Abstract: A method and device for enabling an aft passenger on a conveyance to establish protection from a forward seatback, irrespective of a conventional effort by a forward passenger to cause reclining of the forward seatback. A device is disclosed that includes a main body and additional elements appended to the main body. The device is adapted for access by the aft passenger to activate it in order to inhibit such reclining. In one preferred embodiment, the device is adapted for use on an airplane to engage the forward seatback and an arm of a tray table designated for use by the aft passenger. In another preferred embodiment, the device comprises a recline inhibitor component connected to a depressible safety input control which is integrated with a rearward portion of a seat for access by the aft passenger.

Abstract: A seat back frame of automotive seat, which has an armrest connection point in one of the two side frame members thereof, to which an armrest may be mounted. A reinforcing element is removably secured between such one of the two side frame members and a lower frame member of the seat back frame. The reinforcing element is so formed to have a long portion and a short vertical portion extending vertically and continuously from the long portion. Such long portion and short vertical portion are removably secured to the foregoing lower frame member and the foregoing one of the two side frame members, respectively.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat cushion, a seat back supported to the seat cushion in such a manner that a space is left between a rear end portion of the seat cushion and a lower end portion of the seat back, a concealing cover member for concealing the space from a rear side of the vehicle seat, the concealing cover member having upper and lower sections, the concealing cover member being attached at an upper edge portion of the upper section thereof to a lower portion of a back of the seat back so as to hang from the back of the seat back, and at least one elastic belt having first and second ends, the first end of the at least one elastic belt being attached to a lower edge portion of the lower section of the concealing cover member, wherein the lower section of the concealing cover member is extended toward a location under the seat cushion and the second end of the at least one elastic belt is attached to a bottom portion of the seat cushion, so that the space between the rear end portion of the seat cus

Abstract: A vehicle occupant sensing system adapted for detecting a condition of a vehicle seat assembly including at least one emitter and at least one sensor disposed spaced relative to the emitter. The sensor is operable to detect relative distance between the emitter and the sensor to thereby detect the condition of the vehicle seat assembly. The vehicle occupant sensing system also includes at least one sensor assembly having a base and an upper slide member moveable toward and away from the base. The upper slide member includes at least one interference member that generates an interference fit between the emitter and the interference member to thereby securely mount the emitter to the upper slide member. The vehicle occupant sensing system may be employed in a vehicle seat to detect a condition of the vehicle seat.

Abstract: A portable chair and method of use thereof, wherein the chair comprises a seating portion, a support pole and a strap that secures the chair to a fixed object, such as a tree or post. The chair further comprises a section of material utilized as a seat, wherein the material at the bottom end of the seat is gathered into fan-folds, and wherein the fan-folds are secured together via a grommet. A telescopic support rod engages the grommet to support the bottom end of the seat, while the strap fastener supports the top end of the seat. Accessories may be attached to the support rod via a threaded facility.

Abstract: A seat weight sensor for detecting the load upon a vehicle seat. The seat weight sensor includes a seat rail positioned under the vehicle seat. A lever arm is mounted to the vehicle seat. One end of the lever arm has one or more stationary fingers and a free finger. The stationary fingers are rigidly mounted to the seat rail. The lever arm bends in relation to the force placed upon the seat that in turn places the free finger in motion. A sensor is mounted to the seat rail and is configured to measure the change in motion of the free finger when a force is placed upon the seat.

Abstract: A device used for threading a seat belt through a child safety seat includes an elongated, double-ended threader member which is connected to the seat belt tongue and to webbing at a location spaced from the tongue. The webbing is then folded over to cover the threader member and the threader member is employed to push the tongue through a passageway in the child safety seat.

Abstract: A retractable seat back protector is provided for a motor vehicle seat. The protector includes a retractable roller with a first end of a flexible sheet fixedly attached thereto. A second end of the sheet is pulled in a direction away from the roller such that the sheet covers the seat back when the protector is in the extended position. The second end may have at least one fastener that allows the second end of sheet to be attached to the seat back. The protector is mounted onto the seat back proximal to a head rest area or a floorboard area, or may be mounted within the seat back or underneath the seat.

Abstract: A plurality of levers each having one end adapted for attachment below a chair seat for controlling separate movements of a chair, each said lever having another end presenting a substantially planar surface terminating at a periphery, said periphery defining a geometric shape different from one another so as to tactually distinguish said levers and the associated movements of said chair controlled by said levers.

Abstract: A guide mechanism for a safety seat tether includes a guide and at least one seat back attachment for securing the guide to a seat back. The guide is configured and positioned so as to prevent substantial contact of the tether with a top end of the back seat. The guide may also prevent pressure contact of the tether with upper portions of the front and back surfaces of the seat back. The seat back attachment cooperates with head sleeves on the top end of the seat back to secure the guide to the top end of the seat back.

Abstract: A shock-load G-force minimizing seat structure and injury-minimizing methodology wherein the seat structure responds principally in non-springy compression, rather than in spring-loading bending, to vertically directed shock loads. The seat structure features an anti-springy frame structure which supports a thin and very lightweight seat cushion support spanner web formed preferably of a non-stretchy material, such as a material made out of elongate carbon-fiber strands.

Abstract: A chair includes: a hollow frame including, on each lateral side of the chair, a front, a back, a bottom, a front bend arranged between the front and the bottom, and a back bend arranged between the back and the bottom; a seat attached to the front of the frame; a seat back attached to the back of the frame; at least one front stiffener insert arranged inside the frame at the front bend and extending along a partial length of the front and the bottom; and at least one back stiffener insert arranged inside the frame at the back bend and extending along a partial length of the back and the bottom. The front stiffener inserts and the back stiffener inserts stiffen the frame relative to a frame without such inserts. The seat back and the seat may be movable independently of each other relative to the bottom of the frame.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant sensing system for a vehicle seat assembly that includes at least one emitter and at least one sensor operable to detect relative distance between the sensor and the emitter to thereby detect a condition of the vehicle seat assembly. The vehicle occupant sensing system also includes a biasing pad adapted so as to be disposed below a seat cushion of the vehicle seat assembly so as to deflect in response to deflection of the seat cushion. The biasing pad supports at least one of the emitter and the sensor such that the emitter and the sensor are biased away from each other and such that one of the emitter and the sensor are supported for movement toward and away from the other.

Abstract: An arm rest cover is slipped over an arm rest within a vehicle in order to aesthetically cover the arm rest with a desired design. An elongate cover member has a closed first end and a second end with an opening, the opening located either on a longitudinal axis of the cover member or radially offset from the longitudinal axis. The arm rest passes through the opening and the cover member is slipped over the arm rest until it is in substantially covering relationship with the arm rest. The cover member may be made from an elastic material such as a nylon-spandex mix.

Abstract: A tuned vibration absorbing system (12) for a seat system (10) includes a flexible extension member (32) that is coupled to the seat system (10). A suspended element (34) is coupled to the flexible extension member (32). The flexible extension member (32) and the suspended element (34) are configured to absorb vibration within the seat system (10). A method of designing and manufacturing a seat system (10) includes designing the tuned vibration absorbing system (12) with the flexible extension member (32) and the suspended element (34) to absorb vibration within the seat system (10), which is then manufactured and coupled to the seat system (10).

Abstract: A chair includes a seat back having a generally rigid back member. The rigid member includes a peripheral edge. The peripheral edge is defined by spaced apart sides and top and bottom edges extending between the sides. A handle is fixedly secured to the top edge of the seat back. The handle extends between opposite ends. A bumper extends along at least a portion of the peripheral edge. The bumper has at least one end that abuts one of the ends of the handle to provide a smooth transition between the handle and the bumper.

Abstract: An aircraft seat assembly including at least one electronic component usable by a passenger and a single integrated electronic system which provides signal decoding, signal routing, data management, built in test, and power conversion for each user accessible electronic component which is installed in the seat assembly. The electronic components generally include at least a video display unit, an audio system, or a telephone. The integrated electronics system provides power conversion, signal routing, data management and other electronic requirements for each of the electronic components. The integrated electronics system not only integrates power conversion and signal management responsibilities into one system, but into such a system that is readily integrated into the seat assembly.

Abstract: An adjustable chair (1) includes a chassis (2) onto which the chair is moveably mounted with respect thereto about a common plane normal to the major plane of the chassis, a pair of side walls (8) extending from the chassis and adapted to, in use, prevent accidental access to the space between the chassis and the chair from respective sides thereof, wherein at least one tambour (9,10) is provided between the front and/or the rear of the chair relative to said side, the or each tambour therefore providing a rigid but moveable barrier to accidental entry into the space between the chair and the chassis.

Abstract: A low profile sensor assembly for use in a vehicle occupant sensing system that comprises a base, an upper slide member, and at least one intermediate guide member. Also disclosed is a low profile sensor assembly for use in a vehicle occupant sensing system that comprises a base with an outer step and a receptacle, and the low profile sensor assembly also comprises an upper slide member with a lower flange and a retainer. The outer step is adapted to accept the lower flange, and the receptacle is adapted to accept the retainer. The intermediate guide member, the outer step, and the receptacle each allow the respective upper slide member to move further toward the base. Thus, when the low profile sensor assembly is incorporated into a vehicle seat assembly, the low profile sensor assembly is less likely to detrimentally affect the comfort level of the vehicle seat assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a seat belt assist handle mounted to a component of a seat belt passenger restraint system. A grab handle on the seat belt assist handle allows occupants to grab a component of the seat belt passenger restraint system to allow the occupant to engage that system without engaging in uncomfortable body movements. The configuration of the present invention also provides a signal to an occupant when the occupant has failed to engage the seat belt passenger restraint system.

Abstract: A control lever having one end adapted for attachment to a resting device for controlling movement thereof, and another end having a tactile contour for identifying said control lever.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant sensing system that includes a sensor assembly. The sensor assembly has a housing that includes a base and an upper slide member. The upper slide member is moveable toward and away from the base. A sensor is operatively fixed relative to at least one of the upper slide member and the base and is operable to detect movement of the upper slide member toward and away from the base. Additionally, the vehicle occupant sensing system includes a variable biasing member adapted to bias the upper slide member away from the base with a force that is non-linearly related to movement of the upper slide member toward and away from the base. The vehicle occupant sensing system of the present invention may be employed in a vehicle seat assembly to detect a condition of the vehicle seat assembly.

Abstract: Simulated bamboo fabricated from thin walled metallic stock material, the stock material preferably being stock tubing. Tubing is cold worked to impart realistic culm and node characteristics. The tubing is preferably formed into serial or repeating sections, each characterized by gradual, progressive curvature at each end of the respective section to simulate natural bamboo culms. A realistic node is worked into the tubing between adjacent sections. The invention may be regarded as the resultant elongate simulated bamboo article or, alternatively, an article of manufacture such as a chair incorporating the resultant elongate simulated bamboo article.

Abstract: An office chair has multiple moving parts and controls for the different moving parts of the chair. The chair includes a control directory which is in a more visibly accessible position than the controls to a person sitting in the chair. The chair further includes control switches which when activated provide a guide to distinguish which particular set of instructions on the directory pertains to each of the controls. The control switches are activated without producing operation of the actual controls.

Abstract: Disclosed is a utility seat that attaches directly to a receiver hitch or indirectly by way of a sport utility rack, such as a bike or ski rack, thereby providing a stable means for sitting such that a sporting enthusiast may quickly and conveniently change sporting apparel and then collapse or fold up the seat toward the rear of the vehicle for storage and safe traveling.

Abstract: A passenger seat with increased knee space for an aft-seated passenger, including a seat base for being attached to a supporting deck and at least one seat frame including a seat back and seat bottom carried by the seat base. At least one arm rest assembly is carried by the seat frame and including an arm rest mounted for pivotal movement about a pivot member between a use position with an upper support surface in a horizontal position for supporting a forearm of a passenger seated in the seat, and a stowed position wherein the upper support surface of the arm rest is perpendicular to the use position. The arm rest pivot member is mounted on the seat frame at a point forward of a plane defined by the seat back carried by the seat and above a point defined by the seat bottom for allowing the knee of an aft-seated passenger to occupy space behind the pivot member of the arm rest.

Abstract: A seat eliminates any danger of accident during use when attached to a suspended rope. A plate-shaped seat body (1) has an axial passage (3) and a horizontal channel (14) disposed outside of the passage (3). The rope (7) is passed through the passage (3) and has a radial section (16) which is guided over the lower side of the seat body (1) and through the channel (14) and the rope end (17) is passed beneath the radial section (16) to form a knot.

Abstract: An adjustable chair(1) includes a .chassis(2) onto which the chair is moveably mounted with respect thereto about a common plane normal to the major plane of the chassis, a pair of side walls (8) extending from the chassis and adapted to, in use, prevent accidental access to the space between the chassis and the chair from respective sides thereof, wherein at least one tambour(9,10) is provided between the front and/or the rear of the chair relative to said side, the or each tambour therefore providing a rigid but moveable barrier to accidental entry into the space between the chair and the chassis.

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 vehicle seat frame assembly that includes inboard and outboard generally vertical side members that define outer surfaces. The assembly also has a separate first spacer bracket attached to the outboard side member and has a first contact surface spaced apart from the outer surface of the outboard side member. A separate second spacer bracket is attached to the inboard side member and has a first contact surface spaced apart from the outer surface of the inboard side member. A vehicle seat assembly that includes a center console frame member and a vehicle seat. The seat has a seat frame with a pair of vertical side members and a first and second spacer bracket attached to each of the vertical side members. The first spacer bracket is positioned on an inboard side of the seat frame, with the inboard spacer bracket extending towards the center console frame member.

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: 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 central station for patient diagnosis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a metallic cylindrical member and a metallic bracket that can prevent a change in inside diameter of the metallic cylindrical member which is induced with an external force applied on cooling of the welded portion. When forming the bracket by engaging projections and recesses with each other, which projections and recesses are formed at left and right sides A, B of a metallic plate, portions P through S which span adjacent projections are crushed stripewise in the wall thickness direction to form indentations, thereby supplying metal which is forced out of the indentations P through S to around each of the projections to enhance the adhesion between adjacent projections and realize a strong joining of both left and right sides of the metallic plate.

Abstract: A collapsible casual chair including first and second stabilizer bars individually positioned forwardly of the front and rear legs of the chair in supplementing its support, and a substantially U-shaped bar extending rearwardly from the front legs around the second stabilizer bar and the rear legs, with a manually operated suction hand cup enclosing the U-shaped bar, operable to releasably secure the chair to a flat surface at the front of a powerboat by vacuum action.

Abstract: The present invention is rocking chair rocker cover consisting of an elongated pocket-shaped sleeve that fits snugglely over the entire length of a rocker. The cover has an elongated opening to allow the cover to the fitting onto, and easily removed from, a rocker. In use, the opening is drawn closed over the top of a rocker by closure devices such as elastic cord secured to the opening perimeter and cross ties. The covering material may consist of woven fabric such as readily available quilting, providing a means of easily adding to the aesthestic appeal of the device. To increase protection from contact injury, the cover includes cushioning such as foam rubber or polyester fiber fill captured on or within a flexible covering material. In some embodiments a nonskid element is positioned under the rocker bearing surface to increase friction of the rocker against a floor surface in use.

Abstract: A fastener for a restraint system. The restraint system is preferably intended to be used in a vehicle with a lower anchor. The fastener includes a clip having longitudinal axis, with a hook end and a strap attachment end, the hook end having a curved portion defining a hook and an opening to the hook for receiving the lower anchor. A cover is slidably secured to the clip, the cover slidable relative to the clip along the longitudinal axis, between a closed position and an open position, wherein with the cover in the open position, the hook opening is exposed, and with the cover in the closed position the hook opening is closed by the cover. With the cover in the open position the fastener may hooked or unhooked to the lower anchor, and with the cover in the closed position, a lower anchor located in the hook will be locked within the hook. The fastener may also include a lock for locking the cover in the closed position and the open position.

Abstract: A pivotal mounting mechanism and a method of mounting an axle in an axle mount. A plug is inserted in a receptacle such as the open end of a tube which has at least one J-shaped track. The axle is held in its final position by inter-engagement of the plug and tube. The mounting mechanism is easily assembled and substantially vandal resistant.

Abstract: Claimed is a non-porous, waterproof film having a water vapor permeability of at least 1000 g/m2 day, based on a thermoplastic polyurethane, wherein the polyurethane is composed of a) 40 to 52 wt. % of polyether glycol having an atomic ratio of carbon to oxygen in the range of 2,0 to 4,3, with at least 30 wt. % of the polyurethane being composed of a polyether glycol having an atomic ratio of carbon to oxygen in the range of 2,0 to 2,4, b) 30 to 45 wt. % of polyisocyanate, calculated as 4,4′-diphenyl methane diisocyanate, c) 0,5 to 10 wt. % of araliphatic diol, and d) 5 to 20 wt. % of low-molecular weight chain extender, calculated as 1,4-butane diol, less the amount of araliphatic diol. Also claimed is the use of these films in rainwear, shoes, tents, seats, as mattress covers, as understating, in garments for medical purposes, and for the manufacture thereof of wound dressings.

Abstract: An article for protecting edges and/or corners of furniture from damage. The present invention is formed of a unitary body possessing a base and two angularly disposed sides, alternatively, the unitary body can be formed of a first and second angularly exposed legs. The furniture edge protecting article includes furniture attachment options and weight and material reduction options.

Abstract: A tennis teaching seat assembly for attachment to a vertical tennis net support post for the instruction and recordation of a tennis match. The assembly comprises a tennis net post attachable shaft having an upper first bracket and a lower second bracket thereon. A hinged seat and seat support bracket is attached to the tennis post attachable shaft. The first bracket and the second bracket has a tennis post gripping arrangement therein to permit the seat assembly to securely be attached to any tennis post. The gripping arrangement comprises an insert matable within one of each of the first and second brackets.

Abstract: A loop hanger for a seat belt (10) which slidably hangs a seat belt webbing (S) is provided with a base member (20) made of a metal plate and having a slot (21) through which the seat belt webbing (S) is moved, wherein the slot (21) is constituted with a long side portion (21a) extending in a generally horizontal direction and a pair of left and right short side portions (21b) communicating with left and right end portions of the long side portion (21a) and extending downwardly, a portion of the base member (20) surrounded by the long side portion (21a) and the pair of short side portions (21b) is curved smoothly from a side of the long side portion (21a) in a generally C-shaped sectional configuration, and a curved face (21f) formed by curving the portion of the base member (20) serves as a portion (20a) through which the seat belt webbing (S) is turned back. Accordingly, anti-gum up property can be improved largely.

Abstract: A gliding chair unit includes an upper frame that is slidable relative to a base frame between a right position, in which the upper and base frames cooperatively define a left gap, and a left position, in which the upper and base frames cooperatively define a right gap. Left and right safety shields are fixed to and extend outwardly from the upper frame in opposite directions such that when the upper frame is positioned at the right position, the left safety shield covers the left gap, and such that when the upper frame is positioned at the left position, the right safety shield covers the right gap.

Abstract: A juvenile vehicle seat includes a seat, a support base under the seat, a first belt retainer coupled to one side of the support base, and a second seat belt retainer coupled to another side of the support base. To retain the juvenile vehicle seat in place on a first side of a seat in a vehicle, a vehicle shoulder strap associated with that first side of the seat is moved to engage one lower portion of the support base and pass through a channel provided by the first belt retainer so that it extends diagonally behind the juvenile vehicle seat (from left to right) in an “upwardly” sloping direction.

Abstract: A wheelchair transfer device which includes a seat intermediate between the wheelchair seat and the floor, a pair of seat supports suitable for attachment to the wheelchair and for supporting the seat, and hand supports integral to the frame whereby a wheelchair user, using only the user's own motive power, may easily self-transfer from the wheelchair to the intermediate seat and from the intermediate seat to the floor and vice versa.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mattress or furniture insulator pads that are placed between the coil springs and the cushioning material in mattresses or furniture, such as chair seats. Such insulator pads prevent the springs from piercing the furniture cushion and provide a bridge across the springs to more evenly distribute weight over the springs. The insulator pads according to the invention have three layers formed by sandwiching polyurethane foam between stiffening layers, preferably formed from polypropylene openmesh netting. Most preferably, a five layer insulator pad has the polyurethane foam sandwiched between stiffening layers and also has outer layers of polyurethane foam, applied adjacent to the stiffening layers, forming the top and bottom surfaces of the pad. Such outer layer foam sheets provide friction characteristics that retard relative movement between the cushion and the springs.

Abstract: An improvement in an apparatus used to retain a plastic guide that guides the post of a vehicle head restraint during vertical adjustment. The improved head restraint support tube formed from a flat sheet having two interlocking sides. The sheet formed into a tubular body that retains a plastic guide. The plastic guide used to guide the head restraint post within the hollow tube. The tubular body further having a necked down region with a smaller inner diameter when compared to the remainder of the tube to improve its retaining capability. Additionally, the improved head restraint support tube has a series of lances located at one or both ends to further retain the plastic guide and reduce lateral movement.

Abstract: A garnish arrangement in a through-hole of an annular headrest comprises at least one support wire member, a first cylindrical garnish member of synthetic resin material, and a second cylindrical garnish member of synthetic resin material. The support wire member extends across the through-hole of the annular headrest. The first and second cylindrical garnish members each has an engagement element and a stopper element. With this garnish arrangement, the first and second cylindrical garnish members are firmly engaged together within the through-hole at their respective engagement elements, while the support wire member is sandwiched between the stopper element of the first cylindrical garnish member and the stopper element of the second cylindrical garnish member, thereby providing a robust structure against deformation.

Abstract: In a fastening device (101) for a child's seat on a vehicle seat, in particular on a motor-vehicle seat, having at least one fastening element (109) which can be moved between an operational position and a parking position and which can be secured in the operational position, an interlocking element (113) is provided which locks the fastening element (109) in the operational position.

Abstract: A chair control actuator, such as a chair control paddle, is provided with a surface relief. The surface relief depicts a chair in two different positions illustrative of different chair positions which may result from use of said actuator. The surface relief has solid relief areas depicting a first of the two positions and outline relief areas depicting a second of the two positions.

Abstract: A fan-type foldable device for sub-dividing for privacy purposes, the space occupied by a passenger seated in a moving vehicle or a movie theatre, is described. The fan type device incorporates a means for coupling onto a side of a seat back, thereby maintaining privacy within the sub-divide. Said fan type device folds out of the way when not in use. The fan type foldable device may be used in a seating arrangement wherein rows of seats are divided by the fan type such that each seated passenger is able to enjoy privacy from adjoining passengers.