Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly is provided with a seat frame adapted to be mounted within a vehicle. The seat frame has a tubular upper cross member. A bracket member is mounted to the tubular upper cross member of the seat frame. The bracket member has a pair of fulcrum bushings integrally formed therein. The bracket member is attached to onto the tubular upper cross member by an interference fit. At least one support rod is sized to be received within each of the pair of fulcrum bushings. At least one head restraint post is sized to be received within the at least one support rod. An active head restraint is mounted to the at least one head restraint post.

Abstract: A vehicle seat may include a longitudinal sliding mechanism having a longitudinal slide base that is arranged and constructed to move back and forth relative to a vehicle floor, and a covering device having a covering member and a wind-up roller that is capable of winding and unwinding the covering member. The covering member is arranged and constructed to cover a substantial portion of the longitudinal sliding mechanism when the longitudinal slide base is moved forwardly. The wind-up roller of the covering device is arranged so as to be positioned forward of a rear end periphery of the longitudinal slide base when the longitudinal slide base is in a farthest rearward position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for actuating a folding vehicle seat. The apparatus includes a handle remotely and functionally connected to the vehicle seat for moving the seatback from a folded position to an upright or design position. The handle is pivotally mounted on a support bracket and attached to an actuator member interconnecting the handle and the seatback. The actuator member transfers the motion of the handle to a generally “L-shaped” arm which is pivotally mounted to the vehicle seat below the seatback. The L-shaped arm rotates toward the back of the seat as the handle is lifted. As the L-shaped arm moves, it catches a stop or extension member located on the seatback and moves the seatback toward the upright position.

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 stabilizer for preventing injury to children or others who might tip over chairs. A removable chair-engaging section is removably and adjustably couplable to a table-engaging section. Generally, the entire apparatus is free standing but in conjunction with a flat or available undersurface, the table-engaging portion prevents rearward rotation of the chair as the table-engaging portion comes into contact with the underside of the flat surface, such as a table when the chair-engaging section is rotated. As a result, vulnerable individuals including children and the infirm are protected from impact with the ground should the chair begin tipping as the table restrains the rotational motion of the chair.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted printer station is made up of a printer secured to a support surface tray that includes an adapter capable of attaching the tray and printer to the top of a vehicle seat. The support surface is preferably a rectangular shaped plate with front, back and side edges along with top and bottom surfaces. The bottom surface is attached to the adapter, the adapter includes at least one attachment rod for securing the support surface to the vehicle seat. The attachment rods are sized to be received into receptacles provided in the top of a vehicle seat designed for the vehicle headrest.

Abstract: A device is provided for supporting a portion of the upper body during forward lean. The device comprises a hinge joint provided on a base plate. A central pillar extends upwards from the hinge joint, the hinge joint enabling movement of the central pillar through a range of motions. A support plate is situated on the central pillar at an opposite end from the hinge joint, the support plate providing support to a user in the region of the user's breast plate. At least one resistor element is operably associated with the central pillar to receive stresses delivered via at least one linkage unit during periods of forward lean, thereby transferring at least a portion of the upper body weight to the at least one resistor element.

Abstract: A car seat has a seat structure with a seating surface and a portion configured to rest on a dedicated seat of a vehicle when installed. The seat structure has a front and a pair of opposed sides. An instruction manual is provided with the car seat. The car seat has a compartment that is configured to receive and retain the instruction manual. The compartment is disposed interior to a part of the seat structure and has an access opening that is accessible when the car seat is installed.

Abstract: A tailored vehicle seat component 12 having at least two portions with different properties that are joined together, such as by an adhesive or in a welding process (e.g., laser weld). These different properties include thickness, grades, surface finishes, coatings, and the like. The laser tailored welded vehicle seat 12 components may be incorporated into seat back frames 16, seat track assemblies 26, recliners 20, seat base frames 18, head restraints 88, cushion pans 132, and the like, to optimize manufacturing operations, mass, performance quality, and costs.

Abstract: A base for a patient support apparatus includes a bump member configured to at least partially surround an electrical system of the patient support apparatus. The bump member is configured to be releaseably engaged with a cover that is configured to at least partially cover the electrical system of the patient support apparatus. The engagement of the cover and bump member is manually releasable.

Abstract: A vehicle seat is provided with a seat back having a seating surface for supporting a back of an occupant. The seat back is adapted to be mounted to a vehicle and at least a portion of the seat back has a pivotal connection for movement from an upright position to a deployed position. A handle is mounted to the seating surface of the pivotal portion of the seat back. A cover is mounted to the seat back seating surface and extends over the handle.

Abstract: A supplemental tongue is fabricated of a rigid material. The supplemental tongue has upper and lower ends. The supplemental tongue is positionable within a slot of a child car seat. The supplemental tongue has a recess. The recess is provided adjacent to the lower end. The recess has a lower linear edge. In this manner the supplemental tongue is retained within the slot. A wrist band is provided in a loop. The loop forms an opening for a wrist. The wrist band is coupled to the tongue.

Abstract: A chair stabilizer for preventing injury to children or others who might tip over chairs. A removable chair-engaging section is removably and adjustably couplable to a table-engaging section. Generally, the entire apparatus is free standing but in conjunction with a flat or available undersurface, the table-engaging portion prevents rearward rotation of the chair as the table-engaging portion comes into contact with the underside of the flat surface, such as a table when the chair-engaging section is rotated. As a result, vulnerable individuals including children and the infirm are protected from impact with the ground should the chair begin tipping as the table restrains the rotational motion of the chair.

Abstract: A method of laser welding chair components together is provided. The method includes selecting at least one first chair component comprised of a first polymeric material that is at least substantially translucent to a laser and selecting at least one second chair component comprised of a second polymeric material that is opaque to the laser such that the one or more second chair components will absorb at least a portion of the heat or energy provided by the laser. The one or more first chair components are laser welded to the one or more second chair components. A chair is also provided that includes a first component composed of polymeric material laser welded to a second component composed of polymeric material.

Abstract: A method of assembling a chair includes providing a first chair component composed of a first polymeric material and a second chair component composed of a second polymeric material. An adhesive is positioned on or in the first chair component. The adhesive is composed of a third polymeric material and at least one ferromagnetic susceptor. The second chair component is positioned in engagement with the adhesive and adjacent to the first chair component. A magnetic field or electromagnetic waves are applied to the adhesive to activate the adhesive. A force is also applied to at least one of the first chair component and the second chair component to press the first chair component and the second chair component. A chair is also provided that includes the first and second chair components and the adhesive.

Abstract: A vehicle seat, which prevents a passenger from sitting thereon in an uncomfortable seat state is provided. An interference bar is received in receiving hole formed in the headrest. The interference bar extends from the receiving hole when the headrest is rotated forward in the seat back. When the headrest is fully rotated to face the front side of the seat back, the interference bar extends in the forward direction of the vehicle seat. Thus, the interference bar protruded from the receiving hole interferes with the back of the passenger and thereby prevents the passenger from sitting on the seat in the uncomfortable seat state.

Abstract: A method of finding a thigh support for most optimal blood circulation in the lower extremities of a seated person consisting of measuring a blood-circulation parameter such as blood-flow velocity through the lower extremities of a seated person under different seating conditions, including those with or without the use of any thigh-supporting means. It has been proven that with the use of a thigh-supporting means, the measured blood-circulating parameter was much better than in a person seated without the use of a thigh-supporting means. Blood-flow velocity through the lower extremities of a person seated on the aforementioned seating device was measured by determining the Doppler shift in the frequency of returning ultrasound waves.

Abstract: A conduit for a climate controlled seat assembly. A first port is at a first end of the body and is in communication with the fluid passage. A second port is at a second end of the body and is in communication with the fluid passage, An attachment device comprising a base that is coupled to the body and a strap that is configured to be wrapped around a wire bundle and be secured to the base.

Abstract: A coupling member for connecting a conventional handle to a lock release actuating shaft of an vehicle tilt seat mechanism. The coupling member comprises a relatively short shaft having contiguous first and second portions that are of different outer dimensions transverse to the length of the shaft. The larger one of the first and second portions has a recess extending a selected distance inwardly from a free outer end of such portion in a direction toward the smaller one of the two contiguous portions. Means are provided within the recess for detachably mounting and securely anchoring the coupling member on and to the lock release actuating the shaft for rotating same. The smaller one of the contiguous portions is adapted to project into a socket in the handle for the tilt mechanism, and has means thereon cooperating with means in the socket of the handle for preventing relative movement of the handle and coupling member when the handle is moved in a direction to rotate the lock release actuating shaft.

Abstract: A blocking system for pet toys or other objects to prevent such objects from inadvertently migrating to a location beneath a piece of furniture. The system can be readily assembled on site and dimensionally conform to the footprint of a particular piece of furniture. The system includes blocking members that slidingly fit together and can be varied dimensionally both horizontally and vertically. In one embodiment, the interlocking sliding connections are accomplished by a system of dovetailed grooves.

Abstract: A device for fixing a car seat mat or cover to the backrest part, which is composed of a hollow tubular member (4) of ‘open’ circular section, having at least two slots (5) formed at a certain distance from the axis of such tubular member (4). Two enlarged parts (11) with a thread (10) integrated, inserted or threaded therein are received in each of the slots (5) to form a loop that closes upon the tubular member: one of the headrest rods will pass through the loop. A second device (20) for holding the car seat cover or mat fixed to the seating surface of the seat namely attachment thereof to the seating surface of the car seat uses a pair of such devices (20) with respective ropes (C), which are hooked and fastened together.

Abstract: A seat gap member having a gap surface and a mounting portion extending from the gap surface configured to substantially prevent accumulation of debris in the gap. The mounting portion provides one or more mounting surfaces capable of contacting one or more of a seat or vehicle structure. The gap surface is configured to fill the gap and contact of the mounting with the seat or the vehicle structure is sufficient to retain positioning of the gap surface. A vehicle and method for filling a gap adjacent to a vehicle seat is also disclosed.

Abstract: First and second frame supports (12, 13) with each including a frame support body (21a, 13a) and a frame support base (12b, 13b). The frame support bodies are substantially A-frames and the frame support bases are substantially C-shaped cylindrical rods connecting to the ends of a respective one of the A-frame frame support bodies (12a, 13a) to form outwardly extending frame support bases. The cross beam (15) sized or extended by addition of extension beam (16) to protrude beyond the connection points (17) and to substantially overly the extension of the frame support base (12b, or 13b). This allows a further swing or climbing means or the like to be connected therebetween. Alterable suspension means (51) includes a cleat plate (53) with a plurality of holes (54) to allow the rope (52) or other elongated flexible cord to be woven through the plurality of the cleat holes (54) to provide a frictional hold of the rope or other elongated flexible cord.

Abstract: Provided is a plastic fastening mechanism including an intermediate main body having an axial, shouldered first through hole, two wings each having an axial, shouldered second through hole, and two flexible interconnections each formed between the wing and the main body; and elastomeric first and second elements each shaped to conform to the rear of either the first or second member. The main body is threadedly secured to a chair J-bar and the wings are threadedly secured to chair backrest. The main body of each of another two plastic fastening mechanisms is threadedly secured to the J-bar, and the wings thereof are threadedly secured to chair headrest. Moreover, there are provided two elastomeric mechanisms shaped to conform to the rears of the fastening mechanisms. The elastomeric mechanism includes an intermediate, hollow member, two side receptacles, and second interconnections each formed between the hollow member and either receptacle.

Abstract: The illustrative exemplary non-limiting embodiments relate to a seat cover that may include such features as a protective first side, multiple front securing straps arranged on a leading edge, and multiple rear securing straps arranged on a trailing edge. The protective cover can be held in place by securing the straps to headrests in the car. Additionally, the cover may include multiple pockets, accessible through an upwards facing side of the cover, and capable of being slid into a gap between an upper portion lower portion of the rear seats of a vehicle. One or more objects, placed within the pockets when the pockets are in position, help to hold the cover in place. The cover may also be reversible, machine-washable, and easy to remove and install.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning clipped hair proximate to the chair of a barber or stylist comprising a pivotable brush attached to the bottom of the chair, said brush having a retracted and extended position; said extended position extending parallel to the floor such that the brush rotates 360 degrees and cleans hair that has fallen on the floor.

Abstract: In a fitting (5) for a vehicle seat, in particular for a motor vehicle seat, having a first fitting part (11), having a second fitting part (12) which can be rotated relative to the first fitting part (11), having a ring (35) which holds the two fitting parts (11, 12) together in the axial direction and whose contact surface with the first fitting part (11) defines a baseline (47), and having a first adapter (41), the first fitting part (11), the ring (35) and the first adapter (41) are firmly connected to one another by way of at least one common weld seam (45) extending in their material, and the weld seam (45) is arranged, sectionwise, on different sides of the baseline (47).

Abstract: A vehicle seat allowing to improve a vibration absorption characteristic, securing a stable seating posture, having high vehicle operability, and allowing to alleviate fatigue due to long time seating. In a seat cushion of a vehicle seat, a first human body support portion having a center at a position corresponding to a substantially center between the pair of ischial tuberosities of a human body, and a second human body support portion corresponding to the vicinities of femoral bases of a human body and having a center at a position located forward at a horizontal distance of 100 mm along a longitudinally center line of the seat cushion from the first human body support portion are regarded respectively as spring elements, and static spring constants and dynamic spring constants thereof are set to a predetermined relationship. Thus, stability and vibration absorbency during static seating are improved.

Abstract: A supporting structure for the console of a machine tool comprising a bending-resistant supporting beam pivotably mounted on the base of the machine tool with its machine-side end and carrying a console comprising a keyboard and a display unit on the free end of its portion directed transversely upward.

Abstract: A collapsible child seat having a collapsible frame that moves between an expanded position and a collapsed position. A seat member moveably attaches to the frame, with a recessed support for receiving and supporting a child. A retractable canopy covers the seat member.

Abstract: This invention is related to a shielding assembly comprising a cover plate, upper and lower paddle arms, a circular plate, and a back plate for covering an opening in an arm of a recliner chair. The opening provides clearance for a drive tube that moves independently from the arm. The paddle arms are rotatably coupled to the cover plate, wherein rotation is restrained by tension devices. The circular plate is slidably disposed between the paddle arms and the back plate. The back plate is fixedly attached to the cover plate by fasteners that limit rotation of the paddle arms. In operation, if the drive tube moves upward or downward, the circular plate, having a bore circumferentially engaged to the drive shaft, moves therewith vacating a portion of the opening. One of the paddle arms may be deflected by the drive tube movement while another continues to overlie the vacated portion.

Abstract: A collapsible stool for use by children for at least one of reaching a urinal, a toilet bowl, a sink and as a seat comprising a pair of generally rectangular and substantially flat members for standing and setting on. Each generally rectangular and substantially flat member having a predetermined length and width and are formed from a predetermined light material capable of supporting a child's weight of at least about 75 pounds. At least one hinge mechanism engages each one of the generally rectangular and substantially flat members adjacent abutting edges thereof for enabling them to be folded when not in use and unfolded during use. There are a pair of inwardly folding leg members disposed closely adjacent an outer corner of each of the generally rectangular and substantially flat members. Each leg member has a second predetermined length and a predetermined shape.

Abstract: A conformable cushion comprising: a fluid reservoir defined by walls, at least one of which is flexible; electro-rheological fluid located in the reservoir; and a pair of electrodes contacting the electro-rheological fluid whereby an electrical field may be applied across the electro-rheological fluid so as to increase the viscosity thereof.

Abstract: A method of using color or color schemes to simplify the communication to consumers of complex information regarding the combinations and interactions of technically oriented performance attributes that describe the degree of comfort as found in mattresses, mattress foundations, upholstered furniture articles and other articles filled with cushioning materials. Additionally the selected method of using color as a communication tool may be of further benefit in the interaction with consumers by developing strong emotional ties to the consumers purchase decision.

Abstract: Furniture protector device comprising: a plurality of side by side rigid elongate members forming an upper layer of rigid members and and a lower layer of rigid members. The layers are attached to each other by standard equally space pins to form a standard expandable lattice structure. A plurality of spike members are perpendicularly attached to the rigid members of the upper layer. A pair of handle members are each attached to rigid members located on the right and left side of the upper layer. The lattice structure can be expanded to cover the entire horizontal surface of a standard sofa or contracted for compact storage.

Abstract: A foam seat element comprising an isocyanate-based foam matrix having an A-surface for contact with an occupant and a B-surface for contact with a suspension element. An elastomeric layer is disposed on at least a portion of the B-surface for contact with the support element. This approach results in reduction in labor to produce the elastomeric layer compared with correct positioning of cloth inserts on a foam production manufacturing line. Further, since, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, the elastomeric layer is achieved by spraying a liquid elastomer-forming composition on a portion of the mold surface, the costs of achieving the elastomeric layer are significantly less than those associated with using prefabricated, pre-cut cloth inserts. Still further, the use of an elastomeric layer allows for tuning of the thickness of that layer which facilitates “tuning” the durability of the B-surface of the foam seat element based on the specific suspension system with which it will be combined.

Abstract: A protective and stylized cover for the pedestal of a pedestal style seat is presented which comprises an outer sheath into which indicia is through-cut, an inner sheath which slides into the outer sheath and provides a backdrop for the through-cut indicia, and sizing fittings which fit into the outer sheath at each end to provide a snug fit on the seat pedestal. Optionally, end caps may be employed to provide additional stability.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a drop-in seat unit as well as a method of manufacturing the drop-in seat unit that does not require the worker to affix one end of the spring to a frame rail and stretch the spring from one of the frame rails to the other frame rail. The ends of the spring are affixed to the frame rails while the springs are in an un-stretched state. Once the plurality of springs is attached to the two frame rails, the rails are mechanically pulled away from each other, thus creating a larger open area between the frame rails and thus extending the springs. Once the rails are properly positioned in this extended state, support members are positioned between the two frame rails and one end of each support member is affixed to each frame rail, traversing the space or gap between the two frame rails. The support members fix the distance between the two frame rails.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for avoiding inattentive-fall of a legged furniture article, comprising a support means having a cavity for passage of a leg member of the furniture article; and at least one roller rotatably attached to the support means, wherein the roller and the cavity are arranged vertically in a staggered mode. In the device of the invention, a simple one-way roller structure is used in order to enhance greatly the stability of the furniture article as well as impart the advantages of easy installation and convenient use to the device of the invention.

Abstract: A bridge that is attached to a wheelchair such that the bridge allows a wheelchair user to have support for ingress into and egress from the wheelchair without assistance and without the need to rely primarily on arm strength alone. The bridge is a generally L-shaped member that has a pair of aligned slits located on a lower portion thereof such that respective connection members pass through each slit and attach the bridge to a frame of the wheelchair the connection members allowing the bridge to be pivoted out of the way when needed.

Abstract: An outdoor vehicle seat is formed by placing a cushioning material on a bottom plate, and covering them with a surface skin, and fixing a surface skin end portion onto the bottom plate. Further, a highly water absorbing, highly moisture absorbing, and highly expanding member is arranged between the surface skin end portion and the bottom plate.

Abstract: A seat assembly for a motor vehicle includes a frame that is fixedly secured to the motor vehicle. A seat cushion is secured to the frame. The seat cushion defines a seat width. A seatback is secured to the frame and is pivotal with respect to the seat cushion. A loop fastener is fixedly secured to the frame and extends between the seat cushion and the seatback. The loop fastener selectively receives a child seat latch therethrough to secure a child seat to the seat assembly. The seat assembly also includes a removable bolster that is selectively securable to the loop fastener. The removable bolster covers the loop fastener when the child seat is removed from the seat assembly. Therefore, the occupants of the seat assembly will contact the removable bolster and be prevented from feeling the loop fastener when sitting on the seat assembly.

Abstract: An electronic trigger assembly for triggering an actuator, the electronic trigger assembly having a trigger member capable of connection to the actuator. The trigger member may be configured for rotation between a first position and a second position and the trigger member may be able to trigger the actuator as the trigger member rotates between the first position and the second position. The trigger member may also include a guide. A shape memory alloy member may be connected to the trigger member and may be received by the guide such that a substantial portion of the shape memory alloy member is disposed in a curvilinear arrangement. The shape memory alloy member may contract when electrified. The shape memory alloy member may be confined by the guide to contract along a path such that the shape memory alloy member exerts torque on the trigger member and causes the trigger member to rotate from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: This invention relates to a module (30) for installation inside, in contact with or near a cushion element (20), a cushion element, a connecting means (60, 70) for a cushion element (20) and/or a module (30), and a padded object (5) having at least one module (30). Provision is made for the module (30) to feature at least a first connecting means (60) that corresponds to at least a second, at least partially matching, connecting means (70) of the cushion element (20).

Abstract: The sheath for receiving a head-rest branch includes at least one wedge disposed in a window formed in a wall of the sheath and adapted to be disposed between the bushing and the branch, said wedge having a thickness greater than that of said wall so that, when the sheath is housed in the bushing and the branch is received in the sheath, the wedge is compressed between the bushing and the branch.

Abstract: A vehicle seat, which prevents a passenger from sitting thereon in an uncomfortable seat state is provided. An interference bar is received in receiving hole formed in the headrest. The interference bar extends from the receiving hole when the headrest is rotated forward in the seat back. When the headrest is fully rotated to face the front side of the seat back, the interference bar extends in the forward direction of the vehicle seat. Thus, the interference bar protruded from the receiving hole interferes with the back of the passenger and thereby prevents the passenger from sitting on the seat in the uncomfortable seat state.

Abstract: A recliner cover assembly for enclosing a recliner mechanism of an automotive seat wherein the recliner mechanism includes an upper arm pivotally coupled to a lower arm. The recliner cover assembly comprises a housing defined by facing first and second molded members forming a cavity therebetween for encasing at least a portion of the recliner mechanism and a separate shingle cover slidably coupled between the first and second molded members wherein the shingle cover is coupled to the upper arm of the recliner mechanism for movement concomitantly therewith to continuously cover the recliner mechanism encased with the housing.

Abstract: Touch fasteners are provided, including a sheet-form base, a plurality of male fastener elements extending upwardly from the sheet-form base, and a foam, bonded to the sheet-form base. Seat cushions and methods of forming seat cushions are also provided.

Abstract: A chair comprises a seat, legs for supporting the seat, a backrest frame connected to the legs, and a backrest attached to the backrest frame. The backrest includes a backrest panel and backrest inserts. The backrest panel has slots extending inwardly from peripheral edges of the backrest panel. Each insert is configured for sliding insertion into a corresponding one of the backrest slots. The backrest is secured to the backrest frame by fasteners that pass through the backrest frame and into a corresponding one of the backrest inserts. The backrest inserts may be formed of a sturdy plastic to provide a secure anchor point for the fasteners. This provides a significant advantage for chairs having backrest panels constructed from relatively soft materials, such as pressed wood fiberboard.

Abstract: A seatbelt reminder system includes a first reminder unit (S301) which gives a first reminder when a first condition having an unfastened state of a seatbelt as at least a fulfilling condition is satisfied, a second reminder unit (S306) which gives a second reminder when a second condition having the unfastened state of the seatbelt as at least a fulfilling condition is satisfied, and a reminder-start delay unit (S305) which delays start of the second reminder when the second reminder by the second reminder element is started.