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

Abstract: A belt-type lumbar support includes a belt having first and second end portions. A first attachment tab is located at the first end portion, and a second attachment tab is located at the second end portion. A spring is located at the first end portion and is connected to the first attachment tab. A cable is located at the second end portion and is connected to the second attachment tab. A first belt extension is located at the first end portion and proximate to the first attachment tab and has a first belt extension tongue, wherein at least a portion of the belt extension tongue extends over the spring. A second belt extension is located at the second end portion and proximate to the second attachment tab and has a second belt extension tongue, wherein at least a portion of the second belt extension tongue extends over the cable.

Abstract: An integrated thermoelectric cooling element and a positive temperature coefficient heating element are integrated into a single package. A heat sink is shared between the thermoelectric cooling element and the positive temperature coefficient.

Abstract: A configurable vehicle seat having at least two configurations is disclosed. The configurable vehicle seat has a seat base, a seat bottom supported by the seat base, and a seat back coupled to the seat base. The seat back or seat bottom has one or more adjustable profile members, wherein the adjustable profile members may be adjusted such that the seat is adjusted from at least a first configuration to a second configuration.

Abstract: A folding seat for a vehicle includes a seat base fixed to an intermediate bracket, a seat back having a lower end and a support bracket fixed to the vehicle. An intermediate bracket has a first hinge point where the seat back lower end is hingedly attached to the intermediate bracket. The intermediate bracket has a second hinge point where the intermediate bracket is hingedly attached to the support bracket, and which is spatially removed from the first hinge point. Upon folding of the seat base into a vertical position, the intermediate bracket rotates on the second hinge point, which remains stationary and the first hinge point rotates upwardly and rearwardly around the second hinge point, so that the first hinge point and the lower seat back move rearwardly as the seat back and the seat base are folded into vertical orientation close to the rear vehicle wall.

Abstract: A head rest assembly that extends when the seat back is deployed into an upright position, and retract when moved into a down or stowed position.

Abstract: A lever connection comprises a lever having a cable end and a spring end and a pivot point therebetween, and a cable having a cable end fitting attached to an end thereof. The cable end fitting comprises a cable clamp and a frame, the cable clamp being adapted for attachment of the end fitting to the cable, the frame comprising first and second side members, a top member, and a bottom member. The top member is adjacent to the cable clamp and the frame defines an orifice between the first and second side members and the top and bottom members, the side members having a distance therebetween. The cable end of the lever comprises a bearing being sized for insertion through the orifice of the end fitting and adapted for engagement with the bottom member of the frame of the end fitting.

Abstract: The present invention is a lumbar and bolster support for a seat, especially for an automotive second row seat or a chair back rest. The lumbar and bolster support has a lumbar support member adjustable between a retracted position and an extended position, and a first bolster member and a second bolster member adjustable between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: A variety of cushion presenters may be provided in seats such as motorcycle. These cushion presenters are filled with air to envelop and support the hips of a rider. The cushion presenters may further be used to provide sacrum, support. Additional cushion presenters may be used in the buttock region to relieve tail burn. A linkage may further be provided to provide a actuated backrest.

Abstract: An ergonomic device for a seat is disclosed. The ergonomic device includes a first side plate and a second side plate spaced apart from the first side plate. A hinge connects the second side plate to the first side plate. The ergonomic device also includes at least one pulley connected to the first side plate or the second side plate. A traction element is connected to at least one of the side plates, and the traction element has a cable wire generally wrapped about the at least one pulley. The traction element engages the pulley to at least partially collapse the hinge when a tractive force is applied to the traction element.

Abstract: The invention is a novel heating unit utilizing a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heater, and fixing the PTC heater between two heat sinks. The new heater is placed in the blower output, and negates the need for a separate heater layer under the trim of an automotive seat.

Abstract: The invention is a lumbar support basket with a sliding support structure which provides curvature and vertical travel of the apex of curvature. The basket is provided with an open area at the top half or third for receiving duct work.

Abstract: An actuator is disclosed. The actuator includes: an output gear, a pinion, a drive shaft, a housing, and a spring. The output gear is adapted to receive a traction element. The pinion is in driving communication with the output gear. The drive shaft is interconnected with the pinion. The housing is adapted to receive the output gear and the drive shaft. The coil spring is circumjacent the drive shaft and located in a position intermediate the drive shaft and the housing, whereby rotation of the drive shaft causes the coil spring to frictionally disengage from the housing such that the output gear may rotate.

Abstract: A belt lumbar for a vehicle seat has a pair of brackets that are respectively located at opposite ends of the belt, a platform that extends between the brackets, and hinges that connect the platform to the brackets. A bowden cable extends between and pulls the brackets toward each other from a first position to a second position. The hinges are living hinges which have more flexibility than the pair of brackets and the platform. In response to the brackets moving toward each other, the hinges rotate relative to the platform and the brackets and extend the platform away from the brackets. Springs connect the ends of the belt to the sides of the seat frame.

Abstract: A seat support includes a lumbar, a foam pad, trim wires, and an actuator. The lumbar is supported by and actuated between trim wires which are embedded within the seat's foam pad. The actuator is connected to and adjusts the lumbar relative to the foam pad. The foam pad preferably includes passages through which fasteners can extend between the lumbar to the trim wires.

Abstract: A lever connection comprises a lever having a cable end and a spring end and a pivot point therebetween, and a cable having a cable end fitting attached to an end thereof. The cable end fitting comprises a cable clamp and a frame, the cable clamp being adapted for attachment of the end fitting to the cable, the frame comprising first and second side members, a top member, and a bottom member. The top member is adjacent to the cable clamp and the frame defines an orifice between the first and second side members and the top and bottom members, the side members having a distance therebetween. The cable end of the lever comprises a bearing being sized for insertion through the orifice of the end fitting and adapted for engagement with the bottom member of the frame of the end fitting.

Abstract: A seat support includes a lumbar, a foam pad, trim wires, and an actuator. The lumbar is supported by and actuated between trim wires which are embedded within the seat's foam pad. The actuator is connected to and adjusts the lumbar relative to the foam pad. The foam pad preferably includes passages through which fasteners can extend between the lumbar to the trim wires.

Abstract: An adjustable lumbar support has a guide wire assembly and a support basket, at least one of which comprises overmolded plastic components, wherein the support basket is slidably engaged with the guide wire assembly, and at least one actuator operably engaged with the support basket.

Abstract: An ergonomic device for a seat is disclosed. The ergonomic device includes a first side plate and a second side plate spaced apart from the first side plate. A hinge connects the second side plate to the first side plate. The ergonomic device also includes at least one pulley connected to the first side plate or the second side plate. A traction element is connected to at least one of the side plates, and the traction element has a cable wire generally wrapped about the at least one pulley. The traction element engages the pulley to at least partially collapse the hinge when a tractive force is applied to the traction element.

Abstract: A configurable vehicle seat having at least two configurations is disclosed. The configurable vehicle seat has a seat base, a seat bottom supported by the seat base, and a seat back coupled to the seat base. The seat back or seat bottom has one or more adjustable profile members, wherein the adjustable profile members may be adjusted such that the seat is adjusted from at least a first configuration to a second configuration.