Extensible From Within Or Beneath Seat Component Patents (Class 297/144)
  • Patent number: 11390221
    Abstract: A pivotable vehicle tray is disclosed herein. The pivotable vehicle tray includes a tray member, the tray member having a top surface and a bottom surface oppositely disposed relative to the top surface, the top surface configured to function as a work surface and/or an eating surface for accommodating a driver or passenger in a vehicle; and a vertical support member coupled to the bottom surface of the tray member, the vertical support member configured to be inserted in a space between a seat of the vehicle and a console of the vehicle, the tray member being pivotable relative to the vertical support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Inventor: Joseph Michael Quicquaro
  • Patent number: 10561249
    Abstract: A portable chair may include a first front leg and a second front leg connected by a front sled and a first back leg and a second back leg connected by a back sled. The front sled may include a first front foot and a second front foot and the back sled may include a first back foot and a second back foot. Each of the feet attached to the front and back sleds may include retention feature holes configured to allow water to drain from the sled/foot interface. The portable chair may further include a seat including a seat frame border including a plurality of protrusions. The seat frame border may be rigidly attached to the seat via an injection molding process. In addition, the portable chair may have a cup holder assembly that can detachably attach to either of the front legs of the chair. The cup holder assembly may have a cup holder portion that can rotate relative to the clamp member to be able to mount to either leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: YETI Coolers, LLC
    Inventors: William S. Doolan, Steve C. Nichols, Andrew J. Winterhalter
  • Patent number: 10144327
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seatback and a side armrest. The side armrest includes an elongate frame anchored to the seatback and an elongate cover supported on the frame. The frame includes a base segment, by which the frame is anchored to the seatback, and a pivoting distal segment. With the frame's base segment extending away from the seatback, the side armrest is reconfigurable between an armrest configuration and an auxiliary configuration. In the armrest configuration, the frame's distal segment is inline with its base segment, the cover covers the frame, and the cover is supported on the frame for sliding movement along the frame that culminates in lodgment onto its distal segment. In the auxiliary configuration, the cover is lodged onto the frame's distal segment, and the frame's distal segment is pivoted towards the seatback to position the cover to extend in front of the seatback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan C. Harris, Scott L. Frederick
  • Patent number: 9877587
    Abstract: A folding chair includes a chair frame that is foldable about a plurality of laterally extending axes between a set up condition and a folded condition, and includes a table that is slidably attached to the chair frame for lateral motion between a deployed position outside a spatial envelope of the chair frame and a stowed position within the spatial envelope of the chair frame, and that is pivotally attached to the chair frame such that when the chair frame is in its set up condition the table is disposed below a seat of the chair frame, and when the chair frame is in its folded condition the table is disposed substantially coplanar with the seat of the chair frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: GCI OUTDOOR, INC.
    Inventor: Daniel R. Grace
  • Patent number: 9114879
    Abstract: The invention essentially relates to an aeroplane seat base (110) characterized in that said base comprises: a plate (1) suitable for moving along a horizontal path between an extended position and a stored position, a supporting arm (4) of variable length having a first end (4.1) connected to the seat (8) by means of a first hinged joint having a vertical pin and a second end (4.2) connected to the plate (1) by means of a second hinged joint having a vertical pin, and a guide device (121) controlling the path of the plate (1) following a unique path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Zodiac Seats France
    Inventors: Laurent Ligonniere, Charles Erhmann
  • Patent number: 8936306
    Abstract: A composite chair includes a stationary seat and a movable portion installed on the stationary seat. The stationary seat includes at least one first carrying portion and two first tracks. The movable portion includes a second carrying portion and a linkage mechanism connected to the stationary seat and second carrying portion to allow the second carrying portion to proceed a lift movement against the stationary seat. The second carrying portion includes two second tracks. The linkage mechanism includes two first linkage bars and two second linkage bars. Through the first and second linkage bars sliding in the first and second tracks, the second carrying portion can be lifted and switched to become a tabletop or a seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Keysheen Industry (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Lausan Chung-Hsin Liu, Shopo Hsin Tsu Liu, Fibro Tsu Kun Liu
  • Patent number: 8934063
    Abstract: An in-flight entertainment (IFE) system that integrates a touch screen display device with a tray table (e.g., an airplane tray table or a train tray table) to provide a superior media experience. The IFE system is configured to be situated in an active use position wherein a user may interact with the touch screen and also use a tray table. The IFE system may be moved into a stowed position wherein it is positioned adjacent to a back of a passenger seat and operated in a passive viewing mode. The IFE system may include a bottom panel or tray portion having a window pane so that the display device is viewable when the IFE system is in the stowed position. A portable IFE system comprising a foldable clamp that clamps to an edge of a conventional table and folds into a stowed position is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Skycast Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: William J. Boyer, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140339860
    Abstract: A composite chair includes a stationary seat and a movable portion installed on the stationary seat. The stationary seat includes at least one first carrying portion and two first tracks. The movable portion includes a second carrying portion and a linkage mechanism connected to the stationary seat and second carrying portion to allow the second carrying portion to proceed a lift movement against the stationary seat. The second carrying portion includes two second tracks. The linkage mechanism includes two first linkage bars and two second linkage bars. Through the first and second linkage bars sliding in the first and second tracks, the second carrying portion can be lifted and switched to become a tabletop or a seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: KEYSHEEN INDUSTRY(SHANGHAI) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Lausan Chung-Hsin LIU, Shopo Hsin Tsu LIU, Fibro Tsu Kun LIU
  • Publication number: 20140252811
    Abstract: A tray assembly for an associated automotive vehicle has front, first and second side-by-side seats separated by a console. The tray assembly includes a tray mounted to a side of one of the seats or to the console between the front seats. A mounting assembly receives the tray for movement between a first, storage position spaced from the seat portion of the second seat alongside one of (i) a side of the second seat and a (ii) a top of the console, and a second, deployed position wherein at least a portion of the tray is configured to rest on at least a portion of the seat portion of the second seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kelly Michael Whalen
  • Patent number: 8733829
    Abstract: A composite chair to provide multiple use states includes a frame and at least one carrying portion and one movable portion located on the frame. The movable portion includes a movable deck, two coupling members and an adjustment member. Each of the coupling members has a fastening end hinged on the frame and an action end hinged on the movable deck. The action end has a swivel displacement against the fastening end. The adjustment member includes two guide tracks extended along the movable deck, a linkage bar with two ends held in the guide tracks and two movable arms bridging the linkage bar and movable deck. The linkage bar is movable in the guide tracks to allow the coupling members in the swivel displacement to incorporate with the movable arms to drive the movable deck to move upwards and downwards against the carrying portion to change different use states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Keysheen Industry (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Lausan Chung-Hsin Liu, Shopo Hsin Tsu Liu, Fibro Tsu Kun Liu
  • Patent number: 8573688
    Abstract: A seating device (20) includes a fixed seat (24) and a moveable arm (40) pivotally connected at its lower end (44) to a support structure (26). A document shelf (22) is carried on an upper end (42) of the moveable arm (40). In an inactive stowed condition, the document shelf (22) innocuously lays over the fixed seat (24). The document shelf (22) is movable to a deployed condition extending laterally outwardly and upwardly relative to the fixed seat (24) where documents may be held at a convenient reading distance to a person seated on the fixed seat (24). The moveable arm (40) is telescopically extendable. A stop cord (92) limits outward rotation of the moveable arm (40). A recessable joint (46) connects the document shelf (22) to the moveable arm (40). In the stowed condition, the recessable joint (46) tucks below the fixed seat surface. The document shelf (22) includes a back plate (56) and a perpendicular ledge (58).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Inventor: Jon E. Shackelford
  • Patent number: 8333428
    Abstract: A foldable chair includes a seat frame, a leg frame and a side accessory arrangement. The side accessory arrangement includes a sliding frame provided on the leg frame at a position underneath the seat frame, and a side accessory coupled with the sliding frame, and is arranged to slide between an idle position and an operation position when the leg frame is in the unfolded position, wherein in the idle position, the side accessory is inwardly slid with respective to the leg frame through the sliding frame to hide in the receiving cavity, wherein in the operation position, the side accessory is outwardly slid from the receiving cavity with respective to the leg frame through the sliding frame for allowing a user to put an object on the side accessory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Inventors: Shou Qiang Zhu, Edward Zheng
  • Publication number: 20120119479
    Abstract: A vehicle rear seat assembly having a center child safety restraint system comprises a pair of outboard seats and a center console positioned between the outboard seats and stationary with respect to the outboard seats. The console includes a storage compartment disposed at a forward portion of the console and having an opening which allows an associated object to be selectively placed within the storage compartment. A pair of spaced apart recesses is disposed at a rear portion of the console. A first child safety restraint attachment is located within the storage compartment. A pair of second child safety restraint attachments is provided, each second attachment being located in one of the recesses. The first attachment and the pair of second attachments allow a child safety restraint to be selectively secured to the center console.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Grey B. Parker
  • Publication number: 20110227374
    Abstract: A foldable chair includes a seat frame, a leg frame and a side accessory arrangement. The side accessory arrangement includes a sliding frame provided on the leg frame at a position underneath the seat frame, and a side accessory coupled with the sliding frame, and is arranged to slide between an idle position and an operation position when the leg frame is in the unfolded position, wherein in the idle position, the side accessory is inwardly slid with respective to the leg frame through the sliding frame to hide in the receiving cavity, wherein in the operation position, the side accessory is outwardly slid from the receiving cavity with respective to the leg frame through the sliding frame for allowing a user to put an object on the side accessory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventors: Shou Qiang Zhu, Edward Zheng
  • Publication number: 20110193372
    Abstract: A chair provisioned with an apparatus for converting solar energy to power electrical devices which comprises the chair having a seat member and a backrest member to support a person thereon. A mechanism stored in the chair, is for converting the solar energy into electrical energy. At least one socket in the chair is electrically connected to the solar energy converting mechanism, wherein at least one of the electrical devices can plug into the at least one socket to receive the electrical energy therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventor: Paul M. Pizzuto
  • Publication number: 20110163575
    Abstract: A reclining chair is provided. The reclining chair has back, seat, and leg sections. The reclining chair has movable arm rests. In some embodiments, storage units are provided as part of the reclining chair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Kramer, Marshall S. Dahneke, Reed N. Wilcox, Franz R. Gaag, David T. Schwanemann, Rainer B. Teufel, Peter A. Koloski, Thornton K. Lothrop, Ryan R. Berger
  • Patent number: 7600811
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cushion table structure of a passenger seat for a vehicle, which includes a seat back and a seat cushion, the structure comprising: (a) a division rotating part which is a divided portion of the seat cushion and has a rotatable structure; (b) a fixed type table and a sliding type table which are coupled to a bottom surface of the division rotating part; and (c) a tray which is disposed in an empty space which is generated when the division rotating part rotates in a forward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Daewon San Up Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Woo Chul Park, Tae Soo Kim
  • Patent number: 7509696
    Abstract: A device for providing a dining support that is extendable from and retractable and concealable on furniture is disclosed. The device has a platform that is movable between a deployed position for supporting food and drinks, and a retracted position beneath the furniture. To move device from the retracted position to the deployed position, the platform is pulled from beneath the furniture and then elevated to a horizontal position. The height of the platform is vertically adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Inventors: Oscar Q. Soto, Richard Herrera
  • Publication number: 20080296937
    Abstract: A seat cushion having a pull-out tray is disclosed. The seat cushion is configured to flex so as to conform to the contour of a support surface, such as a stadium seat. The tray is configured to hold food, beverages and other articles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Richard Cinque
  • Patent number: 6860567
    Abstract: A lounge chair with ergonomic features. The lounge chair includes frame, a contoured seat section and an adjustable contoured back section that can be angularly biased relative to the seat section. The mechanism that permits the angular positioning between the seat and back sections includes a biasing member (such as a spring) and an actuator that can be operated with one hand, thereby promoting ease of use. A variable-position aperture formed into the back section can accommodate users of different heights. The contouring can be bowed upward to provide additional ventral or dorsal support to a user depending on whether the user lying prone or supine on the chair. In one embodiment, the lounge chair is of predominantly wooden construction, preferably from a dense hardwood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Inventor: Bo Bauer
  • Patent number: 6773059
    Abstract: A convertible device for seating has a back; a seat, wheels for rolling the device, walls forming a receptacle for storing goods under the seat, the seat being turnable between a sitting position in which it is located substantially horizontally and covers the receptacle from above so that a person can sit on the seat, and a loading position in which the seat is turned and located substantially vertically at a distance from back so that goods can be loaded into the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Inventor: Dmitriy Volotsenko
  • Patent number: 6520586
    Abstract: A seating structure includes a seat cooperating to define a space below the seat and at least one supporting member for supporting the seat. An armrest is movably mounted to the supporting member such that the armrest is movable between a first position, in which the armrest is positioned on a lateral side of the seat in an upright manner, and a second position, in which the armrest is positioned in the space such that it does not extend outwardly from the space. The armrest is movable to the second position for allowing the seating structure to be arranged with an identical seating structure in a side-by-side manner so as to form an array of seating structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Inventor: In Hyuk Park
  • Patent number: 6435609
    Abstract: A car bench seat provided with a seat part and a backrest, having a depositing unit, which can be swung out from its storage position wherein it is accommodated within the seating profile in the usage position in which depositing unit is freely accessible. The depositing unit is connected by means of connecting rods with a seat part area, which can be folded forward along a stationary front axis. The depositing unit is stored during the storage position under this seat part area, which can be folded forward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Faurecia Autositze GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Anne Gasser
  • Patent number: 6431645
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a rear seat having a recess formed at a forward side thereof and a tray housing positioned in the recess. A foldable tray is positioned in the housing and movable between a stowed position within the housing and a deployed position for use. The tray and tray housing are configured such that in the stowed position the tray and housing are disposed within the seat recess below the knees of a passenger seated thereon such that it does not interfere with passenger knee space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew J. Massara, Douglas Jablonski, Mark A. Folkert, Donald A. Lux
  • Patent number: 6237994
    Abstract: Multi-function, adjustable seats and methods and systems for their manufacture and utilization are disclosed. Such seats are especially, although not exclusively, designed for use in commercial aircraft in response to consumer requests for enhanced comfort during long-haul flights. In addition to providing rocking motion, the seats have bottoms whose lengths are adjustable and provide stowable tables adapted not only to permit vertical adjustment, but also to tilt out of a horizontal plane and latch in an as-tilted position to function as a rest for a book, magazine, computer, or other object. Digital control technology, including a touch screen or similar device, may be employed to actuate features of the disclosed seats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Weber Aircraft, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Bentley, James Bridgeman, Cal Stringer, Lyn Arnold, John McCollum, Keith Porter, Terry Ward, Karl Baird
  • Patent number: 6139096
    Abstract: A seat cushion and tray assembly attachable to a seat frame of a vehicle. The assembly includes a seat cushion pivotally mounted to the seat frame, a tray slidably connected to the seat cushion, a first leg pivotally fastened to the tray and pivotally mounted to the seat frame, and a second leg pivotally fastened to the tray and pivotally fastened to the seat cushion. Upon rotation of the seat cushion from a generally horizontal seat position to a rotated position, the seat cushion, the first leg, and the second leg cooperate to move the tray from a stored position to a generally horizontal deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Prince Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Rick A. Anderson, Adam W. Callif
  • Patent number: 6135549
    Abstract: A table is contained within the seat bottom of the vehicle seat assembly which includes storage for a portable personal computer on a movable platform. The platform is movable from a stowed position within the horizontal seat bottom to a raised generally horizontal use position for use of the personal computer by an occupant of an adjacent seat assembly within the motor vehicle. When the computer is not in use, the top surface of the computer can be used as a writing surface or alternatively, the platform carrying the personal computer can have a movable lid which can be used as a writing surface. In addition to storing the computer, the seat assembly has spaced shelves for storage of files and other papers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Robert L. Demick, Hoon Kim
  • Patent number: 5597199
    Abstract: An ottoman having a retractable table is disclosed herein. The table stores within the cavity of the ottoman and is movable to an extended position in which the table surface resides above and forwardly of the ottoman base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Assignee: Ultra-Mek, Inc.
    Inventors: D. Stephen Hoffman, Charles F. Lowe
  • Patent number: 5564779
    Abstract: A tabletop attachment for chairs is provided which is mounted onto a leg of a chair. The attachment includes an arm connected to the tabletop. The pivotal movement of the arm enables the tabletop to be stored under the seat of the chair when it is not in use. If mounted onto a collapsible chair, the tabletop can fold with the chair without affecting collapsibility or portability of the chair. Horizontal pivotal movement of the tabletop away from the chair enables a person sitting in the chair to get in and out of the chair without removing food or other items from the tabletop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Inventors: Arthur L. Tolbert, Wayman F. Standifer
  • Patent number: 5524957
    Abstract: An accessory can mount onto the seat of a chair. The accessory has a tray slidably mounted on an assembly. The tray can either retract underneath or extend beyond the seat of the chair. The assembly has a pair of opposing grippers. These grippers can hold the assembly underneath the seat of the chair. These grippers have an expandable separation to accommodate size variations in the seat of the chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Inventor: James Gibriano
  • Patent number: 5460104
    Abstract: A stowable table for use in a recreational vehicle has a base adapted to be mounted beneath a couch or other furniture item. A curved leg is slidably received in correspondingly curved support slots in the base so that the leg can be slid and rotated about a horizontal axis between a lowered, storage position and an upright, use position in which the top is horizontal to form a table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Inventor: James Young, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5251956
    Abstract: A foldable table attachment is connected to the side bar of a collapsible chaise lounge for pivotal movement between a storage position and overlying engagement with a surface of the seat portion of the chaise lounge and a use position wherein the table top extends generally horizontally outwardly from the seat portion. A pivotal leg structure on the table top is pivotal from a storage position parallel to the table top to a use position extended downwardly from the table top for ground support. Upon pivotal movement of the table legs and table top to their storage position and upon collapsing of the back and leg support panels of the chaise lounge and leg members of the chaise lounge to their storage positions, the collapsed lounge chair may be stored in the same space required for storage of the chair alone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Assignee: Dawn Martinson
    Inventor: Willis J. Hofmeyer
  • Patent number: 5129702
    Abstract: The fold-away table is attached to an underside of a chair, sofa or the like. The fold-away table provides for the use of two parallel rails which are attached to the underside of the chair, along which rails a carriage slides forward and rearward in relation to the chair. One of the rails carries a locking bar with teeth formed on its inner side which match and interlock with teeth of a locking piece carried by the carriage, so as to secure position of the carriage in relation to the chair when extended. The carriage has a table top leg support which pivots to a vertical orientation and which has a table top supported on one of its tubular members. A tilting mechanism carried by the tubular member allows tilting of the table top to an angle most convenient for the user. A release mechanism which is mounted on the forward end of one of the rails is activated by foot of the user, when necessary, to release locking engagement of the locking bar and the locking piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1992
    Inventor: David Ervin
  • Patent number: 5074619
    Abstract: A convertible chair is provided and consists of a plurality of hollow legs, a seat supported on the hollow legs and having a compartment therein and apertures for communication with the hollow legs, a cover hinged to the seat over the compartment, a back rest extending upwardly from the seat and an auxiliary article of furniture having a flat top and plurality of thin legs which fit into the hollow legs and the compartment in the seat for storage. When needed the seat cover can be opened and the auxiliary article of furniture removed therefrom to be used as a temporary chair, stool, snack table and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1991
    Inventors: Anthony D'Orsi, George Spector
  • Patent number: 5035464
    Abstract: A folding tray assembly that stores under a couch has pivoted joints on two arm members which allow for the table to be unfolded to a usable height for tasks such as eating or playing cards. The unitary joints have double axes of rotation that allow for easy opening and closing of tray assembly. One arm is a sliding rail member that retracts into a tube housing under the couch, taking the folded tray assembly out of view when not needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1991
    Inventor: Howard Spallholtz
  • Patent number: 4799731
    Abstract: The device consists of a stadium seat cover which is slid over the seat portion of a stadium type chair. A pouch is attached to the cover and is provided with a member which has openings for receiving cups and the like and is manually positioned between side attachments to the inside of the pouch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1989
    Assignee: Stadium Bags, Inc.
    Inventor: John T. Brown