Steelcase has filed a patent for a seat assembly that includes a base, a support platform with a flexible pad, and a link connecting the base and pad. The pad and link are pivotable around a flex region, allowing for adjustable seating positions. GlobalData’s report on Steelcase gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Steelcase, gesture-based recognition systems was a key innovation area identified from patents. Steelcase's grant share as of June 2023 was 1%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
A seat assembly with a pivotable support platform and link
A recently filed patent (Publication Number: US20230189999A1) describes a seat assembly with several unique features. The seat assembly includes a base and a support platform positioned above the base. The support platform has a pad with a hinge portion that defines a flex region. The pad is pivotable about the flex region, and a link connects the base to the pad. The upper portion of the link is also pivotable with the pad about the flex region.
In one embodiment, the flex region includes a first flex region, and the lower portion of the link is coupled to the base at a second flex region. This allows the link to pivot relative to the base about the second flex region. The seat assembly may also include a body support member that is supported by the support platform.
The pad in the seat assembly is defined by an opening in the support platform, and the opening is U-shaped. The pad extends rearwardly from the hinge portion. The upper portion of the link includes a flange that is coupled to the bottom surface of the pad. The flange is connected to the pad using a fastener that extends through an opening in the pad. The flange may have a boss structure that extends upwardly into the opening, and the fastener is engaged with the boss structure.
The hinge portion of the seat assembly is made of a more flexible material than the portion of the support platform connected to the hinge portion. In some embodiments, the hinge portion is overmolded to the support platform. The seat assembly may also include multiple pads, hinge portions, and flex regions, as well as multiple links that are laterally or longitudinally spaced from each other.
Overall, this patent describes a seat assembly with a unique design that allows for flexibility and pivotability. The use of different flex regions and materials in the hinge portion and support platform provides enhanced functionality and comfort. The multiple pads and links offer versatility in the assembly's configuration. This seat assembly could have potential applications in various industries, including automotive, furniture, and aerospace.
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GlobalData, the leading provider of industry intelligence, provided the underlying data, research, and analysis used to produce this article.
GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
