Bottom Or Back Patents (Class 297/452.1)
  • Patent number: 11639125
    Abstract: A seat assembly includes a first frame with a guide member extending outwardly along a first axis. A second frame has a second guide member extending outwardly. One of the first and second guide members is received in translation along the first axis by the other of the first and second guide members to connect the second frame to the first frame. A first locking element is engaged to couple the first frame to the second frame and limit translational movement of the first frame relative to the second frame. A method of assembling a seat assembly is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Samuel Blair, Matthew Wholihan, Joshua Hallock, David Abdella
  • Patent number: 11247590
    Abstract: A composite structure comprising a substantially planar portion and a border arranged on the border of the substantially planar portion. A first linking zone arranged at one end of the border along a first axis and able to accommodate a first metal insert and a second linking zone arranged at another end of the border along the first axis and able to accommodate a second metal insert symmetrical to the first metal insert. An insert comprises a substantially planar base arranged perpendicular to the first axis and comprising, substantially at a center of the substantially planar base, a piercing. A first substantially planar wing is arranged perpendicular to the substantially planar base and a second substantially planar wing arranged perpendicular to the substantially planar base and the first substantially planar wing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Inventors: Nicolas Morille, Gwenaël Lelan
  • Patent number: 10709252
    Abstract: A drum throne is provided which allows air to flow through it in order to keep a drummer dry and free of sweat buildup during drumming sessions. The drum throne may include a seat base, a seat foam on a upper portion of the seat base, a top portion of a seat cover for covering the seat foam, an air plenum located between the seat base and the seat foam, airflow channels extending from the air plenum to the top portion of the seat cover, and a mounting plate below the seat base and coupled to an intake cover; or a blower below a bottom portion of the seat base, the blower capable of pushing air into the air plenum, up through the airflow channels and seat cover to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Air Throne, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Samuel Volk, Eric Douglas Pierson, Robert Matthew Strand
  • Patent number: 10687998
    Abstract: To provide a bed apparatus that permits the bed to be tilted only when the knee bottom in the bed apparatus is raised so as to be able to positively prevent the user from slipping to the foot side when the bed is tilted. The bed apparatus includes: a tilting driver that can perform a tilting operation of the upper frame so as to create difference in height between the head side and the foot side and, at least, lower the foot side; and an operational state detector that detects that a knee bottom actuation assembly for raising and lowering the knee bottom is operable. The tilting driver performs the tilting operation when the knee bottom forms an angle of 0 degrees or greater relative to the ground and when the operational state detector has detected that the knee bottom actuation assembly is operable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: PARAMOUNT BED CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tatsuya Shimada, Dan Kageyama, Eita Hirai, Shinnosuke Kubota, Yuji Hosokawa
  • Patent number: 10569680
    Abstract: A seat assembly having a seat bottom and a seat back. The seat bottom may have a pair of side members that are adhered to a seat bottom shell. The seat back may have a pair of brackets that may be adhered to a seat back shell. The seat bottom shell and the seat back shell may be made of carbon fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventor: Andrea Rasello
  • Patent number: 10471869
    Abstract: Provided is a vehicle seat that reduces deterioration in ride quality when an object is arranged under a seat cushion. The vehicle seat includes: a frame body; and a first panel having a first support portion and a second panel having a second support portion. The frame body includes: a first part extending along a seat width direction; and second and third parts arranged apart from each other and each extending toward a seat rear side relative to the first part. The first panel bridges the first and second parts. The second panel bridges the first and third parts. A distance from an inner end of the first support portion along the seat width direction to the second part is different from a distance from an inner end of the second support portion along the seat width direction to the third part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Norimitsu Tsuchiya, Akira Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 10081281
    Abstract: Seat pan for fastening to a seat frame of a vehicle seat. The seat pan has a profile structure made up of multiple profiles, and on its bottom side has crossbeam receptacles, preferably tube receptacles which are open at the bottom, for placement on a crossbeam, in particular a transverse tube of the seat frame, which extends in the transverse direction. The seat pan is preferably injection-molded from a plastic material, wherein through holes which extend through the profile structure in the vertical direction are formed between the profiles, preferably between all profiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Faurecia Autositze GmbH
    Inventor: Bernd Römer
  • Patent number: 9462891
    Abstract: A chair has a body support structure with a membrane that can be stretched in an intended three-dimensional shape. The structure includes a frame member in a three-dimensional shape and forming a three-dimensional body support face expanding in three axes (y-axis direction), (x-axis direction), and (z-axis direction) orthogonal to each other and a membrane with peripheral edge portion fixed to the frame member under no tension or tension lower than tension required of the body support face, which has different heat shrinkage ratios in two directions, and to which the tension required of the body support face is imparted by heat shrinkage by heating after the fixing and a difference in tension generated in the heat shrinkage of the membrane forms the three-dimensional body support face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Takano Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ken Kikuchi, Isao Okamoto, Yousuke Shirotori
  • Patent number: 9393889
    Abstract: A seat cushion frame for a vehicle, wherein the weight of the entire frame can be reduced as a result of changing the raw material to a resin; and to give a desired submarine prevention function to the front section of the frame, to greatly reduce the number of components of the frame, and to greatly simplify the entire structure, a C-shaped frame having a C-shaped planar shape opening to the rear side thereof includes a thermoplastic resin, and has a structure wherein the upper surface side of the front section of the C-shaped frame is formed into a surface intermittently extending in the seat width direction and the lower surface side thereof is formed into a surface continuously extending in the seat width direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Koji Yamaguchi, Masaru Tateyama, Nobuhiko Shimizu
  • Patent number: 9332848
    Abstract: A method of forming a connecting structure between column and seating portion of an office chair includes the steps of forming a frusto-conical portion having a flange by cold-pressing a portion of sheet metal, inserting the flanged portion into a mold reproducing the shape of the structure, injecting plastic material into the mold and incorporating the flanged portion of the frusto-conical portion into the plastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: IMARC S.P.A.
    Inventor: Andrea Francesco Zanchetta
  • Patent number: 9145081
    Abstract: An aircraft seat back including a composite material seat back frame element and a composite seat back diaphragm molded to the seat back frame element during a molding step to provide a composite aircraft seat back formed of a seat back frame element and a seat back diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: B/E AEROSPACE, INC.
    Inventors: Alexander Nicholas Pozzi, Glenn Allen Johnson
  • Publication number: 20150145311
    Abstract: A prisoner seat security device includes a retractable strap which hooks or clasps onto a prisoner, preferably by a restraint device on the prisoner, such as hand-cuffs. As the prison seats in the seat, the strap retracts. The officer can then lock the retraction mechanism so that the strap will not extend and the prisoner is held in place. When it is desired for the prisoner to get out of the chair, the lock is released, allowing the prisoner to stand the strap to be disconnected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventor: Keith D. Squires
  • Patent number: 9039092
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method of manufacture and a structure for an automobile seat cover that includes a seat cover body with an outer perimeter, a seat cover skirt with a first edge sewn with an overlock stitch to the seat cover body for a majority of the outer perimeter, and a second edge, distal from the first edge, comprising a tie element extending for a majority of the second edge around a seat opening in the seat cover. A portion of the seat cover skirt and the seat cover body corresponding to a location of at least one airbag installed in an automobile seat cover over which the seat cover is to be placed are sewn together with one of a straight stitch and a lock stitch instead of the overlock stitch. In some implementations, the thread used is a brightly colored string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Bell Automotive Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Ken Krankkala, C. Kwai Kong
  • Publication number: 20150130149
    Abstract: A child-restraining safety seat assembly includes a safety seat with a body defining a secured seating area sized to securely hold a child or smaller-than-average adult human and a fixed-shape rotatable restraining member mechanically coupled to the body and having an open position where the seating area is unobstructed and a closed position where the seating area is obstructed by the restraining member. The body can include a back support member and a seat member, each with an inner surface portion at least partially defining the secured seating area. The restraining member can further include an upper body restraining member disposed in an overlapping configuration with the inner surface portion of the back support member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2015
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventor: Robert Miller Sims
  • Publication number: 20150130252
    Abstract: An arrangement of components, in particular for a vehicle seat, includes a first component and a second component which are interconnected by a connector. The connector includes a nail-shaped pin that has a grooved drive stud.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: Johnson Controls GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Georg Werner, Bernd Gross, Andreas Dannheisig
  • Publication number: 20150123438
    Abstract: A seating mat providing enhanced grip and posture correctional features includes an upper surface for supporting a user when seated and an array of flexible papillae extending from the upper surface and positioned around a focus area on the upper surface. Each papilla includes a tapered projection with a curvature such that at the tip end of each projection the longitudinal axis of the projection lies at an acute angle relative to the upper surface. The papillae are positioned such that all the tips are directed towards the focus area. The shape and positioning of the papillae encourage a user to reference themselves centrally on the focus area and tend to grip the user's thighs to prevent slipping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: Smarter Posture Company Limited
    Inventors: Kieran Slevin, Uzzel Edward
  • Publication number: 20150108803
    Abstract: The present invention includes an ergonomic chair that is useful for people who sit for an extended period of time at work, in avoiding work station related back pain and neck pain. The present invention incorporates a hemispherical seat which can be locked in position and comprises a fixed inner hemisphere, a movable outer hemisphere, and a shroud. The support pole where the inner hemisphere is bolted into absorbs the load from the user, and the outer hemisphere equipped with hydraulic or pneumatic resistance devices and attached to the tension springs provides a balanced movement of the chair. Accordingly, while sitting on the chair, the present invention allows no deformation on the rigid hemispherical seat, and keeps the spine of the user in a desirable alignment, further improving the internal function of the user's organs. The present invention can also be used as an office stretch GYM ball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventor: Araz Bay
  • Publication number: 20150108818
    Abstract: Provided is a power seat device in which an operator can intuitively recognize an operation of a movable member. Operation units are provided in movable members in a power seat body. Each of the operation units includes a pair of electrodes and a dielectric layer formed between the pair of electrodes so as to be compressively deformable, and compressively deforms the dielectric layer by an operator's push operation. Driving devices are controlled so that the movable members move in the push direction of the operator based on the capacitance between the pair of electrodes changing with the compressive deformation of the dielectric layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: SUMITOMO RIKO COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Masanori YAMAMOTO, Kouichi HASEGAWA, Tomonori HAYAKAWA
  • Patent number: 9003635
    Abstract: A method of injection molding a polymeric resin to form an article that is suitable for strain orientation. A thermoplastic polyester elastomer polymeric resin is provided. The resin is heated to form a molten resin at a temperature of at least about 240° C. The molten resin is injected into a mold (22) to substantially fill the mold and form an article. At least part of the article is a sheet part with a plurality of members that are integrally formed into the sheet part, with apertures provided between at least some of the members of the sheet part of the article to form a mesh. At least the sheet part of the article is suitable for strain orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Formway Furniture Limited
    Inventors: Kent Wallace Parker, Paul Michael Wilkinson, Lyall Douglas Stewart, Daryl Owen Neal, Gregory William Baum, Noah Juniper Rainbow McNeill
  • Publication number: 20150091341
    Abstract: A device suitable for sitting or reclining, the device including a base portion having upper and lower surfaces and at least one depression which extends into at least the upper surface of the base thereof; and a body portion having at least one surface region adapted to be received within the depression of the base; wherein the diameter of the body is greater than the diameter of the depression, such that the body projects beyond at least the upper surface of the base, such that the body is supported by the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventor: BUCKLEY William James
  • Patent number: 8991931
    Abstract: Plural weft fascia portions wider than wefts are arranged in a ground texture formed in a lattice shape by warps and the wefts so as to be spaced from each other from one end of the clothing fabric toward the other end thereof in the vertical direction, and the arrangement intervals between the weft fascia portions adjacent to each other in the vertical direction are gradually decreased from one end of the clothing fabric toward the other end in the vertical direction, and then are gradually increased from the minimum portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Okamura Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsuya Narita, Ryou Igarashi
  • Publication number: 20150076887
    Abstract: A seat has a first ischial region, a second ischial region, a tailbone region and a thigh transitional region, each having at least one slot. Each slot generally opens outward, away from a center of the seat. Each slot may have an elongated central portion and two distal portions extending from the central portion. The central portion and distal portions may be substantially linear and may have a specific configuration relative to each other to provide desired support characteristics. The slots may allow flexing and cantilevering of portions of the seat to dynamically contour the seat based on the weight of the user. Multiple grooves may be included at the front of the seat to facilitate curling of the front of the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Teresa A. Bellingar, Larry A. Wilkerson, Peter J. Beyer
  • Publication number: 20150076886
    Abstract: In a method for producing a backrest rear panel from at least one organic sheet, a plurality of reinforcing beads and a frame-shaped bead, which circles the reinforcing beads, are formed in at least one organic sheet. In a molding tool, a rib structure is formed in the circling frame-shaped bead on the rear of the backrest rear panel in such a manner that a rib structure closes flush with the rear of the backrest rear panel, with the result that an even surface is formed on the rear of the backrest rear panel. A bonded connection is formed between the organic sheet and rib structure with the result that a one-piece component is formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicants: Johnson Controls GmbH, Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Center GmbH
    Inventors: David Ribaric, Bernd Meier, Vedat Nuyan, Annett Linemann, Carsten Höfer, Jerome Coulton, Peter Classen
  • Publication number: 20150076885
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat bottom and a seatback operatively coupled to the seat bottom. The seatback includes a substantially rigid polymeric substrate and an outer layer covering the polymeric substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Bruce L. Stone, Robert W. Smith
  • Publication number: 20150061345
    Abstract: A flexible laminate (1) includes an electrically non-conductive substrate (2) with a substantially planar configuration, an electrically conductive element (3) on a surface of the electrically non-conductive substrate, and a layer (4) on a surface of the electrically non-conductive substrate (2). The electrically non-conductive substrate (2), the electrically conductive element (3) and the layer (4) are coaxially punctured forming a punctured region (6). They are connected to each other through a mechanical connection element (5) which extends through the electrically non-conductive substrate (2), the electrically conductive element (3) and the layer (4) at the punctured region (6). The cross-sectional area of the electrically conductive element (3) at the location of the punctured region (6) is larger than the cross-sectional area of the electrically conductive element (3) outside the punctured region (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: ATL Technologies B.V.
    Inventors: Ingmar Cees Johannes VAN DER LINDEN, Jelmer Douwe SMINIA
  • Publication number: 20150042138
    Abstract: A sitting group that can be used for sitting purposes, as well as advertisement media in gardens, green fields, shopping centers, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: FZS TASARIM DANISMANLIK PAZARLAMA SANAYI DISTICARET LIMITED SIRKETI
    Inventor: Erdal Agdas
  • Publication number: 20150028648
    Abstract: A seat assembly is disclosed, and includes a seat having opposing sides, a back support, and a seat pan. The seat assembly also includes at least two harness straps extending in a generally vertical direction between the back support and the seat pan. The harness straps both have a lower portion and ends, where the ends of the harness straps are secured to the seat pan. An insert may be located within each of the harness straps. The inserts may extend in a generally upward direction away from the seat pan. The inserts are each a spring biased element that exerts a biasing force on a respective harness strap to urge the lower portion of the respective harness strap towards one of the opposing sides of the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: RECARO CHILD SAFETY LLC
    Inventor: Chad Allen Sparling
  • Publication number: 20150021970
    Abstract: A selectively assembled freestanding stool for providing a user such as a baseball coaches on the field with a seat which can be assembled on demand using primarily materials already on the field, comprising a plurality of modified dowel members and an attachment apparatus which together allow a plurality of convention bats and one base to be assembled into a stool. The dowels are adapted with an engaging ring having an adjustable circumference so as to allow it each end to be slid over a bat and be securely lock into place near the middle of the bat. The attachment apparatus is configured with a plurality of receiving depressions sized to receive and securely hold the base of a bat. The base portion of the bats are attached to the attachment apparatus and the base is the secured to the top of the attachment apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Michael Richard Revta, John Brander
  • Publication number: 20140375102
    Abstract: A seat core comprising a unitary body (1) including a peripheral wall (4, 5, 7) provided with a plurality of recesses (2), each recess being provided with at least one aperture (8) adapted to receive securing means for securing a chair component within the recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventor: Boon Long Ng
  • Publication number: 20140354027
    Abstract: A vehicle seat comprising a seat part extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction (X) and in the vehicle transverse direction (Y) and including a backrest part is provided. The vehicle seat includes a seat substructure for suspending and/or damping at least the seat part with respect to the body of a vehicle. The seat substructure comprises at least one horizontal suspension device that includes a body-side lower part and a seat-part-side upper part displaceable with respect thereto. A coupling device is arranged interactively between the seat-part-side upper part and the body-side lower part, and includes a deformable suspension element as a first coupling element and a bearing and deformation device as a further coupling element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: GRAMMER AG
    Inventor: Jens KOLB
  • Publication number: 20140346820
    Abstract: A seat has a sitting surface and a back surface completely covered with an arrangement including first, second, and third layers. The first layer is formed of a seat material or leather and has a first side facing a user and a second side facing away from the user. The second side of the first layer is arranged on the second layer. The second layer has a third side facing the first layer and a fourth side facing away from the first layer. The second layer has an absorber to absorb moisture with a first component layer facing the first layer and having a first hydrophilicity and a second component layer having a second hydrophilicity greater than the first hydrophilicity. The third layer has an air duct layer. The second component layer faces the third layer, and the fourth side is arranged on the third layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: SYMPATEX TECHNOLOGIES GMBH
    Inventors: Stefan Brandt, Mhamed Mouhassin
  • Patent number: 8893326
    Abstract: A frame suitable for use in a cradle for small children, or in similar devices, where a structure for containing a dynamic load requires support, consists of two flexible longitudinal laminae, parallel one to another and joined by one or more crosswise laminae. The longitudinal laminae are curved in a more or less central part of their length so forming a first section that rests on the ground and a second section inclined at an angle determined in relation to the first section to sustain the containing structure. In the curved part and along the whole of the second section the longitudinal laminae are subjected to torsion opposite in sign such as to incline them towards the inside of the frame; this lessens their flexibility sufficiently to limit elongation of the flexor oscillations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Bombol Limited
    Inventor: Frederic Frans Petrus Gooris
  • Patent number: 8894154
    Abstract: A seat back includes a backrest formed of a first polymeric material for supporting an occupant. A bracket formed of a different material than the first polymeric material of the backrest is anchored to the backrest for coupling to a seat cushion. A reinforcing composite layer is connected to the backrest and is formed of a second polymeric material and a plurality of fibers impregnated in the second polymeric material. The first polymeric material of the backrest is mechanically engaged with the bracket free of melt bonding between the first polymeric material of the backrest and the bracket. The first polymeric material of the backrest is melt bonded to the second polymeric material of the reinforcing composite layer integrating the backrest, the bracket, and the reinforcing composite layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Faurecia Automotive Seating, Inc.
    Inventors: Amit Kulkarni, Kipp O. Grumm, Peter A. Zorney, Bernard Denis, Philippe Duhamel, Gregory Brncick
  • Publication number: 20140327289
    Abstract: A portable stool for providing convenient seating comprising: a base, where the base is placed on a surface during use of the stool; a support post, where the support post extends vertically from the base; a telescoping post connected to the support post, where the telescoping post is vertically adjustable; openings along the telescoping post; seat posts, where the seat posts extend vertically from the openings; and a nylon seat attached to each distal end of the seat posts. The telescoping post may include three openings and a seat post extends from each opening. In one particular embodiment, the posts extend at an angle from each opening. The support post may include an adjustment slot. Inherently the portable stool further includes a collapsed position and an extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventor: Erwin Portis
  • Patent number: 8876214
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle seat and to a method for producing said vehicle seat, in particular for motor vehicles, comprising a plurality of structural or retaining parts which are joined together or to a further part in at least one joining region, the join being produced by friction welding in at least one of the joining regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co Kommanditgesellschaft, Coburg
    Inventors: Gregor Kroener, Sandra Kieser
  • Publication number: 20140319892
    Abstract: A piece of furniture which is used to sit on or to stretch oneself out on, in particular an armchair, a seat, a bed or a sofa, includes at least a seating part (2) and/or a part (9) which forms a back, and at least one element which can go between two different positions and/or two different states, for example a headrest, and control means which are designed to command the passage of the said at least one element from one position to another or from one state to another. Means are provided which form a sensor designed to detect the presence of a person seated on the seating part and/or the part which forms a back; and the arrangement is such that the control means command the passage of the said one element from one position to another or from one state to another, when the means which form a sensor detects the presence of a person on the seating part and/or on the part which forms a back.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventor: Patrice BOCCARA
  • Publication number: 20140312661
    Abstract: A suspension chair includes a first and second back support portion having first and second suspension elements extending in first and second substantially perpendicular directions respectively. The first and second suspension elements are tensioned so as to provide first and second normal biasing forces to the first and second body support portions. In one embodiment, the chair includes a fixed support defining an upper portion and a pivotable side support. A fabric layer covers at least a portion of the fixed support and a front surface of the side support. Various furniture arrangements and modular furniture kits incorporating one or more chairs, desks and/or tables are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: HERMAN MILLER, INC.
    Inventors: YVES BEHAR, Qin Li, Naoya Edahiro, Noah Murphy-Reinhertz, Diana Chang, Erik Kreider, Casey Doran Lewis, Andrew J. Kurrasch, Elindo G. Castro, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140265514
    Abstract: A foldable infant positioner with a softgoods seat is a seating apparatus that includes a softgoods seat and a hardgoods foldable support structure. The support structure includes a seat support that is movably coupled to a ground engaging section so that the support structure can move between a deployed configuration and a stored configuration. The seat may be removably secured to the seat support by folding a top portion of the seat over and around the seat support and then coupling the seat thereto. The seat may also have a front flap which extends beneath the seat and prevents an infant's feet from directly contacting the support surface when an infant is disposed in the seat, in an upright seated position, thus preventing the infant from pushing down on the front flap and tipping the infant positioner over.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Devin J. Roberts, Kurt J. Huntsberger, Brian F. Murty
  • Publication number: 20140265495
    Abstract: The present invention includes an ergonomic chair that is useful for people who sit for an extended period of time at work, in avoiding work station related back pain and neck pain. The present invention incorporates a hemispherical seat which can be locked in position and comprises a fixed inner hemisphere, a movable outer hemisphere, and a shroud. The support pole where the inner hemisphere is bolted into absorbs the load from the user, and the outer hemisphere equipped with hydraulic or pneumatic resistance devices and attached to the tension springs provides a balanced movement of the chair. Accordingly, while sitting on the chair, the present invention allows no deformation on the rigid hemispherical seat, and keeps the spine of the user in a desirable alignment, further improving the internal function of the user's organs. The present invention can also be used as an office stretch GYM ball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: ARAZ BAY
  • Publication number: 20140252747
    Abstract: Wheelchair designs and enhancements are provided for use with conventional wheelchair design. The designs and enhancements include bariatric extension panels and security features making it suitable for use in high security areas such as prisons and psychiatric wards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventor: Jane Hermes
  • Publication number: 20140252836
    Abstract: A seating system adapted for use in stadium, auditorium, and/or theater-type settings. The system utilizes seat back pins, support beams, and anchors for installing seat backs in series and without requiring custom components to account for variability in dimensions. A method for installing seat backs provides the installer with multiple degrees of freedom when adjusting the position of a seat back being installed, including lateral positioning and rotational orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventor: Alvaro Mauricio Olarte
  • Publication number: 20140239980
    Abstract: A capacitance type occupant detection sensor includes (i) a capacitive sensor, (ii) a voltage application portion, (iii) a current detector, (iv) a capacitance detector, and (v) a determination portion. The capacitive sensor includes a detection electrode and is disposed to a seat. The voltage application portion applies a detection voltage to the detection electrode, and provides an electric field between the detection electrode and a reference electrode, which is applied with a reference voltage. The current detector detects a current, which is provided by the detection voltage, flowing through the detection electrode. The capacitance detector detects a capacitance between the detection electrode and the reference electrode. The determination portion determines an occupant. The capacitive sensor has a first charging electrode and a second charging electrode. The first charging electrode is disposed apart from the detection electrode and applied with a charging voltage from the voltage application portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kouji Ootaka
  • Publication number: 20140232153
    Abstract: A lightweight aircraft passenger seat assembly comprises at least one seat portion and at least one supporting portion for supporting the at least one seat portion relative to an aircraft structure. In order to provide an improved lightweight aircraft passenger seat assembly having a reduced weight, size and complexity as compared to conventional lightweight passenger seat designs, the invention provides a lightweight aircraft passenger seat assembly, comprising at least one seat portion with at least one seat shell for an aircraft passenger and at least one supporting portion for supporting the at least one seat portion relative to an aircraft structure, wherein the at least one seat shell and the at least one supporting portion are constructed as light-weight components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: Composite Designs EU GmbH
    Inventors: Duncan Bell, Phil Hall, Rocco Passari
  • Publication number: 20140225406
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle seat comprising a base portion for attachment in a vehicle; a seat bottom part, with a top side and an underside, which seat bottom part is attached to the base portion; a waist belt, which extends between the seat bottom part's sides. At least one hinge mechanism that is adjustable between a first and a second position is arranged at the base portion. The waist belt is attached to the hinge mechanism, so that the waist belts position in relation to the seat bottom part changes when one on the seat bottom part acting force reaches a predetermined value, which force leads the hinge mechanism from the first to the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: BAE Systems Hägglunds Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Martin Carlsson
  • Publication number: 20140210249
    Abstract: A chair comprising a seat assembly and a support assembly is disclosed. The seat assembly has a deflectable body disposed about an axis that provides resilient convex seating surface. The support assembly retains the seat assembly and allows the seat assembly to rotate about its axis and additionally allows the seat assembly to rotate to cause limited tilt displacement of the axis from a neutral alignment. The support assembly includes biasing means that serve to urge the seat assembly towards the neutral alignment when the seat assembly is displaced from the neutral alignment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Inventor: Stephen Barnett
  • Publication number: 20140167475
    Abstract: Drive device (1) with electric motor and reduction gear driving an output unit (8) in a motor vehicle, comprising a brushless motor (2) having a rotor turning about a rotor axis (Y2) parallel to a main axis (Y), an elliptical reduction gear (3) interposed between the brushless motor (2) and the output unit (8), said elliptical reduction gear comprising an elliptical gear and a deformable flange, deformed by the elliptical gear when it rotates, and a control unit (4) arranged in the immediate proximity of the brushless motor (2) for controlling said brushless motor. Seat frame comprising such a device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: FAURECIA SIÈGES D'AUTOMOBILE
    Inventors: Thierry Pera, Nicolas Navatte, Julien Denis
  • Publication number: 20140139002
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and article made from co-injection molding using gas-assist. The article has an inner material and an outer material. The inner material has a blowing agent uniformly distributed throughout the inner material. The outer material surrounds the inner material. At least one opening is provided in the outer material. The opening extends through the outer material to the inner material providing a pathway which allows out gas generated by the blowing agent in the inner material to escape through the outer material when the article is in a mold and after the article has been removed from the mold. The outer material provides an aesthetically pleasing outer surface and the inner material provides a strong core which is free of large voids, the inner and outer materials combining to form an article with a stable profile and repeatable size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: KNOLL, INC.
    Inventors: Adam Daniel DESKEVICH, Hendrik Richard VAN HEKKEN, Richard A. WOLFE
  • Patent number: 8696067
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle seat frame made of structural foam having an attachment flange for attaching to a vehicle, and vehicle seat assembly, and methods of making the same. In at least one embodiment, the vehicle seat assembly comprises a seat frame made of structural foam and having a main body portion and at least one attachment flange depending from the main body portion. The attachment flange is attachable to a vehicle floor pan via an interference fit. The attachment flange has a first density and the main body portion has a second density, less than the first density. The vehicle seat assembly further comprises a cushion supported on the frame. The cushion is softer than the seat frame. The vehicle seat assembly further comprises a trim material disposed over the cushion and the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Ashford A. Galbreath, Asad S. Ali, Gary Rock
  • Patent number: 8691370
    Abstract: A multi-layered support structure provides ergonomic, adaptable seating support. The multi-layered support structure includes multiple cooperative layers to maximize global comfort and support while enhancing adaptation to localized variations in a load, such as in the load applied when a person sits in a chair. The cooperative layers each include elements such as pixels, springs, support rails, and other elements to provide this adaptable comfort and support. The multi-layered support structure also uses aligned material to provide a flexible yet durable support structure. Accordingly, the multi-layered support structure provides maximum comfort for a wide range of body shapes and sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan S. Brill, Christopher C. Hill, James D. Slagh, John F. Aldrich, Timothy P. Coffield, Andrew B. Hartmann, Kelly E. Washburn, Michael D. Stanton, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20140084660
    Abstract: A chair component assembly includes a support component adapted to support a portion of a seated user and including a shell member having an outer peripheral edge, the support component further including at least one coupler having an interior and an opening facing the outer peripheral edge of the shell member, and at least one tab member located substantially proximate the opening of the at least one coupler, and an upholstery cover assembly wrapped about at least a portion of the support component and including an edge that is retained within the interior of the at least one cupler by the at least one tab member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Norman, Nickolaus William Charles Deevers, Todd Quigley, Mark J. Dinneweth