Chair Hardware Or Attachment (e.g., Bracket, Operating Lever, Leg Extension, Etc.) Patents (Class 297/463.1)
  • Publication number: 20090146484
    Abstract: Provided in embodiments of the present invention is a chair sled locking mechanism for use with a gaming device. In one example embodiment, a chair sled includes a sled body having a chair attachment connector disposed at a first end of the sled body and a cavity disposed at a second end of the sled body. A latching unit is disposed in the cavity of the sled body along with a spring that is configured to hold the latching unit in a locked position. A latch cover covers the cavity of the sled body. At least one of the latch cover or sled body includes an opening that allows an operator to manipulate the latching unit to an unlocked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: IGT, A NEVADA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jon P. Mittler, Voytek Chwalisz, Tai Rosander, Bradley Hemerick, James Gray
  • Publication number: 20090146485
    Abstract: A holding structure of a vehicular seat for holding an electric wire member has a shield. The shield is made of a resin and has a main body that can be integrally formed with a bending portion and a cover portion arranged on an inner side of the main body. The holding structure further includes a locking portion capable of locking the cover portion on the inner side of the main body. The holding structure is capable of accommodating awire member between the cover portion and the main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yorihisa INAGAKI, Tomoaki NAGATA
  • Patent number: 7543893
    Abstract: A furniture item includes a support member and a rotatably pinned mechanism operable in rocking and reclining motions. The mechanism includes first and second side plates; a first pair of forward link members each rotatably connected to one of the side plates; a pantograph linkage set connected to the first pair of forward link members to extend and retract a footrest assembly in the reclining motion; and a drive rod rotatable between the side plates. Rotating the drive rod extends or retracts the pantograph linkage set. An escutcheon connected to the drive rod has a snap-engaged handle to manually rotate the drive rod. At least one U-shaped spring connected between the support member and the mechanism allows rocking motion. A seat pan has flat body springs extending over a seat pan aperture to support an occupant. A detent at one end of each flat spring engages the seat pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
    Inventor: Larry P. LaPointe
  • Publication number: 20090139021
    Abstract: A bathing chair with a fixing clamp assembly comprises a front frame and a rear frame, having horizontal rods, a seat, several gliding blocks, a backrest, a handle, and a fixing clamp assembly. The fixing clamp assembly further comprises an upper plate, laid on an edge of a bathtub, an outer plate, attached to the upper plate and leaning against an outer side of a bathtub wall, a connecting tube, having an outer end, which is fastened to an upper side of the upper plate, a holding arm, shaped like the letter L and having a lateral end, which has an inner thread and is inserted into an inner end of the connecting tube, a holding plate, which is fastened to a lower end of the holding arm and leans against an inner side of the bathtub wall, and a threaded rod, passing through the connecting tube and engaging with the inner thread. By turning the threaded rod, the holding plate is fastened on the bathtub wall and released therefrom to be able to glide thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventor: Yu-Wen Cheng
  • Patent number: 7540536
    Abstract: A seat belt anchor device and method are provided for anchoring a seat belt to a stud. The device includes a plate member having a keyhole opening into which the stud is fit with the plate member pulled upwardly to bring the stud to the installed position relative to the plate member. A spring retainer member keeps the stud and plate member in their installed position. A stop is provided to limit pivoting of the spring retainer member relative to the plate member. In some forms, the spring retainer includes resilient clamping portions for clamping engagement with the stud head therebetween in the installed portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Takata Seat Belts, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher D. Hall
  • Publication number: 20090134687
    Abstract: A seat holding portion structure has a side member that extends substantially in a vehicle longitudinal direction. The side member has a kick portion whose front and rear end sides are bent and that joins a front portion and a rear portion of the side member that are offset in a vehicle vertical direction. A floor reinforcement is installed within the side member from an opening portion of a vehicle body floor. A rear end portion of an elongated seat holding member is inserted in the floor reinforcement. A connecting body having a closed cross-sectional structure is fixed to a rear end portion of the seat holding member and is disposed at a rear end side bent portion of the kick portion, and, together with the floor reinforcement, is mounted to the side member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventor: Hiroyuki KUROKAWA
  • Publication number: 20090127916
    Abstract: A frame of a motor vehicle seat for a motor vehicle including a hinge mounting having a hinge arm, and further including a structure part, said structure part being connected to the hinge arm in a connection region, the connection region being rigid when subjected to a load below a threshold value that occurs at accelerations in a normal driving condition of the motor vehicle and the connection region being compliant when subjected to bending loads at values occurring at accelerations of the motor vehicle occurring in an event of an accident, whereby the connection region includes a tongue that projects from one of the hinge arm and the structure part, and further includes a holding device that is provided on the one of the hinge arm and the structure part on which the holding device is not provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: C. ROB HAMMERSTEIN GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Wilfried Beneker, Nils Magnus
  • Publication number: 20090127917
    Abstract: A high chair net assembly and a method of utilizing a high chair net assembly. Embodiments of a high chair net assembly include a net, at least one coupling device configured to couple the net to a high chair, and at least one folding mechanism. A method of utilizing a high chair net assembly having a net, at least one coupling device, and at least one folding mechanism includes coupling the net to a high chair via the at least one coupling device, and unfolding the at least one folding mechanism to open the net around the high chair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventor: Keith Foenander
  • Publication number: 20090127893
    Abstract: A car seat is configured to rest on a seat of a vehicle and to support a child, and the car seat has a shell with a front side and a rear side and a seating surface on the front side. A first contact surface is defined on a part of the car seat facing generally opposite the seating surface. The first contact surface is oriented to support the car seat with the seating surface at a first seat incline. One or more adapter bodies are carried on the car seat and movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The one or more adapter bodies each define a second contact surface. With the adapter bodies in the stowed position, the first contact surface is exposed to rest on the vehicle seat. With the adapter bodies in the deployed position, the one or more second contact surfaces are exposed and oriented to support the car seat with the seating surface at a second seat incline different than the first seat incline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: Graco Children's Products Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Brunick, Neil C. Penza, Craig Weber
  • Publication number: 20090121530
    Abstract: A seat covering structure for covering a seat having a covering member may include a detachable seat cover. The detachable seat cover includes a seat cover body that is shaped to cover an outer surface of the seat, and at least one elastic band that is attached to a rear surface of the seat cover body. The at least one elastic band is arranged and constructed to be stretched so as to follow the outer surface of the seat when the seat cover body is applied to the seat. The seat cover body is arranged and constructed to follow the outer surface of the seat with the at least one elastic band when the at least one elastic band is stretched.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Ryo YASUDA, Kunio NISHIYAMA
  • Patent number: 7530639
    Abstract: A chair includes a base and a seating structure rotatably coupled to the base and vertically moveable between at least a first position and a second position. A foot support is disposed a vertical distance from the seating structure. The foot support is rotatably coupled to the seating structure and non-rotatably coupled to the base. A control mechanism is operably coupled to the foot support for adjusting the vertical distance between the foot support and the seat. The control mechanism includes a control handle operably coupled to the seating structure. The control handle rotates with the seating structure when the seating structure is rotated and moves vertically with the seating structure when the seating structure is vertically moved between the first position and the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Groelsma, John F. Aldrich, Christopher C. Hill, Craig A. Ulman
  • Patent number: 7523992
    Abstract: Provided is a plastic fastening mechanism including an intermediate main body having an axial, shouldered first through hole, two wings each having an axial, shouldered second through hole, and two flexible interconnections each formed between the wing and the main body; and elastomeric first and second elements each shaped to conform to the rear of either the first or second member. The main body is threadedly secured to a chair J-bar and the wings are threadedly secured to chair backrest. The main body of each of another two plastic fastening mechanisms is threadedly secured to the J-bar, and the wings thereof are threadedly secured to chair headrest. Moreover, there are provided two elastomeric mechanisms shaped to conform to the rears of the fastening mechanisms. The elastomeric mechanism includes an intermediate, hollow member, two side receptacles, and second interconnections each formed between the hollow member and either receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Da Yin Wei Tong Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Teng-Chiang Yang
  • Publication number: 20090102223
    Abstract: A folding seat 1 is provided with a leg 4, the leg having a movable hinge portion 42a at the lower end thereof, the movable hinge portion is pivotally connected to a fixed hinge portion 61 on a vehicle body floor 5 so that the leg can tilt down forward to fold the seat on the vehicle body floor The covering structure for the leg 4 includes a leg cover 7 mounted on the leg to cover the leg front surface and the movable hinge portion, and a hinge cover 8 mounted on the vehicle body floor side to cover the fixed hinge portion. The hinge cover has engagement grooves 82 engaging with a movable hinge covering portion of the leg cover so as to allow pivoting of the movable hinge covering portion. The movable hinge covering portion is provided with an engagement edge 72a on the lateral portion thereof so as to be slidably under the inner periphery side of an inside edge 82a of the engagement groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventors: Yohei Kuroki, Yuki Atsumi, Masaya Yoshitsuru, Fumiaki Matsushita
  • Publication number: 20090091176
    Abstract: Leg caps for a folding chair are mounted at lower ends of front legs and rear legs. A cross section of the front leg is the same as that of the rear leg. The leg includes a strip and two curved edges disposed at both sides of the strip respectively. The leg cap includes a pad and a slanted fixing portion disposed on a top of the pad. The fixing portion has a slit to divide the fixing portion into two sections. The top of the pad includes two cavities disposed at two sides of the fixing portion respectively. Lower ends of the curved edges of leg are fitted in and fully contacted with the cavities. Then, the fixing portion and the strip are riveted together, thereby connecting the leg cap with the leg.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventors: Mei Chuen Lin, Tzu Mei Wang
  • Patent number: 7510243
    Abstract: A folding and fixing structure of a chair backrest, both sides of one end of the backrest are disposed with a pivotal member having a pivotal portion and a locking portion, respective. The pivotal portions are pivotally disposed on two armrests. The armrests are defined at a side of their opposite surfaces with a containing portion for containing a clutch structure, respectively. Since the backrest is rotated around and is moved with respect to the pivotal portions of the pivotal members, the locking portions of the pivotal members will be slid into the containing portions of the armrests and can be restricted by or disengaged from the clutch structures. Thereby, the backrest can be folded or unfolded stably, such that the chair will occupy less space after being folded and can be assembled quickly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Inventor: Yu-Ching Hung
  • Publication number: 20090079251
    Abstract: The headrest and side rails of a patient procedures chair are mounted on posts which are slidably received in elongated, self-aligning or floating plastic bearings. With this construction, any misalignment of the posts due to manufacturing tolerances will be accounted for as the bearings readjust themselves. Clamping devices engage the bearings and cause deformation to increase the frictional engagement of the bearings with the posts to the point where the posts are locked into place. In this regard, actuation of the clamps is accomplished by large knobs that protrude from the back of the chair for ready accessibility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: MIDMARK CORPORATION
    Inventor: Mark G. Diller
  • Publication number: 20090079250
    Abstract: A head restraint is guided and at least indirectly held in a frame part of a seat, in particular of a backrest of a motor vehicle seat, via at least one holding element which can be positioned at various height levels relative to the frame part by way of an actuating element. The actuating element interacts with at least one locking element. The actuating element is operated with a first, second, and third operating action. A first operating action of the actuating element permits height adjustment of the head restraint and a second operating action permits removal thereof from the frame part of the seat. The second operating action, for removing the head restraint, can be carried out in parallel with or after a third operating action on at least one blocking member that is integrated in the actuating element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: VOLKSWAGEN AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Roberto Follesa, Peter Schmuda von Trzebiatowski
  • Publication number: 20090072601
    Abstract: A seat structure includes a frame having a plurality of parts having respective joining surfaces. Two respective joining surfaces, which belong to two respective different parts, are joined to one another by laser-welding. A method of forming a seat frame having a plurality of parts includes the steps of positioning the parts in a fixture, fixing the position of the parts relative to one another and laser-welding the parts to form the seat frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventors: Axel Geisler, Michael Hamers, Andreas Schmitter
  • Publication number: 20090066144
    Abstract: A seatbelt guide for use in a child's car seat having a handle end and an engagement end with an extending length portion disposed between. The engagement end is effective for grasping a tab end of a seatbelt in a vehicle. The extending length portion is sized to be threaded through slots of a child's car seat. The seatbelt guide engages the seatbelt of a vehicle and can be guided through the slots of a child's car seat, and attached to a buckle end of a seatbelt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventor: Anthony Fillie
  • Publication number: 20090066143
    Abstract: A safety device for laterally supporting a vehicle occupant, in particular a child, in the area of the pelvis, has two supporting devices that are spaced apart from each other. To improve lateral support of the vehicle occupant, the two supporting devices are connected rigidly to each other by an elongate carrier element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: DAIMLERCHRYSLER AG
    Inventor: Hans Weisbarth
  • Publication number: 20090058169
    Abstract: A seat slide apparatus for a vehicle includes: a lower rail; an upper rail; a lock arm including lock claws; a memory rail including engagement grooves; a memory base including an engagement member; a lock release lever; and a connection separation lever. The lock claws are arranged to be engaged or disengaged with the lock holes at a position other than a position at which the engagement portion is engaged with the one of the engagement grooves. The upper rail includes a pushing portion arranged to push the engagement member when the upper rail is moved in the forward direction of the vehicle at the release state between the upper rail and the memory base, and to move the memory base at the position at which the engagement portion is engaged with the one of the engagement grooves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventor: Takuji SOGA
  • Publication number: 20090058158
    Abstract: An adjustment assembly including a 2 in 1 activating lever that has two operating positions, a forward position and a rearward position. The 2 in 1 activating lever is operatingly coupled to a bracket including a first and second cam that are operatingly coupled to an inner and outer rotating shaft. In the forward position, the movement of the 2 in 1 activating lever upward or downward causes the first cam and inner rotating shaft to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise. In the rearward position, the movement of the 2 in 1 activating lever upward or downward causes the second cam and outer rotating shaft to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise. The adjustment assembly may be utilized on an automotive seat assembly to control both the seat height and seat inclination angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventor: Zdzislaw Sobieski
  • Publication number: 20090051208
    Abstract: A seat track assembly is provided for mounting a seat to a vehicle floor A fixed track is mounted to the floor and a movable track is fixedly secured to the seat and slidably coupled to the fixed track. A latch is operatively coupled to the movable track for selectively engaging the fixed track. A towel bar is operatively coupled to the latch for actuating the latch between a locked position coupled with the fixed track to prevent sliding movement between the fixed and movable tracks and an unlocked position decoupled from the fixed track to allow sliding movement between the fixed and movable tracks. A leaf spring extending between the movable track and the latch biases the latch into the locked position and permits resilient movement of the latch along a linear path between the locked and unlocked positions in response to pivotal movement of the towel bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventors: Robert J. Szybisty, Ephraim Mark DeDios Lapingcao
  • Publication number: 20090045667
    Abstract: A sling chair includes a back frame member having side rails held in substantially parallel relation by a pair of cross bar members. In one embodiment, the cross bar members are generally curved so as to extend away from the back faces of the side rails, forming a concave back structure which can receive a sling member and, eventually, a seated occupant. The cross bar members are adapted to retain the sling member in secure fashion through upper and lower backrest assemblies, resulting in better support and more efficient assembly. This also facilitates separate provisioning of decorative features to improve the chair's aesthetic qualities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventor: Oliver Wang
  • Publication number: 20090033129
    Abstract: A snap-on leg rest mechanism for a furniture member includes a link having an elongated slot and opposed first and second sides. A polymeric bushing is slidably received in the elongated slot. The bushing includes opposed homogenously joined first and second legs elastically displaceable with respect to each other, the legs defining a U-shape having a shaft receiving aperture therebetween. Opposed first and second bushing wings each abut one of the first and second link sides when the bushing is receiving in the elongated slot. The first wing homogenously extends from a first bushing side and the second wing homogenously extends from a second bushing side. A shaft rotatably received in the shaft receiving aperture is retained by the bushing when the bushing is received in the elongated slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventor: Richard E. Marshall
  • Publication number: 20090026827
    Abstract: The invention relates to an airplane seat track comprising an elongated, rectilinear track body (1) having a hollow, longitudinal slide track (16) for receiving fittings (2) on legs of airplane seats, said hollow slide track (16) including a series of equidistant circular receptacle sections (12) with circular upper openings, said receptacle sections alternating with intermediate lip sections of smaller transverse dimensions than the circular receptacle sections for retaining tabs of the fittings of the seat legs. The inventive seat track is characterised in that the longitudinal distance of the centre points of adjacent circular receptacle sections (12) is smaller than or equal to the diameter of the circular receptacle sections (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventor: Peter BISHOP
  • Publication number: 20090021064
    Abstract: A system for latching a seat to a guide track (102) is disclosed. The system generally includes a latch plate (122) being coupled to the seat, a first release member (124) coupled to the latch plate (122), and a second release member coupled to the latch plate. The first release member (124) is configured to releasably engage the guide track (102) and is selectively movable between a first position for fixedly coupling the seat to the guide track (102), a second position for movably coupling the seat to the guide track, and a third position for detachably coupling the seat to the guide track (102). A second release member (160) is configured to prevent the first release member (124) for moving to the third position unless the second release member has been selectively actuated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventor: Yi Shao
  • Publication number: 20090021070
    Abstract: A chair backrest mounting bracket includes a middle fixing section made of a material with high rigidity and having an axially extended and internally threaded central mounting hole, the middle fixing section being connectable to a backrest support of a chair by threading a middle bolt through the backrest support into the internally threaded central mounting hole; a plurality of side fixing sections made of a material with high rigidity and located outside the middle fixing section for mounting to a rear surface of a backrest of the chair; and an elastically deformable connecting section located between the middle fixing section and each of the side fixing sections. With the elastic connecting sections, the backrest connected to the backrest support via the side and the middle fixing sections is allowed to elastically deflect in multiple directions relative to the backrest support, making the backrest more comfortable for leaning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventor: Shun Hwong
  • Patent number: 7472963
    Abstract: A recliner lever assembly for a front seat of a vehicle has a recliner lever integrally assembled with a seat-height adjusting lever for the front seat with an identical hinge shaft, thereby preventing a passenger seated in the seat from being injured by an interference of a seat belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Dong Woo Jeong
  • Patent number: 7469969
    Abstract: This invention is related to a shielding assembly comprising a cover plate, upper and lower paddle arms, a circular plate, and a back plate for covering an opening in an arm of a recliner chair. The opening provides clearance for a drive tube that moves independently from the arm. The paddle arms are rotatably coupled to the cover plate, wherein rotation is restrained by tension devices. The circular plate is slidably disposed between the paddle arms and the back plate. The back plate is fixedly attached to the cover plate by fasteners that limit rotation of the paddle arms. In operation, if the drive tube moves upward or downward, the circular plate, having a bore circumferentially engaged to the drive shaft, moves therewith vacating a portion of the opening. One of the paddle arms may be deflected by the drive tube movement while another continues to overlie the vacated portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventor: Glenn N. Wiecek
  • Publication number: 20080315662
    Abstract: An arrester device for an adjustable vehicle seat with at least one locking rail running parallel to an adjusting direction and having periodically arranged locking lugs and locking openings includes a locking unit which includes a plurality of locking pins with a cylindrical shaft. The locking pins are guided independently of one another in a guide device in a locking direction, are displaceable in the locking openings and are pretensioned in the locking direction. The locking pins have a circumferential thread structure at least on the portion of the cylindrical shaft thereof running through a guide portion of the guide device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2006
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: BROSE FAHRZEUGTEILE GMBH & CO. KG, COBURG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Suck, Matthias Baudler
  • Publication number: 20080309145
    Abstract: A method of assembling an upholstered furniture piece comprising decorative fasteners comprising providing an underlayment material layer, a foam material layer and a covering material layer. The foam material layer is positioned between the underlayment material layer and the covering material layer. The covering material layer extends beyond the underlayment material layer and the foam material layer. Fasteners are used to fasten the underlayment material layer, the foam material layer and the covering material layer together forming a layered component. A template may be used to guide positioning of the fasteners. The fasteners are decorative fasteners. Excess covering material that extends beyond the fasteners is stretched around the edges of the layered component and is affixed to a bottom surface of the layered component, thereby forming a layered assembly. The layered assembly is affixed to an upholstered furniture piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicant: ASHLEY FURNITURE INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Timothy A. Brandtner
  • Publication number: 20080284232
    Abstract: A coupling unit (1) for adjustably mounting a support structure (6, 7) in a seat frame is provided, comprising first connecting means (2, 3) for connecting the support structure (6, 7) with the coupling unit (1) and second connecting means (4, 5) for connecting the coupling unit (1) with a pressure-transmitting element (8, 9) like a Bowden cable, wherein said second connecting means comprise a pressure area for receiving pressure from the pressure-transmitting element. Furthermore, an adjusting mechanism comprising the coupling unit with which a support structure may be adjusted in a seat frame is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: L&P SWISS HOLDING COMPANY
    Inventor: Maxime Samain
  • Patent number: 7452029
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing a celebratory chair for performing chair lifting rituals at celebratory events. In accordance with various embodiments, the chair includes at least one handle disposed at the base of each leg. The handle(s) extends transversely to the leg and provides the ability to safely and securely lift the chair from the bottom of the legs. The handle(s) may be permanently fixed to the ends of the chair legs near the floor, or may be releasably secured to the chair legs when needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventor: Michael Ference
  • Publication number: 20080272640
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a method of attaching a pair of support arms to a chair for the purpose of positioning a towel or canopy. Each support arm provides a hooking means for fitment to common chairs, and a long arcuate towel-supporting member through which one end of a towel is threaded. The device may be readily transported from one place to another, may be easily attached to nearly any type of outdoor chair, is ideally composed of a pair of single pieces of plastic, and may be easily detached and packed away until used again at a later time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Ron Boyle, David Harris
  • Patent number: 7445293
    Abstract: A restraint safety device. A chest clip is slidingly attached to a first shoulder strap and a second shoulder strap. The chest clip includes a first chest clip half removably attached to a second chest clip half. A child resistant lock prevents a child from inadvertently detaching the first chest clip half from the second chest clip half In a preferred embodiment the child resistant lock includes a squeezable threaded cap that locks the first chest clip half to the second chest clip half and is removable by an adult when squeezed and turned. In another preferred embodiment the child resistant lock includes a cover lock that locks the first chest clip half to the second chest clip half via prongs and is removable when an adult squeezes the prongs and lifts the cover lock. In another preferred embodiment the child resistant lock includes a cap that covers a press release button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Inventors: Carrie L. Smith, Julie A. Brown, Nicholas E. Rambo, Aaron A. Brown
  • Patent number: 7445291
    Abstract: A footrest mechanism is disclosed which is adapted to be coupled to a chair to allow a footrest (120) to be moved between an extended position and a retracted position. The footrest mechanism includes a mounting member (104) having a guide pin (109) and a release member (106) having an L-shaped slot (110) configured to receive the guide pin. The L-shaped slot (110) includes a generally horizontal portion (111) extending from a generally vertical portion (112) at least partially defined by a stop wall (113). The release member (106) also includes a handling tab (107) which facilitates the operation of the footrest mechanism (102) for movement of the footrest (120) between extended and retracted positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Inventors: Yvonne Parkel, Robert Clark
  • Publication number: 20080265650
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fastening bracket (1) for a chair (2) comprising two side members (21) and seat plate (20), characterized in that it includes an upper beam (10) and a lower beam (11) positioned in parallel over each other and being joined in the front edge and rear edge by a front side piece (12) and a rear side piece (13) respectively, said pieces being outside a first space that forms between the beams (10, 11), wherein said first space receives a side edge of the seat plate (20) and wherein a second space which forms between the front and rear side piece (12, 13) receives a side member (21) of the chair (2), and wherein the bracket comprises at least one fastening device (14). The invention also relates to an assembly kit for a chair and the use of the fastening bracket and the assembly kit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: Stokke AS
    Inventor: Herleif Ulstein
  • Publication number: 20080265639
    Abstract: A seat frame for a vehicle includes a first seat frame member (34) and a second seat frame member (24). The second seat frame member (24) includes a body portion (32) and a first flexible member (70) extending from the body portion (32). The flexible member (70) is welded to the first seat frame member (34) at a first location (66) to couple the second seat frame member (26) to the first seat frame member (34).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2005
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Ronald R. Siegrist, Robert John Hicks, Minal Mulay
  • Patent number: 7438272
    Abstract: The invention provides a device for avoiding inattentive-fall of a legged furniture article, comprising a support means having a cavity for passage of a leg member of the furniture article; and at least one roller rotatably attached to the support means, wherein the roller and the cavity are arranged vertically in a staggered mode. In the device of the invention, a simple one-way roller structure is used in order to enhance greatly the stability of the furniture article as well as impart the advantages of easy installation and convenient use to the device of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Inventors: Lee Choo Kee, Kai Yip Li
  • Patent number: 7438363
    Abstract: A bridge that is attached to a wheelchair such that the bridge allows a wheelchair user to have support for ingress into and egress from the wheelchair without assistance and without the need to rely primarily on arm strength alone. The bridge is a generally L-shaped member that has a pair of aligned slits located on a lower portion thereof such that respective connection members pass through each slit and attach the bridge to a frame of the wheelchair the connection members allowing the bridge to be pivoted out of the way when needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Inventor: James Sutherland
  • Patent number: 7429086
    Abstract: A sleeve for a neck rest with tolerance compensation, includes a sleeve body of plastic material for the accommodation of a rod of the neck rest. The sleeve body includes at least one integrally formed resilient portion which is biased toward or away from the interior of the sleeve body. A wire portion is attached to the sleeve body parallel to the axis of the sleeve body such that the wire portion can be resiliently deflected away from or towards the sleeve body, the wire portion engaging the resilient portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: ITW Automotive Products GmbH & Co KG
    Inventor: Matthias Gans
  • Publication number: 20080231092
    Abstract: My invention is a new forward or moveable seat and a new aft or fixed seat designed to absorb FAA required horizontal and vertical crash loads without depending on the fuselage crumpling to absorb the energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventor: Richard F. Silva
  • Publication number: 20080224526
    Abstract: An internally pulling type lift device for a chair armrest includes an outer pipe, a guide track, an inner pipe, a follower, a locking member, a pull handle, a control knob, and a spring. Thus, the inner pipe is movable in the outer pipe so that the inner pipe will not rub the outer wall of the outer pipe during a long-term utilization, thereby enhancing the aesthetic quality of the outer pipe. In addition, the inner pipe is locked onto or unlocked from the outer pipe by pulling or releasing the control knob, so that the lift device is operated easily and rapidly, thereby facilitating a user operating the lift device to adjust the height of the armrest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Po-Chuan Tsai
  • Publication number: 20080224525
    Abstract: An extension arm to facilitate the horizontal adjustment of vehicle seats with a bar activated lock releasing mechanism. The arm is fabricated of an appropriate length of a sturdy material such as metal or high impact plastic having one end attachable to the seat bar and having a gripable handle or strap at the other. The arm may also incorporate a mechanism for varying the distance from the bar to the handle by altering the position of attachment at the bar end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Charles Struzzieri
  • Publication number: 20080224512
    Abstract: A juvenile vehicle seat includes a seat base adapted to set on a vehicle seat and a foldable backrest associated with the seat base. The juvenile vehicle seat also includes a backrest lock coupled to the foldable backrest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: COSCO MANAGEMENT, INC.
    Inventor: Andrew B. Mendenhall
  • Publication number: 20080224524
    Abstract: According to one embodiment of a seat assembly for a motor vehicle a seat back pivots about a hip axis, a seat bottom pivots about a knee axis, and at least one seat bottom leg is pivots about an ankle axis, so that the seat back folds down against the seat bottom and the seat bottom kneels on the floor to at least partially define a seating load floor. According to another embodiment; a seat bottom and a seat back are articulatable in a forward direction to fold the seat bottom and back down toward a floor of the vehicle to at least partially define a seating load floor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Carl Mather, Timothy W. Grogan
  • Patent number: 7425040
    Abstract: An outdoor vehicle seat is formed by placing a cushioning material on a bottom plate, and covering them with a surface skin, and fixing a surface skin end portion onto the bottom plate. Further, a highly water absorbing, highly moisture absorbing, and highly expanding member is arranged between the surface skin end portion and the bottom plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: TS Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuichi Honma
  • Publication number: 20080217984
    Abstract: A reclining apparatus includes a platform and a pivotal element pivotally connected to the platform. A positioning element is movably mounted on the pivotal element and formed with apertures in two rows so that each of the apertures is located on a different level. A locking device includes two latches and an adjusting element. A selective one of the latches can be inserted in one of the apertures in a related one of the rows. The adjusting element is connected to the latches so that the adjusting element is operable to move the latches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventor: Yu-Hong Lin
  • Publication number: 20080217979
    Abstract: A seat (1, 41, 61) for stadia, auditoria and the like is disclosed. The seat has a fixed backrest (2, 42) pivotable between a horizontal use position and a vertical standby position. A spring (33) or other resilient means urges the seat (5, 45) into the standby position. A damping mechanism such as a viscous grease damps the motion, preferably in both directions. Mounting straps (51, 52, 71, 72) enable a body (45) to be clamped to a spine (7, 47). By lightly tightening the straps, the position of the seat on the spine can be subject to small final adjustments before final tightening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: The Product People Pty Limited
    Inventor: Sheldon King