Adjustable To Multiple Use Positions Relative To Bottom Or Back Patents (Class 297/411.35)
  • Patent number: 7559609
    Abstract: An armrest assembly for a chair includes an armrest support, a slide seat mounted on the armrest support, a first slide mounted on the slide seat, a second slide mounted on the first slide, a rotation member mounted on the second slide, a retainer mounted on the rotation member, a mounting member secured in the armrest support and provided with a stud extended through the first slide, the second slide and the rotation member and secured to the retainer, and an armrest mounted on the first slide. Thus, the armrest is movable in the axial direction and the transverse direction and is rotatable horizontally relative to the armrest support, so that the position of the armrest can be adjusted easily and freely according to the user's practical requirement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Inventor: Po-Chuan Tsai
  • Patent number: 7556316
    Abstract: An elevating structure for armrests includes an adjusting member including a main part having an engaging slot formed therein corresponding with a successive toothed groove mounted in an auxiliary part including a push button attached on the top end thereof for receiving a first spring. The first spring abuts against the main part, and the auxiliary part is pushed downward. Each tooth of the the toothed groove is provided with an inclined pushing surface corresponding to a locking recess arranged in the engaging slot. A rail member includes a lock member axially fixed thereon for being pressed by a second spring. A lid covers the lock member. The rail member further includes a window arranged thereon so that the lock projection is inserted into the rail member through the window. Thus, the lock projection is biased to engage with one of the locking recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Inventor: Yu-Shan Lai
  • Publication number: 20090167071
    Abstract: An armrest for a chair having a first member connected to the chair; a second member selectively rotatable relative the first member; means disposed between the first and second members for resisting the rotational movement between the first and second members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventor: Terry Cassaday
  • Patent number: 7537268
    Abstract: A door having an adjustable armrest has a curved inner trim in the region in which the adjustable armrest is arranged. The adjustable armrest follows the curvature of the door trim with its movement so that the gap between the inner trim and the door is always substantially constant to reduce related drawbacks. The adjustable armrest includes manual and automatic adjustment mechanisms and provision for a folding storage box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Interiors GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Becker, Harald John, Hans-Helmut Mieglitz, Thorsten Meyer, Alexander Schidan
  • Patent number: 7537287
    Abstract: A sliding armrest for use in an automotive vehicle. The sliding armrest including a lower cover, and a lower rail case arranged on a top surface of the lower cover. The armrest includes a guide arranged on the surface of the lower rail case and an upper case cover having a plurality of bosses extending from the surface thereof with the bosses contacting the guide. The sliding armrest also includes a force member arranged between the upper case cover and the guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Irvin Automotive Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Wieczorek, Bryan Busha, Donald J. Woodward, Leslie R. Hinds, Marius Cociuba, Thomas Faber Morse, Bharat Vennapusa
  • Publication number: 20090085392
    Abstract: A machine includes a seat assembly and a mechanical strut attached to the seat assembly. The mechanical strut, free of pneumatic seals, is positioned to move at least a portion of an armrest of the seat assembly along a horizontal axis. A length adjustment mechanism is movable to release a friction lock mechanism within the mechanical strut. The mechanical strut is telescopically movable through a continuous range of armrest lengths when the friction lock mechanism is released.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventors: Dave Lucas, James D. Morris, JR., Tyler Henderson, Roger G. Obourn, Jamie L. McClintock, Rafael dela Rosa, Marc D. Proud
  • Publication number: 20090045664
    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: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventor: Roman Draughon
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20090015053
    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: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventor: Niels Diffrient
  • Publication number: 20080296954
    Abstract: A vehicle armrest positioning assembly (12) for adjustably positioning a vehicle armrest (10) on a vehicle seat frame (14) includes an elongated adjuster (20) that provides armrest positioning and is released by a release actuator (44) a release mechanism (42) to permit angular adjustment of the armrest positioning. The adjuster (20) includes a housing (22) that positions an adjusting rod (24) by a helical lock spring (32) to control the armrest positioning and adjustment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: PORTER GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: Hsing Lung Lewis Liu, Karl A. Murphy
  • Patent number: 7452032
    Abstract: A resting device assembly for supporting a person during a procedure includes a resting device and an armrest. The resting device supports the person during the treatment and includes a device frame. The armrest includes an arm support, a frame bracket, a frame pivot, and a support arm pivot. The arm support supports an arm of the person. The frame pivot connects the frame bracket to the device frame, and allows the frame bracket and the arm support to concurrently pivot relative to the device frame. The support arm pivot connects the arm support to the frame bracket and allows the arm support to pivot relative to the frame bracket. In certain embodiments, the two pivots of the armrest assembly allows for improved adjustability of the armrest. As a result thereof, the person is more comfortable during the manicure or other procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Earthlite Massage Tables, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon W. Roleder, William W. Chow, Oscar Mendez
  • Patent number: 7448687
    Abstract: An internally pulling type lift device for a chair armrest includes an outer pipe, a guide track, an inner pipe, a follower, a locking member, a pull handle, a control knob, and a spring. Thus, the inner pipe is movable in the outer pipe so that the inner pipe will not rub the outer wall of the outer pipe during a long-term utilization, thereby enhancing the aesthetic quality of the outer pipe. In addition, the inner pipe is locked onto or unlocked from the outer pipe by pulling or releasing the control knob, so that the lift device is operated easily and rapidly, thereby facilitating a user operating the lift device to adjust the height of the armrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Inventor: Po-Chuan Tsai
  • Publication number: 20080253821
    Abstract: A keyboard stiffening system comprising a keyboard assembly having a plurality of key assemblies coupled to a support plate, the support plate having at least one extension extending from a bottom surface thereof to engage a support pan of the electronic device to secure the keyboard assembly to the support pan of the electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: Mark S. Tracy, Jonathan R. Harris, Paul J. Doczy
  • Publication number: 20080203802
    Abstract: According to some embodiments of the invention, the convenience of lounge, pool, and patio furniture is increased by providing adjustable armrests that do not require cumbersome adjustments in order to reposition the armrest. According to some embodiments of the invention, an additional pair of armrests may be attached to existing conventional chair designs that have only one pair of armrests in order to increase the utility of the chair, which may be especially useful for lounge chairs, patio furniture, chaise lounges, and the like. According to other embodiments of the invention a lounge chair includes armrests that rotate toward and away from a person sitting in the chair, armrests that remain horizontal as the chair is repositioned, and platforms to support the arms of a person lying in the chair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventor: Sandi LaFreniere
  • Publication number: 20080191537
    Abstract: An armrest device comprises an armrest base plate on the upper end of an armrest support rod. A support block is provided on the armrest base plate. An engagement portion of the support block engages in a slot of the armrest base plate. A plurality of grooves are formed on a projection along the slot. An elastic tongue of the support block engages with the projection to allow the armrest base plate to slide back and forth smoothly. The armrest support rod is surrounded by an intermediate tube and an armrest support tube. A turning lever in the armrest support rod is pivotally mounted to an operating lever on the upper end of the armrest support rod. A pin which passes through a hole of the turning lever engages in an opening of the intermediate tube. The opening comprises a vertical elongate portion and a plurality of horizontal engagement portions. The pin selectively engages in any one of the engagement portions to allow the armrest to be held at respective height.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventor: Youichirou ODA
  • Publication number: 20080179934
    Abstract: A chair arm rest system containing a chair having a vertical chair member hingedly connected to a horizontal chair member. A base proximal to the vertical chair member is attached to the horizontal chair member. The arm rest post is spring-biased towards the horizontal chair member but pivots in opposition of the spring towards the vertical chair member. A distal end of the arm rest post is pivotally attached to the top end of the base. An arm rest surface is attached to a proximal end of the arm rest post. A first end of a sling is attached to the vertical chair member. A second end of the sling is connected to the arm rest surface. In operation, by moving the vertical chair member relative to the horizontal chair member, the sling self-adjusts and the spring-biased arm rest post pivots towards the vertical chair member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventor: David J. Ahearn
  • Patent number: 7393058
    Abstract: An armrest height-adjusting device has a collar (10) fixed to an arm frame (8) and a spring (11). The spring (11) includes a coil portion (11A), provided around the collar (10), a first leg portion (11B) engaging with the seat back frame (5), and a second leg portion (11C) received in a window portion (41) of the arm frame (8). A diameter of the coil portion (11A) becomes short by the downward rotation of the arm frame (8) and becomes large by the upward rotation of the arm frame (8). The second leg portion (11C) is guided into the hook (24) by abutting against the window portion (41) when the arm frame (10) is rotated upward beyond a predetermined position. When the second leg portion (11C) is engaged with the hook (24), the diameter of the coil portion (11A) is kept in a state of becoming large.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: TS Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Misao Omori
  • Patent number: 7387341
    Abstract: An armrest of a chair includes a fixing board, a first movable board, two limit plates, a second movable board, a positioning body, a restoring spring, a lining, a foam body, a push button, a bottom cap, and two shading plates. Thus, the horizontal position of the armrest is adjustable in a two-dimensional way, so that the horizontal position of the armrest is adjusted freely and optimally according to a user's practical requirement, thereby providing a comfortable sensation to the user. In addition, the horizontal position of the armrest is adjustable by pressing the push button, so that the horizontal position of the armrest is adjusted easily and quickly, thereby facilitating the user adjusting the horizontal position of the armrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Inventor: Po-Chuan Tsai
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7367628
    Abstract: An armrest includes an armrest support having a locking seat formed with a plurality of locking grooves, a sliding seat movably mounted on the locking seat, and a push button movably mounted on the sliding seat and having a first end formed with a locking portion detachably locked in one of the locking grooves and a second end formed with a push portion. Thus, the locking portion of the push button is detached from the respective locking groove of the locking seat when the sliding seat is movable relative to the locking seat so that the sliding seat will not rub the locking seat during movement of the sliding seat, thereby preventing from producing a noise during adjustment of the armrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Inventor: Po-Chuan Tsai
  • Patent number: 7364238
    Abstract: An article of furniture (10) includes a base having a front (14) and a rear (16) and a top (18) surface. A backrest assembly (20) has a front edge (22) and a rear edge (24) and is slideably arranged relative to the base (12) in a plane parallel to the top surface of the base to adjust a depth (D) of the base as measured between the front edge of the backrest assembly and the front of the base. Further it includes a locking mechanism having a displacement member (48) movably received in the housing (42), the displacement member being displaceable between a locking orientation and an unlocking orientation, when the displacement member is in its locking orientation the locking member (50) is urged partially out of the aperture (50) in the housing to protrude a predetermined extent through the housing to effect locking and, when the displacement member is in its unlocking orientation, the locking member is free to be at least partially withdrawn in the housing to effect unlocking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: King Furniture (Australia) Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Steve Higgs, David Russell King
  • Patent number: 7341233
    Abstract: In a chair having a base, a seat defining a fore-to-aft longitudinal axis, a seat back and a tilt control mechanism, a horizontal adjustment mechanism is provided for allowing fore-to-aft movement of the seat relative to the seat back. The mechanism includes a first plate adapted to be coupled to the seat; a second plate adapted to be coupled either directly to the base or to the tilt control mechanism, the second plate being slidably coupled to the first plate such that the two plates can move relative to one another along the longitudinal axis of the seat; an intermediate element positioned between the first and second plates for facilitating relative sliding movement therebetween, and a handle positioned between first and second plates that selectively positions the first plate in relation to the second plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: L & P Property Management Company
    Inventor: Kevin McMains
  • Patent number: 7325868
    Abstract: A tool is provided for supporting the human upper body when having to lean over to work. The tool comprising a platform member for supporting the human upper body in a leaning position thereby reducing back muscle strain and fatigue; a cushioned pad secured to an upper surface of the platform member providing a cushioned interface between the human upper body and the platform; an omni-directional tilt and swivel member secured to a bottom surface of the platform member; an elongated telescopic height adjustment member comprising two or more elongated telescopic sections providing platform height adjustment, said sections being separable from one another so that sections may be removed or added as desired; one or more removable base members, the base member being removable to permit replacing the base member so as to accommodate base member configured for different floor or support conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Inventors: Steven D. West, Cheryl A. West
  • Patent number: 7322060
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a patient's arm in a desired position during surgery includes a patient support, such as an surgical table or chair, an arm support for supporting the patient's arm, an arm support locking mechanism for securing the arm support in a desired position during surgery, and a bracket for attaching the arm support and the arm support locking mechanism to the patient support. The arm support locking mechanism includes first and second plates having notches or projections for securing the mechanism in a locked position. One of the plates also has an angled recess region for engaging a wedge-shaped member positioned between the plates in the locked position. In operation, the wedge-shaped member moves one of the plates against a force of the spring to unseat the projections from the notches in an unlocked position allowing for rotation of the arm support in two directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Channel Products, L.L.C.
    Inventor: David S. Kirn
  • Patent number: 7306288
    Abstract: An adjustable armrest assembly includes a support fixed to a chair seat and a sleeve slidably mounted on the support. An armrest is mounted to the sleeve to move therewith. The sleeve is slidable relative to the support to allow adjustment of a level of the armrest. The sleeve can be retained at a desired level relative to the support. An upward force is imparted to the sleeve while the sleeve is slidable relative to the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: KIMRO2 International Ltd.
    Inventors: Yung-Ming Hu, Roger Sands
  • Patent number: 7261369
    Abstract: An aircraft passenger convenience apparatus comprising: a seat assembly; a support device attached to the seat assembly; and a platform having a top and bottom, the platform at least partially supported by the support device. In the preferred embodiment, the support device is selectable between at least a tray support and an armrest position. Also in the preferred embodiment, the seat assembly includes a seat back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Inventor: Sam J Ahad
  • Publication number: 20070182233
    Abstract: A system is provided for anatomically accommodating a user during the use of a reclinable chair. Structurally, the system includes a base clamp that is mounted to the chair and that defines a first axis. Further, the system includes an intermediate clamp connected to the base clamp and defining a second axis. Also, the system includes a pivot defining a pivot point. In order to support the arm of a user, an arm rest is connected to the pivot. With the cooperation between the components of the system, the arm rest can be selectively positioned with respect to the chair to anatomically accommodate the user. Specifically, the arm rest is positioned by selectively rotating the pivot about the pivot point, the pivot point about the second axis, and the second axis about the first axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Publication date: August 9, 2007
    Inventor: Robert M. Boyko
  • Patent number: 7234779
    Abstract: An armrest includes an armrest support and a subassembly supported thereon for vertical adjustment by a height adjustment device having a rotatable high-lead-angle threaded shaft, a mating nut, and a trigger. The shaft member is rotatable upon a vertical force being placed on the subassembly, and the trigger engages the shaft to prevent rotation and fix a selected height position. The subassembly includes a housing, an armrest cap, and a pair of swing arms pivoted to each of the housing and cap for adjustably supporting the armrest cap for rotational and translational horizontal movement. Horizontal adjustment is controlled by choice of materials, a frictional wave spring and dampener. Optionally, the armrest cap includes a keyhole slot and one of the links includes a configured protrusion shaped to selectively linearly slide along a long part of the slot . . . or rotate in the circular end of the keyhole slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Corporation
    Inventors: Adam C. Bedford, David A. Bodnar, Gary Lee Karsten
  • Patent number: 7201450
    Abstract: An arm resting device contains a resting element, an adjustment element, a track element, and a connection element. The adjustment element contains a first piece and a second piece. The track element has an elongated through slot and the connection element has a trough with two sectorial portions. The track element is fixedly attached to the resting element while the adjustment element is fixedly attached to the connection element. The advancement of the arm resting device is achieved by the relative sliding movement between the first piece of the adjustment element and the track element. The orientation of the arm resting device is adjusted by turning the second piece of the adjustment element within the confinement of the trough of the connection element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Inventor: Su-Ming Chen
  • Patent number: 7198329
    Abstract: A height adjustable chair has an upper portion that moves relative to a lower portion. Push-off arm rests are provided so that a person need not leave the chair to adjust the seat height upwardly. A seated person can transfer their body weight to the push-off arm rests supported directly by the stationary lower portion while the seat is being adjusted upwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Inventor: John E. Larson
  • Patent number: 7188907
    Abstract: A armrest assembly includes an upright armrest support, a support member mounted on the armrest support, a slide member movably mounted on the support member, and an armrest movably mounted on the slide member and movable toward a direction opposite to that of the slide member. The slide member is movable on the support member in the longitudinal direction, and the armrest is movable on the slide member in the transverse direction, so that the armrest is movable relative to the support member forward, backward, leftward and rightward. Thus, the armrest is movable relative to the support member in the two opposite directions so as to adjust the position of the armrest in a two-dimensional manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Inventor: Yu-Shan Lai
  • Patent number: 7159947
    Abstract: An adjustment mechanism for armrests includes an armrest plane and a lower plate fastened under the armrest plane. A removable block with smaller length is disposed inside the lower plate. Elastic locating rings are disposed on right and left sides of the removable lock, corresponding to linear locating slot composed of a plurality of curved slots on right and left sides of an inner part of the lower plate. Thus the removable block and the lower plate are moving or located relative to each other. A rectangular slot with a rectangular piece whose width is smaller than that of the rectangular slot is mounted on the removable block. And curved slots for location is arranged on side of the rectangular piece so that the rectangular piece and the rectangular slot move transversely and being located, relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Inventor: Hwang-Pao Lee
  • Patent number: 7156466
    Abstract: A chair arm adjustment mechanism is disclosed. The mechanism includes a T-shaped driving member, a spring biased trigger member in a vertical section of the driving member and having a finger tab, a lock members including two bifurcated ends; a positioning member fitted around a portion of the driving member and including a longitudinal channel, and an upper and lower shrouds. Lifting the finger tab will pivot the bifurcated ends of the lock members toward each other until a joining portion thereof is stopped. Releasing the finger tab will lower the trigger member, pivot the bifurcated ends away each other until the joining portion thereof is stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Chuan Lin Wang Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Feng-mei Chang
  • Patent number: 7150504
    Abstract: An adjustment mechanism for handrails is disclosed. A lower plate is secured below a handrail body so that an inner space for accommodating the adjustment mechanism is formed between the handrail body and the lower plate. Two linear locating slots are symmetrically disposed on inner left and right sides of the lower plate and a removable block is arranged between the two linear locating slots. An elastic locating ring is disposed on right and left sides of the removable block and the locating ring locks into a curved slot of the linear locating slots for being located. Thus the lower plate slides forwards and backwards relative to the removable block, and also being located by the locating ring. Furthermore, a round slot is arranged on the removable block for being assembled with a disc. The center of the disc, the removable block, a sliding slot of the lower plate, and a base are fastened together. The base is secured on the handrail support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Inventor: Hwang-Pao Lee
  • Patent number: 7125080
    Abstract: A retractable armrest is disclosed for a foldable chair. The chair has a seat and a backrest with the backrest being pivotably mounted to the seat by a chair pivot for movement between an operating position and a folded position. A link pivotably operates between armrest and the seat for enabling the armrest to be rotated into the retracted position when the backrest is in the operating position. The link rotates the armrest from the extended position to the retracted position upon the backrest being moved from the operating position to the folded position. The foldable chair is suitable for use on a personal mobility vehicle such as a scooter, a power wheel chair, a foldable personal mobility vehicle or any other suitable chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Electric Mobility Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen Jarema, III, Edward J. Dwyer, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7108318
    Abstract: A vehicular arm has a fixed axle, an arm-rest body pivotable on the axle about its axis between a raised position and a lowered position, an abutment axially fixed on the axle and rotationally coupled to the arm-rest body, and a pusher rotationally fixed and axially shiftable on the axle. The abutment lies between the pusher and the arm-rest body. Coupling projections on the pusher and on the abutment extend toward each other and have mutually engaging faces lying in planes extending at an acute angle to the axis. A spring presses the pusher axially toward the abutment, such that, when the arm-rest body is pressed toward the lowered position with a force exceeding a predetermined limit, the faces cam the pusher axially away from the abutment and permit limited rotation of the abutment and arm-rest body on the axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Grammar AG
    Inventors: Erwin Himmelhuber, Alexander Albu, Gerhard Delling
  • Patent number: 7104609
    Abstract: There is provided a longitudinal extension mechanism of an armrest that includes a main body of an armrest, a fixed hinge shaft being non-rotatably fixed to a bracket and serving as a rotation axis of the armrest main body, an armrest extension provided at an end of the armrest main body so as to straightly move in the longitudinal direction of the armrest main body, and a length extending apparatus for allowing the armrest extension to straightly move with respect to the arm rest main body due to rotation of the armrest main body about the fixed hinge shaft. Therefore, when the armrest rotates to a horizontal posture, the armrest extension automatically protrudes by a certain length and the total length of the armrest is increased, thereby maximizing the convenience to a user. In addition, when the armrest rotates to a vertical posture, the total length of the armrest is decreased, thereby improving a reception ability and appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Seok-Hwan Kim
  • Patent number: 7080885
    Abstract: A task chair equipped with a mechanism for independently adjusting the height and width of support arms by the manual operation of a single adjustment knob. Each of the support arms includes a first arm portion and a second arm portion that are pivotally coupled by corresponding pivot joints. Each second arm portion carries one of a pair of arm pads. Each second arm portion may be inclined relative to the corresponding first arm portion for inclining the corresponding arm pad relative to a seat plate of the task chair. Each arm pad is joined with the corresponding second arm portion by a coupling mechanism that permits movement of each arm pad with two degrees of translational freedom and one degree of rotational freedom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Kerr Corporation
    Inventors: Charles E. Bain, Jeffrey A. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 7077468
    Abstract: A cover is supported on a support, particularly a cover that is arranged pivotably on a support. The cover is characterised by a support member and a covering, that may be moved towards one another in a first spatial direction and are positively engaged with one another in the other spatial directions, wherein the support member and the covering may be arrested with respect to one another in at least one shifted position by a force that is exerted in the direction of one of the other two spatial directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Seeber AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Thomas Maierholzner
  • Patent number: 7077477
    Abstract: A seat assembly having a seat frame arranged to support a cushion, a rotatable armrest, a threaded receiver mounted to either the seat frame or the armrest, a translation shaft coupled with the other of the seat frame or the armrest which includes a thread disposed on the outside surface of the shaft arranged to matingly engage with the threaded receiver. Rotation of the armrest relative to the seat frame causes the armrest to translate toward or away from the seat frame as the threads of the translation shaft engage with the threaded receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Glenn F Syrowik, Ravi Hosalli, Ronald J Kaip
  • Patent number: 7055910
    Abstract: An armrest assembly includes an armrest platform with hand and elbow extensions which is mounted to a swivel base unit that tilts, turns and rotates under the control of a single load control knob to permit placement of a patient's arm in several positions as needed to draw blood. The swivel base unit is mounted on the distal end of a cylindrical riser that can be raised and lowered to a desired elevation by a single load control lever supported by a base securing device that is adapted to be secured to different types of surfaces configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Medical Device Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Clifford A. Wright
  • Patent number: 7029071
    Abstract: A chair having an adjustable resilient back recliner mechanism, a pair of adjustable armrests, modular upper back portions and an adjustable lumbar support. The chair includes a tension control that adjusts the tension in the recliner mechanism. The tension control is cam-operated to permit adjustment throughout the entire range of adjustability with only limited rotational movement of a control knob. The chair includes a recline limit control that adjusts the limit of rearward movement in the recliner mechanism. The limit control includes a cable operated stop that interact with a stepped trackway on the seat. The chair further includes a height control for adjusting the seat height including a push-button located in the tension control knob. The armrests include height and angle adjustment mechanisms. The lumbar support includes a lumbar cam that is rotatably mounted to a lumbar pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: JSJ Seating Company Texas, L.P.
    Inventors: Ronnie K. Watson, Anthony K. Chapman, Matthew E. Chrostowski, Randall C. Lewis, Timothy P. Coffield, James W. Bach, David F. Bach, Christopher G. Inman, Scott M. Ebenstein
  • Patent number: 7014255
    Abstract: An industrial vehicle has a body, a hood and an armrest. The hood is installed on or above the body and has an end. The end is a pivotal axis around which the hood is pivoted so that the hood is opened and closed to the body. The armrest is installed on or above the hood. The armrest has a pivotal axis around which the armrest is pivoted relative to the hood. The armrest has a first position and a second position and is displaced between the first position and the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Amamiya, Kazushi Kamiya
  • Patent number: 6976739
    Abstract: An armrest assembly includes a stationary tube for attachment to a chair. The stationary tube includes recesses in an internal face. A movable tube is inserted in the stationary tube. The movable tube includes an aperture. An armrest is installed on the movable tube. A detent can be inserted into one of the recesses of the stationary tube through the aperture of the movable tube. A rod is inserted in the movable tube. The rod defines a recess for receiving the detent. The recess of the rod includes a shallow portion and a deep portion. A lever is connected with the rod and installed on the armrest in order to move the rod so as to control the detent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Chuan Hsing Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ching-Chang Wang
  • Patent number: 6974189
    Abstract: A vertically adjustable armrest assembly having a support, a plate fitted to an interior of said support, the plate having a series of vertically aligned openings, a slide having an armrest at a top end portion, and a lateral slot for guiding a block into and out of selective aligned openings in the plate. A rod having a saw tooth portion complementing a slanted opening in the block allows manipulation of the rod to selectively move the block into and out of the plate openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: HNI Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Jay R. Machael, Marcus C. Koepke, Brian R. Trego
  • Patent number: 6957866
    Abstract: An adjustable armrest assembly for a chair includes an arm support having an end formed with a connecting body, a slide slidably mounted and detachably locked on the connecting body of the arm support, and an armrest secured to the slide. Thus, the position of the armrest is adjustable to fit users of different statures, so that the user's hands are placed on the armrest in a comfortable manner. In addition, the position of the armrest is adjusted easily and conveniently, thereby facilitating the user adjusting the position of the armrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Inventor: Bo-Quan Cai
  • Patent number: 6948775
    Abstract: An office chair armrest includes a support rod, a base, a locating seat, a mounting seat and an upper cover, wherein the base has a chamber having at least one guide rail each provided with engagement grooves; the locating seat has a recess having engagement grooves and at least one engagement block for engaging in on of the engagement grooves of the base by means of resilience of a spring; the mounting seat has at least one engagement block for engaging in one of the engagement grooves of the locating seat by means of resilience of a spring, thereby enabling the office chair armrest to be adjusted to move forward, backward, leftward or rightward by a user himself according to his own need to be in a proper position or at a proper angle that is comfortable for his arm to be rested on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Inventor: Po-Chuan Tsai
  • 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: 6923505
    Abstract: An ergonomic arm support system maintains a neutral position for the forearm. A mechanical support structure attached to a chair or other mounting structure supports the arms of a sitting or standing person. The system includes moving elements and tensioning elements to provide a dynamic balancing force against the forearms. The support structure is not fixed or locked in a rigid position, but is an active dynamic system that is maintained in equipoise by the continuous operation of the opposing forces. The support structure includes an armrest connected to a flexible linkage or articulated or pivoting assembly, which includes a tensioning element such as a spring. The pivoting assembly moves up and down, with the tensioning element providing the upward force that balances the downward force of the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Michael J Siminovitch, Jeffrey Y Chung, Steven Dellinges, Robin E Lafever
  • Patent number: 6908158
    Abstract: A support arm for a chair includes a base component and a support body interconnected therewith wherein opposite ends of the support body are movable longitudinally and laterally. The opposite ends may be displaced simultaneously in opposite lateral directions to permit angular displacement of the support body. The connector arrangement which interconnects the support body to the base component includes two sets of locking formations wherein the first set include longitudinally elongate parallel slots and the second set include an array of lateral rows and longitudinal columns of openings. The holes define the lateral and longitudinal position of one end of the support body while the slots define the lateral position of the opposite end of the support body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Haworth, Inc.
    Inventors: Joe Willette, Eric J. Boone