Laterally Extending Contour Patents (Class 297/452.33)
  • Patent number: 11583086
    Abstract: A functional sitting chair according to an embodiment of the present disclosure effectively distributes the user's body pressure even when the user sits for a long time, stably supports the user's waist and back, provides a heating function, and maintains great comfort by effectively circulating air through a pattern formed on the cushion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: ABLUE Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Myung Wook Lee
  • Patent number: 11325555
    Abstract: A vehicle seat comprises a seating portion and a back rest the angle of inclination is adjustable in relation to the seating portion, where at least the back rest is of modular design made of a plurality of upholstered elements, the upholstered elements each comprising a preformed foam part surrounded, at least in part, by a cushion cover, the upholstered elements made in this manner are put together via fasteners in modular fashion to form the back rest adjustable in inclination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Faurecia Autositze GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Gumprecht, Bertram Schillig
  • Patent number: 9033411
    Abstract: A chair including a dynamically-flexible back and seat having a shape that adjusts to the movements of a user seated in the chair to enhance user comfort. Each of the back and seat has an air gap formed therewithin and a resilient frame or liner with a spring memory. The resilient liner is adapted to flex in response to compressive forces that are generated as the user slides his body back or from side-to-side in the chair. Accordingly, some of the chair back and some of the chair seat move into respective air gaps so that the shapes of the back and seat change to conform to the movements of the user. The air gaps also establish air flow ventilation channels which run laterally through the back and seat of the chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Inventor: Marcelo Mezzera
  • Patent number: 8998316
    Abstract: An improved seating system that includes a blow molded seat back assembly that is fabricated to include a seat back comprising a double walled design having a foreword (14) and a rearward (16) wall wherein there is at least one or more sections comprising a single wall (213). Further, the blow molded seat back may include an integrated reinforcement structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Styron Europe GmbH
    Inventors: Padraig J. Naughton, Ashishkumar S. Lokhande, Gulub N. Malunjkar
  • Patent number: 8991933
    Abstract: A backrest includes first and second side wings and connectors configured to connect the first and second side wings to the wheelchair frame. The first side wing comprises a plurality of transverse profiles extending towards the second side wing and the second side wing comprises a plurality of second transverse profiles extending towards the first side wing. At least one first transverse profile of the first side wing and at least one associated second transverse profile of the second side wing are at least partially mutually embraced in a slidable manner. The at least one first transverse profile and the at least one second transverse profile are dimensioned and configured so that the mutual slidably embracement of the at least one first transverse profile and the at least one second transverse profile is made on a range of distances enabling the width adjustment of the backrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Invacare International Sarl
    Inventor: Ulf Johansson
  • Patent number: 8979206
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention may include a seat back frame of a vehicle seat. The vehicle seat has a seat back main body configured to support the back of an occupant and an extension portion extending from a side of the seat back main body. The seat back frame has a main body frame, an extension frame, and a connection member. The main body frame may form a framework of the seat back main body and may be mounted on a base. The extension frame may form a framework of the extension portion. The connection member connects the extension frame to a side of the main body frame. The connection member has a rear support portion and a front support portion. The rear support portion contacts the main body frame and the extension frame from the rear so that the rear support portion integrally couples the main body frame and the extension frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazuyuki Matsuzaki
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8881356
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a sitting orthosis, which is provided with a contact surface where the user of the sitting orthosis makes contact with the sitting orthosis, from a representation of the contact surface of the sitting orthosis. The method comprises of manufacturing a shell part on the basis of the representation of the contact surface by machining processable material under the control of the representation of the contact surface of the sitting orthosis; and arranging a covering layer on the thus obtained shell part. The invention also relates to a sitting orthosis. The sitting orthosis comprises a contact surface where the user of the sitting orthosis makes contact with the sitting orthosis, wherein the sitting orthosis is assembled from a shell part of a material processable by machining and wherein at least the contact surface is provided with a covering layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Perteon Seats B.V.
    Inventors: Kamiel Reinier Zale Geenen, Bernard Jan Kamp, Simon Alexander Verheul, Jeroen Gerard Theodor Jans
  • Patent number: 8740303
    Abstract: A chair including a seat member for supporting a user, a backrest member mounted on the seat member, an adjustable platform attached to the backrest member in which the adjustable platform is selectively adjustable to provide a desired contour for supporting the back of a user seated within the chair, and a multipoint adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the adjustable platform along multiple locations of the platform to provide a desired contour for supporting the back of a user seated within the chair. The chair may be custom fitted to a specific user where the curvature of a user's back (e.g., in the spinal region) is measured relative to an idealized curvature, and the multi-point adjustment mechanism of the chair may be dialed in to improve the user's posture as the user uses the chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Inventors: Michael V. Halliday, Steven R. Halliday
  • Patent number: 8528980
    Abstract: A seat back unit connected to a seat of a chair comprises a main frame having vertical and horizontal sections. A first hinge portion is disposed on a top end of the vertical section, and a resting seat with an embedded concave portion is fixed to a middle segment of the vertical section. Connection projections are disposed on a junction between the vertical and horizontal sections. A supporting member has one end formed with a second hinge portion, and the other end formed with a crossing portion embedded into the embedded concave portion. A backrest member is composed of vertical and transversal curved sections. The vertical arch section has third and fourth hinge portions corresponding to the first and second hinge portions, respectively. A herringbone-shaped structure composed of the vertical arch section and the transversal curved sections conforms to the profile variation of the human body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Inventor: Fu-Chih Hsiao
  • Patent number: 8523285
    Abstract: A seat (10) for a utility vehicle comprising a base (12) and a back support (14) is provided. The back support has an asymmetric profile (18) which includes a cut-away portion (20) at a position corresponding to a user's first shoulder, and a mounting point (25) corresponding to a point located above the user's second shoulder for attachment of a three-point harness (22, 24). Provision of the cut-away portion on one upper corner of the seat maintains a portion on the opposite side of the seat for location of the three-point harness thus delivering increased freedom of movement for the operator whilst incorporating safety requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Valtra Oy Ab
    Inventor: Kimmo Wihinen
  • Patent number: 8172331
    Abstract: An article of seating furniture that is particularly desirable for use with bariatric patients is disclosed. The seating furniture includes a seat portion that includes a front seating area and a rear seating area. The front seating area is defined by a generally semi-elliptical front perimeter surface while the rear seating area is defined by a different, generally semi-elliptical rear perimeter surface. The surface area of the front seating area is less than the surface area of the rear seating area to provide enhanced ingress and egress for a bariatric patient. The seating furniture includes a back portion and two pair of support legs that further enhance the desirability of the seating furniture for a bariatric patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Krueger International, Inc.
    Inventors: E. Daniel Cramer, Paul A. James
  • Patent number: 8033613
    Abstract: A chair back has a shell and a cushion overlying the shell for a patient chair configured to move from a generally upright sitting position to a generally supine position. A patient contact surface is bounded in part by a top edge and an opposing bottom edge, and has resiliently deflectable opposed wing sections extending between the top edge and the bottom edge. A stiff support region is centrally positioned relative to and at least partially recessed from the outer wing sections. The support region is configured to support a patient's spine when the patient chair is positioned in a generally supine position. The opposed wing sections extend laterally outwardly of the support region and are configured to support the arms of the patient when the patient chair is positioned in the generally supine position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: A-dec, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl G. Nordstrom, Edward R. Jacobs, Mathew H. Parlier, Craig J. Beard, Kenneth E. Mattocks, Christopher C. Stone
  • Patent number: 8033612
    Abstract: A folding mesh chair includes a seat and a backrest carried between opposite frame sides. The chair has an unfolded seating position in which the seat pivots to extend from the frame sides and bottoms of front and rear legs move apart, and a folded position in which the seat pivots toward the frame sides and the front and rear legs move together. One or both of the seat and the backrest have a continuous sheet of flexible and elastic mesh or patterned open texture plastic held across and substantially covering an opening in an all-plastic hoop fixed between the frame sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Mity-Lite, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard D. Smith, Orrin C. Farnsworth, Spencer Posey
  • Patent number: 7677670
    Abstract: A back for a patient chair with which a patient may be moved from a generally upright sitting position to a generally supine position comprises a back shell and a cushion. The back shell has a front surface, a back surface, a top, a bottom, opposed first and second outer sides, a central section extending longitudinally from a region adjacent the top to a region adjacent the bottom and opposed side sections extending laterally outwardly from the central section toward the first and second outer sides. The cushion is attached to the back shell. The central section of the back shell comprises a plurality of stiffening elements that extend longitudinally of the back shell. A patient chair including the back is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: A-dec, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl G. Nordstrom, Edward R. Jacobs, Mathew H. Parlier, Craig J. Beard, Kenneth E. Mattocks, Christopher C. Stone
  • Patent number: 7641281
    Abstract: A vehicle seat having a backrest, which has a backrest middle part and backrest side parts, which extend forward laterally from the backrest middle part and are provided for lateral body support is described. The backrest side parts each have an internal section connected to the backrest middle part and an external section connected thereto, which overlaps a forward area of the backrest side part. The backrest side parts are adjustable in relation to the backrest middle part so that the backrest width is changeable by fixing the backrest side parts. The internal section and the external section are produced in one piece from a foam material. A stiffening element is foamed into the internal section and into the external section in a transition area between the internal section and the external section, which is primarily provided to give the external section a certain rigidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Markus Grimm
  • Patent number: 7543892
    Abstract: A back board having a main wall region and two lateral wall regions is securely attached to a rear side of a seat back. In such combination of seat back and back board, two presser elements, fixed to the rear side of seat back, are respectively in pressing contact with: one pressure receiving belt element extended between the main wall region of the back board and one of the two lateral wall regions of the back board; and another pressure receiving belt element extended between the main wall region of back board and another of the two lateral wall regions of back board. Thus, those two lateral wall regions of back board are resiliently bent or curved inwardly of the back board to close contact with respective two lateral sides of the seat back. The back board can be formed from a thin elastic material for light-weight purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Tachi-S Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Takamasa Minakawa, Atsushi Kunizawa
  • Patent number: 7458643
    Abstract: A passenger seat with increased knee space for an aft-seated passenger, including a seat base for being attached to a supporting deck and at least one seat frame including a seat back and seat bottom carried by the seat base. At least one arm rest assembly is carried by the seat frame and including an arm rest mounted for pivotal movement about a pivot member between a use position with an upper support surface in a horizontal position for supporting a forearm of a passenger seated in the seat, and a stowed position wherein the upper support surface of the arm rest is perpendicular to the use position. The arm rest pivot member is mounted on the seat frame at a point forward of a plane defined by the seat back carried by the seat and above a point defined by the seat bottom for allowing the knee of an aft-seated passenger to occupy space behind the pivot member of the arm rest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: BE Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventor: Glenn A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7427107
    Abstract: A movable backrest for a chair comprises a frame that is fixed to the chair, at least a flexible connecting element connected to the frame, and at least a backrest connected to the connecting element. Since the connecting element is flexible, the backrest and the back of the user can be moved simultaneously along with the movement of the back of the user, providing a comfortable support to the back of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Inventor: Po Hsuan Yang
  • Publication number: 20080150337
    Abstract: The methods and apparatus taught herein provide an elongated spine support member integrated into or attached to a chair for providing improved back support. According to one embodiment of a chair, the chair comprises a seat, back and elongated spine support member. The back includes inner and outer sections. The inner section is spaced inwardly from opposite sides of the back and extends generally vertically through a substantial portion of the height of the back. The outer section extends along opposite sides of the inner section. The elongated spine support member is generally vertically extending and forms a part of the inner section of the back. The elongated spine support member is configured to engage and support at least two of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions of the vertebral column of a person seated in the chair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Mark R. Bilak, Ronald E. Bilak
  • Patent number: 7354107
    Abstract: A vehicle seat with a backrest and a seat part. The backrest includes a backrest frame and S-shaped rod elements arranged therebetween so as to form an S-shaped backrest having a shoulder region which can be deformed in the forward and backward direction and a lumbar spine region which can be deformed in the forward and backward direction. The rod elements, which extend in the longitudinal direction of the backrest, are pivotably mounted by their lower and upper ends on the backrest frame such that they can be pivoted about an imaginary axis which extends in the longitudinal direction of the backrest. The rod elements are mounted on the backrest frame such that they can be displaced in the longitudinal direction of the backrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Grammer AG
    Inventors: Josef Kohl, Christian Erker
  • Patent number: 7290837
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat back frame of a rectangular shape having a pair of side frames, upper and lower seat springs mounted between the side frames, and a flexible cushion plate in the form of a single plate attached to the seat springs. The cushion plate has a lower wide section supporting the vicinity of ilia (S) of a seated occupant (P), and a narrow middle section for reducing hold performance for the vicinity of a waist of the seated occupant (P). The cushion plate has an upper edge projecting slightly higher than a ninth dorsal vertebra (R) of the seated occupant (P).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: TS Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinji Sugiyama, Yutaka Kizawa
  • Patent number: 7270377
    Abstract: Many law enforcement officers have lower back problems arising from the habitual wearing of what is generally known as a “Sam Browne” duty belt. Workmen's Compensation now presumes any lower back ailment suffered by a law enforcement officer was caused by a duty belt; and consequently, automatically covers such back problem. A duty belt seat accessory for minimizing excessive pressure on the lower back of a law enforcement officer when he wears a duty belt is disclosed. The seat accessory comprises: a lower back portion having a minimal thickness; an upper back portion having a thickness generally exceeding the thickness of the lower back portion and the equipped duty belt; and, a strap to maintain the back portion in an upright position adjacent to a seat. When the officer leans back his back is supported largely by the upper back portion of the seat accessory and there is no excessive back pressure on his lower back as a result of the equipped duty belt he is wearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Inventors: Jack D. Schmitz, Robert M. Todd
  • Patent number: 7252340
    Abstract: A passenger seat with increased knee space for an aft-seated passenger, including a seat base for being attached to a supporting deck and at least one seat frame including a seat back and seat bottom carried by the seat base. At least one arm rest assembly is carried by the seat frame and including an arm rest mounted for pivotal movement about a pivot member between a use position with an upper support surface in a horizontal position for supporting a forearm of a passenger seated in the seat, and a stowed position wherein the upper support surface of the arm rest is perpendicular to the use position. The arm rest pivot member is mounted on the seat frame at a point forward of a plane defined by the seat back carried by the seat and above a point defined by the seat bottom for allowing the knee of an aft-seated passenger to occupy space behind the pivot member of the arm rest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: B E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventor: Glenn A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7185910
    Abstract: A multi adjustable chair is comprised of a support frame to which is secured an adjustable seat assembly and an adjustable backrest assembly. The backrest assembly has displaceable back support plates that are adjustable to a desired position. A back cushion is secured over back support elements and is displaceable in unison therewith as the backrest is extended or retracted. The seat assembly has a pair of laterally displaceable seat panels as well as a front guide frame and the seat cushion is also extendable both laterally and forwardly as the seat panels and front guide frame are displaced to adjust the size of the seat assembly. The adjustable chair is preferably, but not exclusively, a wheelchair and it is provided with an adjustable support base assembly and a chair tilting mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Positech Innovation Inc.
    Inventors: André Beauchesne, Jean-Pierre Baril, Michel Bayard
  • Patent number: 7178875
    Abstract: A chair apparatus for supporting a back of a person. The chair apparatus has a backrest and at least one support member attached with respect to the backrest. Each support member extends away from the backrest and forms an implantable element which can be inserted into and beneath a ground surface, such as into sand or dirt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Lawrence L. Laske, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7040706
    Abstract: The present invention provides a seat that includes a seat comfort zone that peripherally encompasses a pelvic zone, a front seat zone adjacent to the front side of a seat comfort zone and a first side seat zone, second side seat zone and rear seat zone peripherally encompassing a first side, second side and rear side, respectively, of the seat comfort zone. The seat comfort zone, the pelvic zone, the first side seat zone, the second side seat zone, the front seat zone and the rear seat zone include a soft elastic material. Further, the front seat zone is less firm than the first side seat zone, the second side seat zone, the rear seat zone, the seat comfort zone and the pelvic zone. The first side seat zone, the second side seat zone and the rear seat zone are more firm than the front seat zone, the seat comfort zone and the pelvic zone. The pelvic zone is more elastic than the front seat zone, the comfort zone, the first side seat zone, the second side seat zone and the rear seat zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Phat Cushion LLC
    Inventor: Adam J. Koffler
  • Patent number: 6899397
    Abstract: A passenger seat with increased knee space for an aft-seated passenger, including a seat base for being attached to a supporting deck and at least one seat frame including a seat back and seat bottom carried by the seat base. At least one arm rest assembly is carried by the seat frame and including an arm rest mounted for pivotal movement about a pivot member between a use position with an upper support surface in a horizontal position for supporting a forearm of a passenger seated in the seat, and a stowed position wherein the upper support surface of the arm rest is perpendicular to the use position. The arm rest pivot member is mounted on the seat frame at a point forward of a plane defined by the seat back carried by the seat and above a point defined by the seat bottom for allowing the knee of an aft-seated passenger to occupy space behind the pivot member of the arm rest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: BE Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventor: Glenn A. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20030222494
    Abstract: A seat for use in a motor vehicle has a seat portion, and a back portion having a lower end that is pivotably coupled to the seat portion. The back portion has a cut-out section adjacent the lower end, with the thickness of the back portion at the cut-out section being less than the thickness of the remainder of the back portion. The cut-out section accomodates the police officer's gun belt so that the gun belt and its objects (such as a pistol and handcuffs) will not exert an awkward pressure on the lower back region of the officer's body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventor: William Howard Mallery
  • Patent number: 6550858
    Abstract: An extricable seat assembly attachable to a cockpit of a vehicle is configured to allow a driver to be supported in an outstretched position and to allow removal of portions of the seat assembly. The seat assembly generally includes a bottom portion to support the lower torso of the driver, a back portion to support the spinal column of the driver, a left portion to support the left paraspinal area of the driver, and a right portion to support the right paraspinal area of the driver. The bottom portion has a hingedly connectable upper edge. The back portion has a lower edge hingedly and detachably connected to the upper edge of the bottom portion. The back portion further has hingedly connectable left and right edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Theodore M. Grohs, Walter T. Cichocki, Charles D. Winton, Robert M. Hobbes, Robert J. Niester
  • Patent number: 6305751
    Abstract: A chair (1), preferably of the type adapted for use by handicapped persons, comprising a seat (2), a back rest (3), a chair frame (4) supporting the seat (2) and the back rest (3) and arm rests (7) attached to the lateral or bottom portions (6) of the seat (2). The seat has a profile of normal thickness at the front but, at the rear, at the back rest (3), the seat has a depressed oval-shaped area (10) to match the anatomic shape of a seated human to permit the pelvis of the user to be received lower and more to the rear on the seat (2). Further, the underside of the back rest is curved upwardly. The sitting person is prevented from sliding forwards and the comfort of the seat (2) is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Mercado Medic AB
    Inventor: Bengt Engström
  • Patent number: 6250718
    Abstract: A chair including a seat, a support member, an outwardly extending projection and a chair back. A support member extends upward adjacent a rear portion of the seat. An outwardly extending projection is attached the support member. The chair back includes front, back, top and bottom surfaces. The chair back has a cavity opening downwardly toward the bottom surface and an aperture is the back surface. The aperture extends in a direction from the cavity to the back surface and communicates with the cavity. The top portion of the support member extends into the cavity and the projection extends into the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Herman Miller Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Newhouse, Marc A. Gierz