Abstract: A support assembly includes a first support frame having a first bearing surface, and a second support frame spaced a vertical distance from the first support frame. A biasing member is connected to the first support frame and includes a first end and a second end. The first end bears against the first bearing surface. An adjustment assembly is connected to the second support frame and is adjustable with respect to the second support frame. The second end of the biasing member bears against the adjustment assembly.

Abstract: A seat suspension includes a lower support frame having a first slot, an upper support frame having a second slot, and a biasing member between the upper and lower support frames. A first suspension arm is connected to the lower support frame at a first end for rotation with respect to the lower support frame and connected to the upper support frame at a second end for rotation with respect to the upper support frame. A second suspension arm is connected to the first slot in the lower support frame for rotation with respect to the lower support frame and for translation with respect to the lower support frame along the first slot, and a second end coupled to the second slot in the upper support frame for rotation with respect to the upper support frame and for translation with respect to the upper support frame along the second slot.

Abstract: A seat back assembly includes a back frame and an adjustable support mounted to the back frame. The adjustable support moves between a first position and a second position with respect to the back frame. A stationary back cushion is mounted to the back frame and defines an opening sized to receive the adjustable support. When the adjustable support is in the opening, both the adjustable support and the stationary back cushion provide support surfaces for the back of an occupant of the seat. When the adjustable support is moved toward the second position to at least partially remove the adjustable support from the opening, the opening accommodates equipment of an occupant of the seat.

Abstract: A seat has a seat frame and a seat cushion supported by the seat frame. The seat cushion has an upper surface that supports a user and a lower surface defining a cavity. The seat cushion moves between an at rest condition in which no operator is seated on the seat, and a deflected condition in which the seat cushion is deflected with respect to the frame in response to an operator seated on the seat. A switch is mounted to the frame and opens and closes an electrical circuit in response to an actuating force. A switch actuator is mounted to the seat cushion lower surface in the cavity and moves between a non-actuating position when the seat is at rest and an actuating position when the seat is deflected. The switch actuator delivers the actuating force as the switch actuator is moved toward the actuating position.

Abstract: A seat includes a seat frame and a resilient web supported by the seat frame. The web is adapted for movement between an at rest condition in which no operator is seated on the seat, and a deflected condition in which the web is deflected with respect to the frame in response to an operator seated on the seat. A switch actuator is mounted to the web and is movable between a non-actuating position when the web is in the at rest condition and an actuating position when the web is in the deflected condition. A switch is mounted to the frame, the switch includes first and second parts movable with respect to each other to open and close an electrical circuit in response to the switch actuator moving between the non-actuating and actuating positions. A distal end of the switch actuator engages the switch at least when the switch actuator is in the actuating position.

Abstract: A seat support assembly includes a base, a plurality of arms each mounted at a first end to the base for movement with respect to the base, and mounted to a seat at a second end opposite the first end for movement with respect to the seat. A torsion spring has a first end defining a length, a second end defining a length, and a coil defining an axis. A first bearing surface abuts the first end of the torsion spring at a first abutment point to define a first moment arm distance. A second bearing surface abuts the second end of the torsion spring at a second abutment point to define a second moment arm distance. An adjustment mechanism simultaneously causes relative movement between the torsion spring and the bearing surfaces to simultaneously change the first moment arm distance and the second moment arm distance.

Abstract: A seat for a vehicle. The seat includes an occupant support defining a support surface for an occupant of the seat, and a mounting assembly coupled to the occupant support and rigidly mounted to the vehicle. The mounting assembly resists non-vertical movement and guides vertical movement of the occupant support relative to the mounting assembly. The seat also includes a shear member having a first hardness and a sacrificial member have a second hardness lower than the first hardness. The sacrificial member is sheared by the shear member in response to a generally downward force on the occupant support arising from inertia of the occupant in the presence of a rapid upward movement of the vehicle. Shearing the sacrificial member absorbs energy associated with the rapid upward movement of the vehicle and accommodates downward movement of the occupant support relative to the mounting assembly, reducing acceleration of the occupant.

Abstract: A seat includes a seat frame and a resilient web supported by the seat frame. The web is adapted for movement between an at rest condition in which no operator is seated on the seat, and a deflected condition in which the web is deflected with respect to the frame in response to an operator seated on the seat. A switch actuator is mounted to the web and is movable between a non-actuating position when the web is in the at rest condition and an actuating position when the web is in the deflected condition. A switch is mounted to the frame, the switch includes first and second parts movable with respect to each other to open and close an electrical circuit in response to the switch actuator moving between the non-actuating and actuating positions.

Abstract: A seat switch for a seat having a resilient web includes device for sensing the presence of an operator sitting on the resilient web. The seat switch is operably connected to a vehicle circuit which may be for example an ignition system for the engine. The seat switch provides a signal to the vehicle circuit in response to sensing no operator present. The device for sensing may include a switch and a tension member mounted directly to the web. When an operator sits on the seat, the web stretches under the weight of the operator, which results in tension in the tension member. This tension activates the switch to send the operator-present signal to the vehicle circuit. When the operator's weight is removed from the seat, the tension is relieved from the resilient web and the switch discontinues the operator-present signal.

Abstract: A seat switch for a seat having a resilient web includes means for sensing the presence of an operator sitting on the resilient web. The seat switch is operably connected to a vehicle circuit which may be for example an ignition system for the engine. The seat switch provides a signal to the vehicle circuit in response to sensing no operator present. The means for sensing may include a switch and a tension member mounted directly to the web. When an operator sits on the seat, the web stretches under the weight of the operator, which results in tension in the tension member. This tension activates the switch to send the operator-present signal to the vehicle circuit. When the operator's weight is removed from the seat, the tension is relieved from the resilient web and the switch discontinues the operator-present signal.

Abstract: A suspension system for a seat. The suspension system includes a first frame member, a second frame member connectable to the seat and movably coupled to the first frame member, a suspension member coupled to both the first frame member and the second frame member and suspending the second frame member above the first frame member, an adjustment mechanism coupled to the suspension member and manually manipulatable by an operator to adjust the stiffness of the suspension, a handle movable along a portion of the adjustment mechanism and facilitating manual manipulation of the adjustment mechanism, and an engaging member resiliently resisting movement of the handle under its own weight along the portion of the adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: A seat includes a frame, an assembly for supporting a self-contained breathing apparatus, and a headrest frame. The self-contained breathing apparatus and headrest frame are mounted to the frame. The seat also includes a seat belt assembly. The seat belt assembly includes a bracket, first and second guide members, a seat belt, a seat belt reel, and first and second portions of a buckle. The bracket is mounted to the headrest frame and the first guide member is mounted to the bracket. The second guide member, seat belt reel, and second portion of the buckle are mounted to the frame. The seat belt has a first end spooled into the seat belt reel. The seat belt extends up from the seat belt reel and is then threaded through the first and second guide members and the first buckle member. A second end of the belt is mounted to the frame. The first portion of the buckle is slidably mounted to the seat belt.

Abstract: A seat for use in an emergency vehicle includes a base portion and a seat back extending up from the base portion. The seat back includes a pair of vertical cushions spaced apart and positioned on opposite sides of a central recess that houses a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). A lower end of each vertical cushion includes a removable insert and an upper end includes a retaining tab adapted to retain a shoulder strap of the SCBA. The base of the seat includes portions of reduced width along opposite edges of the base to provide clearance for a seat belt or seat tether. Attached to the seat back is a headrest frame having a curved top handle portion that facilitates inserting the SCBA into the recess, provides clearance for removal of the SCBA, and provides added structural stability to the seat.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly having a seat mounted on a knee action suspension mechanism and hand controls for the operation of the vehicle that are mounted on the same suspension mechanism as a seat. More particularly, a seat assembly for a vehicle including a seat having a forward portion and a rearward portion. The seat assembly includes a knee action suspension mechanism mounted under the seat and resiliently supporting the seat for resilient movement such that the rearward portion of the seat is vertically movable and the forward portion of the seat is generally pivotable about a longitudinal axis adjacent the forward portion of the seat. The seat assembly has an armrest assembly supported for movement with the seat, the armrest assembly has a forward end and a hand control is connected to the forward end of the armrest assembly.