Noncoil Wire Spring (e.g., Linear Or Sinuous Wires, Etc.) Patents (Class 297/452.52)
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Patent number: 12108877Abstract: A seating device (1) with a reclining function comprising a back frame (4) which provides a significant reduction in the complexity of the system, at the same time as it gives the user increased comfort both in an upright (sitting) position and in a reclining position. The back frame (4) comprises in particular two types of resilient elements (7, 8) and rotatable fasteners (6) which provide adaptive support to the lumbar spine in both a sitting and reclining position.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2021Date of Patent: October 8, 2024Assignee: H2 NORWAY ASInventor: Nils Gunnar Hjellegjerde
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Patent number: 12096862Abstract: Disclosed is a fastening structure for a seating foam, comprising a foam and a reinforcement fabric, and characterized in that the fastening structure is directly provided at a reinforcement fabric at a location corresponding to a fastening position, and is connected to the reinforcement fabric. The fastening structure of the present invention simultaneously meets two functional requirements of a foam, namely reinforcement of a side B of the foam and fastening of an exterior side A of the foam. The novel fastening structure of the present invention saves space, is thin and light, enhances the strength of the foam against a pull-out force, and optimizes a foam production process.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2020Date of Patent: September 24, 2024Assignee: Yanfeng International Automotive Technology Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yanfei Liu, Wei Xu, Ren Tang, Wenhui Ma
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Patent number: 11745679Abstract: A vehicle seat comprises: a pair of opposed frames disposed opposite to and separately from each other; a pair of connecting frames disposed separately from each other in a perpendicular direction perpendicular to an opposing direction of the pair of opposed frames, the connecting frames being configured to connect the pair of opposed frames; a bridging wire disposed to bridge the pair of connecting frames; a reinforcing wire disposed to cross the bridging wire as viewed from an occupant side; and a plate-shaped plastic member configured to cover the bridging wire and the reinforcing wire at least at their crossover such that the bridging wire and the reinforcing wire are arranged to be spaced apart from and thus kept out of contact with each other, the bridging wire and the reinforcing wire being connected with the plate-shaped plastic member.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2021Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: TS TECH CO., LTD.Inventor: Koji Onuma
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Patent number: 11667223Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a support structure, a seat surface (14) and a molded polymeric frame (18). The frame has an edge region and the seat surface (14) is mounted to the frame (18) and the frame is mounted to the support structure. At least a portion of the edge region is flexible.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2019Date of Patent: June 6, 2023Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Craig Martin Oomen, Samuel Smith, Manfred Mueller, Michael Long, Kelly Washburn, Robert A. Bratty
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Patent number: 11634047Abstract: A suspension mat for a vehicle seat comprises a spring element, and a guiding support for at least one electrical cable. The guiding support is molded onto the spring element.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2021Date of Patent: April 25, 2023Assignee: FAURECIA Sièges d'AutomobileInventors: Sascha Kupietz, Didier Duriez
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Patent number: 11623590Abstract: A cover for an electrical connector may include an outer wall having a first edge and a second edge, a first side wall connected to a first end of the outer wall, a second side wall connected to a second end of the outer wall, a first clip portion disposed proximate the first edge and configured for rotational connection with a first wire frame portion, and/or a second clip portion disposed proximate the second edge configured for connection with a second wire frame portion.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2021Date of Patent: April 11, 2023Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Laurent Liaigre, Vincent Delaunay
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Patent number: 10864834Abstract: A vehicle seat includes right and left side frames 10, and an elastic member (cushion spring 20) run between the right and left side frames 10. The right and left side frames 10 include side walls 11 disposed opposite to each other in a lateral direction, and flange portions (upper flange portions 12) respectively extending laterally inward from the side walls 11, and the elastic member is attached to the flange portions.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2019Date of Patent: December 15, 2020Assignee: TS TECH CO., LTD.Inventor: Teppei Ito
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Patent number: 10857958Abstract: A vehicle seat comprises: a pair of opposed frames disposed opposite to and separately from each other; a pair of connecting frames disposed separately from each other in a perpendicular direction perpendicular to an opposing direction of the pair of opposed frames, the connecting frames being configured to connect the pair of opposed frames; a bridging wire disposed to bridge the pair of connecting frames; a reinforcing wire disposed to cross the bridging wire as viewed from an occupant side; and a plate-shaped plastic member configured to cover the bridging wire and the reinforcing wire at least at their crossover such that the bridging wire and the reinforcing wire are arranged to be spaced apart from and thus kept out of contact with each other, the bridging wire and the reinforcing wire being connected with the plate-shaped plastic member.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2020Date of Patent: December 8, 2020Assignee: TS TECH CO., LTD.Inventor: Koji Onuma
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Patent number: 10669030Abstract: A seat pan diaphragm assembly and a seat assembly including the same, the seat pan diaphragm assembly including a diaphragm subassembly including a flexible fabric panel having a top, bottom, front, back, and opposing lateral sides, a cargo net subassembly for limiting deflection of the flexible fabric panel under load, the cargo net subassembly including a grid of belts and attachment straps having a clip attachable to a seat frame element, and stiffeners received in slotted sleeves of the diaphragm subassembly and engaging the cargo net subassembly for securing the cargo net subassembly to the diaphragm subassembly.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2019Date of Patent: June 2, 2020Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.Inventors: Eric H. Morse, Matt J. Hulse, Samuel Ponjican
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Patent number: 10604041Abstract: A seating assembly for a vehicle comprising: a cushion comprising an outer edge and a plurality of lines; a carrier comprising a perimeter outer surface and a plurality of line detents near the perimeter outer surface of the carrier retaining the plurality of lines such that the cushion is interconnected with the carrier; wherein the plurality of lines and plurality of line detents are arranged to prevent the edge of the cushion from rolling up. The cushion can further comprise a rearward extending lip having an inwardly facing surface; wherein the cushion at least partially surrounds the carrier with at least a portion of the inwardly facing surface of the lip facing the perimeter outer surface of the carrier.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2017Date of Patent: March 31, 2020Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Corbin Shea Johnston, Spencer Robert Hoernke, Johnathan Andrew Line, Kevin Mozurkewich, Andrew Matusko, Brian Thiel
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Patent number: 10538212Abstract: A vehicle seat comprises: a pair of opposed frames disposed opposite to and separately from each other; a pair of connecting frames disposed separately from each other in a perpendicular direction perpendicular to an opposing direction of the pair of opposed frames, the connecting frames being configured to connect the pair of opposed frames; a bridging wire disposed to bridge the pair of connecting frames; a reinforcing wire disposed to cross the bridging wire as viewed from an occupant side; and a plate-shaped plastic member configured to cover the bridging wire and the reinforcing wire at least at their crossover such that the bridging wire and the reinforcing wire are arranged to be spaced apart from and thus kept out of contact with each other, the bridging wire and the reinforcing wire being connected with the plate-shaped plastic member.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2018Date of Patent: January 21, 2020Assignee: TS TECH CO., LTD.Inventor: Koji Onuma
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Patent number: 9950650Abstract: Provided is a vehicle seat (S) including a vehicle occupant support member (20) that can be assembled to the seat cushion frame (F1) with ease. A vehicle occupant support member extends between a front cross frame member (15) and a rear cross frame member (16) for supporting a vehicle occupant from below and fitted centrally with a child seat anchor (17), and a rear end part of the vehicle support member is provided with an anchor engagement portion (23B) for engaging a part of the anchor to prevent lateral movement of the vehicle support member. The vehicle occupant support member includes a plurality of spring members (21), a rear hook member (23) connected to the rear ends of the spring members and hooked onto a rear cross frame member, and a front hook member (22) connected to the front ends of the spring members and hooked onto a front cross frame member.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2017Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: TS TECH CO., LTD.Inventor: Masato Watanabe
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Patent number: 9914249Abstract: A seat back suspension assembly for a vehicle, disposed in a seat back frame inside a vehicle seat, may include a main wire including side wires extending in a vertical direction at left and right side thereof; at least one first support wire extending in a horizontal direction between the side wires at both sides thereof to allow both ends thereof to contact the side wires; at least one second support wire disposed to be spaced from the first support wire and extending in a horizontal direction between the side wires at both sides thereof to allow both ends thereof to contact the side wires; and a side guide injection-molded to cover the side wire and end portions of the first and second support wires contacting the side wire.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2016Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, DAECHANG SEAT CO., LTD.Inventors: Tae Jo Kim, Myung Soo Lee, Hyo Jeong Kwon
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Patent number: 8985695Abstract: A backrest is provided, whereby a frame-shaped base structure of which is made of a dimensionally stable plastic, The base structure being formed from beams. The frame-shaped base structure includes at least one functional element between the beams, and the at least one functional element is made only of a plastic and/or as a plastic-coated insert. Injection molding is proposed as a production method.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2012Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: Sitech Sitztechnik GmbHInventor: Jens Baumgarten
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Patent number: 8911171Abstract: There is disclosed a device for fixing a U-shaped end of at least one spring for supporting a cushion for a seat, to a seat frame of the seat which includes opposing frame sections, one of the frame sections being formed from a shaft, and the spring being stretched between the frame sections. The device comprises a collar fitted over the shaft and a retainer including a body having a geometry of similar figure with the collar and fitted over the collar on the shaft, and at least one pair of first and second spring engagement pieces provided at both edges of the body. A first axial region and second axial region of the U-shaped end of the spring are engaged with the first piece and the second piece, respectively, whereby the end of the spring is fixed to the shaft through the device.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2013Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: TS Tech Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tomonori Kotaki
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Patent number: 8876215Abstract: A vehicle seat frame structure includes a frame main body formed in a frame-shape, and a wire that extends between two frame peripheral portions that make up the frame main body, end portions of the wire being integrally joined to the two frame peripheral portions. At each of the end portions of the wire, a portion that jut outs beyond the corresponding frame peripheral portion is formed as a curved portion that is curved in a direction wrapping around an outer peripheral surface of the frame peripheral portion. At least one of the curved portions of the wire has a curvature that is more gradual than a curvature of the outer peripheral surface of the frame peripheral portion to which the curved portion is joined.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2012Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kousuke Sei, Keisuke Yamamoto, Yukinori Sugiura, Takanori Kinoshita
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Patent number: 8783780Abstract: A vehicle seat is formed by mounting cushion materials on a seat frame having a seat back frame and a seat cushion frame and covering the cushion materials with skin materials. At least one of the seat back frame and the seat cushion frame is provided with a first frame receiving a load of a passenger, and a second frame spaced from the first frame to face the first frame, and peripheral portions of the first frame and peripheral portions of the second frame are at least partially overlapped with each other to form overlapping portions, and fixed and jointed at a position away from the side where the load of the passenger is received.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2011Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: TS Tech Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masayuki Hoshi
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Patent number: 8752901Abstract: In a vehicle seat, a back side, that is a side opposite a seating side, of a cushion is covered by a backing that has less expandability than the cushion. The back side of the cushion is divided by a pair of first supporting members into a center portion arranged between the pair of first supporting members and a pair of side portions arranged on both sides of the center portion. The center portion and the side portions each have a semi-cylindrical outer shape that protrudes out from the back side of the cushion. First arranging portions that are recessed toward the seating side are formed between the center portion and each of the side portions. The first supporting members are arranged sinking into the cushion at the first arranging portions.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2012Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushki KaishaInventors: Kenji Kawano, Kousuke Sei, Takanori Kinoshita
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Publication number: 20140159463Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle seat that is capable of changing a property of S springs with a simple configuration and therefore improves a seating property by changing the property of the S spring in response to a physique of a passenger. In regard to a vehicle seat 1 in which S springs 6 are stretched in a seat cushion frame that supports a seat cushion on which the passenger sits, a restriction member 13 that is detachably attached to each of the S springs 6 and partially restricts an extensional deformation of the S springs 6 is provided. The restriction member 13 includes a pair of wire hook portions 15 and 16 that is hooked on a horizontal portion 8 and a back-end horizontal portion 12 of the S spring 6, and a long wire portion 14 that connects the pair of wire hook portions 15 and 16.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2011Publication date: June 12, 2014Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Eishi Takeuchi, Kohshi Katoh, Shunsuke Tanaka
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Patent number: 8690255Abstract: A seat back frame for a seat of a vehicle includes: a pair of side frames placed at a left side and a right side in a width direction of a seat; a head rest supporting frame supporting a head rest; a supporting plate, a both ends of the supporting plate being connected to a lower portion of each of the side frames; an upper opening provided above the supporting plate, the upper opening being opened in a front-rear direction; a planar elastic body provided across the upper opening; and a connection member elastically connecting a lower portion of the planar elastic body and an upper portion of the supporting plate.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2011Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Tachi-S Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jogen Yamaki, Harutomi Nishide, Yoshitomo Oka, Kenichi Saito, Yozo Furuta, Hisato Oku, Hiroshi Abe, Munetoshi Nishihara
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Patent number: 8662483Abstract: A shock absorber for vehicle seat is provided. The shock absorber is suspended on a seat frame so as to elastically support a pad. The shock absorber includes: a plurality of wires that are disposed in parallel to the seat frame, both ends of the wires being locked to the seat frame; and a resinous member that connects the wires to each other, the resinous member having a bent portion, wherein the resinous member is elastically deformable in a direction in which the wires are opposed each other in accordance with a deformation of the bent portion.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2009Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shigetomo Yamaguchi, Masayuki Kitou, Toshiyuki Ario, Ryuji Hayashi
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Patent number: 8540318Abstract: In at least one embodiment, the present invention relates to a vehicle seat assembly comprising a seat frame made of structural foam and having a main body portion having a forward portion and a rearward portion, and a wire attachment bracket having a front attachment tab, a rear attachment tab, and a connecting portion extending between the front and rear attachment tabs. The front attachment tab can be securable to a vehicle floor pan to secure the forward portion of the seat frame to the vehicle floor pan, and the rear attachment tab can be securable to a vehicle floor pan to secure the rearward portion of the seat frame to the vehicle floor pan. In at least one embodiment, the vehicle seat assembly further comprises a cushion supported on the frame, with the cushion being softer than the seat frame, and a trim material disposed over the cushion.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2011Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Mark Allyn Folkert, William Barr, Ashford A. Galbreath, Asad S. Ali
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Patent number: 8136884Abstract: A seating product comprising a seat deck assembly secured at opposite ends to a frame. The seat deck assembly comprises a seat deck. A textile border is disposed between at least one end of the seat deck assembly and the frame. The textile border is attached to the frame, thereby flexibly coupling the seat deck assembly thereto. Cushions, padding or an upholstered covering can complete embodiments of the seating product.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2010Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: L & P Property Management CompanyInventors: Larry I. Bullard, William J. Distler
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Patent number: 7926872Abstract: A seat back has a seat back frame, a plane spring structure, and a headrest provided at the upper end of a seat back frame. The plane spring structure has left and right side wires, and horizontal wires extending in the horizontal direction. Connection wires are provided between the seat back frame and plane spring structure. First end portions and second end portions of the connection wires function as detachable portions. At least one of these detachable portions is detached from the seat back frame or plane spring structure by the load applied to the seat back, when a vehicle is bumped from behind.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2008Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Assignees: Fuji Heavy Industries, Ltd., NHK Spring Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jun Chida, Kazuki Okamoto, Nozomu Munemura, Atsuo Matsumoto
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Patent number: 7905545Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat body that is configured for attachment to a floor surface of a vehicle. The seat body includes a seat back that is connected to a seat bottom. The seat back has a seat back frame and the seat bottom has a seat bottom frame. An electric component is mounted to the seat body. A first mounting member attaches the electric component to one of the seat back frame and the seat bottom frame. In this vehicle seat assembly, the first mounting member is configured to flex such that the electric component can move in a direction that is generally perpendicular to a plane of the one of the seat back frame and the seat bottom frame.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2008Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Christer Andersson, Odd Jaegtnes, Torbjoern Andersson
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Patent number: 7850247Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly having a backrest member and a seat bottom subassembly connected to the backrest member. The seat bottom subassembly has a cushion pan comprising a polymeric material, a cushion comprising a foam material supported on the cushion pan, and a trim layer comprising a fabric material disposed over the cushion. The cushion pan defines a plurality of integral trim attachment features. The trim layer is attached to the cushion pan through engagement with the trim attachment features.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2008Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Marc Stauske, James R. Ministrelli, Keith R. Kwasny, Marc Poulin
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Patent number: 7841667Abstract: A seating product, such as a chair, has a frame. The frame defines the seating area and back area of the seating product. A series flexible straps extend across the seating area and back area. In a similar fashion, a series of spring supports extend over the flexible straps and the seating and back areas. The straps and the spring supports hold an inflatable bladder in the lumbar region of the back area. The straps and the spring supports in the seating area hold another inflatable bladder in the seating area. The bladders are coupled to a pump controllable to inflate and deflate the bladders. When deflated, the seating product has a suspension and feel like that of traditional seating products. The bladders can be selectively and individually inflated to provide a customized support in the seating product. The flexible straps provide a suspension surface for the air bladders.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2008Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Assignee: L&P Property Management CompanyInventor: Niels S. Mossbeck
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Patent number: 7806482Abstract: The present invention provides for a drop-in seat unit as well as a method of manufacturing the drop-in seat unit that does not require the worker to affix one end of the spring to a frame rail and stretch the spring from one of the frame rails to the other frame rail. The ends of the spring are affixed to the frame rails while the springs are in an un-stretched state. Once the plurality of springs is attached to the two frame rails, the rails are mechanically pulled away from each other, thus creating a larger open area between the frame rails and thus extending the springs. Once the rails are properly positioned in this extended state, support members are positioned between the two frame rails and one end of each support member is affixed to each frame rail, traversing the space or gap between the two frame rails. The support members fix the distance between the two frame rails.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2008Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: Ashley Furniture Industries, Inc.Inventors: James C. Dotta, Duane Olson, Duane D. Herold
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Patent number: 7794021Abstract: The present invention can include a seat frame including a claw member, a spring member having a first end and a second end both connected to the frame, wherein the first end is retainable in the claw member, also the first end includes a first and second support member positioned on either side of the claw member, the first and second support member having a height that is equal to or greater than a height of the claw member.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2008Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hideo Sahashi
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Patent number: 7775603Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle seat comprising a support wire having a first end, a second end, and a middle portion between the first and second ends, such that the support wire is folded approximately in half at the middle portion. The suspension system further comprises a coating of overmolded plastic applied to the first and second ends such that the first end second ends are held together by the coating; a bend in the middle portion of the support wire to attach the support wire to a frame of the vehicle seat, wherein the bend is coated with overmolded plastic; a crossbar overmolded on the support wire; an integral attachment clip molded onto the crossbar; and a seat cushion module held adjacent the support wire using the integral attachment clip.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2006Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: L & P Property Management CompanyInventors: Donald David Mundell, Joe Reu, Harold Long
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Publication number: 20090250991Abstract: A seating product, such as a chair, has a frame. The frame defines the seating area and back area of the seating product. A series flexible straps extend across the seating area and back area. In a similar fashion, a series of spring supports extend over the flexible straps and the seating and back areas. The straps and the spring supports hold an inflatable bladder in the lumbar region of the back area. The straps and the spring supports in the seating area hold another inflatable bladder in the seating area. The bladders are coupled to a pump controllable to inflate and deflate the bladders. When deflated, the seating product has a suspension and feel like that of traditional seating products. The bladders can be selectively and individually inflated to provide a customized support in the seating product. The flexible straps provide a suspension surface for the air bladders.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2008Publication date: October 8, 2009Applicant: L & P PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANYInventor: NIELS S. MOSSBECK
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Patent number: 7438362Abstract: The present invention provides for a drop-in seat unit as well as a method of manufacturing the drop-in seat unit that does not require the worker to affix one end of the spring to a frame rail and stretch the spring from one of the frame rails to the other frame rail. The ends of the spring are affixed to the frame rails while the springs are in an un-stretched state. Once the plurality of springs is attached to the two frame rails, the rails are mechanically pulled away from each other, thus creating a larger open area between the frame rails and thus extending the springs. Once the rails are properly positioned in this extended state, support members are positioned between the two frame rails and one end of each support member is affixed to each frame rail, traversing the space or gap between the two frame rails. The support members fix the distance between the two frame rails.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2007Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: Ashley Furniture Industries, Inc.Inventors: James C. Dotta, Duane Olson, Duane D. Herold
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Patent number: 7422291Abstract: A retainer for fixing terminals of springs 7 to a round shaft 3 of a seat frame for a seat is disclosed. Each of the terminals of the springs is formed into a substantially U-shape. The retainer includes a body 6a of a substantially U-shape in cross-section which is adapted to be mounted on the round shaft 3, and pairs of first and second spring-engaging pieces 6b, 6c bent laterally from both edges of the U-shaped body 6a. The retainer is adapted to fix the substantially U-shaped terminals of the springs 7 to the round shaft 3 with the first and second spring-engaging pieces 6b, 6c thereof being engaged with the substantially U-shaped terminals of the springs 7.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2005Date of Patent: September 9, 2008Assignee: TS TECH Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masaki Nagayama
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Patent number: 7347493Abstract: A composite assembly of furniture units each have a solo utilization, which can be seating surface area or table top surface area. The furniture units are made with an irregular contoured surface. When the irregular surface of a first furniture unit is brought in proximity to the irregular surface of a second furniture unit, the composite assembly assumes a joint utilization which differentiates from the solo utilization of the furniture units. The joint utilization of the composite assembly enlarges seating surface area or the table top surface area over the solo utilization. The furniture units are versatile because each can be used in its solo configuration or combined into the composite assembly for other uses. A mechanical coupling mechanism is used to secure the furniture units in the composite assembly configuration. The mechanical coupling can be a latch, magnetic plate, bracket, or rod.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2005Date of Patent: March 25, 2008Assignee: Dodaz, Inc.Inventor: Theresa A. Mulmed
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Patent number: 7334845Abstract: A seating unit includes a perimeter frame, a flexible seating surface supported by the frame, and parallel elongated resilient force-distributing members coupled to the seating surface to control a contour of the seating surface when supporting a seated user. The resilient force-distributing members are bendable along their length and are sufficient in number and distribution to substantially reduce localized deflection of the seating surface and thereby reduce pressure point contact felt by the seated user. The resilient force-distributing members can be wire rods, long strips, or other resilient material with memory.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2004Date of Patent: February 26, 2008Assignee: Steelcase Development CorporationInventors: Gordon J. Peterson, Kurt R. Heidmann, Renard G. Tubergen, Christopher J. Norman, Bruce M. Smith, Steven James Beukema
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Publication number: 20080036266Abstract: A seating unit includes a rearwardly-open base frame with a pair of uprights on opposite rear side portions in spaced apart positions. A molded back has corner sections with cavities for matably telescopingly engaging the uprights, and a beam section extending between the corner sections for stabilizing the rear side portions when the molded back is engaging the uprights. A seat fastened to the base frame engages the molded back to retain the molded back on the upright sections. A cushion attached by a line of adhesive is perforated inward of the line, such that a majority of the cushion can be pulled off by tearing along the perforation line, allowing quick separation for recycling. The uprights have reduced an upper diameter for aesthetics but extend upwardly sufficiently to support armrest on the back.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2007Publication date: February 14, 2008Inventors: Robert J. Battey, Russell T. Holdredge, Mark J. Dinneweth
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Publication number: 20080001464Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle seat comprising a support wire having a first end, a second end, and a middle portion between the first and second ends, such that the support wire is folded approximately in half at the middle portion. The suspension system further comprises a coating of overmolded plastic applied to the first and second ends such that the first end second ends are held together by the coating; a bend in the middle portion of the support wire to attach the support wire to a frame of the vehicle seat, wherein the bend is coated with overmolded plastic; a crossbar overmolded on the support wire; an integral attachment clip molded onto the crossbar; and a seat cushion module held adjacent the support wire using the integral attachment clip.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2006Publication date: January 3, 2008Applicant: L&P Property Management CompanyInventors: Donald David Mundell, Joe Reu, Harold Long
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Patent number: 7237845Abstract: An article of furniture has a sitting portion inner core assembly. The inner core assembly has a frame for providing structural support. Vertical bars connect lower and upper portions of the frame. Horizontal bars connect opposite sides of an upper portion of the frame. Alternative, the upper support structure of the frame uses box springs, free-floating horizontal bars with springs, or a mesh pattern for the structural support of the top portion of the inner core assembly. A cloth or foam pad covering is disposed along a side portion and top portion of the inner core assembly. A fabric material is disposed over at least the side and top coverings and inner core assembly. A back support inner core assembly with back support bars connect to the sitting portion inner core assembly and provide structure support of the back support portion of the furniture.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2005Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Dodaz, Inc.Inventor: Theresa A. Mulmed
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Patent number: 7226130Abstract: A chair includes a base, a seat, a back, and a control operably supporting the seat and back on the base for movement between upright and recline positions. The seat and back include a stiff perimeter frame with opposing perimeter sections, and a plurality of rods each independently bendable in vertical and angled directions. End bearings on the rods are captured in pockets in the perimeter frame, which limits their inward and outward sliding movement. The control includes front and rear leaf springs and a pivot arm operably supporting the seat and the back for synchronous movement, with the direction of movement being such that energy is stored during recline. The energy stored during recline assists in providing a heavier person with added counterbalancing force during recline. A booster mechanism is also selectively engageable for added support upon recline.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2003Date of Patent: June 5, 2007Assignee: Steelcase Development CorporationInventors: Renard G. Tubergen, Gordon J. Peterson, Kurt R. Heidmann
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Patent number: 7137669Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat cushion which has a frame structure and a cushion member combined with the frame structure, the frame structure including a pair of spaced apart side frame members, a front frame member fixed to forward end portions of the side frame members, a connecting shaft extending between rearward end portions of the side frame members and interconnecting the rearward end portions of the side frame members, a plurality of zigzag springs stretched between the front frame member and the connecting shaft, the cushion member being laid on the zigzag springs, and retainers mounted on the connecting shaft, the zigzag springs being engaged at one terminals thereof with the retainer.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2005Date of Patent: November 21, 2006Assignee: TS Tech Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masaki Nagayama
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Patent number: 7100989Abstract: A collapsible cushion for integration into an automobile seat is provided. The collapsible cushion includes a first cushion plate and a second cushion plate with a plurality of springs interposed between the plates. The first plurality of springs is rotatably attached to both the first cushion plate and the second cushion plate such that each spring pivots when the collapsible seat cushion is collapsed. A seat suitable for inclusion in a automobile incorporates the collapsible cushion of the invention.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2004Date of Patent: September 5, 2006Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Christer Andersson, Odd Jaegtnes
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Patent number: 7090301Abstract: The invention is a lumbar support structure adapted to attach to a frame of a seat. An upper support bar and a lower support bar attach to the frame of the seat. A plurality of vertical springwires connect to the support bars. Spacers are used to maintain a desired distance between each of the springwires. A lumbar portion of the springwires extends away from a plane containing the support bars. By utilizing different diameter springwires and different shaped lumbar portions a saddle support distribution is created. The saddle support distribution allows the structure to customize the response to an occupant sitting in the seat.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2002Date of Patent: August 15, 2006Assignee: L&P Property Management CompanyInventor: Alfred Stadlbauer
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Patent number: 7077478Abstract: A first cushion receiving member of a seat cushion and a second cushion receiving member of a seat back are turnably connected to each other by a connecting member. The first cushion receiving member is turnably supported at its front end on a front frame of a first framework. The second cushion receiving member is supported on a second framework, through a spring fixed at its upper portion at at least two points and at its lower portion to the second framework and through an elastic fabric having a periphery fixed to the second framework. Thus, the first and second cushion receiving members can be prevented from being oscillated laterally, and the vibration caused by the expansion and contraction of the spring can be dampened by the elastic fabric.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2005Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Mitsumasa Nakamura
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Patent number: 7063388Abstract: A spring chair (cushion) structure in which the spring chair (cushion) structure, elastic body, flexile rods have sufficient pliancy and, furthermore, are slanted at equal intervals apart such that they conjoin two frame members into a single structural entity. When sitting in the spring chair (cushion) structure, body weight is utilized to directly cause the torsional resiliency of the elastic body to produce an appropriate spring-loaded and buffered effect.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2004Date of Patent: June 20, 2006Inventor: Chih-Yung Chen
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Patent number: 7036864Abstract: Spring elements incorporated into a seat are held on the front side in elastic elements for insulation of the seat against vibration of the motor vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2004Date of Patent: May 2, 2006Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Benjamin Rehfuss, Siegfried Maebert
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Patent number: 6854804Abstract: A seat cushion extends across left and right areas that are located beneath the locations of the left and right ischial tuberosities of a seated person. A support structure beneath the cushion transmits a weight load from the cushion to the seat frame. The support structure has portions that surround the left and right ischial areas to provide the cushion with underlying, load bearing support at the peripheral boundaries of the ischial areas, and is free of load bearing portions located within or beneath the ischial areas.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2002Date of Patent: February 15, 2005Assignee: Ficosa North AmericaInventors: Antonio Cruz Fernandes de Pinho, Paulo Alexandre Alves Vinha
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Patent number: 6793289Abstract: A seat back or a seat base of an automobile seat with a frame includes a spring system extending between two opposing cross braces consisting of meander-shaped shaped spring wires and upholstery in a seat surface. The level determined by the supporting surface of the shaped wire springs may be so changed by tension belts passing through the shaped wire springs at different tensions that it is more strongly arched when the belts are in relaxed condition than when they are tightened.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2001Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Inventors: Peer Kuster, Mirko Polak
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Publication number: 20040160113Abstract: Spring elements incorporated into a seat are held on the front side in elastic elements for insulation of the seat against vibration of the motor vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2004Publication date: August 19, 2004Applicant: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Benjamin Rehfuss, Siegfried Maebert
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Patent number: 6773069Abstract: The present vehicle seat has a framework 14, a plurality of zigzag springs 25, 25 attached between side frame member 17, 17 of the framework 14, and a height control mechanism 38 moving the framework 14 up and down relative to a vehicle body. The spring tip end 26 of each of the springs 25 is arranged at a position adjacent to the center line which vertically divides the side member 17, so that the distance between the spring tip end 26 and the center line is shorter than the distance between the spring tip end 26 and the upper edge 30 of the side member 17. Arms 51, 52 and an elongated link 53 of the height control mechanism 38 are arranged outside the side member 17.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2002Date of Patent: August 10, 2004Assignee: TS Tech Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshinobu Kaneko, Masami Yoshida
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Patent number: 6755476Abstract: The invention provides a tension structure for constructing a seat back of a seat for an automotive vehicle. Coil springs 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b are provided as tension members which are bridged between respective side portions 11, 12 of a seat back frame 1 and respective vertical bars 20, 21 of a tension assembly 2 in an upper portion and a middle portion. On the contrary, linear wires 5a, 5b in which one wire end is entwined and fastened to axes of the vertical bars 20, 21 and another wire end is inserted and fastened to stop rings 14, 15 of the side frame portions 11, 12 are provided in a lower portion. Accordingly, a sitting attitude is intended to be stabilized by increasing a supporting pressure of a lumbar part applied by the tension assembly 2 by means of the linear wires 5a, 5b.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2002Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Assignees: TS Tech Co., Ltd., Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Isao Kawashima, Takashi Yamaguchi