Mounted To Structure Other Than A Chair Or Seat Component Patents (Class 297/411.21)
  • Patent number: 10864875
    Abstract: A vehicle door includes a trim panel coupled to a frame. A single-piece armrest substrate is coupled with the frame. The armrest substrate is a three-dimensionally printed member having interior walls that are printed within the armrest substrate according to a virtual force model generated during a virtual impact scenario. The interior walls define a plurality of voids defined within the armrest substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael James Whitens, Robert D. Bedard, Siddharthan Selvasekar, Amit Chakravarty, Robert Walter Bartus
  • Patent number: 10821865
    Abstract: A collapsible vehicular armrest substrate includes load-bearing strips extending across a gap defined within a support frame. A first tunable element secures the load-bearing strips in a support position on the support frame. A first tension-adjusting portion sets a predetermined first tension limit of the first tunable element. The load-bearing strips disengage from the support position when the first tunable element experiences an actual tension greater than the predetermined first tension limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mangala A. Jayasuriya, Robert William McCoy, Kenneth S. Laird, Linh Doan
  • Patent number: 10583760
    Abstract: A support for an armrest assembly includes a plurality of interconnected ribs. One or more of those ribs has (a) a first section, having a first proximal end and a first distal end, (b) a second end section, having a second proximal end and a second distal end, and (c) an intermediate section connecting the first distal end and the second distal end. The first end section and the second end section are offset. An armrest assembly includes a body, the support, a cushioning layer overlying the support and a cover layer overlying the cushioning layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Satyanarayana Raju Vemulapati, Bhavani Thota, Deepak Patel, Zhibing Deng, Linh Doan
  • Patent number: 10336276
    Abstract: A vehicle door includes a door inner and a trim panel fixed to the door inner. An energy absorber having a vehicle-rearward end and a vehicle-forward end is disposed between the door inner and the trim panel and elongated in a vehicle-forward direction from the vehicle-rearward end to the vehicle-forward end. The energy absorber includes a first energy-absorbing component defining a cavity facing the trim panel, and a second energy-absorbing component disposed in the cavity. The energy absorber has a stiffness that decreases in the vehicle-forward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Srivardhan Tallapragada, Tahmidur Rahman, Linh Doan, Bhavani Thota, Joseph Edward Abramczyk
  • Patent number: 10336228
    Abstract: An armrest assembly includes a support substrate, a fabric layer stretching across a receiver of the support substrate and a matrix interface connecting the fabric layer to the support substrate. A cushion overlies the fabric layer and the receiver and a coverstock conceals the cushion and the fabric layer while closing the receiver. A method of producing the armrest assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies PLLC
    Inventor: Humberto Memetla Martinez
  • Patent number: 10308151
    Abstract: An armrest assembly includes a unitary armrest subassembly having a support substrate and a resilient web secured together by a mechanical fastening feature. The armrest subassembly also includes a cushion overlying the resilient web and a coverstock concealing the cushion and the resilient web and enclosing the receiver in the unitary armrest subassembly that holds those components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Humberto Memetla Martinez, Leonel de Jesus Perez Sandoval
  • Patent number: 10186096
    Abstract: The latch for the cargo door is moveable between an engaged position wherein the door cannot be opened and a disengaged position wherein the cargo door can be opened to access the compartment. A counter displays a number which can be changed in response to an actuation signal. A series of spaced magnets moveable with the latch create a magnetic field which is elongated along the surface of the latch for a given distance. A magnetically actuated reed switch is situated proximate the path of movement of the latch surface, such that the switch remains under the influence of the magnetic field during movement of the latch from its engaged position toward its disengaged position within the given distance and thereafter changes state to generate an actuation signal to the counter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Inventor: Greg Haber
  • Patent number: 9889778
    Abstract: An armrest structure for door trim has an armrest lower, an armrest upper, and a joining component that joins the armrest upper and the armrest lower together, wherein the joining component is provided with a strap portion, and an anchor portion, and wherein the attachment hole has a wider portion through which the anchor portion can be inserted, and a narrower portion through which the anchor portion cannot be inserted, and during a process to assemble the armrest upper and the armrest lower together, the anchor portion is inserted through the wider portion, and once the armrest upper and the armrest lower are in an assembled state, the anchor portion is located at a position underneath the narrower portion of the attachment hole that is formed in the armrest lower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignees: NIFCO INC., TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kanako Mizuno, Yuji Sasaki, Fumitaka Hirose, Kazumi Kojima, Hironori Akabane, Yasuo Saida, Yuji Ito, Iwao Udatsu
  • Patent number: 9566890
    Abstract: A movable passenger or grab assist is provided for a vehicle. The movable assist finds particular utility in association with a folding seat in a vehicle having a dual-use area, such as a wheelchair securement area adjacent the folding seat. The assist can be moved between a position wherein it can be grabbed by seated or standing passengers and a position that does not interfere with the dual use area when the seat is folded to a storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: American Seating Company
    Inventors: Keith A. McDowell, Andrew Hartmann
  • Patent number: 9162598
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an armrest and a hinge assembly. The hinge assembly supports the armrest and is rotatable between extended and collapsed positions. The hinge assembly includes a pin configured to move between locked and released positions. When the pin is in the locked position, the hinge assembly is locked in the extended position. When the pin is in the released position, the pin is configured to permit rotation of the hinge assembly toward the collapsed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Mohammed Omar Faruque, Dean M. Jaradi
  • Patent number: 9114773
    Abstract: A motor vehicle door and armrest assembly using a thin plate that is vertically strong while laterally collapsible. The plate is comprised of a matrix of intersecting parallel struts forming four sided cells having a first set of opposing acute angles and a second set of opposing obtuse angles. The obtuse angles span a direction normal to the motor vehicle door and allow the plate to more easily limit force transmission from a side impact force. The struts are coupled to a frame, the coupling struts variable in cross sectional area to further determine the lateral stiffness of the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Srinivasan Sundararajan, Krish E. Aekbote, Nitesh C. Jadhav, Ken S. Laird, Linh Doan, Yudong Zhou
  • Publication number: 20150115682
    Abstract: A carrier structure for an armrest for pivotal articulation to a mount in a vehicle includes two carrier arms carrying a support body, wherein the carrier arms are connected at one end to a cross member. The cross member has pins for pivotable support in the mount. The cross member is produced by tube forming, bending and punching of a steel sheet corresponding substantially to the planar projection of the cross member, wherein the pins are formed on the cross member as tube parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventor: Steffen Mangold
  • Patent number: 9003979
    Abstract: The present invention provides a workstation that may be used while performing various tasks, such as working at a computer. The workstation includes a table (2), a waist rest (3), a foot rest (4); a left arm rest and a right arm rest (7). The workstation allows the user to redistribute his body weight from the legs and feet the waist rest, foot rest; and arm rests while in a standing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventor: Roy Bahnof
  • Publication number: 20140300149
    Abstract: A sidewall integrated armrest includes a plurality of armrest segments upon which an arm may rest. Each of the plurality of armrest segments are supported by a structure proximate a sidewall and adjacent to but not supported by a seat. Each of the seats is disposed in a line along the sidewall and spaced apart at a seating pitch. The armrest further includes at least one armrest spacer disposed between the plurality of armrest segments. The at least one armrest spacer has a combined length between the plurality of armrest segments to establish a pitch between the plurality of armrest segments substantially equal to the seating pitch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: B/E AEROSPACE, INC.
    Inventors: Stephanie N. Lightbody, Jefferey M. McKee
  • Publication number: 20140225414
    Abstract: An adjustable arm-rest for vehicles has a fixed part and a movable part, hinged so as to move between a lowered angular position and a raised angular position; and a system for adjusting the inclination of said movable part between the lowered position and the raised position. The adjusting system has a freewheeling bearing which allows the movable part to rotate only from the lowered position to the raised position, and releasing means which enable the movable part to move from the raised position to the lowered position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: CLERPREM S.P.A.
    Inventor: Francesco Faccin
  • Publication number: 20140028073
    Abstract: An armrest assembly for a door of a vehicle includes a substrate component configured for attachment to the door and defining a plurality of furrows. The armrest assembly further includes a cover component mated to the substrate component, wherein the cover component is formed from a foam and fills each of the plurality of furrows. A vehicle including the armrest assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Jose A. Sanchez Cruz, Christian Ibanez
  • Publication number: 20130320711
    Abstract: A deployable armrest system for a vehicle is provided. The system having: a pair of side walls configured to be located in a facing spaced relationship with respect to each other to define an operator area therebetween; and a pair of deployable armrests movably secured to the pair of side walls and configured for movement between a stowed position and a deployed position, wherein each of the pair of deployable armrests have a support member that can be flush with a surface of the pair of side walls when the pair of deployable armrests are in the stowed position and wherein the support member of each of the pair of deployable armrests extends outwardly from the surface of the pair of side walls when the pair of deployable armrests are in the deployed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventors: Aidano C. Nascimento, David W. Whitehead, Jeffrey T. Rodgers
  • Patent number: 8585150
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (01, 22) for use in the interior of a vehicle, comprising a first and a second carrier element (02, 23, 03, 24) and a connecting linear guide, wherein the first carrier element (02, 23) features two linearly extending first guiding surfaces (06, 07, 27, 28) and the second carrier element (03, 24) features two first abutment surfaces (12, 13, 33, 34), wherein the carrier elements (02, 23, 03, 24) are longitudinally displaceable relative to each other when the abutment surfaces (12, 13, 33, 34) slide along the guiding surfaces (06, 07, 27, 28), and wherein the linear guide produces a clamping effect which prevents self-actuated displacement of a carrier element (02, 23, 03, 24) due to vehicle movements, wherein the linear guide further features a second guiding surface (08, 29) being associated with the first carrier element (02, 23) and features a second abutment surface (14, 35) being associated with the second carrier element (03, 24), wherein, when the first and the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: F.S. Fehrer Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Eberhard von Rothkirch und Panthen, Thomas Hessdörfer, Michael Winterstein
  • Publication number: 20120242131
    Abstract: A motor-vehicle accessory having a pivotal element that can pivot about an axis on a generally fixed support element is provided with a mechanism having an extension on one of the elements offset from the axis and projecting angularly of the axis and a brake on the other of the elements. This brake has a pair of brake shoes flanking the extension and shiftable between a clamping position gripping the element and preventing movement of the element relative to the brake in at least one angular direction and a release position permitting movement of the element relative to the brake both in and against the one direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventor: Ralph NUSS
  • Patent number: 8226155
    Abstract: Disclosed are work machine vehicles having an adjustable seatbar assembly in the operator protective structure. The adjustable seatbar assembly is suspended from a seat in the operator protective structure. Vehicle controls are integrated with the adjustable seatbar assembly such that the vehicle controls and the operator sitting on the seat are maintained at constant relative positions with respect to each other even as the work machine vehicle moves over rough terrain and the seat moves up and down on a seat suspension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventors: Aaron G. Hill, Jeremy W. Ekren
  • Patent number: 8113561
    Abstract: Mounting structure of a door grip in a door for the vehicle includes a inner panel composing a door body. The mounting structure of a door grip further includes a door trim arranged so as to oppose to the inner side of the inner panel. The door grip is fixed to the inner panel via the door trim and having a pair of connecting parts to be connected to the door trim. Further included are fixing members for fixing the door trim to the inner panel. The fixing members are arranged in both sides of the connecting parts regarding an axis line passing through both the first connecting part and the second connecting part. The fixing members are respectively provided in both sides of the first connecting part while the fixing members are respectively provided in both sides of the second connecting part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuki Yamada, Masami Uratsu, Makoto Horiba, Junichi Kawakami
  • Publication number: 20110187175
    Abstract: Arm-rest, adjustable in inclination, in particular for vehicles, comprising: —a fixed part 2, intended to be connected to the frame of the vehicle; —a movable part 3, hinged to the fixed part 2 around a rotation axis X by-hinging means 10, 43, 53 to move between a lowered angular position and a raised angular position; and —a system for adjusting the inclination of the movable part 3 between the aforesaid lowered position and the aforesaid raised position. The invention is characterised by the fact that the system for adjusting comprises at least one freewheeling bearing 20, chosen from the rolling-contact or cam type, associated to the hinging means 10, 43, 53 so as to allow the movable part 3 to rotate around the axis X only in the direction of rotation which from the lowered position leads to the raised position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: CLERPREM S.P.A.
    Inventor: Francesco Faccin
  • Publication number: 20100327646
    Abstract: An armrest for a vehicle is provided that does not increase the number of parts and the assembly process, absorbs the shock of lateral collision of the vehicle by deformation of an armrest core member, and has the armrest core member that is not easily deformed during normal use. The armrest for the vehicle includes an armrest core member and a cushion member attached on an upper surface of the armrest core member. A boss is provided to extend from the armrest core member, and the armrest core member is attached to a door trim of the vehicle by the boss. A rib is provided on a circumferential surface of the boss, and has an extending portion extending in a lateral direction of the vehicle. The extending portion is integrally formed with the upper surface or a lower surface of the armrest core member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Munenori HORI, Mitsuru SERIFU, Yoshiyuki ONO
  • Patent number: 7828388
    Abstract: An armrest for use with a motorized vehicle is provided comprising first and second substantially opposing surfaces elongated longitudinally along the vehicle's interior surface and extending laterally inward therefrom. The armrest also includes a substantially vertical wall portion extending from the inner periphery of the first and second surfaces. The first and second surfaces define a plurality of channels oriented substantially parallel to one another and elongated longitudinally relative to the vehicle, in either a parallel or oblique fashion relative to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The plurality of channels is configured to sustain substantial vertical loading and controllably deform under a predetermined threshold lateral crush load. In addition, the plurality of channels preferably includes one or more partitions within each of the channels that are oriented relative to one another to thereby create a load path for lateral loads imparted to the armrest assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott D. Thomas
  • Patent number: 7810767
    Abstract: A medical procedure armrest includes a base and a post that is attached to and extends upwardly from the base. An upper end of the post supports a blood pressure reading apparatus. A bar has a first end and a second end. A coupler is attached to the first end of the bar. The coupler is attached to the post. A housing has a top wall, a bottom wall and peripheral wall extending between the top and bottom walls. The second end of the bar is coupled to the housing. A cushioning member is attached to an upper surface of the top wall of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventor: Dorothy M. Harris
  • Patent number: 7758102
    Abstract: An interior armrest for a sliding door assembly of a motor vehicle having a hollow housing that is pivotally movable about a pivot axis between a horizontal position for use as an armrest and a vertical position for storage is disclosed. The housing includes an actuator for automatically moving the armrest to the vertical position from the horizontal position as the sliding door moves between the closed and the open position. The armrest is disposed within a recess of the sliding door assembly when in the vertical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Douglas Quigley, Robert Smyczynski, Irina Zavatski
  • Publication number: 20100127550
    Abstract: A universal reclining armrest system for use with an articulated examination chair. The system includes an armrest adapter having a universal aperture for receiving a post portion of an armrest assembly. The armrest adapter further includes a splined peg for coupling to a pivoting mechanism of an articulated chair. The pivoting mechanism enables the chair to move throughout an operable range of motion while maintaining a fixed rotational position of an attached armrest adapter. The armrest assembly further includes an adjustable joint to provide 360° of rotational adjustment to the armrest relative to the fixed position of the armrest adapter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventors: Jeff Baker, Mike Bradfield, Brad Baker
  • Publication number: 20090156368
    Abstract: An armrest for an exercise device which is arranged to be attached to a frame structure of the exercise device. The armrest is provided with a separate moving handle which is arranged to move in at least one direction with respect to the armrest during exercise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventor: Ismo Ketomaki
  • Publication number: 20090152911
    Abstract: A method of making an armrest that is mountable between adjacent left and right passenger seats includes: separately forming two receptacle parts by molding a prepreg in a first mold assembly, the receptacle parts being adapted to hold personal objects and each having a looped wall surrounding a slot; forming an armrest frame by molding a prepreg in a second mold assembly, the armrest frame including a lower frame portion having a plurality of downwardly extending legs, and an upper frame portion disposed on top of and bridging the legs; and positioning the receptacle parts within the second mold assembly and combining the receptacle parts with the upper frame portion during the forming of the armrest frame in the second mold assembly, thereby providing a one-piece unitary structure having the receptacle parts and the armrest frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: Advanced International Multitech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ping-Hui Ma, Yu-Lung Chen, Ching-Kun Lee
  • Publication number: 20090072565
    Abstract: A console and armrest assembly for a vehicle includes a console base defining a first storage area and a first storage opening for providing access to the first storage area. A first intermediate member is configured to selectively close the first storage area opening. The first intermediate member defines a second storage area in a second storage area opening for providing access to the second storage area. A second intermediate member is configured to selectively close the second storage area opening. The second intermediate member defines a third storage area and a third storage area opening for providing access to the third storage area. An armrest cover is configured to selectively close the third storage area opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Rudy M. Mayne, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7438360
    Abstract: An armrest includes a longitudinal core body having a substantially planar bottom surface, a non-planar top surface, and two opposite lateral surfaces. The non-planar top surface rises upwardly from the lateral surfaces to a middle of the top surface of the core body. A top veneer layer has a top surface, and a bottom connecting surface adhered to the top surface of the core body. Each of the top and bottom connecting surfaces of the top veneer layer has substantially the same outline as that of the top surface of the core body. Two lateral veneer layers have top end faces connected to the bottom connecting surface of the top veneer layer, and inner lateral surfaces adhered respectively to the lateral surfaces of the core body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Inventor: Pei-Chiang Chung
  • Patent number: 7175234
    Abstract: A foldable safety rail includes at least one fixing seat attachable to a wall, and at least one armrest body pivotally mounted on the at least one fixing seat. Thus, the armrest frame of the armrest body is located at the horizontal state rigidly and stably when in use so that a user holds safely the armrest frame of the armrest body so as to provide a support effect to the user. In addition, the armrest frame of the armrest body is movable to be parallel with the wall, so that the safety rail is folded when not in use, thereby saving the space occupied by the safety rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: GE Shine Industries Corp.
    Inventor: Ming-Fang Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7077456
    Abstract: A trim assembly comprises a substrate member including a moveable panel integrally formed in the substrate and moveable between an open and closed position. A flexible skin overlies at least a portion of the substrate member and is integrally coupled to the substrate. The substrate and flexible skin are configured to define a cavity having an opening. The cavity opening is accessible when the moveable panel is in the open position. A resilient foam pad is positioned within the cavity to provide a soft feel to the trim assembly. The foam pad is inserted into the cavity using a tool that pulls a vacuum and compresses the foam pad. The foam pad is inserted into the cavity and the vacuum is released thereby expanding the foam pad to fill the cavity. The tool is removed and the moveable panel is moved to and secured in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Charles D. Bailey, Mark Heinze, John Youngs, Tom Kopcha
  • Patent number: 6981735
    Abstract: An auto comfort pad to be utilized in various applications, such as, pad for a center console in a vehicle, armrest, and leg pad for a side door. The comfort pad with three portions, all three portions are attached with the first portion resting along a pivot point from the second and third portion. The second and third portion with a triangular groove to rest over a rubber protective piece on a car window. The second portion on top of the first portion while the window is in a down position since the second and third portion can rotate in a counter clockwise direction along the pivot point. In contrast, the first, second and third portion to rest on an interior side of a car door while the window is in an up position. A felt like material on an exterior side of a plastic support for the pad to protect the car window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Inventor: Aaron Stephens
  • Patent number: 6840566
    Abstract: An arm support for a vehicle door is an elongated, stiff platform with a lip on one long edge and a support panel on the opposite long edge. The arm support is attached to the vehicle by inserting the lip between the window and the inside edge of the window channel. The platform spans the inner portion of the door. The support panel extends vertically downward from the platform and rests against the door interior. The upper surfaces of the arm support are cushioned. An adjustable stand-off block may be attached to the lower edge of the support panel between the support panel and the vehicle door to adjust the angle of the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Inventor: Dalton H. Bruton
  • Patent number: 6837544
    Abstract: An adjuster mechanism for setting the height of an armrest on a motor vehicle door includes a drive unit and an adjuster gear arranged after the drive unit, which, on activating the drive unit, performs an adjusting movement for setting the height of the armrest. The adjuster gear for setting the height of the armrest executes a tilting movement of the armrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. KG, Coburg
    Inventors: Thomas Börnchen, Martin Schlechtriemen, Werner Stammberger, Frank Wagner
  • Publication number: 20040100136
    Abstract: The invention relates to an adjuster mechanism for setting the height of an armrest on a motor vehicle door, comprising a drive unit and an adjuster gear arranged after the drive unit, which, on activating the drive unit, performs an adjusting movement for setting the height of the armrest. According to the invention, the adjuster gear (40, 202, 204), for setting the height of the armrest (2), executes a tilting movement of the armrest (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas Bornchen, Martin Schlechtriemen, Werner Stammberger, Frank Wagner
  • Patent number: 6719367
    Abstract: A sliding arm-rest console assembly for a vehicle includes a console and a storage bin disposed within the console to allow objects to be stored therein. The assembly includes a stowage door pivotally connected to the console for opening and closing the storage bin in an open position and a closed position. The assembly further includes a sliding arm-rest disposed over the stowage door to slide between a retracted position over the stowage door and an extended position extending forward past the stowage door. A slide guide cooperates with the stowage door to latch the stowage door to the console in the closed position and cooperates with the sliding arm-rest to guide movement of the sliding arm-rest along the stowage door between the retracted position and the extended position when the stowage door is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Marcel S. Mic, Anil Rajubhai Bhogesara, James Axiotis
  • Patent number: 6719344
    Abstract: A center console of a vehicle installed on its floor as if extending along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle has a bottle holder for holding drinking vessels, an accessory storage for holding small articles, a first lid for covering and uncovering the top of the bottle holder, and a second lid for covering and uncovering the top of the accessory storage. The first lid can be slid from a position where the top of the bottle holder is covered by the first lid to a position where the top of the bottle holder is uncovered and, with the first and second lids joined into a single structure, the first and second lids can be swung up together about fixed parts of hinges from a position where the top of the accessory storage is covered to a position where the top of the accessory storage is uncovered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignees: Mazda Motor Corporation, Nishikawa Kasei Co., Ltd., Nifco Inc.
    Inventors: Masayoshi Ono, Hiroshi Ohno, Junji Takahara, Nobuhisa Fujii, Takehiko Nemoto
  • Patent number: 6695387
    Abstract: An appendant to existing vehicle door panel armrests that renders the arm support location more adjustable and the arm more comfortable. The device generally contains three components: a cushion, a base plate, and one or more projections of various sizes. The projections may be installed in various configurations by the end-user for use with many makes and models of vehicles. The appendant can be stably placed to rest on the existing armrest top surface with the projections inserted into the existing door-pull opening or cavity. The present invention may be easily installed or removed with no permanent alteration of the existing door panel or exiting armrest. Several adjustable features permit adjustments for height, forward/rearward/sidewise position, and up/down tilt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventor: Stephen Gordon
  • Patent number: 6675401
    Abstract: A combination of a chair-like device used by disabled persons, such as a bedside commode, and a seat having a transfer platform that extends laterally outward from a central seating portion of the seat. The extended transfer platform extends beyond the perimeter of the chair frame and at least partially overlaps a supporting surface of a bed or chair that is positioned adjacent to the commode seat. The seat with extended transfer platform thereby provides a continuous transfer surface between the commode or other chair-like device and the adjacent bed or chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventors: Glenn A. Peterson, Michelle J. Jones
  • Publication number: 20030071507
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for increasing available space in an aircraft cabin cross section to improve passenger comfort. Use of one floor bin supported armrest on each side of the aircraft's cross section, rather then conventional seat supported armrest as are provided conventionally elsewhere, permits use of wider seats and/or aisles. Use of floor bin supported armrests also provides the added benefit of increasing the storage volume of floor bins. The apparatus and method for increasing available cross sectional space can also be implemented on other passenger conveyance means, such as buses, trains, vans, or the like, having floor storage bins on the outboard (away-from-aisle) sides of seating units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2001
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Mithra M.K.V. Sankrithi
  • Patent number: 6481520
    Abstract: The device relates to a pivoting forearm rest positioned behind the hand controls of a skid steer loader. The device consists of a tube with an angled portion inserted into a ‘J’ shaped support bracket. The bracket is affixed to the cab sidewall and may be vertically adjusted. The rotation of the tube is adjusted by a tension bolt and shim within the support bracket. The tube has a pin seated within a tube slot in the support bracket which allows the tube to rotate 180 degrees. A portion of the tube and the support bracket are covered in padding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: New Holland and North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Irwin D. McIlwain, Clayton E. Banks, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6483048
    Abstract: A vehicle interior trim panel and method of making is provided where the vehicle interior trim panel comprises a skin, a substrate, a foam located between the skin and the substrate, and a flat wire at least partially surrounded by and embedded in the foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Textron Automotive Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Dwayne Bontrager, David Mark Misaras, Jill Marie-Nichols Mazzola
  • Patent number: 6467102
    Abstract: A combination of a chair-like device used by disabled persons, such as a bedside commode, and a seat having a transfer platform that extends laterally outward from a central seating portion of the seat. The extended transfer platform extends beyond the perimeter of the chair frame and at least partially overlaps a supporting surface of a bed or chair that is positioned adjacent to the commode seat. The seat with extended transfer platform thereby provides a continuous transfer surface between the commode or other chair-like device and the adjacent bed or chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Inventors: Glenn A. Peterson, Michelle J. Jones
  • Patent number: 6406097
    Abstract: The device relates to a pivoting forearm rest positioned behind the hand controls of a skid steer loader. The device consists of a tube with an angled portion inserted into a ‘J’ shaped support bracket. The bracket is affixed to the cab sidewall and may be vertically adjusted. The rotation of the tube is adjusted by a tension bolt and shim within the support bracket. The tube has a pin seated within a tube slot in the support bracket which allows the tube to rotate 180 degrees. A portion of the tube and the support bracket are covered in padding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: New Holland North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Irwin D. McIlwain, Clayton E. Banks, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20020043861
    Abstract: A supplemenetal stick-on elbow pad for vehicle or chair armrests for added comfort. The low profile resilient pad protects only on the high pressure and friction elbow contact area, permitting a small size that avoids interference with most door handles and controls, along with a flexibility that lets it twist, bend, and contour to the existing armrest shape for secure bonding and a lower probability of being knocked loose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Inventor: Michael Everett Meadows
  • Patent number: 6248205
    Abstract: An armrest adapted to be mounted to a vehicle door comprises a primary substrate adapted to be mounted to a vehicle door panel with a secondary substrate mounted to the primary substrate and defining a recess. A foam layer is mounted to the secondary substrate within the recess, and a flexible outer casing intergrally molded to the primary substrate forming a recess with the primary substrate which receives the secondary substrate and the foam layer. A method of fabricating the armrest for the vehicle door is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Leon Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Scheidmantel, Robert H. Versaw, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6203088
    Abstract: A sliding console system for a motor vehicle in which one or more console bodies are provided with a track for movement of the console body longitudinally within the motor vehicle. Multiple console bodies can be provided and each adjusted in position in the vehicle independent of one another. An elongated electrical cable or sliding contacts in the track can be utilized to provide electrical power to one or more electrical devices contained in the console bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company'
    Inventors: Carlos C. Fernandez, Daniel J. Koester