Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly comprises a base; a seat mounted to swivel relative to the base; and a console having first and second segments, the first segment mounted to swivel with the seat relative to the base and the second segment being mounted to remain in fixed position as the seat and first console segment swivel. The console's two segments lie in a generally common horizontal plane and are separated by an arcuate spacing so that the first segment is located proximate the operator and the second segment is located distally of the operator. This arrangement of the seat assembly components allows the seated operator to rotate in the seat through a substantial arc, with the first console segment rotating as well while the second console segment remains stationary.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a vehicle seat cushion having first and second sections. The sections may be pneumatically inflatable. The first section has an upper chamber and a lower chamber. The second section also has an upper chamber and a lower chamber. Each of the said sections are located a spaced distance apart to form an elongated vertical channel between the sections and may be located on the forward section of a curved back pan. The cushion may also be of a unitary construction and each section of the cushion may be independently inflatable as well.

Abstract: A swivel assembly for use in a seat suspension having a first swivel plate and an opposingly located second swivel plate with a plurality of ball bearings disposed between the swivel plates. The bearings permit the first swivel plate to rotate with respect to the second swivel plate. A lip is located inwardly from the bearings on the first swivel plate with the lip defining an aperture. An adjustment plate having an outer edge engages the lip. The adjustment plate also includes a plurality of sloped adjustment surfaces which increase in height and which have slots formed in the sloped adjustment surfaces. A plurality of fasteners extend through the slots into the second swivel plate and further engage the sloped adjustment surfaces.

Abstract: An active suspension system for limiting movement of a vehicle seat in two or more directions, up to and including six directions, in response to vehicle movement. The active suspension system includes seat actuating members and sensors for monitoring movement of the vehicle and/or the vehicle seat, and the seat actuating members. The seat actuating members also function to provide mechanical support for the vehicle seat. A control system accepts feedback from the sensors and responsively directs movement of the seat actuating members to limit seat movement in response to vehicle movement. A method for using an active suspension system to limit seat movement in response to vehicle movement also forms part of the present invention.

Abstract: A vehicle seat suspension system is provided which includes, in a seat support comprising an upper housing and a lower housing and a scissors linkage support apparatus, a spring fixed to the upper housing and a cable attached to the spring and wrapping around a pulley attached to the upper housing and downwardly to an arcuate or eccentric pulley attached at the scissors linkage axis pivot and an actuator knob which allows a seat occupant to tighten or loosen the cable and raise or lower the seat to provide a vehicle seat suspension system. The present invention provides a suspension system which can be discreetly and infinitely adjustable and which allows a user to adjust the suspension curve characteristics of the seat by utilizing a non-circular drive pulley which is movably adjustable.

Abstract: A vehicle seat suspension system is provided which includes, in a seat support comprising an upper housing and a lower housing and a scissors linkage support apparatus, a spring fixed to the upper housing and a cable attached to the spring and wrapping around a pulley attached to the upper housing and downwardly to an arcuate or eccentric pulley attached at the scissors linkage axis pivot and an actuator knob which allows a seat occupant to tighten or loosen the cable and raise or lower the seat to provide a vehicle seat suspension system. The present invention provides a suspension system which can be discreetly and infinitely adjustable and which allows a user to adjust the suspension curve characteristics of the seat by utilizing a non-circular drive pulley which is movably adjustable.

Abstract: An adjustable armrest assembly for a seat including a shaft mounted to and extending laterally from the seat and having a stop member, and an armrest frame rotatably mounted on the shaft to permit limited rotation of the frame on the shaft and a rotatable actuator in conjunction with the frame and a rod actuatable by the actuator to act on the stop member to adjust the positioning and degree of rotation of the frame about the shaft. The armrest preferably includes a compartment within the armrest frame and a cover with a gel or foam pad, or other cushioning, hinged to the frame.

Abstract: A pneumatic seat suspension assembly including upper and lower support members with scissors linkages extending therebetween, a pneumatic spring operatively attached between one set of opposing parallel scissors arms, a height adjuster in communication with the pneumatic spring, a dump valve in communication with the pneumatic spring and a safety rollover valve in communication with the pneumatic spring. The scissors linkage provides the mechanical connection between the seat bottom and the seat support while the pneumatic spring provides the structure to raise and lower the seat bottom by use of compressed air which causes the parallel scissors linkages to be pushed upward causing the seat to rise.

Abstract: The present invention provides a seat swivel assembly which allows a seat to swivel between stationary positions or to freely swivel about an axis, having an upper swivel plate and a lower swivel plate, a swivel member rotatably mounted to one of the plates, a swivel actuator lever in communication with the swivel member, a free-swivel latch facilitating unencumbered free swivel of the swivel plate, and a release lever in communication with the free swivel latch to release the swivel member to prevent free swivel.

Abstract: A folding seat mounted on a rotatable surface comprising a seat base, a seat bottom, a seat backrest frame, a backrest, and a linkage assembly including a hip restraint rotatably attaching the backrest to the base such that the seat backrest and hip restraint fold forward and down simultaneously relative to the base to allow greater access to behind and below the seat.

Abstract: A rotatable and slidable seat mount which has controls for rotation and for sliding which may be independently operated and which may be operated from actuators fixed to the same location relative to the seat from any rotational or lateral orientation.

Abstract: An adjustable armrest assembly for a seat including a shaft mounted to and extending laterally from the seat and having a stop member, and an armrest frame rotatably mounted on the shaft including first and second stop members positioned to permit limited rotation of the frame on the shaft where one of the stop members is adjustable to adjust the degree of rotation of the frame about the shaft.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a ride zone protection device is provided for use with a pneumatic seat suspension, comprising a cam in communication with the air suspension actuation means to alternatively allow and prevent actuation of the air suspension based on the positioning of the vehicle seat.

Abstract: An adjustable seat bottom support assembly which allows the seat bottom to slide fore and aft relative to the seat backrest and which allows the front portion of the seat bottom to raise and lower vertically for greater comfort and thigh and leg support for a range of sizes of seat occupants.

Abstract: A seat swivel apparatus which comprises an upper plate supporting a seat and a lower plate fixed to a support structure, a first generally annular bearing affixed to the upper plate and a second generally annular bearing affixed to the lower plate and being juxtaposed such that the upper plate swivels relative to the lower plate on opposing first and second bearings, and an actuator arm rotatably mounted with one of the plates to allow 180.degree. rotation of the upper plate relative to the lower plate. The swivel apparatus can be easily interchangeable between the right and left sides of a vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle seat suspension system is provided which includes, in a seat support comprising an upper housing and a lower housing and a scissors linkage support apparatus, a spring fixed to the upper housing and a cable attached to the spring and wrapping around a pulley attached to the upper housing and downwardly to an arcuate pulley attached at the scissors linkage midway pivot and an actuator knob which allows a seat occupant to tighten or loosen the cable and raise or lower the seat to provide a vehicle seat suspension system.