| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|
| 20080217977 | Seating structure and methods for the use thereof - A seating structure has an articulated seat and back. A rear portion of the seat is automatically pivotable relative to a forward portion of the seat as the seat is tilted between upright and reclined tilt positions. An upper portion of the back is pivotable relative to the lower portion between a neutral position and an extended position, with the upper portion being pivotable relative to the lower portion independent of the tilt position of the back. In one aspect, an adjustment mechanism is coupled between lower and upper back support members and pivots the upper support member between at least first and second support positions. A seat with an adjustable seat depth is also provided, along with various methods for operating the different aspects and embodiments of the seating structure. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20090020931 | LOAD BEARING SURFACE - An elastomeric load bearing surface with different load support characteristics in different directions. In one embodiment, the surface includes an elastomeric membrane that is oriented in only a single direction, for example, by compression or stretching. In another embodiment, the surface includes mechanical structures, such as connectors, variations in thickness and apertures, that vary the load support characteristics in different directions. In another aspect, the present invention provides a multilayer load bearing surface in which the layers cooperate to provide a controlled force/deflection profile that is variable in different regions of the surface. In one embodiment, the upper layer includes a plurality of loosely connected nodes and a lower layer having a plurality of resilient elements that separately support each node. | 01-22-2009 |
| 20090108660 | Adjustable armrest and method for the use thereof - An adjustable armrest includes a base member pivotable about a first horizontal axis in a side-to-side direction. An arm support member is connected to the base member. A first latch member includes a plurality of notches, while a second latch member includes a pawl shaped to releasably engage at least one of the plurality of notches. One of the first or second latch members is mounted on the base member, with the second latch member being moveable relative to the first latch member between at least one engaged position and a release position. In another aspect, a chair includes a pair of adjustable armrests. In another aspect, a method of adjusting the lateral position of an armrest is provided. | 04-30-2009 |
| 20090302662 | Suspension seating - A suspension seating structure having a body support assembly which includes a membrane formed from at least one strap spanning across an opening. Each strap is coupled to a frame member through a retaining structure. The retaining structure is coupled with or forms part of each frame member and provides a structurally secure body support assembly. A cushion material encapsulates the membrane, where the cushion material contains relief channels to permit the membrane to respond more freely in response to a load. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20100021685 | MULTI-LAYERED SUPPORT STRUCTURE - A multi-layered support structure provides ergonomic, adaptable seating support. The multi-layered support structure includes multiple cooperative layers to maximize global comfort and support while enhancing adaptation to localized variations in a load, such as in the load applied when a person sits in a chair. The cooperative layers each include elements such as pixels, springs, support rails, and other elements to provide this adaptable comfort and support. The multi-layered support structure also uses aligned material to provide a flexible yet durable support structure. Accordingly, the multi-layered support structure provides maximum comfort for a wide range of body shapes and sizes. | 01-28-2010 |
| 20100141002 | BIASING MECHANISM - A biasing mechanism between two portions of a chair, such as the seat and back components, where the biasing mechanism can position the back component in an infinite number of recline positions between a first, or fully upright, position and a second, or fully reclined, position, where the biasing mechanism consists of a leaf spring and a cylinder in a parallel configuration. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100253128 | SUSPENDED PIXELATED SEATING STRUCTURE - A suspended pixelated seating structure provides ergonomic, adaptable seating support. The suspended pixelated seating structure includes multiple cooperative layers to maximize global comfort and support while enhancing adaptation to localized variations in a load, such as in the load applied when a person sits in a chair. The cooperative layers each use independent elements such as pixels, springs, support rails, and other elements to provide this adaptable comfort and support. The suspended pixelated seating structure also uses aligned material to provide a flexible yet durable suspended seating structure. Accordingly, the suspended pixelated seating structure provides maximum comfort for a wide range of body shapes and sizes. | 10-07-2010 |
| 20110241270 | MULTILAYER LOAD BEARING STRUCTURE - Support elements and support structures form the basis of ergonomic body supports for chairs, mattresses and other structures. The support elements may be individually designed according to their location and body support function. Thus, the structures that include the support elements may provide point-tailored support for any part of the body to enhance comfort, fit, and proper anatomical support. | 10-06-2011 |
