Relatively Movable Patents (Class 297/257)
  • Patent number: 11951879
    Abstract: A seating system for a vehicle, comprising, from the front to the rear of the vehicle: a first seat, a second seat, a third seat, the first seat, second seat, and third seat being located one behind the other in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the second seat being provided with a mechanism configured to cause, at least in an easy entry mode, the transition of the second seat from a position of use to an advanced position of non-use configured to facilitate lateral access to the third seat in the third row, and wherein a control device configured to limit automatically the amplitude of the kinematics of the mechanism, by the detection of an indirect contact between the second seat and the first seat, when the mechanism of the second seat is operated, in easy entry mode, from the position of use to the advanced position of non-use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: FAURECIA Sièges d'Automobile
    Inventors: Philippe Pedronno, Farouk Bouzid
  • Patent number: 11718406
    Abstract: A cockpit for an airplane having, in a plan view, an aft direction, a central longitudinal axis parallel to the aft direction and a rear axis perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis. The cockpit as seen in the plan view comprises: a first seat having a first seating surface with a first seat rear edge passing through an intersection between the longitudinal and rear axes, the first seat being disposed within the cockpit and configured so as to allow a pilot sitting on the first seating surface to perform pre-determined primary pilot functions; and a second seat having a second seating surface with a second seat rear edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Inventor: David Shavit
  • Patent number: 11358494
    Abstract: A vehicle interior system including a first seat assembly, disposed within a vehicle cabin, a first sensor, a second sensor, and a controller is provided. The first and second sensors may each be disposed within the vehicle cabin. The first sensor may be configured to obtain first signals indicative of a positioning of an obstacle within a predetermined coordinate system. The second sensor may be configured to obtain second signals indicative of a positioning of the first seat assembly within the predetermined coordinate system. The controller may be configured to receive the signals from the first sensor and to map a portion of the obstacle based on the first signals and relative to a portion of the first seat assembly within the predetermined coordinate system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft, Bamberg
    Inventors: Stephen Nawrocki, Reinhold Hopf
  • Patent number: 10800291
    Abstract: An adjustment device for the automatic seat position change in a vehicle from an actual setting into a predefinable target setting including an electronic control unit for automatically setting at least one actuator for adjusting at least one seat-position-dependent adjustable vehicle component depending on detected vehicle occupant data. In this case, the control unit has an analysis unit for determining an efficiency-oriented adjustment space requirement for the adjustment of the actual setting into the target setting depending on the vehicle occupant data and the vehicle interior geometry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Sibashis Parida, Matthias Franz, Wolfgang Gruener, Dietmar Weber
  • Patent number: 10773610
    Abstract: A device for swiveling and tilting a vehicle seat is provided. The device performs a swiveling operation to enable the vehicle seat to be rotated in a desired direction using a motor driving force and a gear/screw operating mechanism associated with the motor driving force. The device also performs a tilting operation to enable the vehicle seat to be tilted backwards by a desired angle using the motor driving force and a lead screw/link operating mechanism associated with the motor driving force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Seung Hyun Kim, Seong Mun Yun, Hyun Kyu Moon, Ju Yeol Kong, Seon Chae Na, Hyung Jin Park, So Young Yoo, Sung Hak Hong, Chan Ho Jung, Mu Young Kim
  • Patent number: 10722032
    Abstract: Chair assemblies (e.g., rocker style chairs, fixed position chairs, chairs with pivoting seats, tables and trays, a sub-combination thereof, or a combination thereof) are provided. More particularly, chair assemblies (e.g., rocker style chairs, fixed position chairs, chairs with pivoting seats, tables and trays, a sub-combination thereof, or a combination thereof), modular components for use within the chairs, parts for use within the modular components and related manufacturing and installation methods are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Inventors: Frederick Jacobs, Matthew Jacobs, Steven Hayden
  • Patent number: 10279703
    Abstract: Vehicle seat adjustment systems that move more than one seat in a linked manner are disclosed. A vehicle seat adjustment system for a vehicle includes a front seat of the vehicle, one or more passenger seats behind the front seat, an input device configured to receive an input for adjusting positions of the front seat, a first actuator configured to adjust positions of the front seat, a second actuator configured to adjust positions of the one or more passenger seats, and a controller communicatively coupled to the input device and the first and second actuators. The controller instructs the first actuator to move the front seat in a longitudinal direction for a first distance in response to the received input, and instructs the second actuator to move the one or more passenger seats in the longitudinal direction for a second distance in response to the received input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Charan S. Lota
  • Patent number: 10232754
    Abstract: The present application relates to a vehicle seat (1) comprising a seat surface (2) and at least one rest part (3.1, 3.2) at an angle to the seat surface (2). The angle between the seat surface (2) and the at least one rest part (3.1, 3.2) is movable via an adjusting device (6, 13) between a first position, in which the at least one rest part (3.1, 3.2) is substantially at right angles to the seat surface (2), and a second position, in which the seat surface (2) and the at least one rest part (3.1, 3.2) form a substantially flat surface. A second end (10.1, 10.2) of the at least one rest part (3.1, 3.2) comprises at least one pneumatic cushion (4) which is fluidically connected to a pump (7), wherein a control device is configured such that the pneumatic cushion (4) is substantially completely emptied when the at least one rest part (3.1, 3.2) moves from the first position into the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Lantal Textiles AG
    Inventors: Roland Von Ballmoos, Andreas Guehmann, Oliver Rohrbach
  • Patent number: 10189383
    Abstract: A vehicle seat (1) with a seat segment (14) which includes a first seat area (11) with a first backrest (21) that can be pivoted about a pivot axis (A) running in a transverse direction (y) and a second seat area (12) with a second backrest (22) that can be pivoted about the pivot axis (A). The second backrest (22) is equipped with a locking device (9) which interacts with a locking bracket (8) provided on the first backrest (21). The locking device (9) includes at least one axis pin (92) with a longitudinal axis (94) that is inclined relative to the transverse direction (y).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: JOHNSON CONTROLS COMPONENTS GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Dill, Joerg Rapedius, Viktor Enns
  • Publication number: 20150145300
    Abstract: A passenger seat assembly for permitting adjustment of the spacing of a passenger seat row relative to a fore or aft passenger seat row that includes first and second seat tracks for being positioned on the deck of an aircraft and extended along a longitudinal axis of an aircraft passenger area of the aircraft. Seat legs support a seat bottom and seat back of a plurality of seats in the seat row. First and second slides are provided for being affixed to respective ones of the first and second tracks. The first and second pairs of seat legs are adapted for being mounted on the slides and positioned for sliding movement on the tracks. First and second drive assemblies are provided for being positioned intermediate the seats and tracks and adapted to move the seats carried by the seat legs fore and aft in the tracks. A related method is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Travis K. Finlay, Glenn Allen Johnson, Pierre J. Vignal
  • Patent number: 9039084
    Abstract: There is provided a moveable power seat slide device assembly comprising a movable seat cushion and seat rail including upper rails secured to the seat cushion and lower rails secured to the body of the golf cart, a motor for driving each movable seat and a current control circuit. The prostate golf cart seat protects the prostate area from continuous bouncing. The seat has two 8 inch stationary end cushions. The center would consist of two 8 inch cushions moving along a rail which allows riders to automatically close the 7 inch seat gap to 3 inches from the stationary end cushion. The center air space between each rider and seat would have a depth 1½ inches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventor: Eugene Daniel Lucas
  • Publication number: 20150120150
    Abstract: An anti-pinch system for vehicle seating includes a front seat that has an actuator configured to automatically slide the front seat between the driving position and entry/exit position. A rear seat is fixed rearward from the front seat and has a seatbelt that releasably engages a clasp. A memory module prevents the front seat from automatically moving rearward to the entry/exit position when the seatbelt is engaged to the clasp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Richard Alan Kreder
  • Patent number: 8967723
    Abstract: An aircraft seat assembly including multiple seats together having a total seating area. The aircraft seat assembly also includes an armrest separating a first seat of the multiple seats from a second seat of the multiple seats and a sliding mechanism coupled to the armrest. The sliding mechanism enables movement of the armrest to change a portion of the total seating area that is associated with at least one seat of the multiple seats. The aircraft seat assembly also includes a controller that controls movement of the armrest responsive to a control command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Kelly L. Boren
  • Publication number: 20150036060
    Abstract: A passenger seat assembly comprising an assembly of seating modules arranged for relative pivotal movement; a membranous mesh fixed about each module for providing support to a passenger in said passenger seat assembly; said mesh comprising a passenger support face and a reaction face on an opposed face of each of said modules; said mesh fixed so as to permit relative movement between the passenger face and reaction face and arranged to redistribute tension between the passenger face and the reaction face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: Airgo Design Pte. Ltd.
    Inventor: Alireza Yaghoubi
  • Patent number: 8944465
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a pair of front wheels, at least a pair of rear wheels, a frame portion supported by the pair of front wheels and the pair of rear wheels, a first seat portion and a second seat portion supported by the frame portion and arranged side by side in a width direction of the vehicle, a steering wheel in front of the first seat portion, and a roll-over protection cage supported by the frame portion and covering the first seat portion, the second seat portion and the steering wheel. The first seat portion includes a first seat back portion which has a first backrest surface. The second seat portion includes a second seat back portion which has a second backrest surface. The first seat portion and the second seat portion are adjacent to each other in a width direction of the vehicle. At a height of a lower end of the steering wheel, a center of the second backrest surface is at a more rearward position than a center of the first backrest surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masahide Shinbori
  • Publication number: 20150015039
    Abstract: A movable seat assembly for a vehicle comprises a predetermined path having an operational location at a first end and an ingress/egress location at a second end, and a seat that travels along the predetermined path between the operational location and the ingress/egress location, wherein the seat has an operational orientation at the operational location and an ingress/egress seat orientation at the ingress/egress location; the ingress/egress seat orientation being substantially angled relative to the operational seat orientation. Another moveable seat assembly for a vehicle comprises a predetermined path having an operational location at a first end, an ingress/egress location at a second end, and a standby location along the path there between; and a seat that travels along the predetermined path between the operational location, the standby location, and the ingress/egress location; wherein the position of the seat is adjustable at the operational location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Albert G. Brand, John R. Wittmaak, James M. McCollough, James H. Harse, Richard H. Adams, JR.
  • Patent number: 8919854
    Abstract: A bench for a vehicle is provided, which bench comprises at least two seats that are arranged next to one another and are connected to one another. Provision is made for one of the at least two seats to act as a base seat that has at least one locking unit for the purpose of connection to a vehicle floor of a vehicle body, while the at least one other seat hovers above a vehicle floor since the other seat is reversibly connected solely to the base seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignees: Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft, Sitech Sitztechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Joerg Breyvogel, Hans Rohlfing, Tobias Woynowski, Ole Stollreiter, Robert Sulowski, Jaroslaw Szydlo
  • Patent number: 8911016
    Abstract: A seat structure is configured to allow three passengers to be seated, respectively, in a left seat (1L), a right seat (1R), and a region striding across a boundary between the right and left seats (1R, 1L). The left seat (1L) can be slid leftward to create a walk-through space (S) between the right and left seats (1R, 1L). A headrest (1c) for a middle seat passenger seated between the right and left seats (1R, 1L) is split into right and left split headrests each supported on a top of a seat back of a corresponding seat. The middle seat passenger's left split headrest (1c-L) is moved with the left seat (1L) when sliding the left seat (1L) to allow the right and left seats (1R, 1L) to become spaced apart from each other so as to unblock the walk-through space (S).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Delta Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 8894146
    Abstract: A portable fire fighter equipment station for use at a fire fighting scene is provided. The self-supporting frame comprising three support members pivotally connected to each other at one end, the self-supporting frame configurable into an in-use configuration with non-pivotally connected ends of the support members spaced apart to form a tripod and the self-supporting frame configurable into a transportation configuration with the three support members moved into close proximity. Each firefighter station is attached to one of the support members of the self-supporting frame and has a seating surface configurable into an in-use configuration to support a firefighter in a seated position, and a transportation configuration with the seating surface in close proximity to the self-supporting frame. A breathing apparatus holder is provided for securing an air bottle to the support member of the respective firefighter station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Inventor: Richard L. Denike
  • Publication number: 20140312173
    Abstract: A cabin attendant seat for an aircraft, an aircraft monument comprising such a cabin attendant seat and an aircraft comprising such an aircraft monument. The cabin attendant seat is movable from a starting position into at least one end position. The cabin attendant seat includes at least one backrest element and two seat elements. Each of the two seat elements is movable relative to the at least one backrest element between a folded position and an unfolded position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Ehlers, Mark Herzog, Stefan Behrens
  • Patent number: 8840182
    Abstract: A seat structure has a right seat (1R) and a left seat (1L) configured to allow three passengers to be seated, respectively, in the left seat (1L), the right seat (1R), and a region striding across a boundary between the right and left seats (1R, 1L). The left seat (1L) can be slid leftward (L) to allow the right and left seats (1R, 1L) to become spaced apart to create a walk-through space (S) therebetween. A headrest (1c) for a middle seat passenger seated in the region striding the boundary between the right and left seats (1R, 1L) is supported on a top of a seat back of the left seat (1L). The middle seat passenger's headrest (1c) can be slid leftward to unblock the walk-through space (S) when the right and left seats (1R, 1L) are in spaced-apart relation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Kyocera Document Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Atsushi Onji
  • Publication number: 20140197667
    Abstract: A seating arrangement with improved seating comfort. In one embodiment, the seating arrangement is for a transportation vehicle. The arrangement includes seats at least having two levels adjacent to single-level seats. The multi-level seats include at least a bottom row of seats and a top row of seats. In one embodiment, the bottom row seats are on a floor; and there is an imaginary horizontal plane that is parallel to the floor, and that at least a part of the top row seats and at least a part of the bottom row seats intersect. The single-level seats include at least two rows, with at least one seat in each row being adjacent to the aisle, to allow passengers to access the single-level seats. In another embodiment, a seating arrangement includes only multi-level seats. In yet another embodiment, a computer-implemented method is applicable to the seats, such as allowing the display of a visual representation of a top-row seat and a bottom-row seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: IpVenture, Inc.
    Inventors: Kwok Wai Cheung, Peter P. Tong, C. Douglass Thomas
  • Publication number: 20140159449
    Abstract: Divided vehicle seat backrest includes at least a first backrest part and a second backrest part that are rotatably supported on a center bracket via an inner bearing pin. The inner bearing pin may be accommodated in a recess in the second backrest part. The inner bearing pin may be fastened to the first backrest part, and a positive fit is formed between the inner bearing pin and the second backrest part. The supporting of the bearing pin on the center bracket and the supporting of the second backrest part on the bearing may pin preferably occur without supplementary parts or securing elements. For installation, the bearing pin may be initially placed through the center bracket, and the second backrest part may thus be subsequently mounted by placement, insertion, and pivoting on the inner bearing pin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventor: Ralf KÄMPER
  • Publication number: 20140084651
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to passenger aircraft seats. Some examples provide systems for integrating a child seat into a certified aircraft seat. Some examples include a passenger seat backrest having an integrated child seat. An integrated child seat base may be moved between a stowed position and a deployed position. When in the stowed position, the integrated child seat base may fit within a recessed surface of the seat backrest and the seat may then accommodate an adult passenger. When in a deployed position, the integrated child seat may then accommodate a child passenger. The integrated seat may include a harness system that extends through the seat backrest and couples with an internal support structure of seat backrest. In some embodiments the mounting points of the harness system may be reinforced with stiff brackets attached to the internal support structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: ZODIAC SEATS US LLC
    Inventors: Sorin Coman, Michael Romano, Aamir Jafri, Dianna Sabo, Rik Westerink, Armando Valdes
  • Patent number: 8641143
    Abstract: The present invention relates to therapeutic furniture and apparatus and therapeutic method wherein a recumbent or semi-recumbent therapist applies foot or hand pressure therapy to the patient seated in tandem configuration in front of therapist, and wherein both patient and therapist are supported by device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventor: Brent Douglas Deck
  • Patent number: 8616628
    Abstract: There is provided a reconfigurable furniture assembly having a substantially planar surface member movable about a horizontal axis in an endless manner, a support member holding the substantially planar surface over the ground surface, and a plurality of assigned location around the planar surface member for individuals to occupy and face a portion of the planar surface member. A drive element moves the planar surface member and assigned locations about a horizontal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventor: Francis Beauchamp
  • Patent number: 8616638
    Abstract: An infant carrier apparatus having multiple seating positions comprises a support frame, a seat assembly connected with the support frame, and a backrest assembly including a backrest frame. The seat assembly includes a first seat frame and a second seat frame, and the second seat frame is operable to rotate relative to the first seat frame between an unfolded position and a folded position. The backrest frame is operable to rotate about a pivot axle relative to the support frame, wherein the folded position of the second seat frame is substantially parallel and adjacent to the backrest frame. Because the second seat frame can be conveniently folded to a disabled state adjacent to the backrest frame, erroneous use of the second seat frame can be prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Wonderland Nurserygoods Company Limited
    Inventors: Xiang Yong Zeng, Nangui Bu
  • Publication number: 20130328370
    Abstract: An adjusting device for a motor vehicle seat is provided. The adjusting device includes a seat track arrangement with a first track part on a motor vehicle side and with a second track part arranged displaceably to the first track part. A supporting structure capable of connecting with a seat structure is mounted pivotably on the second track part about a pivot axis of a first pivot arrangement. The supporting structure has a second pivot arrangement with a pivot joint for a backrest structure. The backrest structure is connected and/or capable of being connected with the supporting structure in a foldable manner about a folding axis on a rear side relative to the seat structure. A switching arrangement facilitates an optional pivoting about the pivot axis and/or about the folding axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Christoph WILFER, Michael Hoefgen-Allmann
  • Patent number: 8393680
    Abstract: In seat rows, in particular in aircraft, the individual seats thereof being able to be adjusted in their usable seat width, and comprising seat dividers with support legs, which are held by spars running transversely to the seat direction, at least one seat divider may be adjusted in the direction of the spars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Zim GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Zimmermann, Ulf Soetebier, Frank Isele, Jürgen Grünberg
  • Publication number: 20120298798
    Abstract: A 3-seat seating grouping is presented that includes a center seat configured for vertical translation from a lower position to a raised position when converted from an upright to an inclined mode. The center seat can be disposed between an aft-facing seating assembly and a fore-facing seating assembly, and be configured to overlap both when in a lie-flat position. Non-overlapping footspace can be shared between a center passenger and an aft-facing passenger. When upright, a center seat can be at the same height as a non-translating aft- or fore-facing seat, reducing loads on a seat track during aircraft take-off. Seats within the 3-seat group can be angled or aligned with respect to cabin longitudinal axis. A plurality of 3-seat groups can be combined in various orientations to span a cabin. Groups can be arranged to mirror each other to maximize seating directed to an aisle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventors: Robert J. Henshaw, Suzuko Hisata
  • Publication number: 20120228910
    Abstract: A seat for a vehicle constructed so that a side seat is provided on an opposite side of a center seat may include a first hinge shaft to which a center seat back of the center seat may be rotatably coupled for folding the center seat back forwards, a second hinge shaft to which a side seat back of the side seat may be rotatably coupled for folding the side seat back forwards, and a folding actuator assembly selectively engaging the side seat back with the center seat back, wherein the folding actuator assembly locks the center seat back to the side seat back when the side seat back may be folded, and releases the center seat back from the side seat back to fold only the center seat back when the center seat back may be folded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Bong Ku KIM, Sang Ho Kim, Chan Ho Jeong, Sang Do Park, Hak Gyun Kim, Deok Soo Lim, Ji Hyun Kim, Tae Hoon Lee, Soo Hyun Moon, Jun Yeol Heo, Jong Kweon Pyun
  • Patent number: 8249780
    Abstract: A seat control device has a first input unit for performing an operation of moving a first seat to a front side or a back side, a first drive control unit for moving the first seat to the front side or the back side based on an output of the first input unit, a second input unit for performing an operation of moving a second seat, positioned behind the first seat, to the front side or the back side, and a second drive control unit for moving the second seat to the front side or the back side based on an output of the second input unit. A control unit is arranged for prohibiting movement of the first seat and the movement of the second seat from being simultaneously carried out when the operation to move the first seat to the back side is performed at the first input unit and the operation to move the second seat to the front side is performed at the second input unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Fujiwara, Masaru Kumagai, Tatsuki Nagata, Toshihiro Kawakami
  • Publication number: 20120193946
    Abstract: An adjustable furniture such as a recliner chair or adjustable bed comprising a base, an intermediate support and a back support. Both the intermediate support and the back support are guided for movement relative to the base by a second guide means while the base moves along a first guide means. The first guide means include at least one guide associated with one of the base and intermediate support and at least one follower associated with the other of the base and intermediate support. The second guide means includes at least one guide associated with one of the base support and the back support and at least one follower associated with the other of the base support and the back support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventor: Dale Robertson
  • Publication number: 20120146373
    Abstract: A seat structure has a right seat (1R) and a left seat (1L) configured to allow three passengers to be seated, respectively, in the left seat (1L), the right seat (1R), and a region striding across a boundary between the right and left seats (1R, 1L). The left seat (1L) can be slid leftward (L) to allow the right and left seats (1R, 1L) to become spaced apart to create a walk-through space (S) therebetween. A headrest (1c) for a middle seat passenger seated in the region striding the boundary between the right and left seats (1R, 1L) is supported on a top of a seat back of the left seat (1L). The middle seat passenger's headrest (1c) can be slid leftward to unblock the walk-through space (S) when the right and left seats (1R, 1L) are in spaced-apart relation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: DELTA KOGYO CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Atsushi Onji
  • Publication number: 20120146374
    Abstract: A seat structure is configured to allow three passengers to be seated, respectively, in a left seat (1L), a right seat (1R), and a region striding across a boundary between the right and left seats (1R, 1L). The left seat (1L) can be slid leftward to create a walk-through space (S) between the right and left seats (1R, 1L). A headrest (1c) for a middle seat passenger seated between the right and left seats (1R, 1L) is split into right and left split headrests each supported on a top of a seat back of a corresponding seat. The middle seat passenger's left split headrest (1c-L) is moved with the left seat (1L) when sliding the left seat (1L) to allow the right and left seats (1R, 1L) to become spaced apart from each other so as to unblock the walk-through space (S).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: DELTA KOGYO CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Fujiwara
  • Publication number: 20120146366
    Abstract: A vehicle seat can be configured to include a variety of types of cushions. The seat may include primary and secondary cushions that are joined together such that the secondary cushion has a stored position under the seating surface of the primary seat cushion and a deployed position where the secondary seat cushion is positioned adjacent the primary seat cushion. The effective width of the seat may be greater when it is in one position than when it is in the other position. The back cushion may include first and second portions and a third portion intermediate the first and second positions. A vehicle may include left, right, and middle seats, the middle seat being configured to have two positions, the effective width of the middle seat in one position being greater than in the other position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Osamu Kyogoku, Daiju Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 8128103
    Abstract: An optionally deployable side seat for a baby stroller, to seat a second child, is secured by hand-operated connectors to nearly any baby or child stroller, without tools. The side seat faces to the side of the stroller and has a deployed position in which two wheels mounted in tandem on the side seat frame contact the pavement. For stowing the side seat remains on the stroller, and two quick-release lockable joints, in the position of arms on the side seat, are released and raised upwardly, which folds the seat bottom up against the seat back and raises up a lower frame portion that supports the wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Inventors: Marie Schutzendorf, Corbett Griffith
  • Publication number: 20120049590
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a pair of outboard seats and a stationary center bolster positioned between the outboard seats. Each of the outboard seats has a seatback and a seat base. The center bolster includes a cushion and a back. The cushion has a hinged portion which is movable to reveal a pair of low mount anchor bars associated with the center bolster for securing an associated child restraint to the center bolster. The hinged portion is movable from a stowed position to a support position. In the support position, the hinged portion is configured to at least partially support the associated child restraint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Grey B. Parker
  • Patent number: 8113583
    Abstract: The prostate golf cart seat protects the prostate area of men from continuous bouncing by providing 1½ inches of air space between the seat and the prostate. The prostate golf cart seat may be movable or stationary. The stationary seat has two 7 inch wide spaces with 1½ inches of air space under the prostate. All seat cushions are 1½ inches thick allowing for the 1½ inches of air space between the seat and the prostate. The movable seat has two 8 inch stationary end cushions. The center would consist of two 8 inch cushions moving along a rail which allows riders to close the 7 inch seat gap to 3 inches from the stationary end cushion. The center air space between each rider and seat of each would have a depth 1½ inches. A “T” bolt or a knurled knob is used for adjusting the seat cushions. The stationary seat has two 7 inch wide spaces. A depth of 1½ inches between the prostate and the seat is effectuated as the seat itself is 1½ inches thick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Inventor: Eugene Daniel Lucas
  • Patent number: 8020932
    Abstract: A vehicle seat is disclosed which comprises a seat cushion (1), first and second seat backs (2, 3) separated from each other in a vehicle width direction and pivotally supported to the seat cushion (1), a first recliner device (22) for allowing the first seat back (2) to be pivoted in a forward/rearward direction with respect to the seat cushion (1), and a second recliner device (34) for allowing the second seat back (3) to be pivoted in the forward/rearward direction with respect to the seat cushion (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignees: TS TECH Co., Ltd., HONDA MOTOR Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takuro Yamada, Kazuyuki Kaneko
  • Patent number: 7988231
    Abstract: A vehicle has an area capable of seating ambulatory passengers and alternatively receiving a mobility aid, such as a wheelchair. The area provides tracks for mounting at least two movable seats that can be moved to provide space in the area for the mobility aid. The tracks are provided with track covers that reduce maintenance requirements by preventing entry of debris. One of the seats is configured to move further than the other whereby the spacing between the seats after moving to accommodate a mobility aid is less than the spacing of the seats when used by ambulatory passengers. The seat configured to move further has a longer track cover, but the tracks are laterally spaced to avoid engagement between the track covers of the two seats whereby they can be moved to be spaced from each other by a distance less than the length of either of the track covers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: American Seating Company
    Inventor: Randy P. Phinney
  • Patent number: 7988229
    Abstract: A vehicle seat arrangement (1) is provided including a seat structure divided, in a transversal direction, into an outer first seat (11), a middle second seat (12), and an outer third seat (13), which can all be moved in a longitudinal direction in relation to the vehicle structure and can be locked therewith. The arrangement is provided with a coupling device (20) which couples the second seat (12) to one of the two outer seats (11, 13), forming a pair, when the other of the two outer seats (11, 13) is moved in relation to the pair in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: KEIPER GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Dill, Ingo Teufel, Ulf Schaeffling, Kai Schumann, Heinrich Hammann
  • Publication number: 20110169306
    Abstract: A seating arrangement for a passenger-carrying vehicle, especially aircraft. The arrangement provides a plurality of seating positions, a seating position comprising a seat and a footwell. The footwell of a first seating position is located beside the seat of a second seating position, the second seating position being located generally forward of the first seating position. Each seat is operable into a reclined state in which a leg-supporting component of the seat projects into the associated footwell. A tray assembly is associated with each console, the tray assembly being deployable from a stowed state in or on the console in which it is disposed generally parallel with a ground surface on which the seating arrangement rests during use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventor: James Thompson
  • Patent number: 7901004
    Abstract: The invention relates to a movable installation comprising rows of seats. The inventive installation is formed by guides (1) which are housed in the ground and on which the rows of seats (2) are slidably mounted such that they can slide between a position in which they are grouped together and a position in which they are spaced apart. The aforementioned guides (1) define (i) upper extensions which provide a ground leveling reference during the assembly of the installation and (ii) a housing for the insertion of cover plates (10) which are level with the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Figueras International Seating, S.A.
    Inventor: Jose Figueras Mitjans
  • Patent number: 7845725
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in accommodating public seating needs is disclosed. Preferably, the apparatus includes at least a pair of parallel backbone members, a support leg in sliding engagement with the pair of parallel backbone members, a combination seating surface and backrest portion in sliding engagement with the pair of parallel backbone members, and adjacent the support leg, and an end cap secured to the pair of parallel backbone members, and restricting lateral motion of the support leg and the combination seating surface and backrest portion along the pair of parallel backbone members. Preferably the apparatus further accommodates lateral motion of the support leg and the combination seating surface and backrest portion along the pair of parallel backbone members, upon removal of the end cap from the pair of parallel backbone members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: RKS Design, Inc.
    Inventor: Ravi K. Sawhney
  • Publication number: 20100301648
    Abstract: A pew style seating assembly includes a plurality of seat members, each of which is pivotable, independently from all others of the plurality of seat members, between an occupied position and an unoccupied position. Each seat member, when in the occupied position, defines a seating area above a top surface thereof, with the seating areas defined by the plurality of seat members defining a continuous and uninterrupted pew seating area spanning the plurality of seat members. The seating assembly further includes a single, continuous seat back attached to each of the seat support members and spanning the entire pew seating area, such that the plurality of seat members are associated with the single, continuous seat back.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventor: Alvaro Mauricio Olarte
  • Patent number: 7823950
    Abstract: There is provided a seat device for a vehicle comprising a pair of main seats disposed in the vehicle width direction including respectively a main seat cushion and main seat back, and a sub seat back disposed between the main seat backs, wherein the sub seat back is configured so as to be in an arranged position in which the sub seat back is located above the main seat cushion and before the main seat back, and the main seat backs are configured so as to be moved inward when the sub seat back is in the arranged position. Accordingly, the width of the seat can be adjusted variably, without improperly affecting spaces behind or before the seat, thereby attaining both the movement of seat and the improvement of space utility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Minoru Toyota, Akira Ito, Kazue Sumida
  • Patent number: 7735895
    Abstract: A unique and versatile seating system for automobiles is provided. The seating system includes aspects to improve the functionality of the seating arrangement while maintaining the safety and comfort of the automotive seats. In certain embodiments, the seating system includes a reversible automotive seat that includes a seat cushion and a backrest. The backrest is movable between a forward seating position and a rearward seating position and includes an integrated restraint system which is operable to secure an occupant seated when the backrest is in either the forward or rearward seating positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Philip Brown, Warren Nally, Thomas Green
  • Patent number: 7712829
    Abstract: A seat structure for a vehicle includes front and rear seat bodies each including a seat cushion and a back rest. Each seat cushion has a front part configured to be tipped up about a rear part of the seat cushion. Each back rest has an upper part configured to be tilted backward and forward about a lower part of the back rest. The seat structure also includes first slide rails supporting the front and rear seat bodies in a fore and aft arrangement respectively. The front and rear seat bodies are configured to move backward and forward along the first slide rails. The seat structure further includes a lock member coupled to the front seat body for selectively securing the front seat body relative to the first slide rails. The lock member is movable between a locked position and a released position. The seat structure further includes a push member coupled to the rear seat body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventor: Gilsam Park
  • Patent number: 7712831
    Abstract: A vehicle seat, an adjusting system and a method for moving at least one vehicle seat arranged in a vehicle cabin, particularly an aircraft seat, comprising seat components that are coupled or guided together, such as a seat part, a backrest and a leg rest, the location and/or inclination of which can be adjusted by means of at least one or more adjusting units. The adjusting system allows a separation of the basic functions from driving devices, with an electronic device for collision-free movement and for adjusting custom-designed functions and facilitating the adaptation of the custom-designed functions. The movement sequences and movements of the respective individual seat components and the seat components in relation to one another and the movements of the components or seats within an environment or group of seats are accomplished by means of a movement model in a coordinate system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Bühler Motor GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Dieter Abt, Arno Schieweck, Wolfgang Troelenberg