Abstract: A motorcycle seat assembly that includes a seat pan with a load bearing hammock-type or hammock-style fabric or mesh seat suspension mounted using a suspension mounting bracket to the seat pan that is configured with an integral suspension mounting fixture that enables pre-tensioning of a stretchable webbing of load-bearing fabric or mesh material of the suspension during fixturing and/or mounting of the suspension to the seat pan.

Abstract: An adjustable seat occupant assembly for a vehicle seat including an elongate beam spring with an inline slider mechanism at its proximal end that displaces an beam spring flexor, e.g., elongate strap or link, operatively connected to a distal end of the spring to change the amount of flexure and prominence during adjustment to adjust support. In one embodiment, the mechanism is an inline slider crank mechanism carried by a drive carriage extending from the proximal end that rotates a crank when a knob is turned reciprocating the flexor between a fully retracted position where flexure is maximum and a fully extended position flexure is minimum. In another preferred embodiment, the mechanism is an inline slider cam-follower mechanism with a cam rotated by the knob to slidably displace a translating follower yoke that moves the flexor to change spring flexure.

Abstract: A motorcycle seat assembly that includes a seat pan with a load bearing hammock-type or hammock-style fabric or mesh seat suspension mounted using a suspension mounting bracket to the seat pan that is configured with an integral suspension mounting fixture that enables pre-tensioning of a stretchable webbing of load-bearing fabric or mesh material of the suspension during fixturing and/or mounting of the suspension to the seat pan.

Abstract: A seat position adjuster with a manipulable control shaft carrying a position locking latch and a spring that biases the latch toward a latched position that locks seat position with the spring being part of a vibration isolator selectively deactivated by an isolator lockout. The shaft is rotatively and axially movable relative to a mounting bracket carrying the shaft that also is attached to one rail of a slide mechanism with the latch being urged by spring into operative engagement with the other rail. Spring is captured in torsion rotatively biasing the latch toward the latched position and is active in tension and/or compression isolating the seat from vibration and lateral/longitudinal accelerations. A control shaft of the lockout is manipulable between a locked position deactivating isolation by preventing axial movement of the position adjuster control shaft relative to bracket and an unlocked position permitting relative axial movement therebetween activating isolation.

Abstract: A saddlebag container has a tub made of a plurality of composite fiber panels three dimensionally thermally molded or thermoformed in a chill forming process to form at least a plurality of structurally supporting tub walls and can have a lid of such construction. A preferred tub is formed of a plurality of panels with one panel three dimensionally shaped to form one sidewall and at least one of an endwall and bottom wall and another panel three dimensionally shaped to form the other sidewall that serves as a base to which the one panel is attached which can also provide a vehicle attachment mount. A preferred lid is formed of a panel that can have an outwardly extending mounting flap used to attach the lid to the base which can also serve as a hinge of the lid. A preferred tub and lid construction has at least two layers with one layer of a fibrous material and another layer of a different material that can provide a cover.

Abstract: An adjustable seat occupant assembly for a vehicle seat including an elongate beam spring with an inline slider mechanism at its proximal end that displaces an beam spring flexor, e.g., elongate strap or link, operatively connected to a distal end of the spring to change the amount of flexure and prominence during adjustment to adjust support. In one embodiment, the mechanism is an inline slider crank mechanism carried by a drive carriage extending from the proximal end that rotates a crank when a knob is turned reciprocating the flexor between a fully retracted position where flexure is maximum and a fully extended position flexure is minimum. In another preferred embodiment, the mechanism is an inline slider cam-follower mechanism with a cam rotated by the knob to slidably displace a translating follower yoke that moves the flexor to change spring flexure.

Abstract: A seat position adjustment assembly including an anchor plate from which a plurality of slide bearings extend slidably received in guide slots formed in a slide plate enabling seat position adjustment and which can also function as a seat mount. Each bearing includes a slide bearing having a slide plate receiving channel and a retainer engagement channel receiving a keeper disposed between the anchor and slide plates anchoring the slide bearing to the anchor plate. Each keeper releasably engages the slide bearing, can straddle the bearing, can function as a spacer spacing the slide plate from the anchor plate, and can function as an upholstery retainer clip that holds part of an outer cover against the anchor plate. A seat latch arrangement can be disposed between the anchor and slide plates releasably retaining a seat removably coupled by the slide bearings to the slide plate in a desired seat position.

Abstract: A plug and play control panel assembly having a circuit board with plug in sockets that receive a plurality of electrical components with the board seating in an enclosure having a cover attached that can help capture the components and board therebetween keeping the board seated and the components plugged in. The board includes at least one socket for a power receptacle having outwardly extending terminal blades received in socket slots. One preferred socket is configured for blades of a duplex 120 volt receptacle plugged into a board that preferably is an insert molded circuit board. A control panel module is produced having an insert molded board with plug in sockets on one side for receiving electrical components and at least one plug in socket on its opposite side defining a “plug and play” control panel module that is removably plugged into a larger apparatus during apparatus assembly.

Abstract: A fore-aft adjustable vehicle seat formed of a plastic seat shell having an integrally formed latch handle recess molded into the shell that pivotally receives and retains a latch having a handle at one end and that is disposed in pivotal engagement with the shell at its opposite end. The latch is provided by an elongate bar that is spring biased outwardly into a slide plate engaging position that opposes fore-aft seat movement. A preferred latch handle recess includes a recessed latch seating channel integrally molded into the shell in communication with a latch receiver pocket integrally molded into the shell in which one end of the latch bar is pivotally received with engagement between the latch bar and shell defining a pivot about which the latch is biased by a coil spring outwardly toward a seat position adjustment opposing position where the latch bar releasably engages the slide plate.

Abstract: A shaft seal assembly externally mounted to a high temperature device, such as a gas or steam turbine, having a plurality of rotary shaft sealing brush seals that includes at least one brush seal of wear-compensating construction that possesses a suitably high linear coefficient of expansion so it viscoelestically creeps over time compensating for brush seal wear. In one embodiment, a brush seal closest to the device is formed of an electrically conductive material that electrically grounds a rotary shaft of the device during shaft rotation and at least one other brush seal is formed of filaments of polymeric material, such as heat stabilized nylon, of wear compensating construction. In one preferred embodiment, the filaments of the inner brush seal are made of a self-lubricating metallic or bearing material and at least one other brush seal is formed of an intumescing material that can be of polymeric composition.

Abstract: A quick change brush holder of a brush seal having a plurality of spaced apart deflectable brush retaining arrangements that include a tab that is bent into a brush receiving channel toward a brush engaging or retaining position to releasably retain a brush in the channel and that is bent away from the brush engaging or retaining position when it is desired to remove the brush or install a brush in the holder. Each tab has a brush abutment edge that abuts or stops a shoulder of a tape or spine of a brush in the channel preventing removal from the holder when disposed in a brush engaging or retaining position. The brush abutting edge extends generally parallel to the channel enabling a brush to be inserted transversely relative to a lengthwise extent of the holder tape or spine first into the holder.

Abstract: An adjustable seat suspension for a vehicle seat that includes a linkage arrangement disposed between a seat frame and seat base whose collapse is opposed by a spring lever arm linkage arrangement supported on a fluid powered spring actuator carried by the base that has a plurality of pivotable spring lever arms that are each coupled to a portion of the frame. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid powered spring actuator is an air spring whose pressure is adjustable and which is powered by an air compressor to tailor suspension characteristics and provide a desired preload. The base includes an upright to which the spring lever arm linkage arrangement is pivotally mounted with its spring lever arms supported by a saddle carried by the air spring at a location disposed between the upright and where the spring lever arms couple with the seat suspension.

Abstract: The present invention includes a layered acoustical system for sound attenuation in a vehicle including an external decorative layer; a moldable fiber backer adhesively adhered to a back side of the decorative layer, the moldable fiber backer further including an engineered fiber blend including one or more types of thermoplastic fibers and having a first density; a moldable lofted sound absorber and vibration decoupling layer including being made from another engineered fiber blend including one or more types of thermoplastic fibers and having a second density that is less than the first density of the moldable backer, a top side of the vibration decoupling layer being adhesively adhered to the second side of the moldable fiber backer; and an intermediate layer embedded in a location within the vibration decoupling layer to achieve a balance point between transmission loss and sound absorption.

Abstract: A seat mount with integrated adjustment that includes a seat base with integrally molded slide bearing receiving pockets that each receives an integrally formed slide bearing of one piece and unitary construction that engages apertures formed in a seat mount that preferably is a seat slide plate or seat mounting plate.

Abstract: An adjustable seat suspension for a vehicle seat that includes a linkage arrangement disposed between a seat frame and seat base whose collapse is opposed by a spring lever arm linkage arrangement supported on a fluid powered spring actuator carried by the base that has a plurality of pivotable spring lever arms that are each coupled to a portion of the frame. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid powered spring actuator is an air spring whose pressure is adjustable and which is powered by an air compressor to tailor suspension characteristics and provide a desired preload. The base includes an upright to which the spring lever arm linkage arrangement is pivotally mounted with its spring lever arms supported by a saddle carried by the air spring at a location disposed between the upright and where the spring lever arms couple with the seat suspension.

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

Abstract: A vehicle seat, seat shell, suspension, and bolster therefor. Where a bolster is used, the bolster has a positive lock when in an elevated configuration. The suspension includes at least one beam spring that extends across a seat pan. In one preferred embodiment, a pair of such springs is carried by the pan. The springs preferably differ in compliance from one another and from a mesh load supporting grid that is connected to each spring. One such arrangement produces a suspension of progressive construction that enables the seat to handle a wide range of shocks, bumps, jolts, and vibration of varying frequencies and magnitudes. In one preferred embodiment, the seat includes a movable bolster movably attached to either the seat or shell. In a preferred embodiment, the bolster travels along a parabolic path when moved between its down and up positions.

Abstract: A modular folding seat for use in vehicles is provided. The seat includes a base securable to the vehicle; a backrest pivotally connected to the base, and can include a removable backrest panel mounted to the backrest. The base or the backrest includes a pair of outwardly extending bosses disposed on opposite sides that are rotatably engageable within recesses disposed in the other one of the base or backrest. The bosses are held within the recesses by a pair of engagement members disposed adjacent or in each recess. The engagement members are capable of being deflected to a non-securing position whereby the bosses can be inserted into or withdrawn from the recesses to assemble or disengage the backrest to or from the base. A plurality of regions of engagement between the base and backrest keep the backrest from over rotating beyond a fully upright position and resist downward folding of the backrest when in the upright position.