Chairs and seats – Movable bottom – Bottom and back movable as a unit
Reexamination Certificate
2000-01-25
2001-11-06
Barfield, Anthony D. (Department: 3636)
Chairs and seats
Movable bottom
Bottom and back movable as a unit
C074S109000, C074S530000, C248S430000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06312052
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to seating devices.
Are particularly, the present invention relates to adjustment mechanisms for seating devices.
In a further and more specific aspect, the present invention concerns adjustment mechanisms for vehicle seating.
2. The Prior Art
Within the art of adjustment mechanisms for seating, many and diverse devices have been developed. Most notable among these is copending U.S. patent application entitled “Adjustable Support Apparatus and Architecture for Adjusting Support Apparatus”, Ser. No. 09/092,675, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,070,935, filed Jun. 5, 1998 by the same inventor. While this mechanism functions extremely well, and costs less than most adjustment mechanisms, the mechanism is relatively complex. Complexity increases the time of fabrication, the material requirements, and the space used, resulting in increased costs.
It would be highly advantageous, therefore, to remedy the foregoing and other deficiencies inherent in the prior art.
Accordingly, it is an object the present invention to provide an adjustment mechanism with reduced complexity.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an adjustment mechanism which is easily fabricated and inexpensive.
And another object of the present invention is to provide an adjustment mechanism which is easily operated.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an adjustment mechanism which is very robust.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an adjustment mechanism which permits substantially infinite adjustability.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Briefly, to achieve the desired objects of the present invention in accordance with a preferred embodiment thereof, provided is an adjustment mechanism including a rack, and a first pinion meshingly engaging the rack for rotation of the first pinion and relative movement of the rack and first pinion. A second pinion meshingly engages the rack for rotation of the second pinion and relative movement of the rack and the second pinion. The second pinion is movable between an open position wherein the first pinion and the second pinion can be rotated, and an engaged position wherein the first pinion and the second pinion are mutually engaged with each other and the rack. The engagement prevents relative movement of the rack and rotation of the first pinion and the second pinion. A cam engages the second pinion for moving the second pinion between the open position and the engaged position.
In another embodiment, provided is an adjustable seat including a seat frame, and a rack mounted to a substrate. A first pinion is rotatably carried by the frame and meshingly engages the rack for movement of the frame relative the rack. A second pinion is rotatably carried by the frame and meshingly engages the rack for relative movement of the frame relative the rack. The second pinion is movable between an open position wherein the first pinion and the second pinion can be rotated, and an engaged position wherein the first pinion and the second pinion are mutually engaged with each other and the rack. The engagement prevents relative movement of the rack and frame, and rotation of the first pinion and the second pinion. A cam engages the second pinion for moving the second pinion between the open position and the engaged position.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2946326 (1960-07-01), Bates et al.
patent: 3403581 (1968-10-01), Harness
patent: 4408799 (1983-10-01), Bowman
patent: 4969621 (1990-11-01), Munchow et al.
patent: 5163736 (1992-11-01), Aljundi
patent: 5382076 (1995-01-01), Scheck et al.
patent: 5950978 (1999-09-01), Eguchi et al.
patent: 6058798 (1968-10-01), Lantzsch
Barfield Anthony D.
Elio Engineering Inc.
Goltry Michael W.
Parsons Robert A.
Parsons & Goltry
LandOfFree
Adjustment mechanism does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Adjustment mechanism, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Adjustment mechanism will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2583193