Abstract: An apparatus for sitting, including: a keystone assembly which connects various parts of the apparatus; a back that provides support for at least a person's back or shoulders; a floating lumbar support, which provides support for a person's lower back, attached to the keystone assembly; a seat that can adjust between a forward tilted and reclined position; a plurality of rollers, disposed on the keystone assembly, on which the seat rests; a central column, attached to the keystone assembly, on which the seat can spin; and a lower torsion spring connected to the seat and disposed on the keystone assembly allowing controlled movement of the seat.

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 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 seat having a trim carrier. A flexible region includes a base portion integrally connected with the trim carrier and a distal portion. A connector includes a first end connected to the distal portion and a second end connected to a motor. Actuation of the motor draws the connector and consequently the distal portion downward toward the base portion, thereby arcing the flexible region.

Abstract: A collapsible seat assembly providing a compact size in the stowed position. The seat assembly has a reduced overall height in the stowed position, and an articulated bolster and lumbar supports which provides a reduced compact size of the seat in the stowed position. A cover may extend over the seat in the stowed position.

Abstract: A vehicle seat comprises a rectangular-shaped seat back frame having right and left side frames; a flexible plate member provided between the right and left side frames; a seat back cushion provided in front of the flexible plate member; a mechanism for pushing the seat back cushion to a front direction by forwardly protruding the flexible plate member that results from the flexible plate member being bent; a headrest for supporting a head of a seat occupant, wherein the headrest is forwardly movably connected to the right and left side frames via right and left link members; and a rear-end collision detecting plate disposed at a portion of the seat back frame behind the seat occupant, wherein the rear-end collision detecting plate detects rearward movement of the seat occupant.

Abstract: A seat assembly includes a seat back frame pivotally coupled to a seat cushion for movement between a plurality of reclined seating positions and a fold flat position. A linkage includes first and second links having proximal ends pivotally coupled by a link pin. The first link includes a distal end pivotally coupled to the seat back frame. A control link is coupled at a first end to the link pin and at a second end to the seat cushion. A side bolster is pivotally coupled at an upper end to the seat back frame and at a lower end to a distal end of the second link. Pivoting of the seat back frame between the seating and fold flat positions urges the side bolster between a deployed position extending away from the seat back frame and a retracted position adjacent the seat back frame.

Abstract: A vehicle seat comprises a rectangular-shaped seat back frame having right and left side frames; a flexible plate member provided between the right and left side frames; a seat back cushion provided in front of the flexible plate member; a mechanism for pushing the seat back cushion to a front direction by forwardly protruding the flexible plate member that results from the flexible plate member being bent; a headrest for supporting a head of a seat occupant, wherein the headrest is forwardly movably connected to the right and left side frames via right and left link members; and a rear-end collision detecting plate disposed at a portion of the seat back frame behind the seat occupant, wherein the rear-end collision detecting plate detects rearward movement of the seat occupant.

Abstract: A four way lumbar support for an automobile seat includes a wire array, a fixed frame, and a basculating arm. When in its extended position, the basculating arm exerts pressure on the wire array thus providing lumbar support to the seat occupant at that point. A system of cables and sliding connections allows the basculating arm to slide along the fixed frame so that the lumbar support may be provided at different heights within the seat.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an adjustable seat occupant support assembly for a seat, such as a vehicle seat, which employs a drive equipped with an arm that bears against an adjuster shoe that urges part of a seat cushion of a backrest of a vehicle seat outwardly or inwardly. The adjustable support assembly is received in part of a molded seat shell that is three dimensionally formed to accommodate at least part of the lumbar adjuster drive. In a preferred embodiment, the shell has a molded drive-receiving compartment that can include a cradle that supports a drive received in the compartment. One or more integrally molded bearing support surfaces, including journals, can be formed in the shell upon which part of the drive can be movably supported. A drive actuator is provided that is also carried by an aperture or the like molded into the shell.

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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for effectively purifying and neutralizing toxic gases such as odors, fumes or various volatile organic compounds generated by research laboratories, chemical processing factories or hospitals where medicinal products are handled. The apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a main body having an intake, an exhaust and a control panel; a pre-filter, a first filter, first and second neutralizing pellet beds, and a second filter which are mounted in the apparatus main body and are placed from the intake to the exhaust in that order; and a blower and a driving device placed between the first and second neutralizing pellet beds. The apparatus effectively purifies and neutralizes toxic gases and collects fine particles or dust.

Abstract: An actuator has a rotatable input member coupled to a drive member such that rotation of the rotatable input member under an input load causes rotation of the drive member on a first axis. The drive member is coupled to a driven member such that rotation of the drive member causes rotation of the driven member on a second axis which is laterally offset from the first axis. A coupling between the drive member and the driven member is arranged to provide a rotational reduction from the drive member to the driven member. The driven member is arranged for connection to a wire of a Bowden cable having a sleeve seatable in relation to a housing for the actuator such that rotation of the driven member causes extension or retraction of the cable.

Abstract: A vehicle seat comprises a rectangular-shaped seat back frame having right and left side frames; a flexible plate member provided between the right and left side frames; a seat back cushion provided in front of the flexible plate member; a mechanism for pushing the seat back cushion to a front direction by forwardly protruding the flexible plate member that results from the flexible plate member being bent; a headrest for supporting a head of a seat occupant, wherein the headrest is forwardly movably connected to the right and left side frames via right and left link members; and a rear-end collision detecting plate disposed at a portion of the seat back frame behind the seat occupant, wherein the rear-end collision detecting plate detects rearward movement of the seat occupant.

Abstract: A seating element has an archable element with a first side to face an occupant of a seat when the seating element is installed in a seat and a second side opposite of the first side. A pneumatic arching element is arranged at the second side of the archable element.

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: The present invention is a lumbar support system that retreats into the seat back when reclined, providing a constant pressure support. The lumbar support system has a lumbar support basket that can retreat into the seat back. The lumbar support basket is supported by a crossbar that is pivotably connected to opposite sides of a seat frame via a pair of connecting members. A spring is provided for biasing the connecting members to a biased position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and processing method for drying lumber, for example two-by-four studs in an environment in a kiln in a manner to avoid warping, including crook, bow, cup and twist. The lumber pieces are stacked in a normal manner with stickers for providing air flow between courses of the lumber pieces, and the stack is dried while a horizontal force is provided to the respective courses of lumber in the stack to hold the individual pieces of lumber in edge to edge contact throughout the drying, equalizing, conditioning and cooling process for first drying of lumber, redrying of lumber or in a treatment process for removing warp from previously dried lumber. A vertical force comprising a weight or other force generating device can be also applied to the stack of lumber to augment the overall reduction in warpage if so evidenced.

Abstract: A four way lumbar support for an automobile seat includes a wire array (16), a fixed frame (20), and a basculating arm. When in its extruded position, the basculating arm (50) exerts pressure on the wire array (16) thus providing lumbar support to the seat occupant at that point. A system of Bowden cables and sliding connections allows the basculating arm to slide vertically along the fixed frame so that the lumbar support may be provided at different heights within the seat.

Abstract: An occupant lumbar support system includes a flexible lumbar support member having homogenously connected first and second connection braces. The lumbar support member is deflectable to a plurality of lumbar support positions. A rigid displacement rod is connected at a first rod end to one of the connection braces. A lumbar member actuation mechanism has a rotatable first actuation arm receiving a second displacement rod end. The actuation member translates the displacement rod causing the first and second connection braces to move toward each other, deflecting the lumbar support member to any of the lumbar support positions. A cable is connected at a first end to an actuation mechanism second actuation arm and at a second end to a displaceable lever manually movable to co-rotate the first and second actuation arms and translate the displacement rod.

Abstract: A vehicle seat comprises a seat back frame having a pair of side frames, a seat spring mounted between the side frames, a single plate-shaped flexible cushion plate mounted to the seat spring, a seat back cushion provided in front of the cushion plate, a single plate-shaped flexible auxiliary plate mounted on the cushion plate. The auxiliary plate is located between the cushion plate and the seat back cushion. The auxiliary plate pushes the seat back cushion to the front by being forwardly bent in response to an operation member. A collision detector is located on the rear side of the cushion plate having a predetermined distance therebetween.

Abstract: There is disclosed a vehicle seat provided with a system for facilitating relieving of fatigue of a person driving a vehicle, the vehicle seat comprising a seat back (1) having a pad (5), the system including an occupant's body-motion promoting mechanism (12) provided in the seat back so as to be arranged behind the pad for locally pressing an occupant's body during driving of the vehicle and releasing the occupant's body from pressure, thereby moving the occupant's body and promoting blood circulation of the person. The occupant's body-motion promoting mechanism is configured to intermittently perform repeated pressing/releasing operations with respect to the third lumbar vertebrae of the occupant in a range of three to seven times, at a stroke amount in a range of 10 mm to 20 mm, and at a time interval of 5 minutes to 10 minutes.

Abstract: A seat including a plurality of user support assemblies that are independently adjustable. User support assemblies, which are independently adjustable, include a head support assembly, a thoracic support assembly, and a lumbar support assembly. Moreover, the seat might include a independently adjustable seat assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle seat including a backrest which has a middle part laterally confined by side walls; an airbag module arranged in one of the side walls; adjusting means for adjusting the width of the backrest. The adjusting means have an adjusting element, which is arranged together with the airbag module in the side wall and movable relative to the middle part, via which the position of the side wall is changeable relative to the middle part. The adjusting element is connected to a section of the module housing of the airbag module so that the module housing is moved by moving the adjusting element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to task chairs that support the body of the user in healthy positions while the user performs various tasks over extended sitting periods and that provide independent and independently adjustable support to the lower and the upper back.

Abstract: A vehicle seat comprises a seat back frame having a pair of side frames, a seat spring mounted between the side frames, a single plate-shaped flexible cushion plate mounted to the seat spring, a seat back cushion provided in front of the cushion plate, a single plate-shaped flexible auxiliary plate mounted on the cushion plate. The auxiliary plate is located between the cushion plate and the seat back cushion. The auxiliary plate pushes the seat back cushion to the front by being forwardly bent in response to an operation member. A collision detector is located on the rear side of the cushion plate having a predetermined distance there between.

Abstract: A lumbar supporting device for a vehicle, may include an actuator, a lumbar plate slidably mounted to a seat back frame of the vehicle, and having a lumbar support part, wherein the lumbar support part is formed between upper and lower ends of the lumbar plate, and a driving unit coupled to the actuator and pulling both upper and lower portions of the lumbar plate together towards the lumbar support part, using power transmitted from the actuator.

Abstract: An Adirondack-style chair having a back with a curvate conformation providing enhanced comfort and support to a user, in relation to planar back structures traditionally used for such type chairs. The back can have a flattened S-shaped conformation, with an upper section having a curvature in a range of from 20-40 degrees and a lower section having a curvature in a range of from 40-60 degrees, as complementary angles to the angle that is included by the tangents to the ends of the curved sections.

Abstract: An adjusting device for a lumbar support comprises a pair of spaced guide members, an adjusting member coupled to the pair of guide members, and a drive mechanism for effecting an adjustment of the lumbar support. The adjusting member is displaceable along the pair of guide members and configured such that the lumbar support is adjusted when the adjusting member is displaced. The drive mechanism comprises a motor, which is provided on the adjusting member so as to be displaceable along the guide members jointly with the adjusting member. The motor may be coupled to a shaft having a structured exterior surface, the drive mechanism being configured to effect a relative displacement between the adjusting member and the shaft.

Abstract: A control device for regulating adjustment of vehicle seats is disclosed. The control device is a dual function control arm which combines the manual recliner and lumbar mechanism into a single handle. The handle is moved in a first direction to release the seat back recliner mechanism without affecting the lumbar adjustment mechanism. The same handle is moved in a second direction to actuate the lumbar adjustment mechanism without affecting the recliner mechanism.

Abstract: Seating mechanisms enable the user to vary the seating angle of a chair or stool by enabling at least the portion of the chair that supports the thighs to be tilted forwardly to controllably increase the seating angle while maintaining the spine and pelvic region in vertical alignment. The extent of forward tilt is controlled by pressure applied by the user's thighs that also serves to counterbalance the weight of the user's torso.

Abstract: An electronic equipment having a mechanism which, when a display unit side housing and an operation unit side housing are closed together, holds the housings without rattle. The electronic equipment has a first housing, a second housing provided on the first housing so as to be rotatable about a first pivot axis, and a third housing provided on the second housing so as to be rotatable about a second pivot axis substantially perpendicular to the first pivot axis. In order that the third housing tilts toward the first housing when the third housing is closed on the first housing, a flat surface perpendicular to the second pivot axis is constructed so as to form a predetermined angle relative to a flat surface of the first housing facing the third housing.

Abstract: A padding structure for a chair includes a back support, a seat plate, a foam disposed on the back support, two guiding lines mounted on the back support, and two guiding lines mounted on the seat plate. Each guiding line of the back support and the seat plate is connected with a resilient member to control flexibility of the resilient member. An adjustable member is used to control the expansion and retraction of the guiding lines to drive the resilient members to change their radii of curvature, correcting the user's improper posture.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes: a holder assembled to a back frame, the holder configured to receive a backrest load of a seated person via a pad member; a vibration device assembled to a rear side of the holder, the vibration device configured to give a local stimulus to a seated person's waist; an air massage device disposed in a through hole formed in a thickness direction of the pad member, the air massage device configured to locally press a seated person's back; and a lumbar support device configured to change a projecting amount of a receiving surface of a seat back, wherein the lumbar support device has a rod configured to be movable between an advancing position and a retreating position to change the projecting amount of the receiving surface of the seat back, and wherein the rod is disposed between the holder and the vibration device.

Abstract: A pelvic support apparatus for a seat having a seat back and a seat pan includes a frame positioned within the seat back and a pelvic support member coupled with the frame adjacent a bottom of the seat back and a rear of the seat pan. The pelvic support member is movable between a first, retracted position, and a second, extended position that provides support to a pelvic area of a person seated in the seat. The pelvic support member has first and second lateral support portions operable to provide support to the pelvic area, each lateral support portion spaced from a central axis of the seat back.

Abstract: A manipulable lumbar support adapted for use with a seat upright defining a first surface condition, includes a structure disposed within the upright and presenting a first configuration, and an actuator employing an active material element configured to cause the structure to achieve a second configuration when activated.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a seatback assembly that includes a backrest comprising shapeable material and an adjustable support, the backrest being attached to the adjustable support, the adjustable support being adjustable to alter the curvature of the backrest from top to bottom and then fix the backrest in place, thus shaping the backrest.

Abstract: A chair having a seat rotatably attached to a tilt spring portion of a tilt mechanism such that the tilt spring is activated by movement of the seat. A backrest and/or the seat can be rotatably connected to the tilt mechanism by parallel arm arrangements which permit the seat and backrest to tilt relative to each other. A tilt limiter can have a magnetic member which facilitates full movement of the tilt limiter between free and locked positions, and which creates an audible indication of full movement of the tilt limiter. The seat/backrest can be made from a flexible mesh material secured to a rigid overmolding which surrounds and is attached to an inner frame of the seat/backrest wherein an outer surface of the overmolding forms an outer surface of the seat/backrest frame and attachment of the overmolding causes the inner frame to stretch the mesh to a final condition.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an automotive recliner seat support device to provide a dynamic support for a driver's foot-leg-hip axis at its lower pelvic end to ease the driver's muscle stress from lower limbs to upper back when the driver is using his/her lower limbs to push the clutch and/or brake pedals in performing normal and emergency driving operations of a vehicle. Two preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed. The first one is an attachable device intended to retrofit to the existing vehicle seats; whereas the second one is integrated into the seat structure, and is intended to be built into future vehicles.

Abstract: A vehicle seat cushion structure whereby even when a steering wheel or other object is pushed closer toward a vehicle occupant after a vehicle is involved in a head-on collision and little space is left in front of the vehicle occupant, the space can be readily enlarged. The cushion structure comprises a supporting member provided on a seat frame and a cushion member disposed in a folded state on the supporting member. The folded cushion member is capable of being withdrawn from a cushion removal opening formed on a side of a seat. Space is provided between the vehicle occupant and the steering wheel or the like when the cushion member is removed via the cushion removal opening.

Abstract: A chair or seat comprising seat back (11) and seat bottom (10) is provided with one or more self inflatable devices (12) inserted therein. Each inflatable device comprises a flexible, open celled foam filled bladder connected to a control valve (13), and optionally, a bleed valve (27). Control and bleed valves can either be incorporated into the seat back or seat bottom or they can be provided in a remote panel (30) for operating the degree of inflation of the self inflatable devices. The control valves and bleed valves may be manually valves, or they may be electric valves incorporating solenoids. Electric valves can be used in combination with vehicle's electrical and central locking systems to provide for the automatic reinflation and preservation of personal settings.

Abstract: A chair for providing sacral support including a seat, a backrest, a flexible support member and a sacral support member. The backrest has a frame with a generally central opening. The membrane is formed from an elastic material connected to the frame and extends across the central opening. A sacral support member is positioned proximate the central opening and is configured to apply support to the sacrum of a user sitting on the seat. The sacral support member incorporates a load distribution system and method in order to properly support and fit the anatomical contours of the sacrum and pelvis of a user while seated in the chair.

Abstract: An adjustable lumbar support for a chair back having a frame with a top end and a bottom end. The frame has a series of flexing zones and a series of control zones. The adjustable lumbar support for a chair back further includes a support having a first end and a second end. The first end of the support is adapted to engage the top end of the frame. The lumbar support also includes an adjusting means adapted to adjust the support in a vertical plane for flexing of the frame and the chair back in a horizontal plane. The adjusting means is also adapted to engage the second end of the support and adapted to engage the bottom end of the frame. The frame is mounted to the chair back.

Abstract: An adjustable lumbar assembly for a vehicle seat is provided with a wireframe for attachment to a frame of the seat. The wireframe has a pair of spaced apart side members. A flexible lumbar support band has a pair of outboard portions affixed to the side members, a pair of lateral portions extending inboard from the outboard portions and pivotally connected to the outboard portions offset from the side members. A central portion of the support band is pivotally connected to the lateral portions. A cable assembly is mounted to the outboard portions for extension and retraction of the lateral portions and the central portion for providing adjustment of the lumbar assembly. A method for manufacturing an adjustable lumbar assembly is provided by forming a wireframe with the side members, inserting the wireframe into a mold, and molding a flexible lumbar support band to the wireframe side members.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle seat with a backrest (1) and a seat part (2a), wherein the seat part (2a) can be displaced in the forward and backward direction (4) with respect to a base frame (3, 11) and the backrest (1) has a lumbar spine region (14) which can be deformed in the forward and backward direction (13), wherein a rocker-like element (8) is provided which is arranged in the lumbar spine region (14) such that it can pivot about a horizontally running pivot axle (9), said rocker-like element extending at least partially along the longitudinal direction of the backrest, wherein the pivot axle (9) can be displaced together with the seat part (2a) in the forward and backward direction (4) and a pivotable section (8b) of the rocker-like element (8) is attached to the base frame (3, 11) in a backrest region of the base frame (3, 11).

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: The invention relates to a thin profile adjustable lumbar support system, particularly for use in automotive seat backs and other equipment used for sitting and reclining. The lumbar support system is assembled utilizing injection molding and overmolding technology to form some components and connect other components.

Abstract: A shingled thin seat back for a vehicle having a generally centrally-located panel which is movable in the rearward direction when the seat is occupied and which is immovable in the forward direction when folded flat to accept a load. The seat back includes a support structure which provides support to the movable panel. The support structure includes at least one edge and the panel includes at least one edge. The panel is movable from a first position where the edge of the support structure and the edge of the panel are in overlapping contact (creating a shingled arrangement) to a second position where the edge of the support structure and the edge of the panel are not in contact with one another but instead are spaced apart from one another.

Abstract: A support assembly having a first support region with adjustable degree of support and a second support region with adjustable degree of support for use in a seat structure is provided. The support assembly comprises a support member for incorporation into a seat frame, a first adjustment arrangement for adjusting the degree of support in the first support region, and a second adjustment arrangement for adjusting the degree of support in the second support region. The support assembly further comprises an actuator coupled to the first adjustment arrangement and to the second adjustment arrangement), the actuator being configured to simultaneously act on the first adjustment arrangement and on the second adjustment arrangement in opposite directions.

Abstract: A tiltable chair including a base, a fulcrum member having a curved support surface, a back support pivotally connected to the base at a pivot axis and pivotable between at least an upright position and a rearward tilt position, and at least one leaf spring having first and second ends, with the first end being restrained by the base. The at least one leaf spring engages the curved support surface of the fulcrum member at a first contact point when the back support is in the upright position and at a second contact point when the back support is in the rearward tilt position, wherein the second contact point is positioned rearwardly on the at least one leaf spring relative to the first contact point. A link member is pivotally connected to the back support at a first pivot location and is pivotally connected to the at least one leaf spring at a second pivot location. The link member defines a vector between the first and second pivot locations and the first pivot location and the pivot axis define a plane.