Abstract: A suspension system has a base, mountable to the floor of a vehicle, and a frame above the base. The base and frame are coupled by a linkage, for example two, spaced pairs of crossed links. A mechanical spring, preferably in the form of a torsion bar, is mounted in one of the base and frame. A lever is coupled to the spring means. A roller assembly mounted in the links is movable along the lever arm to vary its length and to act as a fulcrum. The lever has a cam lobe so that movement of the roller assembly arcuately moves the torsion bar to preload same, as the length of the lever arm is altered. Varying the length of the lever arm and the preloading of the spring responsive to differing occupant's weights maintains constant natural frequency and centers the suspension system in the ride zone.

Abstract: Improved mounting system for a vehicle seat having an air spring suspension includes a time delay valve means which cooperates with a linkage carried by the seat lower base to automatically position the seat upper base at the same vertical "mid-ride" position of the suspension regardless of the weight of the seat occupant. The system also includes an adjustable linkage which can be activated by the occupant before or after he is seated to reposition the seat upper base to a new "mid-ride" position of the suspension which can be adjusted in height relative to the floor of the vehicle in a range above or below a predetermined mid-range position. The system further includes a structure for providing a "protected" ride zone which has substantially the same movement range above and below the "mid-ride" position regardless of the occupant's weight or the adjusted position of the height adjustment linkage.

Abstract: Multi-position armrest for a vehicle seat incorporates a parallelogram linkage which permits the armrest to be raised or lowered through a series of parallel positions and locked in any one against downward movement. A ratchet and pawl arrangement permits the armrest to be tilted while in various fixed positions of the linkage, or, simultaneously as the linkage is moved. Movements of the arm or linkage in a lowering direction are controlled by a pair of manually operated buttons which operate separate, spaced apart pawls which engage different teeth on a single ratchet member. The buttons are not required for upward movement. The armrest can function as such or can be lowered to be flush with the seat so as to extend the seat width. It can also be tilted downwardly to a hip supporting position or upwardly to a vertical storage position. Various cam and stop arrangements restrict movements of the armrest outside a preferred range.

Abstract: Suspension system for wide seats having a rigid occupant supporting member has a pair of parallel, rotatable drums mounted to a rigid portion of a vehicle at a fixed horizontal distance from each other. A plurality of flexible web or cable support members attached to each of said pair of drums are attached to vertically spaced attachment points on the adjacent rigid occupant supporting member portion of the suspended seat and insure that the seat moves up or down as the drums rotate. Those flexible support members which are attached to upper attachment points on said rigid supporting member are in contact with lower peripheral surfaces of the adjacent drum when the seat is in its mid-ride position while the remaining flexible support members which are attached to lower attachment points on said rigid supporting member are in contact with upper peripheral surfaces of the adjacent drum when the seat is in its mid-ride position.

Abstract: Fastening system for seat covers permits rapid assembly of a seat cover to a seat back member while preventing unauthorized removal of the seat cover. The system includes a split tube which may be loosely positioned in a recess in the seat member. A stiff, elongated retaining member of a material such as fiberboard or plastic is attached along the length of each of the ends of the upholstery material and both ends are then inserted into the slot in the tube. The normal tension forces on the upholstery force at least portions of the retaining members to move away from the slot and act as barbs to resist removal of the upholstery from the slot.