Abstract: A seat device for a vehicle includes a seat cushion, a slow deformation portion, and a rearward-tilt member. An occupant in the vehicle is to be seated on the seat cushion. The slow deformation portion is disposed in at least a portion of the seat cushion and is configured in such a manner that deformation of the deformation portion proceeds as a result of a load to be applied continuously to the slow deformation portion. The rearward-tilt member is disposed in a load direction in an inner portion of the slow deformation portion. When the slow deformation portion is deformed by the load, the rearward-tilt member is tilted rearward from its position before the load is applied.

Abstract: A seat assembly may include a seatback frame, a rear panel connected to the seatback frame, and a bolster body releasably connected to the rear panel. The bolster body may include a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The second portion may extend from a first side of the first portion. The third portion may extend from a second side of the first portion.

Abstract: A seat device for a vehicle includes a seat cushion, a slow deformation portion, and tilted standing members. An occupant in the vehicle is to be seated on the seat cushion. The deformation portion is disposed in at least a portion of the seat cushion and configured in such a manner that the deformation portion is deformed as a result of a load to be applied continuously to the deformation portion. The standing members stand in a load direction in an inner portion of the deformation portion and configured to be tilted as a result of the deformation of the deformation portion. When the outer and inner portions of the deformation portion are deformed by the load, the standing members in the outer and inner portions and the standing members in the inner portion are tilted respectively forward and rearward, from their respective positions before the load is applied.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted seat device includes an SB main frame, a backrest, an SB subframe, and one or more front-back position regulation mechanisms for regulating the position of the SB subframe in the front-back direction relative to the SB main frame. Each front-back position regulation mechanism includes a front restraining bracket secured relative to the SB main frame, a rear restraining bracket secured on the SB subframe, and a front-back wire strung between the front and rear restraining brackets. The rear restraining bracket is deformed such that its front end portion is displaced rearward relative to its end portion upon input of a load greater than a predetermined load. A maximum pulling load of the front-back wire is greater than a load that causes initial deformation of the rear restraining bracket.

Abstract: An adjustable chair support system includes a first seat back support member spaced from a second seat back support member, and a seat back tensioning assembly extending between the first and second seat back support members, the seat back tensioning assembly includes a carrier, an adjustable tension member coupled to the carrier, and a cable, wherein the cable extends between the first and second seat back support members a plurality of times, and wherein the adjustable tension member is configured to adjust a tension of the cable.

Abstract: A seatback assembly includes a seatback support frame, a seatback trim assembly operably coupled with the seatback support frame, and a seatback rear panel operably coupled with the seatback support frame. An upper hood assembly is operably coupled with an upper portion of the seatback assembly, wherein the upper hood assembly comprises a bezel extending longitudinally between an upper portion of the seatback trim assembly and the seatback rear panel, the bezel having a forward outer edge downwardly disposed against and in juxtaposed relation with the seatback trim assembly and a rear outer edge downwardly disposed against and in juxtaposed relation with the seatback rear panel.

Abstract: A vehicle seat control system comprises a plurality of seats, a plurality of wireless receivers arranged about the seats, a controller for each of the seats, and a data network between the wireless receivers and controllers. Each of the seats has a seat customization function controlled by its controller. The wireless receivers receive a wireless signal from a portable electronic device. At least one of the controllers measures signal strengths and times of flight for the wireless signal using the wireless receivers, analyzes the signal strengths and times of flight to detect a location of the electronic device, and determines if the location is in any of the seating zones. When the location is in one of the seating zones, the seat customization function for the seating zone with the location is controlled according to the electronic device.

Abstract: An aircraft passenger seat configured to facilitate ergonomic alignment of a passenger while in a sleeping position, including a seat bottom; and a seatback including a central opening corresponding to a shoulder region of a passenger, and a sleep support assembly mounted within the central opening, the sleep support assembly including an adjustable support member spanning a central portion of the seatback, where the adjustable support member is configured for at least one of translation and deformation; where, when the seat bottom is aligned with the seatback in a lie-flat seating position, a load provided by the shoulder region of the passenger, at least in a side-sleeping position, causes translation and/or deformation of the adjustable support member toward a floor of an aircraft cabin, thereby facilitating ergonomic alignment of the spine.

Abstract: A chair back structure includes a flexible sheet, the flexible sheet mounted on a support plate so as to adjust a curvature of a chair back by changing a curvature between two ends of the flexible sheet. A fixing segment of the flexible sheet is connected with an end of the support plate. The support plate includes two tilted abutting tabs configured to abut against with a moving segment of the flexible sheet in a sliding path, such that when the moving segment is operated to change the curvature of the flexible sheet, the moving segment slides along the two tilted abutting tabs forward or backward so as to produce a displacement, thus enhancing a bending deformation of the chair back.

Abstract: In a vehicle seat, a seat back frame includes a support hole disposed at an upper part thereof and a support portion disposed at a lower part thereof, the support hole extending through the seat back frame in such a direction as to connect an upper side and a lower side thereof. A pressure-receiving member comprises a pressure-receiving member main body, an upper restriction portion, and a lower hook portion. The upper restriction portion is inserted in the support hole, thereby restricting a position of an upper part of the pressure-receiving member in front-rear and lateral directions. The lower hook portion includes a first portion extending from the lower part of the pressure-receiving member main body and protruding rearward over an upper side of the support portion, and a second portion extending from a rear end of the first portion and lying along a rear side of the support portion.

Abstract: An aircraft is provided and includes a fixed frame including a ledge and a seat pan on which seating elements for seating an aircraft crewperson are disposable. The seat pan includes a hinge about which the seat pan is pivotable relative to the fixed frame and a flange disposable on the ledge to establish a first pivot position for the seat pan relative to the fixed frame and a seat pan lifter coupled to the fixed frame and selectively interposable between the flange and the ledge to establish a second pivot position for the seat pan relative to the fixed frame.

Abstract: A system for reclining a vehicle seat is provided. The system comprises a plurality of seat bracket spacers adapted to be secured between a seat mounting bracket and a vehicle floor. A plurality of leg spacers is adapted to be secured between a seat leg and the vehicle floor. The seat bracket spacers create a fixed seat recline while the leg spacers accommodate a gap between respective seat legs and the vehicle floor caused by the fixed seat recline. Each of the seat bracket spacers has a thickness which allows for the maximum amount of seat recline without any modification to factory brackets, legs, or mounting bolts. Additionally, the fixed seat recline does not impact operation of factory safety restraining devices; nor does it impact the ability of the vehicle seat to fold forward.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a method and apparatus for a novel double sling chair. The double sling chair simplifies the manufacture of sling chairs affording efficient and speedy construction. The double sling chair comprises a chair frame having a back section with an upper rail and a lower cross member, a decorative cross member, and a seat section, a seat panel coupled to the seat section of the chair frame, a first fabric back panel having length is coupled to the upper rail and the decorative cross member without having to thread the first fabric back panel to the decorative cross member, a second fabric back panel having length is coupled to the lower cross member and the decorative cross member without having to thread the second fabric back panel to the decorative cross member to form a back rest for the back section.

Abstract: A seat assembly includes a seat bottom with a deformable seat shell. The deformable seat shell is configured to change shape with a changing occupant load distribution. The seat shell is coupled with a support frame via a shell motion controller having one or more motion control links. Each motion control link is coupled with the seat shell at a fixed location relative to the seat shell and with the support frame at a fixed location relative to the support frame. The shell motion controller allows these fixed locations to move relative to each other and also constrains their relative movement. The combined seat shell deformation and controlled movement relative to the support frame can provide the seat occupant with a comfortable seating experience while preventing pelvis drift and potentially eliminating traditional foam seat cushions.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a cushion structure for a vehicle seat, the cushion structure allowing the hardness of the cushion to be adjusted according to an occupant's preference by simple operation. The present cushion structure for a vehicle seat has: a band (41) consisting of a flexible material, the band (41) being provided below the lower surface (1b) of a cushion foam and extending in the longitudinal direction of the seat; and a tension adjusting mechanism (5) for adjusting the tension of the band (41) consisting of a flexible material. The tension adjusting mechanism (5) adjusts the hardness of the cushion foam (1) by adjusting the tension of the band (41) consisting of a flexible material.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat bottom and a seat back extending upwardly from the seat bottom. The seat back includes a backrest and a headrest.

Abstract: A seating unit that includes an adjustable foundation, a torque-inducing mechanism, and a base structure for interconnecting a backrest and a seat is provided. The adjustable foundation provides adjustable support for, and is controlled by, an occupant of the seating unit. The adjustable foundation includes extensible supports that each have a first and second end, and a frame assembly. The frame assembly includes a stationary member that is fixedly attached to the first ends and a drive bar that is configured to secure the second ends of the extensible supports such that longitudinal tension is generated upon rotating the drive bar with respect to the stationary member. The torque-inducing mechanism adjusts an angular position of the drive bar. In this capacity, the drive bar is configured to convert torque applied by the torque-inducing mechanism into a directional force that controls the longitudinal tension of the extensible supports.

Abstract: A self-adjusting seat stiffness system that uses a tension member and tensioning device to maintain or increase tension in a seat component during a perceived vehicle dynamic event. The system may use an inertial latching spool for the tensioning device as an example of a way to maintain tension at a target acceleration of the spool by locking up the tension member, or may have a controller to control the tensioning member to provide variable tensions depending on varying perceived vehicle parameters. The tensioning of the tension member helps to avoid submarining of an occupant under a seatbelt due to unacceptable seat compression during a vehicle dynamic event.

Abstract: A seating structure includes a backrest member having an upper edge, opposite side edges and a lower edge. The backrest member has a forwardly facing convex shape formed along a vertical centerline thereof between the upper and lower edges. The lower edge has a forwardly facing concave shape. The lower edge has outer portions positioned forwardly of an entirety of the upper edge.

Abstract: A wheelchair having an adjustable seat includes a seat frame including first and second side support members. The side support members are extendable between a first position defining a first length and a second position defining a second length greater than the first length. A seat member is coupled at a first side thereof to the first side support member and at a second side thereof to the second side support member. The seat member extends between the first and second side support members to define a seat area having an initial depth corresponding to the first length of the side support members and a width corresponding to a distance between the side support members. The seat member includes an auxiliary portion for extending the seat member to an extended depth corresponding to the second length of the side support members.

Abstract: The invention concerns a seat forming a rigid sitting surface (8) and a backrest frame (1) globally oriented in intersecting directions in a crossover area situated towards the rear of the rigid sitting surface, characterized in that it includes a flexible sheet (3), in that the backrest frame includes a device (7) for suspension of said flexible sheet, disposed higher than the rigid sitting surface, in that said flexible sheet includes a transition panel (18) extending between the suspension device and an intersection area (9) globally in front of the suspension device, so that said transition panel serves as a rear sitting surface portion and a bottom backrest portion.

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 seat width adjustment mechanism includes a first adjustment element and a second adjustment element, and an actuator for adjusting the distance between the two adjustment elements. A guiding element is connected to each of the adjustment elements. A piece of material extends over and between the two adjustment elements and is held under tension so that the guiding elements slide under the material to change the amount of seat forming material by changing the distance between the two adjustment elements.

Abstract: A back support adjustment system including a flexible suspension system having an adjustable and interchangeable flexing means positioned in between a frame and a support member. The back support adjustment system further includes an adjustable back support system having a housing integral with a back support surface and a tension assembly movable within the housing. Both the tension assembly and the adjustable back support system are adapted to engage the frame so that the movable tension assembly adjusts the tension of the adjustable back support system and the adjustable flexing means controls movement of the flexible suspension system.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a method and apparatus for a novel double sling chair. The double sling chair simplifies the manufacture of sling chairs affording efficient and speedy construction. The double sling chair comprises a chair frame having a back section with an upper rail and a lower cross member, a decorative cross member, and a seat section, a seat panel coupled to the seat section of the chair frame, a first fabric back panel having length is coupled to the upper rail and the decorative cross member without having to thread the first fabric back panel to the decorative cross member, a second fabric back panel having length is coupled to the lower cross member and the decorative cross member without having to thread the second fabric back panel to the decorative cross member to form a back rest for the back section.

Abstract: A wheelchair having an adjustable seat includes a seat frame including first and second side support members. The side support members are extendable between a first position defining a first length and a second position defining a second length greater than the first length. A seat member is coupled at a first side thereof to the first side support member and at a second side thereof to the second side support member. The seat member extends between the first and second side support members to define a seat area having an initial depth corresponding to the first length of the side support members and a width corresponding to a distance between the side support members. The seat member includes an auxiliary portion for extending the seat member to an extended depth corresponding to the second length of the side support members.

Abstract: A seating structure includes a backrest member having an upper edge, opposite side edges and a lower edge. The backrest member has a forwardly facing convex shape formed along a vertical centerline thereof between the upper and lower edges. The lower edge has a forwardly facing concave shape. The lower edge has outer portions positioned forwardly of an entirety of the upper edge.

Abstract: An actuating element for a lordosis supporting device driven by a traction rope and a lordosis supporting element in a vehicle seat are provided. The actuating device includes a deflecting element that is mounted on a frame such that it is pivotable about an actuating shaft and includes a rope guiding element that is arranged with the fastening point and the deflecting element in such a way that a rope portion leading toward the deflecting element and a rope portion leading away from the deflecting element are guided approximately parallel in a starting position. In preferred embodiments, a fixed end of the traction rope is fastened to the frame at a fastening point and a free end of the traction rope is guided at least partially around the deflecting element for actuating the device.

Abstract: An orthopedic device for improving posture while sitting, having a foundation member including a front portion for upper legs and a bowl portion for lower pelvic area. The bowl portion has a central portion and an upwardly inclined lateral portion. The lateral portion and the front portion collectively surround the central portion. A platform portion is connected with a concave recessed portion. An arm portion is connected to the platform portion. The central portion has plural regions of varying flexibility and the lateral portion has plural regions of varying flexibility. A seating apparatus is connected with the orthopedic seating device.

Abstract: A seat assembly includes a frame supporting an elastomeric seating surface such that there are no rigid points of contact at the front and rear regions of the seating surface. Tension across the front and rear regions of the seating surface are independently adjustable by altering the front and rear widths of the frame. The frame widths are adjusted by rotating front and rear threaded frame members.

Abstract: An occupant lumbar support system for a furniture member includes a belt member having a longitudinally elastically flexible first portion having opposite first and second ends and a longitudinally inelastic second portion. The first portion is connected to the second portion at the first and second ends. The second portion when spaced freely away from the first portion except at the first and second ends defines a belt member free state. The second portion has opposed first and second connecting ends extending freely away from the first and second ends. First and second tensioning members are each connected to one of the first and second connecting ends whereby operation of the first and second tensioning members longitudinally elastically stretches the first portion until the second portion moves into substantially continuous contact with the first portion between the first and second ends defining a belt member aggressive state.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat bottom and a seat back extending upwardly from the seat bottom. The seat back includes a backrest and a headrest.

Abstract: In one aspect, a seat includes a perimeter frame and a weight bearing surface. The perimeter frame includes a front frame member, two contoured lateral frame members, and a contoured rear frame member. Each lateral frame member has a front portion, a second portion proximate the user's thighs, a concave curve portion proximate the user's pelvis, and a rear portion, the bottom of the concave curve portion being lower than the second portion and lower than the rear portion. The rear frame member has a central dip portion. The weight bearing surface on which the user sits includes a plurality of straps attached to the perimeter frame. Other aspects relate a method for making a seat and a method for fitting a seat to a user.

Abstract: A seat construction for providing a seat back or base support, such as for a seat back, includes a planar member and an elastomeric fastener. The planar member is positioned on a portion of the seat and stretched thereon to create tension on the planar member and for providing structural support for an occupant of the seat. The elastomeric fastener is coupled to the planar member and to the seat for fastening the flexible planar member to the seat and maintaining the tension on the planar member.

Abstract: An occupant lumbar support system for a furniture member includes a belt member having a longitudinally elastically flexible first portion having opposite first and second ends and a longitudinally inelastic second portion. The first portion is connected to the second portion at the first and second ends. The second portion when spaced freely away from the first portion except at the first and second ends defines a belt member free state. The second portion has opposed first and second connecting ends extending freely away from the first and second ends. First and second tensioning members are each connected to one of the first and second connecting ends whereby operation of the first and second tensioning members longitudinally elastically stretches the first portion until the second portion moves into substantially continuous contact with the first portion between the first and second ends defining a belt member aggressive state.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus which can be used to move a person supported on the apparatus between a lying position in which the apparatus is substantially flat on a support surface and a seating position supported by the apparatus. The apparatus includes a frame which supports sheet material on which the person is supported. The apparatus can be moved between said conditions with the person supported thereon.

Abstract: In order to symmetrically act on a support member (20) of a support assembly on both sides using a single Bowden cable (18), a traction cable arrangement is used with comprises the Bowden cable, a first traction wire (17), and a coupling device (16) for coupling the first traction wire (17) to the Bowden cable (18). The first traction wire (17) is fixedly attached to the coupling device (16) and extends therefrom in a first direction. The sheath of the Bowden cable (18) is fixedly attached to the coupling device (16), and the wire of the Bowden cable (18) extends from the coupling device (16) in a second direction substantially opposite to the first direction and forms a second traction wire (19). The first traction wire (17) and the second traction wire (19) are slidably held on the support member (20) and are connected to a seat frame (30) at their ends.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat back having a backrest, a backrest support, and a linkage arranged to interconnect the backrest and the backrest support. The linkage is configured to support the backrest for movement relative to the backrest support.

Abstract: An self adjusting back support assembly for a seat is provided comprising a plurality of pivotally adjustable back support members juxtaposed one another such that each of said back support members is able to pivot about an axis contained wholly within an adjacent back support member allowing the back support assembly to adopt a serpentine contour substantially following a contour of an occupant's back.

Abstract: A chair includes a seat section, a back section and a spine support member. The back section includes a frame having an upper side, a lower side and lateral sides which form an opening, the lower side being in closer proximity to the seat section than the upper side. The back section further includes a material portion attached to the frame which extends across the opening. The back section has a front side and a back side with the front side in closer proximity to the seat section than the back side. The spine support member is attached to the back side of the back section and positioned against a rear of the material portion, the spine support member having an elongated shape with a major axis intersecting the upper and lower sides of the frame.

Abstract: A seating unit that includes an adjustable foundation, a torque-inducing mechanism, and a base structure for interconnecting a backrest and a seat is provided. The adjustable foundation provides adjustable support for, and is controlled by, an occupant of the seating unit. The adjustable foundation includes extensible supports that each have a first and second end, and a frame assembly. The frame assembly includes a stationary member that is fixedly attached to the first ends and a drive bar that is configured to secure the second ends of the extensible supports such that longitudinal tension is generated upon rotating the drive bar with respect to the stationary member. The torque-inducing mechanism adjusts an angular position of the drive bar. In this capacity, the drive bar is configured to convert torque applied by the torque-inducing mechanism into a directional force that controls the longitudinal tension of the extensible supports.

Abstract: A chair includes a lower back frame, a back construction, including a back support attached to the lower back frame, a cushion assembly attached to the back support, and a vertically adjustable lumbar frame positioned between the back support and the cushion assembly. The lumbar frame includes a transition shell and a vertically sliding lumbar device having a plurality of horizontal flexible wires. A lower edge of the transition shell is positioned on top of an uppermost horizontal flexible wire of the lumbar device. The lumbar device is operably slidably mounted between the outer shell and cushion assembly and the transition shell upper edge slides between the outer shell and the upholstery cushion assembly. Also disclosed is a chair including a Y-shaped lower back frame having two uprights and a cross-piece attached to the back support. The uprights and cross-piece of the lower back frame include an overlap flange and the back support includes a channel-shaped flange having detents.

Abstract: A motor vehicle seat comprises a seat component and a backrest. The backrest has a shell structure which is provided on an occupant side with an upholstered element. The shell structure has at least one depression for accommodating the upholstered element. The upholstered element is thickened at the location of the at least one depression. The shell structure may have a central part and side wings arranged in an elastically resilient manner on the central part.

Abstract: A back support adjustment system including a flexible suspension system having an adjustable and interchangeable flexing means positioned in between a frame and a support member. The back support adjustment system further includes an adjustable back support system having a housing integral with a back support surface and a tension assembly movable within the housing. Both the tension assembly and the adjustable back support system are adapted to engage the frame so that the movable tension assembly adjusts the tension of the adjustable back support system and the adjustable flexing means controls movement of the flexible suspension system.

Abstract: A chair type stretching apparatus in this invention comprises a seat, a backrest, a flexible sheet, a tension means, and a controller. The flexible sheet is disposed on a top of the seat to extend an entire width of the seat. The tension means is provided on the seat and is configured to apply tensional force to the flexible sheet so as to move a center of the flexible sheet toward an upper direction of the seat. The controller is configured to control the tension means in order to move the center of the flexible sheet to a vertical direction. The tension means is provided on at least one width end of the seat in order to apply the tensional force along a width direction of the seat to the flexible sheet, whereby the tension means moves the center of the flexible sheet to the vertical direction.

Abstract: A cable wiring structure of a vehicle seat is provided including a headrest attached to a seat-back, a skin member covering the seat-back, a cable extending in the seat-back, a wire member extending between sides of a frame, and a strip member attached to the wire member. When the cable is pulled and the headrest is moved to a seat front side, the cable is moved to extend through a guiding recess portion formed in a portion of the wire member and a portion of the skin member is pulled into the seat-back as the portion of the skin member is extended by the strip member over the guiding recess portion.

Abstract: The chair type stretching apparatus in this invention comprises a seat, a backrest, a flexible sheet, a tension means, and a controller. The backrest has a width. The flexible sheet is disposed in front of the backrest to be movable between a normal position and a projected position. The flexible sheet in the normal position lies in a close relation with a front surface of the backrest. The flexible sheet in the projected position is spaced away from the front surface of the backrest. The tension means is provided on the backrest in order to apply tensional force to the flexible sheet so as to move a center of the flexible sheet toward a front direction of the backrest. The tension means is provided on at least one width end of the backrest in order to apply tensional force along a width direction of the backrest to the flexible sheet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a backrest for a chair, comprising: an external backrest frame (1) that has two backrest frame legs (11, 12); an internal (H-shaped) stretching frame (4) that has two lateral stretching frame legs (41, 42) between which a flexible covering (44) and an extensible and compressible (convex) stretching frame transversal connection (43) are arranged; and at least one hand wheel (6a, 6b) that is disposed externally on a backrest frame leg (11, 12) and is fitted with a threaded bar (61) which extends through the backrest frame leg (11, 12). The threaded bar (61) allows the adjacent stretching frame leg (41, 42) to be pulled closer such that the stretching frame transversal connection (43) is extended and the flexible covering (44) is stretched while allowing the adjacent stretching frame leg (41, 42) to be moved away such that the stretching frame transversal connection (43) is compressed and the flexible covering (44) is slackened.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a frame, a flexible cover, and a material that is sufficiently mounted with respect to the flexible cover such that the material resists displacement of at least part of the flexible cover with respect to the frame. The material is characterized by a first state in which the material is characterized by a first rigidity, and a second state in which the material is characterized by a second rigidity that is greater than the first rigidity. Thus, the firmness of the seat is selectively variable by causing the material to change between the first and second states. A corresponding method is also provided.

Abstract: A chair or a seat, in particular a seat for motor vehicles, includes an ergonomic device for supporting the body of the occupant, comprising a supporting panel having supporting laths, set at a distance from one another, which can be arched towards the body of the occupant, each independently of the others, by a respective actuator, which includes an actuator element constituted by a shape-memory material, which undergoes a reduction in length following upon heating above a predetermined transition temperature, higher than ambient temperature. Associated to the panel are electrical-supply means for supply of the shape-memory actuators and electronic control means for activating the laths independently and/or in succession according to any predetermined logic, in particular according to successive waves of activation, for example from above downwards, or from below upwards, or alternately from above and from below, so as to obtain a massaging effect.