Pivot Axis Adjacent And Parallel To Front Edge Of Bottom Patents (Class 297/423.3)
  • Patent number: 11607360
    Abstract: A lift system has a back panel and a seat panel to provide a seat. The back panel is slidably mounted on a support column via slider so that the back panel can be moved up and down to adjust the seat height. The seat panel can be flipped back when the back panel is in an upright position. The back panel, together with the support column, can be oriented in a horizontal position and the seat panel can be adjusted similarly. With the support column, the lift system can be attached to a wheeled frame for mobility, but it can also be attached to a pole, a rotatable arm, a wall or a ceiling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Inventor: Bala R. Vatti
  • Patent number: 11198379
    Abstract: The time required to complete current-to-target state transitions of a plurality of movable portions constituting a seat is shortened. A seat unit 1 includes an occupant support portion S1, a plurality of movable mechanisms respectively moving a plurality of parts constituting the occupant support portion S1, and an ECU 40 controlling respective operations of the plurality of movable mechanisms. The ECU 40 causes each of the plurality of movable mechanisms to undergo a transition from a current state to a target state and the plurality of movable mechanisms have a first movable mechanism requiring a longest time for the transition. The ECU 40 causes the transitions of the plurality of movable mechanisms other than the first movable mechanism to be completed by completion of the transition of the first movable mechanism from the current state to the target state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: TS TECH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuki Oshima, Atsushi Kusano, Yuki Yoshioka
  • Patent number: 11027849
    Abstract: A portable leg lift device for an airplane seat with a seat panel, a movable leg lift panel, a stationary panel, an inflatable chamber, an inflation tube, an outer foldable outer panel and a inner foldable panel. The outer foldable panel is attached to the seat panel and the movable leg lift panel. The inner foldable panel is attached to the stationary panel. The inner foldable panel is also attached to the outer foldable panel. The inflatable chamber is attached on its distal surface to the inner wall of the movable leg lift panel and on its proximal surface to the stationary panel. The seat panel rests on the surface of an airplane seat. The inflation chamber can be inflated thereby lifting the movable leg panel and raising the lower legs of a person sitting on the seat panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Inventor: Srinivasan Chellappa
  • Patent number: 10843612
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seat and a base member with a support member pivotably coupled to the seat and rotationally movable between first and second positions. A bracket assembly is disposed between the support member and the base member and is coupled to an actuator. A supplemental support member is coupled to the bracket assembly and the support member. The supplemental support member is translationally movable relative to the support member between a retracted position and a fully extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Carol Diane Casey, Johnathan Andrew Line, S. M. Akbar Berry, Andrew Matusko, Marcos Silva Kondrad, Rodney Charles Brinker
  • Patent number: 10842284
    Abstract: An adjustable foot support platform configured to be extendable from at least one side of a bed having a mattress and its supporting structure. In particular, the foot support plate is configured for placement below a mattress and above its supporting structure. The foot support plate may be hingedly pivotable to orient the foot support plate from a parallel orientation in relation to the mattress and its supporting structure to a perpendicular orientation in relation to the mattress and its supporting structure. A user may place their foot on the foot support plate while they are seated upon the mattress of the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Inventor: Cristian Alfonso Huaman
  • Patent number: 10842282
    Abstract: A footrest system is disclosed. The footrest cushion is supported by a frame that is hinge-mounted onto the front of a chair frame. The rotation of the footrest frame by a user creates, through a mechanical system, rotation in a spool. The spool is wound with first and second lines, each being wound in the reverse direction as the other. The lines are connected through rerouting systems and then anchored to the translating member such that they pull the member out upon a deployment, and return the member back in when the footrest is retracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Textron Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: Brent William Last
  • Patent number: 10806651
    Abstract: Wheelchair convenience systems including a removably attachable footrest that has a biased footrest platform and a lever for moving the footrest platform from a first position to a second position. The invention also includes a cane retainer that positions a cane between a first and a second handgrip of the wheelchair and allow the cane to be used as a handlebar to more easily maneuver the wheelchair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignees: Easywheelz, LLC
    Inventor: Michael K. Hanley
  • Patent number: 10638847
    Abstract: A footrest chassis for attachment to a seating furniture chassis includes a first region, a second region, at least one attachment mechanism for securing the first region to the seating furniture chassis, and a connecting mechanism, wherein the first region and the second region can be pivoted about a first pivot axis defined by the attachment mechanism in the mounted state on the seating furniture chassis, and wherein the second region is connected to the first region by the connecting mechanism. During a pivoting movement of the first region and the second region about the first pivot axis, an additional pivoting movement of the second region takes place about a second pivot axis that is defined by the connecting mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Innotec Motion GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Mackert
  • Patent number: 10631652
    Abstract: A seating furniture chassis comprises a retractable and extendable leg and/or footrest, a driver, a fold-out mechanism for triggering a folding movement of the leg and/or footrest during an extending and/or retracting movement of the leg and/or footrest, and a translator designed to be moved translationally by the driver and trigger the extending and/or retracting movement. The folding movement of the leg and/or footrest can be triggered by a change in the distance between the fold-out mechanism and the translator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: INNOTEC MOTION GMBH
    Inventor: Michael Mackert
  • Patent number: 10485383
    Abstract: A tension-mounted pole for mounting between two substantially parallel surfaces includes a central tubular body, a first telescoping tubular body having a telescoping first end coupled with the central tubular body and a free second end, and a second tubular body having a telescoping first end coupled with the central tubular body and a free second end. An extension mechanism is mounted to the central tubular body. The extension mechanism is configured to be manually actuated and has a toothed rack and pinion arrangement configured to simultaneously move the first and second tubular bodies in opposite directions relative to the central tubular body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Helen of Troy Limited
    Inventors: Morris Elijah Worden, IV, Lingxiu Wu, Lynna A. Borden, Conor P. McNamara, Martin Mutch
  • Patent number: 9192239
    Abstract: A seating furniture structure having a carrier unit and a seat part arrangement movably mounted relative to the carrier unit, and a leg rest arrangement with a guiding part and a support carriage displaceable relative to the guiding part by mechanical tension cord control system. The tension cord control system has a forced coupling to a pivot mechanism of the guiding part such that the support carriage is displaceable between different end positions relative to the guiding part in response to a pivot position of the guiding part. The tension cord control system includes adjacent deflection elements, wherein a tension cord of the tension cord control system is guided alternatingly deflected in opposite directions over the deflection elements, and a deflection element is dislocatably retained and is in operative connection to the pivot mechanism of the guiding part by a forced coupling unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: KINTEC-SOLUTION GMBH
    Inventors: Boris Besler, Andreas Hortig
  • Patent number: 9028002
    Abstract: A vehicle seat can include a seat bottom frame having a front, a back opposite the front, and enclosing a volume. Pivotally connected to the back of the seat bottom frame can be a seat back frame and pivotally connected to the front of the seat bottom frame can be a seat leg rest. The seat leg rest has a length. Mounted in the volume of the seat frame are at least two leg rest springs which are connected to the leg rest. When the leg rest springs are actuated, the seat leg rest can be directly pivoted approximately and incrementally parallel with the seat bottom frame. The two leg rest springs are mounted a first distance apart and the first distance is less than half of the length of the leg rest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: PAC Seating Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Hector Noel Marini
  • Patent number: 8991929
    Abstract: A stroller seat has a seat bottom with a calf support pivotally connected thereto and pivotable between a lowered position and a raised position. A positioning mechanism is coupled to the calf support and movable between an engaged arrangement and a released arrangement. The positioning mechanism, when in the engaged arrangement, retains the calf support in a position selectable from among at least the lowered position and raised position. A release actuator on the calf support is coupled to the positioning mechanism. The release actuator moves the positioning mechanism to the released arrangement. The positioning mechanism, whether in the engaged or released arrangement, allows the calf support to move in the direction of the raised position. The positioning mechanism, when in the engaged arrangement, prevents the calf support being moved in the direction of the lowered position. The positioning mechanism, when in the released arrangement, permits the calf support to move toward the lowered position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Graco Children's Products Inc.
    Inventors: Louis Doucette, Shelley Palazzolo, Thomas J Pollack, Brady Matthew Schroeder
  • Publication number: 20150042144
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a matched footrest rack for a folding seat, which comprises a pair of landing rods intersected and hinged together as well as a pair of support rods intersected and hinged together. The matched footrest rack for a folding seat is characterized in that one end of each of the two landing rods is hinged at two landing legs corresponding to a front vertical face of the folding seat. The two landing rods can be turned over towards the inner side or the outer side of the front vertical face of the folding seat synchronously with the help of a hinge point so as to form a folding or opening state. The footrest rack has the characteristics of being extended in the deployed position for support and compact when the footrest rack is folded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: ZENITHEN USA, LLC D/B/A Z COMPANY
    Inventors: Andrew David Frankel, Shi-Ping Zheng
  • Patent number: 8876212
    Abstract: A seat adjustment apparatus for a vehicle includes a first bracket, a second bracket defining an accommodating void with the first bracket, a pawl, and a pawl reverse spring, The pawl includes a ratchet portion, a pawl side reverse wall portion, and a pawl side return wall portion, the ratchet portion allowing a relative rotation of the first and second brackets in a first direction and prohibiting a relative rotation of the first and second brackets in a second direction in a case where the pawl is biased to rotate in a normal direction, the pawl side reverse wall portion allowing the relative rotation in the second direction so that the pawl is reversed by being biased to rotate in a reverse direction, the pawl side return wall portion bringing the pawl to be returned by being biased to rotate in the normal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yukifumi Yamada, Naoki Goto
  • Patent number: 8864221
    Abstract: A folding massage chair that includes a chair with attached front and rear support frames. The chair includes a seat portion and a backing portion, and also includes a massage and heating pad that is placed over the seat portion and a backing portion. The massage and heating pad includes a number of heating units and heating coils, along with a number of vibrator units. The chair also includes a cup holder and a music player holder, along with a foot rest attached to the front support frame. The chair also has a canopy that is attached to the backing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Inventor: Antonio J. Delvilla
  • Patent number: 8864220
    Abstract: A chair according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a seat frame, a plurality of legs, a backrest and an armrest. The plurality of legs are rotatably coupled to the seat frame at front and rear portions of the seat frame. The backrest is rotatably coupled to the seat frame at the rear portion of the seat frame. The armrest is rotatably coupled to upper ends of the legs. The armrest includes a movable member and a first elastic member. The movable member is retained inside the armrest and is movable along the armrest. The movable member is rotatably coupled to the backrest. The first elastic member is located inside the armrest and applies an elastic restoration force against the movement of the movable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Inventor: Han Joo Kim
  • Patent number: 8794706
    Abstract: A leg rest assembly includes two connecting boards fixed to an underside of a seat of a chair. An actuation rod unit and a link unit are mounted to each connecting board. A rear end of each link unit is pivotably connected to one of the connecting boards and one of the actuation rod units. Each link unit has a slot aligned with a guiding groove of one of the connecting boards. A guiding rod extends through the slot of each link unit, the guiding groove of each connecting board, and each actuation rod unit. A mounting plate is pivotably connected to a front end of each link unit. An operative rod is operable to cause movement of the actuation rod units and to move the mounting plate between a first position in front of the base and a second position received in a compartment between the connecting boards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Inventor: Chang Chen Lin
  • Patent number: 8672405
    Abstract: Chaise longue comprising a sofa frame (2), seat part (4) and back rest (3). The seat part (4) comprises side bars (9a, b), cross bars (10a, b) and seat springs (7). The seat part (4) is rotatably connected to the sofa frame (2) by means of mounting devices (8a, b) below the sitting surface of the seat part. One or more balance springs (14) are arranged between the seat part (4) and the sofa frame (2). A shutter or flap (16) is rotatably mounted to the seat part with pivotable joints (17a,b). The flap is furthermore rotatably connected to the sofa frame in point at the opposite end from the joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Ekornes ASA
    Inventor: Albert Solheim
  • Patent number: 8651569
    Abstract: An apparatus that supports a person in a variety of positions so that a tattoo artist can comfortably apply a tattoo to the skin of the supported person is herein disclosed. The apparatus can be articulated to cause a person's legs and arms to be optimally positioned and supported to receive a tattoo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: InkBed, Inc.
    Inventors: Cosmo J. Andoloro, Kevin Richardson
  • Patent number: 8602499
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a leg-rest assembly comprising a leg-rest pan, a first frame, a slider bar, a second frame, and at least one deployment link. In some embodiments, the first frame includes at least two slides that are coupled to the slider bar. In other embodiments, the leg-rest assembly includes at least two seat diaphragm mounts, wherein the at least two seat diaphragm mounts are coupled the leg-rest assembly to a seat diaphragm. In some embodiments, a cushion is coupled to the leg-rest pan exterior surface. In yet other embodiments, the leg-rest assembly includes a foot-rest pan and a single frame with at least two foot-rest slides, where the foot-rest pan is coupled to the foot-rest slides. In these embodiments, the leg-rest assembly may also include a foot-rest bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Zodiac Seats US LLC
    Inventors: Peter Driessen, Rik Westerink
  • Patent number: 8585135
    Abstract: A portable, foldable chair that configures to a straight-back chair, a bed, and a recliner, while also providing standard seat height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Inventor: Dean Wilson
  • Publication number: 20130292987
    Abstract: A stroller seat has a seat bottom with a calf support pivotally connected thereto and pivotable between a lowered position and a raised position. A positioning mechanism is coupled to the calf support and movable between an engaged arrangement and a released arrangement. The positioning mechanism, when in the engaged arrangement, retains the calf support in a position selectable from among at least the lowered position and raised position. A release actuator on the calf support is coupled to the positioning mechanism. The release actuator moves the positioning mechanism to the released arrangement. The positioning mechanism, whether in the engaged or released arrangement, allows the calf support to move in the direction of the raised position. The positioning mechanism, when in the engaged arrangement, prevents the calf support being moved in the direction of the lowered position. The positioning mechanism, when in the released arrangement, permits the calf support to move toward the lowered position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Louis Doucette, Shelley Palazzolo, Thomas J. Pollack, Brady Matthew Schroeder
  • Publication number: 20130285433
    Abstract: An ottoman device includes a base bracket, a link mechanism supporting an ottoman and including a rotation link, engagement portions formed at facing surfaces that are provided at the rotation link and the base bracket respectively and engaging with each other to restrict a rotation of the rotation link, at least one of the engagement portions including an inclined surface serving as an engagement surface, a restriction portion restricting a relative axial movement between the rotation link and the base bracket in a direction in which the rotation link is separated from the base bracket in a load range where an engagement state between the engagement portions is maintainable, and an operation portion configured to change a relative position between the rotation link and the base bracket by moving the restriction portion in an axial direction of the rotation shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yukifumi YAMADA, Naoki GOTO
  • Patent number: 8567868
    Abstract: In a vehicle seat, an ottoman portion that includes a shaft member that attaches to the sitting portion, a first frame member that rotates about the shaft member, and a second frame member that is fixed to a cushion. One side of the first frame member is attached to one side of the second frame member, and the other side of the first frame member is attached to the shaft member. From a position in which the other side of the second frame member that faces the cushion is close to the other side of the first frame member to a second position in which the ottoman portion is extended in front of the seat from the sitting portion so as to support a calf of the occupant, the other side of the second frame member and the other side of the first frame member spread apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Satoru Kuno
  • Patent number: 8523282
    Abstract: A foldable leg support contains two rotary arms and a supporting surface between the two rotary arms, and the two rotary arms are rotatably connected with a seat member. When in a rest position, the foldable leg support is pulled outward to expand the supporting surface. Hence, the legs are capable of being extended on the supporting surface comfortably to improve blood circulation, and the foldable leg support is suitable for any size of the legs. When the foldable leg support is not used, the supporting surface is put between the two rotary arms, and, then, the rotary arms and the supporting plane surface are folded under an office chair, saving storage space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventor: Yao-Chuan Wu
  • Patent number: 8505134
    Abstract: The invention relates to a nursing bed (1) comprising a base (2) supported on the ground and a sleeping surface (3) supported by the base (2) and comprising a back rest (4), a seat part (5) and a leg rest (6), the nursing bed being characterized in that it allows for clearance with a lateral movement of translation (20), used to enable the leg rest (6) to move laterally in relation to the seat part (5), or vice versa, the seat part (5) in relation to the leg rest (6), according to a movement of translation oriented in a direction which is essentially transversal to the sleeping surface (3), in such a way as to clear the front access to the seat part (5), and a regulator for varying the seat of the seat part (5) and/or the leg rest (6) in relation to the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Inventor: Pascal Charles Antoine Poyet
  • Patent number: 8444225
    Abstract: A legrest assembly including a calf support hinged to a forward end of a seat frame and moveable between a stowed configuration generally vertically disposed below the forward end of the frame and a deployed configuration inclined above the stowed configuration, a foot support movable with and telescopically connected to the calf support, and a foot rest pivotally connected to the foot support and pivotable between a stowed configuration substantially parallel to the foot support and a deployed configuration extending outward from the foot support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: BE Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Behe
  • Patent number: 8430456
    Abstract: A stroller seat assembly has a seat bottom with a forward end and a rear end. A calf support is pivotally connected to the seat bottom adjacent the forward end and is pivotable between a lowered position and a raised position. A lock mechanism can, in a locked arrangement, retain the calf support in a selected one of the raised and lowered positions. A release actuator is actuable between a locked position associated with the locked arrangement and a released position that reconfigures the lock mechanism to a released arrangement. The release actuator is gripped and released by one hand of a user whereby the calf support is selectively pivotable toward either of the raised and lowered positions by the same hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Europe Brands S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Hartmut Nowak, Matthew Ransil
  • Patent number: 8366188
    Abstract: A release system for a furniture member leg rest assembly extended from an actuation mechanism includes an actuation mechanism, the actuation mechanism having a leg rest assembly movable between a fully retracted and a plurality of extended positions inclusive, including a fully extended position. A pantograph link of the leg rest assembly is rotatably connected to the actuation mechanism. An extension link is rotatably connected to the actuation mechanism and moves in extension and retraction directions. A member is in contact with the extension link and in releasable contact with the pantograph link. The member is in contact with the pantograph link when the member is operating to push the pantograph link outward toward the fully extended position. The member is spatially separable from the pantograph link when an object is contacted by the leg rest assembly during return from any of the extended positions toward the fully retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
    Inventors: Chad E. Adams, Larry P. LaPointe, Eric B. Harwood, Richard E. Marshall, Michael R. Mero, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20120091779
    Abstract: A chair assembly has a seat, a backrest and an expandable leg supporting device. The seat has a front end and a rear end. The backrest is connected to the rear end of the seat. The expandable leg supporting device is mounted on the front end of the seat and has a base, at least one extension frame and a frame driving device. The base is mounted securely on the front end of the seat. The least one extension frame is connected to the base. The frame driving device is mounted on the base and is connected to the at least one extension frame to pivot the at least one extension frame relative to the base. Accordingly, the chair assembly can be expanded to support legs of a user in an expanded condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventors: CHIN-CHEN CHANG, QING-KUN YIN
  • Publication number: 20120032490
    Abstract: A stroller seat assembly has a seat bottom with a forward end and a rear end. A calf support is pivotally connected to the seat bottom adjacent the forward end and is pivotable between a lowered position and a raised position. A lock mechanism can, in a locked arrangement, retain the calf support in a selected one of the raised and lowered positions. A release actuator is actuable between a locked position associated with the locked arrangement and a released position that reconfigures the lock mechanism to a released arrangement. The release actuator is gripped and released by one hand of a user whereby the calf support is selectively pivotable toward either of the raised and lowered positions by the same hand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: teutonia Kinderwagenfabrik GmbH
    Inventors: Hartmut Nowak, Matthew Ransil
  • Publication number: 20110043005
    Abstract: The invention relates to a piece of seating furniture (10), more particularly to an upholstered piece of furniture, comprising a substantially horizontal main segment (20), on the top surface of which a sitting surface (22) is provided, and a leg segment (40), on the top surface of which a supporting surface (42) is provided. The leg segment (40) can be moved relatively to the main segment (20) between a stowed position and a functional position in which the leg segment (40) is disposed in front of a front edge of the main segment (20) and is oriented such that the supporting surface (42) extends substantially in a horizontal direction. In the stowed position, the leg segment (40) is located at least in part underneath the main segment (20) and is at an angle in relation to the functional position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventor: Matthias Fischer
  • Patent number: 7866755
    Abstract: An ottoman apparatus for a vehicle seat includes a driving shaft with an end which is tiltably connected to a front end of the seat, and includes a supporting frame connected to the driving shaft so as to be linearly movable over the driving shaft. The supporting frame is movable between a stowage position below the front end of the seat and a foot resting position in front of the seat. The supporting frame and the driving shaft are approximately vertically arranged when the supporting frame is stopped at the stowage position below the front end of the seat. The driving shaft is tilted to a substantially horizontal position by linearly moving the supporting frame over the driving shaft according to the movement of the supporting frame to the foot resting position in front of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: NHK Spring Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ritsuro Okano
  • Patent number: 7823966
    Abstract: A chair includes a base structure and a seat which is movably secured to the base structure. Connected to the seat is a backrest for swinging in a virtually wall-avoiding manner. A footrest is movable between a stowed position when not being used and an extended position when in use, wherein the footrest is disposed in the stowed position below the seat in approximate parallel relationship thereto and has a seat-distal surface provided with a padding. The footrest is connected to the seat by a swivel fitting which is constructed such that a movement of the backrest causes a movement of the footrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Ferdinand Lusch GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Christian Buchholz
  • Publication number: 20100244534
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a leg-rest assembly comprising a leg-rest pan, a first frame, a slider bar, a second frame, and at least one deployment link. In some embodiments, the first frame includes at least two slides that are coupled to the slider bar. In other embodiments, the leg-rest assembly includes at least two seat diaphragm mounts, wherein the at least two seat diaphragm mounts are coupled the leg-rest assembly to a seat diaphragm. In some embodiments, a cushion is coupled to the leg-rest pan exterior surface. In yet other embodiments, the leg-rest assembly includes a foot-rest pan and a single frame with at least two foot-rest slides, where the foot-rest pan is coupled to the foot-rest slides. In these embodiments, the leg-rest assembly may also include a foot-rest bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventors: Peter Driessen, Rik Westerink
  • Publication number: 20100109387
    Abstract: A seat and a seat system for a means of transport. The seat includes a seat surface, a backrest, and an adjustable leg support and/or foot support arranged in the region in front of the seat surface. The leg support and/or foot support is configured to be divided in the longitudinal direction into two parts, and the two parts are configured to be adjustable separately.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: Lufthansa Technik AG
    Inventor: Harald MERENSKY
  • Publication number: 20100052395
    Abstract: A four-bar linkage system for a chair having a leg rest extension, the linkage system having a first set of linkage members of irregular geometric shapes connected at one end to an outboard portion of a leg extension platform and at a second end to a seat member. A second set of linkage members of irregular geometric shapes is connected to the first set of linkage members and at one end to an inboard portion of the leg rest platform and at a second end to the seat member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventor: Kurt Anglese
  • Publication number: 20100007189
    Abstract: A device for adjusting a wheelchair leg rest, includes a supporting column to the upper end of which is attached a forward, upper part of a wheelchair and to the lower end of which is attached a footrest, wherein at least a lower part of the supporting column is hinge-connected at a link, and where to the lower part of the supporting column, at a distance from the link, there is attached a first, preferably circular-arc-shaped part having a plurality of adjustment holes arranged along a circular arc with origo at the pivotal point of the link, and where to a forward, lower part of the wheelchair there is attached a second, preferably circular-arc-shaped part for locking cooperation with the first part, a plurality of adjustment holes also being provided on the second part along a similar circular arc as for the first part, and where the locking advantageously is effected by a locking bolt passed through two adjustment holes on their respective parts aligned with each other by turning the lower part of the sup
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: HANDICARE PRODUKSJON AS
    Inventors: Morten Sagstuen, Arne Dalsveen
  • Publication number: 20090096272
    Abstract: An ottoman apparatus for a vehicle seat includes a driving shaft with an end which is tiltably connected to a front end of the seat, and includes a supporting frame connected to the driving shaft so as to be linearly movable over the driving shaft. The supporting frame is movable between a stowage position below the front end of the seat and a foot resting position in front of the seat. The supporting frame and the driving shaft are approximately vertically arranged when the supporting frame is stopped at the stowage position below the front end of the seat. The driving shaft is tilted to a substantially horizontal position by linearly moving the supporting frame over the driving shaft according to the movement of the supporting frame to the foot resting position in front of the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: NHK SPRING CO., LTD
    Inventor: Ritsuro Okano
  • Publication number: 20090091175
    Abstract: A spa device including a basin with a pair of leg rests hingedly coupled to the basin. Each leg rest pivots from a first unengaged position to a second engaged position. In the engaged position, a client receiving a spa treatment may rest his/her legs on the leg rests. Each leg rest may be releasably locked into the engaged position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventors: Joseph J. Galati, JR., John Meyerovich
  • Publication number: 20090045665
    Abstract: A passenger seat for a vehicle having a floor includes a footrest positioned forward of a seat bottom. The footrest includes a resilient support surface positioned above the floor for supporting a passenger's feet. The footrest may be an enclosure suspended below the bottom of a forward-positioned seat. In an alternative embodiment, the footrest may include a resilient support surface footrest which allows each of a passenger's feet to be supported above the floor in different longitudinal positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Applicant: BE AEROSPACE, INC.
    Inventors: Mark Brian Dowty, James Yurchenco
  • Patent number: 7360841
    Abstract: An articulating leg rest is provided having a first member pivotally connected to a base frame. The base frame may be either connected to or part of a wheelchair frame. A second member is telescopically received by the first member. A drive system includes a motor-driven lead screw. First and second housings each have internally threaded portions engaged with the lead screw. A link connects the first housing to the base frame. The second housing engages the second member. Rotation of the lead screw advances the first housing along the lead screw, moving the link and causing the first and second members to rotate relative to the base frame. Rotation of the lead screw also advances the second housing along the lead screw, causing the second housing to linearly translate the second member relative to the first member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Pride Mobility Products Corporation
    Inventors: Richard T. Barlow, Stephen J. Antonishak, John C. Carminati, Kip D. Alder
  • Patent number: 7338132
    Abstract: A three-position leg rest mechanism includes a link and sector members rotatably supported to the link. The sector members are coupled to a drive rod for rotation therewith. A biased pin engages the sector members and releasably locks with the sector members in each of three positions. A locking link end opposite the sector members is coupled to a support shaft of the actuation mechanism. An elastically compressible member is positioned between the sector members which is partially compressed by the pin as the pin moves relative to the sector members, reducing contact noise between the pin and the sector members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
    Inventor: Larry P LaPointe
  • Patent number: 7229134
    Abstract: A seat apparatus for a vehicle includes supporting member and a moving member whose position is adjustable relative to the supporting member while a posture of the moving member is in a predetermined posture comprising a link member rotatably connected to the supporting member and the moving member respectively, a first gear secured to the moving member, a second gear secured to the supporting member and a transmitting gear rotatably supported to the link member. The transmitting gear includes a first partial gear meshing with the first gear and a second partial gear meshing with the second gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kasiha
    Inventor: Sadao Ito
  • Patent number: 7156462
    Abstract: A convertible seat, e.g., for an aircraft, including a fixed structure and a mobile structure, including a seat bottom, a seat back, a leg rest and, optionally, a leg rest extension. The different elements of the mobile structure are mechanically connected to each other, and to the fixed structure, to automatically move the mobile structure between a first extreme seat type posture and a second extreme bed type posture, passing through given ergonomically comfortable intermediate postures, using a single control. This control may be a manual control or a motorized control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Eads Sogerma Services
    Inventors: Christian Verny, Laurent Cecinas, Gabriel Martin
  • Patent number: 6955400
    Abstract: The invention relates to a dynamic footrest, more particularly to a type of footrest which enables the user to rest his or her feet on said footrest with the purpose of helping him or her adopt a better posture, whereby the dynamic footrest (1) comprises a pair of adjacent and independent platforms (2) and (3) that are rotationally mounted relative to a common transversal axis (4), in addition to means for transmitting a rotational movement to one of the platforms and means for transmitting rotational movement from one platform to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Inventor: Juan Luis Bellvis Castillo
  • Patent number: 6916069
    Abstract: A seat, in particular a vehicle seat, preferably an aircraft passenger seat, has seating components such as a sitting part (20), a back rest (22), and a leg rest (24). The positions of these components, particularly their inclination relative to each other, is adjustable by at least one operating device (32), and by a control device (40) with at least one control component, preferably manually actuatable. The control device (40) is provided with at least one function element (48, 50) which makes certain that the control device and/or control component cannot be activated unintentionally. In addition to the control device, such as one in the form of an operating component or operating key, another structural component (function element) is present as a switching component. Operation of the function element in the form of a connection process is necessary to cause activation of the control device for initiation of an operating process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Recaro Aircraft Seating GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Jurgen Bauer, Heribert Lischka
  • Patent number: 6874855
    Abstract: The method for controlling the dynamics applies to a seat (10) comprising at least three parts (16, 20, 22) which can move with respect to each other and at least two actuators (24, 26) for moving the three parts (16, 20, 22). The method comprises a step of operating the two actuators (24, 26) jointly to modify the configuration of the seat. The step of joint operation comprises the following successive steps: activating a first actuator (24) at a first instant; and activating a second actuator (26) at a second instant subsequent to the said first instant and separated from the first instant by a predetermined length of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Labinal
    Inventor: Laurent Nivet
  • Patent number: 6773073
    Abstract: A adjustable foot rest for being used with a wheelchair to allow the foot of the user to positioned at a comfortable angle. The adjustable foot rest includes an adjustment assembly being designed for being coupled to hanger bracket of the wheel chair. A rest member is pivotally coupled to the adjustment assembly. The rest member is designed for supporting the foot of the user when the user is sitting in the wheelchair. The adjustment member permits the rest member to be angled with respect to the wheelchair whereby the adjustment member is designed for allowing the user to position an angle of the rest member at a comfortable angle to support the foot of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Inventor: Liborio Escobedo