Abstract: An actuator system configured to generate a haptic effect, the actuator system including a housing of an electronic device, the housing being configured to form a mechanical ground, a first actuator disposed between a first moving mass and the mechanical ground, the first actuator being configured to render the haptic effect, and a second actuator disposed between a second moving mass and the mechanical ground, the second actuator being configured to dampen the haptic effect.

Abstract: A suspension therapy apparatus features a hammock formed from a rectangular textile modified at its long edges with a first and second plurality of attachment loops. The hammock suspends from a support with suspension hardware that permits the hammock to swing back and forth and rotate 360 degrees. One or more safety straps weave through and removably attach to one or more loops among the pluralities of attachment loops on the textile according to specified patterns to accommodate patients who wish to sit or lay in the hammock and to prevent patients from falling or becoming entangled in the straps. Additional optional features include a pulley system that allows a therapist to raise and lower the hammock as needed, an integrated or removable seat, and anchor points for securing the hammock with ties to fixed points on the ground or frame.

Abstract: A lateral brake assembly of a seat locking mechanism comprises: a first lateral brake including a first track bar and a first housing; a second lateral brake including a second track bar and a second housing; a carriage tube operably connected to the first lateral brake and the second lateral brake; a plurality of first slots located in the first track bar; and a first lateral lock pin operably connected to the carriage tube. The first housing in operation moves over the first track bar and locks onto the first track bar. The second housing in operation moves over the second track bar and locks onto the second track bar. The carriage tube in operation moves the first lateral brake and the second lateral brake to at least one of a locked position and an unlocked position, when the carriage tube rotates.

Abstract: A system for mitigating electrostatic discharge (ESD) that may occur during egress from vehicles is provided. One embodiment comprises a narrow conductive electrode that is galvanically connected to the vehicle chassis, and that is applied to that one edge of a seat which is next to the door nearest that seat. For example, in the U.S., this edge will normally be the left edge of the driver's seat, or the right edge of the front passenger's seat. The electrode is substantially located on a normally unoccupied surface of the seat cushion. Other embodiments further include pointed shapes on the electrode to increase the electric field intensity, which may promote more complete discharging.

Abstract: An armrest assembly may include a base member, an armrest member, and a brake mechanism. The armrest member may be linearly movable relative to the base member between a first position and a second position. The brake mechanism may include first and second brake members. The first brake member may be fixed relative to the base member. The second brake member may be movable with the armrest member relative to the base member and may be movable relative to the first brake member between an engaged position restricting relative movement between the armrest member and the base member and a disengaged position allowing relative movement between the armrest member and the base member. The first and second brake members may be engageable with each other at any of an infinite number of positions between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A chair including a dynamically-flexible back and seat having a shape that adjusts to the movements of a user seated in the chair to enhance user comfort. Each of the back and seat has an air gap formed therewithin and a resilient frame or liner with a spring memory. The resilient liner is adapted to flex in response to compressive forces that are generated as the user slides his body back or from side-to-side in the chair. Accordingly, some of the chair back and some of the chair seat move into respective air gaps so that the shapes of the back and seat change to conform to the movements of the user. The air gaps also establish air flow ventilation channels which run laterally through the back and seat of the chair.

Abstract: A seat belt for a motor vehicle front seat is provided with a belt having a lower branch that has one end designed to be connected to an anchor point in the motor vehicle and is thickened via an additional element; the additional element is arranged on just one of the faces of the belt, along a rear edge of the lower branch, and comprises a bar, which is substantially parallel to said rear edge and is fixed to the belt.

Abstract: A child restraint harness includes first and second shoulder straps, a first chest clip connector held with the first shoulder strap and having an engaging part, and a second chest clip connector held with the second shoulder strap and having a catch structure. The engaging part is operable to engage and lock with the catch structure selectively at a first position to hold the first and second shoulder straps apart from each other at a first distance, and at a second position to hold the first and second shoulder straps apart from each other at a second distance greater than the first distance.

Abstract: A support apparatus, for use in supporting a device such as a sex toy, the inflatable apparatus comprising an attachment portion and a holding portion which is attached to the attachment portion, and which defines an aperture therethrough, the holding portion having an inflatable element which is operable to adjust the size of said aperture.

Abstract: A vehicle seat is provided with an operation portion that protrudes toward a rear seat from an opening formed at an outer shield and that is used to unlock a recliner from the rear seat side and a reinforcement member that is attached to a cushion frame side so as to cover a notch formed near the opening of the outer shield. Engagement hooks that engage with respective engagement holes formed at edges of the notch and a fixing portion that is fixed to a plate provided at the cushion frame side are formed at the reinforcement member.

Abstract: A reclining device includes: a first member attached to one of a seat back and a seat cushion and having an attachment protrusion with an erected wall surface; a second member fitted into the first member and attached to the other member of the seat back and the seat cushion; a lock mechanism that controls relative rotation of the first and second members; an operation member that controls the lock mechanism; a spring disposed at the first member and biases the operation member; and a spring cover covering the spring, the spring cover having an elastic protrusion that can press-contact the erected wall surface of the attachment protrusion of the first member.

Abstract: A vehicle seat including: a moving member that moves as one with a rail configured to move in a vehicle front-rear direction; a seat cushion that is coupled to the moving member through a lifter mechanism, is disposed above the rail, and is configured such that the top-bottom direction position of the seat cushion is capable of being adjusted by the lifter mechanism; and a gap concealing member that extends between a vehicle rear direction lower portion of the seat cushion and the rail to conceal a gap between the seat cushion and the rail. The gap concealing member is integrally formed from the top end portion to the bottom end portion.

Abstract: A vehicle seat having a backrest which is arranged on a seat part such that it can be pivoted and/or rotated by means of an adjusting mechanism, wherein the adjusting mechanism is covered with a covering and the covering is provided in two parts. The first part is made of a comparatively hard plastic material and the second part is made of a comparatively soft plastic material.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a method and apparatus for a novel single sling chair. The single sling chair simplifies the manufacture of sling chairs affording efficient and speedy construction.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus for lifting a user from a sitting position to a semi-upright position. The lifting apparatus is positioned under the seat portion and along the back portion of the chair. The lifting surface extends from a first roller over a second roller and along the front surface of the chair to the base of the lifting apparatus adjacent the front of the chair. A seating area can be provided in the lifting surface to keep the user in position on the lifting surface. To use the lifting apparatus, the first roller is rotated to wrap the lifting surface onto the first roller which moves the lifting surface away from the front surface of the chair and lifts the user away from the chair.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle seat and to a method for producing said vehicle seat, in particular for motor vehicles, comprising a plurality of structural or retaining parts which are joined together or to a further part in at least one joining region, the join being produced by friction welding in at least one of the joining regions.

Abstract: A seatback for a vehicle seat, the seatback including: a frame to which a pad is mounted, the frame including, a pair of side frames extending along respective side parts of the seatback, and an extension bar extending between the side frames; and a cover that is rotatably attached to the extension bar along an outer surface of the extension bar.

Abstract: A method of making a chair includes the steps of providing at least one female fastener device. The at least one female fastener device is inserted into a substrate for attaching the at least one female fastener device to the substrate such that at least a portion of that female fastener device's body defining a channel extends into the substrate and the projections extend through the substrate such that the distal ends of the projections extend beyond a second side of the substrate that is opposite a first side of the substrate. The distal ends of the projections are bent into the second side of the substrate. At least one male fastener is inserted into the channel of the at least one female fastener device to attach a chair component to the substrate.

Abstract: A gaming chair for use with a gaming machine that conducts a wagering game, the chair includes a seat and a tactile device for providing tactile sensations via the seat according to at least one of events occurring in the wagering game, and player input through an input device.

Abstract: There is provided a seat gap hiding structure in a vehicle seat where a cutout portion is formed on a seat cushion to arrange a seat belt therein, and a strip-shaped member is provided on a seat cover to correspond to the cutout portion at a part of the cutout portion, which is other than an arrangement position of the seat belt to cover a gap around the seat belt. One end portion of the strip-shaped member is fixed to the seat cover and the other end portion thereof is movably fixed to the seat cover using an elastic member. When the strip-shaped member is moved from an original position where the strip-shaped member covers the gap of the cutout portion, the elastic member generates an elastic force to return the strip-shaped member to the original position.

Abstract: A trim covering for a seat assembly of a vehicle, the trim cover having an inner and outer surface and a bonding tape applied to at least one of the inner or outer surfaces. The bonding tape is used to bond portions of the trim cover together, provide additional structural integrated to the trim cover and provide improved craftsmanship in closing-out certain areas of the trim cover. A method of performing a trim cover assembly for use in a seat assembly of a vehicle. The method includes applying heat and pressure over a predetermined time period to bonding tape arranged at a joint between at least two trim components, placing such bonding tape and trim components in a mold, and applying heat and pressure over a predetermined time period to such trim components having the bonding tape arranged at a joint, to form a one-piece trim assembly.

Abstract: The side part of a vehicle seat, meaning either a seat side part or a side part of a seat back, comprises a layered structure. It has at least two layers. A first layer is a sheet steel part determining the shape of the side part. A second layer is a reinforcement body that has a material thickness in the y direction that is greater than the material thickness of the sheet steel part.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle vibration apparatus with a horizontal spring device for the horizontal springing of a seat element and/or a driver's cab with respect to a base element, wherein the horizontal spring device is arranged between the seat element or the driver's cab respectively and the base element, and comprises at least one spring element, the longitudinal axis of which extends substantially parallel to a surface of the base element, and at least one adjustment element, which reacts automatically to inclinations of the seat element with respect to a horizontal plane and which first increases the spring pre-stressing of the spring element in order subsequently to position the horizontal spring device in the centre of the spring path.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a fastening device for use in a children's chair (40) with a seat plate (41), wherein the seat plate has a vertical through hole, characterized in that a cross piece (1) connected to two side pieces (2) which are joined by a cross bar (3) and defining an opening (6), wherein the cross bar (3) is positioned in a vertical distance from the cross piece (1) when the fastening device is mounted; two mainly vertical lining elements (4) to be inserted into the hole, connected to the underside of the cross piece (1) and/or side pieces (2) in their upper ends, wherein the lining elements (4) each comprise at least one locking hook 5 in their lower ends which have a larger horizontal extent than the lining elements.

Abstract: A seat belt extender having a rigid non-flexible elongated flat strap with a male connector attached to a first end of the rigid non-flexible elongated flat strap for removably engaging a female connector attached to the floor of an automobile of a three point seat belt and shoulder strap restraint system, and a female connector attached to a second end of the rigid non-flexible elongated flat strap for removably engaging a male connector of the three point seat belt and shoulder strap restraint system. The rigid non-flexible elongated flat strip will stand upright when removably attached to the female connector and has a length that is between two and sixteen inches. The rigid elongated flat strip also has a bend that will locates the female connector of the seat belt extender sideways out away from the side of the seat by a distance of between one inch and four inches when removably attached to the female connector.

Abstract: Described are several mechanisms for permitting a user to adjust the seat on a stationary exercise bicycle. The described mechanisms can be used to adjust the height of the seat or the fore and aft positioning of the seat on an upright type bicycle. Each of the described mechanisms can be configured to provide users with an optimum seat position and with a convenient latch mechanism to adjust the position of the seat.

Abstract: A seat structure includes a frame having a plurality of parts having respective joining surfaces. Two respective joining surfaces, which belong to two respective different parts, are joined to one another by laser-welding. A method of forming a seat frame having a plurality of parts includes the steps of positioning the parts in a fixture, fixing the position of the parts relative to one another and laser-welding the parts to form the seat frame.

Abstract: A guard device for preventing accumulation of items under a piece of furniture featuring a center panel, a first extension plate, a second extension plate, a third extension plate, a fourth extension plate, and a back panel. The panel and extension plates removably attach to each other via attachment means and together form a barrier around a piece of furniture with the extension plates functioning as side panels. The attachment means allow the height, width, and length of the device to be adjusted to fit around the piece of furniture. The device also features securing tabs pivotally attached to the top edge of both the center panel and back panel. The securing tabs help keep the device secured around the furniture.

Abstract: Seat covers for protecting furniture such as upholstered chairs and methods of their use are disclosed in the present application. In some instances, the seat covers are designed to provide resistance to water and other liquids, while providing an attractive, binding, protective cover that is both aesthetically pleasing and comfortable. The seat covers can include a liquid-resistant, soft to the touch, fabric and straps oriented at corners with connectors for allowing the straps to connect with one another without the need to tie straps to one another or to a chair leg. The length of the straps and the shape of the fabric area can also be configured to provide additional functionalities which are advantageous relative to previous seat covers. Methods of using seat covers are also disclosed.

Abstract: A headrest removal assembly may include a removal device that is operable by an engagement surface to permit removal of a headrest assembly from a seat. The headrest removal assembly may also include a cap that covers the engagement surface to prevent access to the engagement surface and to prevent removal of the headrest assembly. The cap may be moveable with respect to the removal device to uncover the engagement surface to provide access to the engagement surface and to permit removal of the headrest assembly.

Abstract: A seat damper assembly for a chair includes a rubber element having a through hole and a bracket seat having a major surface with a raised portion around a perimeter of the major surface. A support bracket is configured to be coupled with the bracket seat such that the raised portion abuts an outer edge of the support bracket. A side of the support bracket opposite the bracket seat is shaped to receive a portion of a chair frame assembly. A fastener, disposed in the through hole in rubber element, is configured to couple with a seat pan to secure the seat damper relative to the seat pan.

Abstract: A device for being secured onto a rail of a pier to allow a fisherman to be seated on the device at a height so that he is able to cast easily above the rail, which includes a flat base which rests on the pier floor, a pair of wheels secured to the base to all the device to be rolled into position; an upright vertical post, having a first lower portion extending upward from the base and a second upper portion which telescopes out from the end of the first lower portion to a predetermined height, the upper portion terminating in a flat surface upon which a cushion or other seat can be placed; a handle member secured to the upper flat surface in order to roll the device into position; an arm member extending substantially horizontally outward from the lower section of the vertical post, which is height adjustable on a first end secured to the vertical post, and extends outward to a second portion which telescopes out from the first portion so that the device can be positioned a predetermined distance from the p

Abstract: A pinch guard for a vehicle seat (1) is provided that can be transferred from a normal use position into a step-in position. The vehicle seat (1) includes a rear foot, which is attached to a base (5) in the normal use position of the vehicle seat (1) and in the step-in position of the vehicle seat (1) the rear foot is arranged at a distance above the base (5). The vehicle seat (1) includes a rear lower pivoting axis firmly fixed to the base. The pinch guard includes at least one movable trim (17) with a pivoting axis (A), and the pivoting axis (A) of the movable trim (17) is arranged at a distance from the rear lower pivoting axis, fixed to the base of the vehicle seat (1).

Abstract: A seating structure includes a leaf spring and a body support structure biased by the leaf spring. One of the leaf spring and the body support structure has a cam with a concave cam surface, while the other of the leaf spring and body support structure has a cam follower with a convex cam surface. The cam follower engages the cam.

Abstract: A locking mechanism comprises an elongate body having first and second rails each having a first end and a second end and a void disposed therebetween. Lock slots are disposed in the first end of each rail and a pad is connected to each of the rails at the second ends to join the first and second rails. A mid bar is rotatably connected to the first and second rails and positioned within the void. An extension is disposed on a second end of the mid bar, wherein the extension provides a visual indication of both a locked state and an unlocked state.

Abstract: A buoyant pool chair supports a swimmer in an upright, semi-reclining or sitting position while the chair is floating in a swimming pool. Interconnected rigid frame members collectively form an open chair frame for supporting buoyant cushions. The buoyant cushions include layers of flexible cushion material secured together in overlapping relation, with the frame members being sandwiched between the overlapping layers. A layer of adhesive material bonds the overlapping cushion layers together and forms a water-tight seal around the frame members. A flexible layer of a water-resistant coating material is bonded to external surface portions of the buoyant cushions to provide a further protective layer and water-tight seal.

Abstract: A medical examination chair includes a group of sensors including electrodes in finger-tip sensors, various other types of sensors incorporated in straps for the patient in the chair and load cells supporting the chair, all of which provide data which is partially processed in the electronics mounted in the chair and then transmitted to a central station for patient diagnosis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new and unique method and apparatus for providing rest for the feet of special needs. More particularly, present invention provides a new and unique foot rest that is easily anchored to any standard elementary school-sized chair and that allows a student to sit with proper posture and alignment, as well as get sensory input from having his/her feet on a solid surface.

Abstract: A furniture member leg rest ratcheting member for temporarily retaining a leg rest assembly in multiple extended positions includes a one-piece homogeneous member having a first portion including at least two cavities each defining a leg rest assembly extended position. A second portion has a male engagement tongue. A third portion has opposed first and second bracket engagement members spaced from each other. The third portion is elastically deflectable with respect to the first and second portions to permit a furniture mechanism bracket to be received between the first and second bracket engagement members when the male engagement tongue of the second portion is engaged with the furniture member bracket and to allow a ratcheting motion of the first and second portions with respect to the third portion.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an armrest includes making a plurality of core sections. Each core section is formed by bonding a plurality of waste pieces of high-quality wood together. Each of two adjacent ends respectively of two adjacent core sections is machined to provide a serrated coupling face having a plurality of grooves and a plurality of protrusions. The core sections are bonded together to form a core having a desired length by applying adhesive to the serrated coupling faces. A plurality of upper boards made of the same material as the core is bonded to a top side of the core. A plurality of lateral boards made of the same material as the core is bonded to each of two lateral sides of the core.

Abstract: A system for latching a seat to a guide track (102) is disclosed. The system generally includes a latch plate (122) being coupled to the seat, a first release member (124) coupled to the latch plate (122), and a second release member coupled to the latch plate. The first release member (124) is configured to releasably engage the guide track (102) and is selectively movable between a first position for fixedly coupling the seat to the guide track (102), a second position for movably coupling the seat to the guide track, and a third position for detachably coupling the seat to the guide track (102). A second release member (160) is configured to prevent the first release member (124) for moving to the third position unless the second release member has been selectively actuated.

Abstract: A stay is provided with an insulating member, so that only a lower stay body disposed on a lower side of the insulating member can be energized. Further, the lower stay body is set at a position in which the lower stay body is not exposed to an interior of the seat back when the head rest is vertically adjustably connected to the seat back.

Abstract: A furniture member component drive mechanism includes a force multiplying gear assembly. A wire member can slide within a flexible sheath in opposed first and second directions. The wire member is connected to the gear assembly for axial displacement. A lever arm connected to the gear assembly defines a lever arm first axis of rotation. Rotating the lever arm in a first direction about the first axis of rotation axially incrementally displaces the wire member in the first displacement direction. The lever arm is rotatably connected to a pivot base defining a second axis of rotation of the lever arm transverse to the first axis of rotation. Rotating the lever arm about the second axis of rotation displaces the wire member in the second displacement direction.

Abstract: A furniture frame includes an assembly of a front frame, a pair of side racks, and a rear board. The front frame includes a closed frame structure made of a tubular member and forms four fitting lugs at a rear side portion thereof in a symmetric manner. The two side racks are made of tubular members to each assume a lying U-shaped structure and each lying-U-shape has an open side at which free ends of limbs of the U-shape each form a bent section. The two side racks are of a symmetric arrangement and structure so that the bent sections are respectively fit into the fitting lugs to demonstrate an expanding resiliency between the connection sections of the two side racks. The rear board is a flat plate having opposite edges that are bent in an arc form to construct pawls thereon, and the pawls on the opposite edges of the rear board are sized and positioned to respectively receive and thus engage the connection sections of the side racks.

Abstract: An aircraft passenger seat that includes a frame with a seat bottom mounted for translating fore and aft movement, and a seat back linked to the seat bottom and mounted for generally vertical movement between a lowered and upright position. A stationary seat back shell assembly is provided within which the seat back is mounted for movement. A seat back position indicator is carried by the shell proximate a top end thereof and cooperates with the seat back. The seat back position indicator has a first condition indicating that the seat back is in the lowered position within the shell and a second condition indicating that the seat back is in the upright position within the shell.

Abstract: A vehicle seat headrest (14) is mounted on a vehicle seat back (12) for infinite position vertical adjustment by helical spring clamping and unclamping of a support shaft of the headrest.

Abstract: A tiltable anti-pinch vehicle seat assembly for an associated vehicle is provided. The seat assembly includes a seat and a tilt assembly is provided for supporting the seat and is disposed between the seat and a chassis of the associated vehicle. The tilt assembly is capable of moving the seat between a forward tilted position and a rearward latched position. The tilt assembly includes a first latching member. A second latching member is secured to the chassis of the associated vehicle for selectively engaging the latch and the latch and the striker cooperate to maintain the seat in the rearward latched position. A pinch guard housing is disposed about the first and second latching members. The housing substantially covers the first latching member, the second latching member, and a pinch zone defined between the first latching member and the second latching member when the tilt assembly is in the forward tilted position.

Abstract: An armrest attaching structure for attaching an armrest to a vehicle seat having a seat back frame, the seat back frame having a side frame element that is connected to a base member at a lower end portion thereof, may include an armrest attachment member having an armrest attaching portion and a connecting portion. The armrest attaching portion is connected to the armrest. The connecting portion is connected to the side frame element of the seat back frame at a position closer to the lower end portion of the side frame element than the armrest attaching portion.

Abstract: A protective chair having a base with a support platform having supporting legs extending therefrom to hold the platform and an engaged seat cushion elevated from a support surface. A seatback, and seat cushion and secondary cushions extending away from the seat cushion are engaged to the base. Each of the seatback, seat cushion and extending cushions have one or a plurality of bullet resistant layers which provide a ballistic shield for a user who picks up the chair and holds it in an as-used position, in-between the user and an assailant. A viewing slit positioned between the extending cushions and the seat cushion allows the user to view a potential assailant on the other side. Elongated members extending away from the seat cushion, on the side of the chair opposite the user, may be employed to attack the assailant.

Abstract: A seat support for a juvenile restraint adapted to receive a juvenile seat. The seat support includes an anchor belt retainer for anchoring a seat-base anchor belt to the seat support and for anchoring a vehicle anchor belt to the seat support.