Abstract: A viewing distance safety system, utilizing a viewing distance safety device having two ultrasonic sensor modules at a particular angle to each other to achieve a wide field of view, and includes an adjustable, user selected, distance threshold setting that activates a warning when an object or person enters the region within the threshold distance. The system emits a warning when the threshold distance has been crossed, and, once the distance is cleared, the warning stops and the system resets itself. The system allows a voice message to be recorded for playback when an alarm is activated by crossing into the threshold distance.

Abstract: A viewing distance safety system, utilizing a viewing distance safety device having two ultrasonic sensor modules at a particular angle to each other to achieve a wide field of view, and includes an adjustable, user selected, distance threshold setting that activates a warning when an object or person enters the region within the threshold distance. The system emits a warning when the threshold distance has been crossed, and, once the distance is cleared, the warning stops and the system resets itself. The system allows a voice message to be recorded for playback when an alarm is activated by crossing into the threshold distance.

Abstract: A connection between a tensile element and an object is described having a slotted plate, a connector and a retainer. The slotted plate is attached to or part of the object and the slot has a first part and a second part. The connector has a first end that is engageable with the tensile element and a second end that can be inserted into the second part of the slot and slid towards the first part of the slot to engage the first part of the slot. The retainer inhibits the connector from moving back into the second part of the slot once it is engaged with the first part of the slot. Such a connection can be used to attach a cable assembly to a seat basket to provide adjustable lumbar support.

Abstract: An adjusting mechanism is provided for a basket used in a portion of a seat to adjust the shape of the seat. The mechanism includes a handle that is rotatably engaged to a shaft. The shaft is slidably engaged within a bore in a gear that is part of a gear mechanism. The gear mechanism is connected to a first end of the basket and a link is connected from the gear mechanism to a second end of the basket. The bore has a complementary cross sectional profile to the shaft to permit rotation thereby. The shaft is slidable along the axis of the bore to permit changes in the relative position between the handle and the gear mechanism.

Abstract: A shape-adjusting mechanism for a backrest has a lumbar basket which includes a pair of supports spaced apart along a predetermined axis. Resilient axial ribs are fastened between the brackets, and resilient transverse ribs are fastened to the anal ribs. The axial ribs are structured to flex as the supports are drawn together, to achieve a profile that better conforms to the shape of a user's spine. To that end, each axial rib is stamped with reinforcing flanges that extend partially along its length and produce lengthwise rib sections of different bending resistance that determine the profile of the lumbar basket in its flexed state.

Abstract: A shape adjusting mechanism is provided having a basket that is flexed on a guide track by a cable mechanism. The basket comprises an elongate resilient plate in which is defined at least one slot. The slot has at least one reinforcing flange that defines a region of high bending resistance relative to a controlled arch region in the plate in order that the flex of the plate in the controlled region will be more pronounced than in the region with the slot. A reinforcing edge flange is also provided along at least a portion of the longitudinal edge of the plate. In a further embodiment a plurality of crossforms are define transversely in the controlled arch region to predefine an arch in the plate while the plate is in a rest state.

Abstract: A shape-adjusting mechanism for a backrest has a lumbar basket which includes a pair of supports spaced apart along a predetermined axis. Resilient axial ribs are fastened between the brackets, and resilient transverse ribs are fastened to the axial ribs. The axial ribs are structured to flex as the supports are drawn together, to achieve a profile that better conforms to the shape of a user's spine. To that end, each axial rib is stamped with reinforcing flanges that extend partially along its length and produce lengthwise rib sections of different bending resistance that determine the profile of the lumbar basket in its flexed state. No separate stiffening component or additional stamping operation is required.

Abstract: A shape-adjusting mechanism for a backrest has a lumbar basket which includes a pair of supports spaced apart along a predetermined axis. Resilient axial ribs are fastened between the brackets, and resilient transverse ribs are fastened to the axial ribs. The axial ribs are structured to flex as the supports are drawn together, to achieve a profile that better conforms to the shape of a user's spine. To that end, each axial rib is stamped with reinforcing flanges that extend partially along its length and produce lengthwise rib sections of different bending resistance that determine the profile of the lumbar basket in its flexed state. No separate stiffening component or additional stamping operation is required.

Abstract: A low-weight riser clamp has a pair of clamp members stamped from metal strips. Each metal strip is bent lengthwise to define an elongate base strip and a pair of opposing lengthwise flanges. The base strip is bent to define between the flanges a substantially semi-circular central arch, a pair of coplanar arms that extend laterally in opposite directions from the central arch, and a pair of tabs each extending laterally away from the arms. The arch and the flanges extend in the same general direction from the metal strip, and each tab is offset from its associated arm in an opposite general direction. Clearance holes are formed in the arms to pass bolts. When installed about a riser, the tabs of the clamp members abut one another to space the arms of the clamp horizontally. Thus, as the bolts are tightened, the butted tabs serving as fulcrums about which the arms deflect, permitting more reliable gripping of the riser.