment of the present invention is a locking trunk support hinge that is convenient to lock and unlock. For example, the hinge can have a lock with a front hinge portion and a rear hinge portion. A locking member, having a locking head and an angled lever, is rotatably mounted to one of hinge portions, and a locking channel extends in the other one. The hinge has a locked mode in which the locking head is engaged in the locking channel and the hinge cannot be opened, and an unlocked mode in which the locking head is not engaged in the locking channel and the hinge can be swung open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Freedom Designs, Inc.
    Inventors: Mauricio Melgarejo, Alejandro Melgarejo
  • Patent number: 6343805
    Abstract: A folding wheelchair is provided which includes first and second spaced-apart posts. A rear wheel is rotatably mounted to each post. First and second spaced-apart side rails are pivotally connected with a respective post. First and second front legs are pivotally connected with a respective side rail having their lower ends extending downwardly. A front wheel is connected with each front leg. A side tensional support member is pivotally connected to each leg and to a respective post. To fold the seat together, the front ends of the side rails are pivoted toward an upper end of the post. To further save space, the rear wheels are rotatively connected to the post by a quick release pin arrangement allowing for their quick removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Inventor: Richard A. Roy