Abstract: A screwdriver device including a handle having an elongate channel extending partially therethrough of the handle and an axial blade member having a first distal end and a second distal end being configured and disposed for sliding through the elongate channel of the handle and a locking mechanism configured and disposed for releasably locking the axial blade member at a first operable position relative to the handle wherein the first distal end is exposed and the second distal end is disposed within the handle. The screwdriver device further includes a first tool head disposed on the first distal end of the blade member and an ejection mechanism configured and disposed within the handle to constantly urge the axial blade member out of the locking mechanism from the first operable position to a second inoperable position.

Abstract: A reusable device for securing to and providing a tethering point for a tool to assist a user in preventing dropping of the tool, to help a user retrieve a dropped tool or to assist a user from losing a tool. Where the device is hollow with a removable rotating cap and a body with a wider top end and a smaller exit port at the other end. The hand tool is inserted from the top into the wider end and the blade of the tool passes through and is secured by the exit port. The body is trimmable to accommodate various handle lengths. The device also provides a refreshed grip for worn out tool handles.

Abstract: A wheeled backpack includes a bottom frame member, a fabric bag portion, a pair of laterally spaced wheels, a pair of side frame members, and a telescoping handle that can move between a retracted position and an extended position where the handle can be grasped by a user to roll the backpack on the wheels. The handle is located so that there is little or no fore and aft offset of the center of mass/gravity of the backpack, which minimizes torquing on the handle and associated pivoting of the backpack in a user's hand when the backpack is lifted by the handle with the handle in the retracted position.

Abstract: A wheeled backpack includes a bottom frame member, a fabric bag portion, a pair of laterally spaced wheels, a pair of side frame members, and a telescoping handle that can move between a retracted position and an extended position where the handle can be grasped by a user to roll the backpack on the wheels. The handle is located so that there is little or no fore and aft offset of the center of mass/gravity of the backpack, which minimizes torquing on the handle and associated pivoting of the backpack in a user's hand when the backpack is lifted by the handle with the handle in the retracted position.

Abstract: A screwdriver device including a handle having an elongate channel extending partially therethrough of the handle and an axial blade member having a first distal end and a second distal end being configured and disposed for sliding through the elongate channel of the handle and a locking mechanism configured and disposed for releasably locking the axial blade member at a first operable position relative to the handle wherein the first distal end is exposed and the second distal end is disposed within the handle. The screwdriver device further includes a first tool head disposed on the first distal end of the blade member and an ejection mechanism configured and disposed within the handle to constantly urge the axial blade member out of the locking mechanism from the first operable position to a second inoperable position.

Abstract: A screwdriver device including a handle having an elongate channel extending partially therethrough of the handle and an axial blade member having a first distal end and a second distal end being configured and disposed for sliding through the elongate channel of the handle and a locking mechanism configured and disposed for releasably locking the axial blade member at a first operable position relative to the handle wherein the first distal end is exposed and the second distal end is disposed within the handle. The screwdriver device further includes a first tool head disposed on the first distal end of the blade member and a second tool head disposed on the second distal end of the blade member and an ejection mechanism configured and disposed within the handle to constantly urge the axial blade member out of the locking mechanism from the first operable position to a second inoperable position.

Abstract: A reversible tool holder assembly is adapted for insertion into a handle in either of two orientations to present two different ends extending from the handle. The reversible tool holder assembly includes a first barrel and a second barrel that are axially aligned, and a ratcheting mechanism that is disposed axially between the first and second barrels and configured to provide a reversible ratcheting mechanical connection between the first and second barrels. The ratcheting mechanism is configured to provide a reversible ratcheting mechanical connection or a solid mechanical connection between the two barrels.

Abstract: A screwdriver device including a handle having an elongate channel extending partially therethrough of the handle and an axial blade member having a first distal end and a second distal end being configured and disposed for sliding through the elongate channel of the handle and a locking mechanism configured and disposed for releasably locking the axial blade member at a first operable position relative to the handle wherein the first distal end is exposed and the second distal end is disposed within the handle. The screwdriver device further includes a first tool head disposed on the first distal end of the blade member and a second tool head disposed on the second distal end of the blade member and an ejection mechanism configured and disposed within the handle to constantly urge the axial blade member out of the locking mechanism from the first operable position to a second inoperable position.

Abstract: A reversible tool holder assembly is adapted for insertion into a handle in either of two orientations to present two different ends extending from the handle. The reversible tool holder assembly includes a first barrel and a second barrel that are axially aligned, and a ratcheting mechanism that is disposed axially between the first and second barrels and configured to provide a reversible ratcheting mechanical connection between the first and second barrels. The ratcheting mechanism is configured to provide a reversible ratcheting mechanical connection or a solid mechanical connection between the two barrels.

Abstract: A seating unit is provided having a base, a back frame pivoted to the base for movement between upright and reclined positions, and a seat slidably supported on the base assembly and pivoted to the back frame so that the seat moves forwardly and its rear moves forwardly and downwardly with the back frame upon recline. A flexible back shell is connected to the back frame at top and bottom locations for controlled flexure when a seated user reclines and/or flexes his/her back, and is provided with lumbar adjustment for improved lumbar force/support and shape.

Abstract: A seating unit includes a seat and back operably supported for synchronized reclining movement. The back includes a back support with separate upper and lower portions pivotally coupled to a back frame at upper and lower connections, respectively. The upper and lower portions combine to define a forwardly-protruding convex shape and include mating structure forming an expansion joint that permits collapse and expansion as the upper and lower portions are flexed between a more-convex shape and a more-planar shape. In one form, the lower portion includes first and second sections pivoted together, with the upper portion and the first and second sections forming thoracic, lumbar, and pelvic regions of the back support, respectively.

Abstract: A seating unit is provided having a base, a back frame pivoted to the base for movement between upright and reclined positions, and a seat slidably supported on the base assembly and pivoted to the back frame so that the seat moves forwardly and its rear moves forwardly and downwardly with the back frame upon recline. A flexible back shell is connected to the back frame at top and bottom locations for controlled flexure when a seated user reclines and/or flexes his/her back, and is provided with lumbar adjustment for improved lumbar force/support and shape.

Abstract: A seating unit includes a seat and back operably supported for synchronized reclining movement. The back includes a back support with separate upper and lower portions pivotally coupled to a back frame at upper and lower connections, respectively. The upper and lower portions combine to define a forwardly-protruding convex shape and include mating structure forming an expansion joint that permits collapse and expansion as the upper and lower portions are flexed between a more-convex shape and a more-planar shape. In one form, the lower portion includes first and second sections pivoted together, with the upper portion and the first and second sections forming thoracic, lumbar, and pelvic regions of the back support, respectively.

Abstract: A back construction for a seating unit includes a back frame, and a compliant back having a forwardly-protruding lumbar support section that is characteristically flexible and bendable, such that the compliant back can be flexed to a plurality of different convex shapes. Top and bottom connections pivotally connect the compliant back to the back frame. An adjustable force-generating mechanism is operably attached to at least one of the compliant back and the back frame. The force-generating mechanism is constructed to provide an adjustable biasing force that adjustably biases the lumbar support section forwardly for optimal lumbar support for a seated user's back, but the force-generating mechanism characteristically provides the biasing force without forcing a shape change in the compliant back. A vertically adjustable lumbar support is slidably attached to the back shell.

Abstract: A seating unit includes a flexible back including a concavely-shaped lumbar region, and a tensioned cover stretched over the concavely-shaped lumbar region. A lumbar device is fit between the front surface and the covering, with a tension of the covering biasing the lumbar device against the lumbar region and resulting in a frictional force retaining the lumbar device in a selected vertical position. In one form, the lumbar device is sufficiently stiff to maintain its vertical cross sectional shape and to change a shape of the lumbar region as the lumbar device is adjusted vertically, but is sufficiently flexible to conform to a horizontal shape of the lumbar region as a seated user moves and twists while seated in the seating unit.

Abstract: A back for a seating unit, such as a chair, includes a back frame and a compliant back that is flexibly bendable to define different curvilinear shapes for sympathetically and ergonomically supporting a seated user's back. The back includes a bracket with forwardly-extending flanges pivotally connecting the compliant back to the back frame at a bottom connection generally aligned with a seated user's hip joint. The back also includes a top connection pivotally connecting the back to the back frame above the first connection. An adjustable torsional force-generating mechanism is connected to the first connection that biases a lumbar portion of the compliant back forward with respect to the chair. The top and bottom connections, in combination with the adjustable force generating mechanism, constrain the compliant back to move over a range that provides excellent ergonomic lumbar support to a seated user.

Abstract: A back for a seating unit, such as a chair, includes a back frame and a compliant back that is flexibly bendable to define different curvilinear shapes for sympathetically and ergonomically supporting a seated user's back. The back includes a belt bracket with forwardly-extending flanges pivotally connecting the back to the back frame at a first connection generally aligned with a seated user's hip joint. The back includes a second connection pivotally connecting the back to the back frame at a second location spaced vertically above the first connection. An adjustable force generating mechanism is connected to the first connection that biases a lumbar portion of the back forward with respect to the chair. The first and second connections, in combination with the adjustable force generating mechanism, constrain the compliant back to move over a range that provides excellent ergonomic lumbar support to a seated user.

Abstract: A seating unit is provided having a base assembly, a back frame pivoted to the base assembly for movement between upright and reclined positions, and a seat slidably supported on the base assembly and pivoted to the back frame so that the seat moves forwardly and its rear moves forwardly and downwardly with the back frame upon recline. A flexible back is connected to the back frame at top and bottom locations and is provided with lumbar adjustment for improved lumbar force/support and shape. A seat is provided with seat depth adjustment and with active and passive thigh flex support. A novel energy mechanism is provided that includes a moment arm shift adjuster for adjusting the spring tension on the back frame. The moment arm shift adjuster is readily adjustable and includes an overtorque device to prevent damage to components of the energy mechanism.

Abstract: A back construction for a seating unit includes a back frame, and a compliant back having a forwardly-protruding lumbar support section that is characteristically flexible and bendable, such that the compliant back can be flexed to a plurality of different convex shapes. Top and bottom connections pivotally connect the compliant back to the back frame. An adjustable force-generating mechanism is operably attached to at least one of the compliant back and the back frame. The force-generating mechanism is constructed to provide an adjustable biasing force that adjustably biases the lumbar support section forwardly for optimal lumbar support for a seated user's back, but the force-generating mechanism characteristically provides the biasing force without forcing a shape change in the compliant back. A vertically adjustable lumbar support is slidably attached to the back shell.