Abstract: An apparatus and method for a heat shield with an integrated air filter assembly is disclosed. Wherein the air filter assembly comprising a filter material circumferentially extending such that the filter material surrounds at least a portion of an interior cavity of the air filter, a distal end cap affixed to a distal end of the filter material, and a wire support extending along at least a portion of an exterior surface of the filter material; and wherein the heat shield is configured to direct cooler air into an air intake conduit extending from an intake portion of an automobile engine for combustion.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly, comprising a first seat component and a second seat component, is provided. The second seat component is adjustable relative to the first seat component—preferably about a pivot axis—and a resetting device is provided, by means of which a resetting force is exerted on the second seat component in direction of a neutral position, when the second seat component is adjusted with respect to the neutral position. The resetting device at least includes the following:—a spring element in which a portion is rotated about an axis of rotation, when the second seat component is adjusted with respect to its neutral position, and the spring element thereby is tensioned, so that via the tensioned spring element at least a part of the resetting force is provided, and—a force transmission element.

Abstract: Multipurpose tactile warning panels (TWPAs) for use in pedestrian walkways, and in particular tactile warning panels that are designed and built with multifunction/multipurpose capabilities that serve the visually impaired and enable the deployment of smart city technology. The TWPAs integrate tactile warning systems and subsurface enclosures that can withstand pressures of five (5) tons up to and exceeding sixty (60) tons and incorporate small cells, beacons, sensors, Fog Computing, electric energy generation, rechargeable power supplies, wireless M2M communication and a plethora of other smart city technologies.

Abstract: Multipurpose tactile warning panels (TWPAs) for use in pedestrian walkways, and in particular tactile warning panels that are designed and built with multifunction/multipurpose capabilities that serve the visually impaired and enable the deployment of smart city technology. The TWPAs integrate tactile warning systems and subsurface enclosures that can withstand pressures of five (5) tons up to and exceeding sixty (60) tons and incorporate small cells, beacons, sensors, Fog Computing, electric energy generation, rechargeable power supplies, wireless M2M communication and a plethora of other smart city technologies.

Abstract: A vehicle seat support carrier includes an upper seatback panel having a flexible body portion. A first set of flexible suspension members undulate in a first direction. A second set of flexible suspension members undulate in a second direction generally perpendicular to the first direction. A lower seatback panel is operably coupled to the upper seatback panel. The lower seatback panel includes a border member defining a central aperture and first and second bolster supports. A central portion of each of the first and second bolster supports includes a plurality of flexible suspension members.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes right and left side frames 10, and an elastic member (cushion spring 20) run between the right and left side frames 10. The right and left side frames 10 include side walls 11 disposed opposite to each other in a lateral direction, and flange portions (upper flange portions 12) respectively extending laterally inward from the side walls 11, and the elastic member is attached to the flange portions.

Abstract: 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 and variations in thickness that vary the load support characteristics in different directions. In another embodiment, a surface is both oriented and includes mechanical structures.

Abstract: A load bearing surface assembly has an oriented, molded load bearing surface intersecured with a relatively rigid orienting member. The characteristics of the orienting member are selected such that the orienting member provides a rigid edge member for holding the load bearing surface during the orienting process and/or for mounting the load bearing surface to a support structure. A pair of orienting members are mounted to opposed edges of the load bearing surface. The load bearing surface may be integrally molded into a unitary construction with the orienting member(s). Methods for manufacturing a load bearing surface having an orienting member and a load bearing surface assembly with a load bearing surface and an orienting member are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack and a compression system for providing compressive force to a fuel cell stack having first and second ends is provided. The compression system includes asymmetric leaf springs operatively connected to first and second ends of the fuel cell stack. Each leaf spring includes a slot having first and second connector positions. The compression system also includes tension members connected to the leaf springs. The tension members compress the leaf springs to provide a compressive load to the fuel cell stack.

Abstract: The mattress assemblies have an array of springs extending from a sheet. Each spring in the array may be manufactured by choosing a position for the spring, cutting a profile of the sheet spring in the sheet, peeling back or bending the profile or tab of the sheet, and shaping the profile to form the sheet spring. The array of springs may be formed from creating a plurality of such springs along rows and columns. In certain embodiments, multiple sheets may be stacked to form the sheet spring array.

Abstract: A shock absorber for vehicle seat is provided. The shock absorber is suspended on a seat frame so as to elastically support a pad. The shock absorber includes: a plurality of wires that are disposed in parallel to the seat frame, both ends of the wires being locked to the seat frame; and a resinous member that connects the wires to each other, the resinous member having a bent portion, wherein the resinous member is elastically deformable in a direction in which the wires are opposed each other in accordance with a deformation of the bent portion.

Abstract: A seating product comprising a seat deck assembly secured at opposite ends to a frame. The seat deck assembly comprises a seat deck. A textile border is disposed between at least one end of the seat deck assembly and the frame. The textile border is attached to the frame, thereby flexibly coupling the seat deck assembly thereto. Cushions, padding or an upholstered covering can complete embodiments of the seating product.

Abstract: A flexible volumetric structure has a first spring that defines a three-dimensional volume and includes a serpentine structure elongatable and compressible along a length thereof. A second spring is coupled to at least one outboard edge region of the first spring. The second spring is a sheet-like structure capable of elongation along an in-plane dimension thereof. The second spring is oriented such that its in-plane dimension is aligned with the length of the first spring's serpentine structure.

Abstract: A hook-ended steel wire netting includes a first cross rail having a row of first sockets on its outer portion in a line along an axial direction; a second cross rail having a row of second sockets on its outer portion in a line along an axial direction; one or more longitudinal steel wires, both ends of which are hooks, a first end hook of each steel wire encloses a part of the outer portion of one of the cross rails and is secured by being inserted into one of the first sockets, and a second end hook of each steel wire encloses a part of the outer portion of one of the cross rails and is secured by being inserted into one of the second sockets.

Abstract: Composite material spring modules have a fiber reinforced composite material spring body with attachment fittings integrally formed about the spring body. The attachment fittings are molded of a flexible material which dynamically responds to changes in the shape of the spring body upon deflection. Integral formation of the fittings with the spring body provides a unified single piece module which is readily attachable to any structure where spring support is desired. In one embodiment, a mounting foot is configured for mounting of the spring module directly to a planar surface of a supporting frame member by a fastener, or alternatively configured to engage with a frame member without use of a fastener. The composite material spring modules exhibit the properties of stiffness and return to uncompressed state from total depth deflection without set.

Abstract: Disclosed is a spring formed from a synthetic resin into one body, including: a plurality of annular members arranged in such a manner as to be coaxial with each other and spaced in parallel to each other; and elastic linkage members for linking the annular members to each other at a plurality of points. In the spring, each of the elastic linkage members is arranged along a virtual cylindrical face formed by the annular members and formed into a lying U-shape curved in the peripheral direction of the annular members; radii of adjacent ones of the annular members are different from each other; and one end portion and the other end portion of each of the elastic linkage members, which portions are respectively linked to the adjacent ones of the annular members, are not overlapped to each other in the axial direction.

Abstract: A bedding product comprising a collapsible spring assembly, a pad covering the spring assembly and a fabric covering encasing the padded spring assembly. The spring assembly comprises a plurality of collapsible spring modules connected to a plurality of spaced parallel helical lacing wires and locking means to hold the assembly in an expanded condition and prevent its collapse. Each of the spring modules comprises four individual wires joined together with helical lacing wire wrapped around a center section of each of the wires. Upon the collapse of the assembly, each of the spring modules collapses. The assembly is held in an expanded condition by a plurality of locking rods, pieces of plastic mesh or other locking means.

Abstract: A bedding product comprising a collapsible spring assembly, a pad covering the spring assembly and a fabric covering encasing the padded spring assembly. The spring assembly comprises a plurality of collapsible spring modules connected to a plurality of spaced parallel connecting rods and locking means to hold the assembly in an expanded condition and prevent its collapse. The parallel connecting rods are located between border rods in the top and bottom planes of the assembly. Each of the spring modules comprises four individual wires joined together with helical lacing wire wrapped around a center section of each of the wires. The center sections of the wires define an axis about which each of the wires are capable of rotational movement. Upon the collapse of the assembly, each of the spring modules collapses rotating around the axis of the module. The assembly is held in an expanded condition by a plurality of locking rods, pieces of plastic mesh or other locking means.

Abstract: A low profile composite material bedding foundation system and methods of manufacture and assembly uses spring modules made of molded composite materials and supported by inner frame members. The low-profile of the spring modules, and the composite material spring property of return to uncompressed state from total depth deflection without set, greatly decreases the height of the bedding foundation in which the spring modules are attached directly to foundation frame members. The small size and simple geometry of the spring modules is especially suited for flexible arrangement and automated assembly of low-profile foundations.

Abstract: A formed wire spring assembly having upper and lower spaced decks including a border wire and a plurality of deck wires arranged in a criss-cross fashion. The deck wires of the upper deck and lower decks are paired with one another and are connected by springs disposed between the two decks to support the decks in spaced relationship and yieldable fashion relative to one another.

Abstract: A spring includes upper and lower runs of wire interconnected by an intermediate run of wire, all of the runs being integrally formed from spring wire. The opposite ends of the upper and lower runs respectively include hooks and coils while the intermediate run includes a coil. The hooks and coils of the upper and lower runs are used to connect the spring to an adjacent spring with the hook of one spring being received about the coil of an adjacent spring. The upper and lower runs are offset above and below the coils of the upper and lower runs respectively to accommodate a helical wire which is wrapped around the upper run for interconnecting runner wires which extend transversely of the upper run. The runner wires have offset portions which are secured to the upper runs by the helical wire. In one form the coils in the upper and lower runs are provided with a projecting recess or ear for receiving the hooks of an adjacent spring.

Abstract: A spring includes upper and lower runs of wire interconnected by an intermediate run of wire, all of the runs being integrally formed from spring wire. The opposite ends of the upper and lower runs respectively include hooks and coils while the intermediate run includes a coil. The hooks and coils of the upper and lower runs are used to connect the spring to an adjacent spring with the hook of one spring being received about the coil of an adjacent spring. The upper and lower runs are offset above and below the coils of the upper and lower runs respectively to accommodate a helical wire which is wrapped around the upper run for interconnecting runner wires which extend transversely of the upper run. The runner wires have offset portions which are secured to the upper runs by the helical wire. In one form the coils in the upper and lower runs are provided with a projecting recess or ear for receiving the hooks of an adjacent spring.

Abstract: A seat spring unit for use in the seats of vehicles, chairs, sofas and the like. The unit utilizes flat spring steel members arranged in a generally parallel arrangement from the front to rear frame members of the seat. Each of the spring steel members is formed with one of more downwardly extending vee-arches near the front and/or rear frame member to provide flexibility, comfort and support for the seat cushions while greatly simplifying the structure of the unit. Additionally, the center portion of each spring member has an upwardly crowned area between the vee-arches to better control the load deflection.

Abstract: A box spring assembly in which the mattress support deck is supported by crosswires having integral, planar, sinuous end springs to provide improved peripheral support. Intermediate support springs are interwoven on the crosswires thus eliminating the need of retaining clips in assembly. The interweaving of the support springs on the crosswires allows the support springs, crosswires and integral sinuous end springs to act as a single entity. So constructed, the cost of manufacture is lowered and the ease of manufacture is increased.

Abstract: The member is intended to connect the zigzag tensioning wires mounted parallel to each other in a frame reinforcing a seat cushion. It comprises a flat bar (12) provided at regular intervals with gripping lugs (14) pressing against the bar a straight portion of the wire which is parallel to this bar. Side walls (16, 17) of the bar comprise spaced notches for receiving and fixing portions (4b) of the wire substantially perpendicular to the bar. Since the bar has a lug gripping each wire, the latter are kept at a precise distance from each other and the cushion is locally tensioned.

Abstract: A spring interior comprising a plurality of longitudinally extending bands of springs disposed side by side and connected together by helical lacing wires in the top and bottom faces of the bands. Each band of springs comprises a single length of wire formed into a plurality of substantially vertical coils of springs interconnected by interconnecting segments of wire located alternately in the top and bottom faces of the bands. Each interconnecting segment comprises a longitudinally extending bridging portion, a pair of transversely extending end portions, and a transversely extending support structure. The corners defined by the intersections between the bridging portions and the end portions of the interconnecting segments are radiused by radii of differing dimension so as to colinearly align the bridging portions of each band of springs.

Abstract: A self-contained and self-supporting wire suspension system is provided for use within a seat construction. The system includes either one bolster wire or a pair of parallel bolster wires, a set of parallel stringer wires wrapped around the bolster wire(s), and a pair of parallel border wires secured to the free ends of the stringer wires. The system further includes a top or seat supporting portion defined by the segments of the stringer wires which extend between the bolster wires or between one border wire and a bolster wire. The top portion is resiliently supported by at least one leg portion defined by stringer wire segments extending between bolster and border wires. The border wires are secured to a support surface or a wire frame. Lateral support members extend diagonally between the leg portions to provide stability. The stringer wires may be embedded within a plastic foam seat cushion.

Abstract: A spring cushion structure with a plurality of hour-glass shaped spring coils arranged in columns and rows with adjacent springs within a row connected at the top and bottom by a helical wire extending between adjacent columns and with the marginal coils attached at the top to a border wire extending around the assembly. A transparent sheet is placed between the bottoms of the assembly and support sinuous wires which are bent to provide an upwardly extending integral suspending arm and bent again to provide an outwardly extending shepherd hook shaped attachment arm which is attached to a wood frame surrounding the periphery of the entire structure.

Abstract: A seat spring assembly for upholstered furniture incorporates an inverted torque arm adjacent the back rail of the furniture frame. The torque arm is formed upwardly out of the body of a sinuous spring band which descends from its crown closer to the front rail, in a continuous curve, to lower end of the torque arm at a point below the level of the top of the back rail. The torque arm is connected, from its upper end to the back rail, by translatory means which include a generally horizontal link.

Abstract: A bent wire spring module provided with spirally-formed attaching elements at its upper end for interengagement with the border wires of a grid frame.

Abstract: A sinuous spring band assembly and a plurality of seat spring assemblies incorporating the sinuous spring band assembly. Each sinuous spring band assembly has a torsion bend complex at its front end and another torsion bend complex at its back end. The bend complex at the front end is pivotably connected by a link member to the front rail of the seat spring assembly. The bend complex at the back end is pivotably connected by a link member to the back rail of the seat spring assembly. The front end bend complex comprises a pair of downward bends and the front end bend complex comprises a single upward bend.

Abstract: A resilient furniture seat support is provided with spring assemblies formed of base springs which have upper springs mounted thereon. Each base spring is formed of a length of wire with forward and rear mounting portions which are connectible to the front and rear rails of a seat frame. The upper springs have base portions connected to and supported by the base spring, resilient vertically collapsible midportions, and upper attachment portions adapted for attachment to transverse border wires or crosswires. Two upper springs have their attachment portions connected together. The base spring has a resilient vertically collapsible section, and an attachment portion is located at the upper end of this collapsible section. The upper attachment portion of the base spring is attached to the upper attachment portion of one of the upper springs.

Abstract: A spring module for use in a spring assembly embodying a base frame and a grid frame comprising lower and upper attaching elements for connecting the module to the base frame and grid frame and a plurality of lower and upper symmetrically-disposed, legs yieldable in bending connecting the lower and upper attaching elements.

Abstract: A furniture spring assembly (10,10',10") provides support for a torsion bar spring (16) between spaced frame members (12,14). An elongated support (44) of the spring assembly extends from a fishmouth torsion bar (22) at a frame mounted end (18) of the spring (16) to a foot (42) at the other spring end (38) and then for connection to the other frame member (14). Each of three preferred embodiments of the elongated support preferably includes a helical spring (71) that provides the connection thereof to the frame member (14). One embodiment of the support (44) includes an elongated metal strip (72) having a first end (74) hooked to the fishmouth torsion bar (22) and having a second end (76) including an attachment flange (80) and an attachment loop (82) that are secured to the foot (42) of the second spring end.

Abstract: A spring deck for upholstered seating consisting of a thin deck sheet, flexible transversely of its plane but inelastic in its plane, arranged generally horizontally over an open seat frame, and being connected at its front and rear edges to the frame, the connection at its rearward edge being by edge springs resiliently yieldable toward its forward edge so that it may yield downwardly responsively to top loading, and vertically yieldable sub-springs disposed beneath the central portion of the deck sheet and biased to offset that portion of the deck sheet upwardly above a plane determined by its front and rear edge connections, so that a load imposed on the deck is supported first by the sub-springs and later by both the sub-springs and the edge springs. The forward edge of the deck sheet may be supported by springs which are vertically yieldable, but not yieldable toward the rear deck sheet edge, in order that the deck sheet provides a soft-edge yieldability at its forward edge.

Abstract: A furniture seat base which employs a series of front and/or back torsioned sinuous spring bands. Predetermined patterns of torsioned bands produce an interaction which generate spring dynamics designed to produce a seat unit which may be sat upon from the front, back, sides, or corners with excellent comfort characteristics. The bands are selectively supported adjacent the rails to obviate objectionable "lean-out.

Abstract: A box spring assembly has an array of vertical springs attached to a horizontal foundation and supporting a deck or platform for receiving a bedding load, i.e. a mattress and its occupant(s). The assembly has a plurality of deck elements each formed from a single length of wire with an elongate central section terminating in curved sections extending at least in some elements into spring legs. The deck elements are arranged in parallel lengthwise rows with adjacent elements of each row having aligned central sections. Adjacent curved sections are secured to each other and to adjacent rows by transverse helical connecting elements. The central sections of the spring elements and the transverse helical connecting elements together form the deck for receiving the bedding load. This deck is supported by the spring legs which are secured at their lower ends to the foundation.

Abstract: A wire spring assembly adaptable for use in a mattress for a sleeper sofa or roll-away bed in which individual wire spring units are secured to each other and arranged in rows that extend transversely of the assembly. Each spring unit has a pair of end portions, a plurality of torsion bars and one or more connecting bars extending between the torsion bars. The end portions are adaptable to be attached to the corresponding end portions of adjacent spring units in the same row. The assembly further includes a plurality of flexible wire members extending longitudinally of the assembly substantially the length thereof, which are secured to the end portions of some of the spring units to position the rows while allowing the mattress to be folded.

Abstract: A spring assembly comprising a base frame, a grid frame, coils connected at their lower ends and upper ends to the respective frames wherein the grid frame is provided with crossing longitudinal and transverse wires so positioned as to enable spacing the coils transversely of the grid frame at a uniform spacing and wherein the longitudinal wires of the grid frame are provided with deviations for receiving diametral portions of the coils and retaining the latter from movement relative to the grid frame.

Abstract: A prestressed sinuous spring for furniture springing in which the upwardly spanned are or contour is loaded and depressed to a modified depth and contour by incorporating and selectively positioning a reinforcing link with the prestressed sinuous spring to resist tension and bending forces to which the prestressed sinuous spring is subjected upon loading between the ends thereof.

Abstract: A family of improved seat base assemblies for furniture seats and automotive seats and the like. A cushion base means, which might comprise a plurality of sinuous spring bands, a wire mesh unit, or chord rubber webbing or the like, is mounted between the front, back, and side nails of the seat frame. Rail connecting means connect at least the back rail to the cushion base means. The rail connecting means provides vertically resilient support to the cushion base means which increases as the cushion base means moves downwardly under load. In one form of the invention rail connecting means connect a wire mesh unit to all four of the rails, around its entire periphery.

Abstract: An automatic tire chain for driver operated vehicles includes a chain device that is moved to the road contact surface of a tire from a position adjacent thereto by means of a spring mechanism placed under tension when the chain is held away from the road contact surface of the tire. A pair of rings, one being fixed to the wheel and the other being slideably mounted thereon are provided with indexing slots. The slideable ring has a chain affixed thereon and is moved relative to the fixed ring by an operator activated engaging mechanism mounted on the vehicle. The engaging means engages the indexing slots and moves the slideable ring relative to the fixed ring while the vehicle moves along the road at a speed less than 10 miles per hour placing the chain adjacent to the road contact surface of the tire.

Abstract: A seat spring assembly having sinuous spring bands wherein the outermost band adjacent a side rail is provided supplemental resilient resistance to deflection by a combination of a trust member and a key member. As a result, a uniform spacing can be maintained between the bands across the entire seat frame.

Abstract: A structure for a motor vehicle seat, particularly a rear fixed or overturnable seat, comprises a perimetrical frame made of a ring-like closed metal tube and a plurality of springing elements disposed between the front and rear portions of the perimetrical frame, and each springing element has a cross member situated below the plane of the perimetrical frame for providing anchorage points to which the upholstery of the seat may be fixed without requiring the use of auxiliary members.

Abstract: A seat spring assembly comprising the combination of a sinuous spring band connected between the front and back rails of a furniture seat frame and a rectangular loop, zig-zag wire spring unit rigidly secured to the top of the spring band. A substantially horizontal cushion support section of the unit extends between the front rail and a point approximately three-quarters of the way from front to back rails. The unit introduces torquing compression to the band near the front rail and in the body of the band away from the back rail as a subject is seated.

Abstract: In a cushion support element for incorporation in a structure such as a seat, bed or the like comprising a platform formed by lateral side edge wires sheathed in a compressible material, and a plurality of transverse spring wires wound around the sheathing of the edge wires, an improved connection is provided between the transverse wires and the edge wires in that the transverse wires are wound around the sheathing, hooked over upon themselves to provide an interlocked connection and then bent back towards the sheathing so that their free ends engage the latter. This both shields the sharp ends of the transverse wires and also urges the sheathing into the crook of the wound transverse wire to ensure a tighter connection.

Abstract: A rail connector and improvement in seat base support assembly. The connector takes two basic forms. In the first a pre-stressed, close wound coil, disposed either transversely or longitudinally of the connector, is effective to continuously bias the seat base support means upwardly. In the second a cantilevered, curved spring arm serves the same purpose. The connector may be configured to reach into the body of a sinuous spring band, for example, and define a torque arm in the band, at the back rail. All forms are applicable to wire mesh, chord rubber webbing, flat steel bands and sinuous, both arced and dearced.

Abstract: A rail connector and improvement in seat base support assembly. The connector, in its simplest form, comprises a generally V-shaped body fabricated of spring steel wire, the body having diverging side legs and then rail attachment and spring attachment legs extending in opposite directions from the free ends of the side legs. The rail-attachment leg or legs may be fixed to the rail, pivotally attached thereto, or attached in articulated fashion. The spring-attachment leg may be pivotally connected to the seat base support means or, particularly where a sinuous spring band is involved reach up into the band. Varying the side leg dimensions varies the seat base performance.

Abstract: A metallic clip for holding the end bar of a sinuous cushion-supporting spring in position on the wooden rail of an article of furniture and having a horizontal base portion which seats on the top surface of the rail and a downturned flange which lies flush with the outside face of the rail, such flange having rail-penetrating anchor prongs which, when the clip is applied enters the wood transversely of the general plane of the wood grain, preferably at a right angle so as to inhibit splitting of the rail. The clip is formed from a flat metal blank by a punch press stamping operation in such a manner so that each prong is shorter than the width of the blank with the two prongs interfitting so that when they are bent out of the plane of the flange.

Abstract: A rail connector and improvement in seat base support assembly. The connector takes two basic forms. In the first a pre-stressed, close wound coil, disposed either transversely or longitudinally of the connector, is effective to continuously bias the seat base support means upwardly. In the second a cantilevered, curved spring arm serves the same purpose. The connector may be configured to reach into the body of a sinuous spring band, for example, and define a torque arm in the band, at the back rail. All forms are applicable to wire mesh, chord rubber webbing, flat steel bands and sinuous, both arced and dearced.