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: In accord with the present invention, a vehicle seat suspension apparatus is provided comprising: a seat suspension base; an isolator plate disposes above the base and adapted to support a vehicle seat; means for allowing reciprocating horizontal movement of the isolator plate relative to the base; an elongated guide mounted to one of either the base or the isolator and oriented along the travel path of the isolator; and a guide engaging member mounted to the other of the base or the isolator and engaging the guide to stabilize the isolator as it moves along its travel path.

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: A seat cushion is provided having a foam cushion body with a perimeter section. A cover is disposed over the body and has a border that extends around the periphery of the cushion body and juxtaposed with the perimeter section of the cushion body. An insert is positioned within the cushion body and has an outer wall extending along and spaced from the periphery of the cushion body to accommodate the cushion body perimeter section. The perimeter section has a foam density greater than that of the main cushion body and the border of the cover is bonded directly to this perimeter section. In addition, a support wall or pan is used having a size and configuration to receive the covered cushion with the border of the cover disposed within the support wall when the seat is fully assembled. A method of forming such a seat cushion is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a system for measuring the vibration an operator of a piece of the equipment encounters while operating the equipment. The system includes at least one motion measuring means, such as an accelerometer. The accelerometer may be affixed to the equipment or integrated into the equipment. In addition, motion data recording equipment that is in electrical communication with the accelerometer may also be provided. An alarm may be used to indicate that a preset limit has been or is about to be exceeded.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a system for measuring the vibration an operator of a piece of the equipment encounters while operating the equipment. The system includes at least one motion measuring means, such as an accelerometer. The accelerometer may be affixed to the equipment or integrated into the equipment. In addition, motion data recording equipment that is in electrical communication with the accelerometer may also be provided. An alarm may be used to indicate that a preset limit has been or is about to be exceeded.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a system for measuring the vibration an operator of a piece of the equipment encounters while operating the equipment. The system includes at least one motion measuring means, such as an accelerometer. The accelerometer may be affixed to the equipment or integrated into the equipment. In addition, motion data recording equipment that is in electrical communication with the accelerometer may also be provided. An alarm may be used to indicate that a preset limit has been or is about to be exceeded.

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: This invention provides improved seating for vehicles having cramped space for operators. A tubular frame (12) is disposed to the periphery of backrest and seat members (13), (14). The backrest slides and pivots with respect to the frame and is pivotally attached to the seat. Pivot blocks (34) fixed to the seat underside selectively engage a frame bearing shaft (24) to hold the backrest and seat and any of several adjustments while holding the included angle between seat and backrest relatively uniform and keeping the seat index point relatively low.

Abstract: This invention relates to supports, for vehicle seats, having a generally upright configuration. Provision of a plurality of seat adjustments, for operator comfort and safety, performable with an economy of movement and structure which tends to maximize free, usable space within a vehicle cab, is achieved by the invention. A housing member (13) has facing traces (17), and a carriage member (14) bears the seat and a plurality of rollers (51, 53) which engage the traces (17). A bracket assembly (15), disposed between housing and carriage members (13, 14), is selectively slidable with respect to the carriage member (14) to effect height adjustment and, when locked with respect to the carriage member (14), is operable upon to effect weight adjustment.

Abstract: A fore-aft adjustment, for a vehicle seat, employing rollers. The vehicle seat includes a seat assembly coupled to a support assembly. The support assembly includes a first portion affixed to the vehicle and a second portion affixed to the seat assembly. One of said first or second portions includes a plurality of roller structures having rotational axes which are substantially vertical. The other of said first or second portions includes guide members, the roller structures rotatably engaging the guide members to provide for longitudinal movement of the seat assembly with respect to the vehicle.

Abstract: An armrest structure for a vehicle seat. The armrest structure includes a support attached to the side of the vehicle seat, an armrest, and an adjustment structure connecting the support and armrest. The armrest is movable vertically and, in the lowermost travel position, forms an enlargement of the seat portion of the vehicle seat. The armrest is pivotable on the adjustment structure into an upright position.

Abstract: A pair of leaf plate members. A seat support structure includes upper and lower housing members with scissors linkage members extending therebetween, one leaf plate member being attached to the scissors linkage members and the other being attached to the lower housing. The leaf plate members abut at a pivot area. Adjacent the pivot area, portions of the leaf plate members form a weight adjustment control.

Abstract: A vehicle seat having a seat assembly and a height adjuster for altering the displacement of the seat assembly from the vehicle. The vehicle seat includes a support assembly which connects the seat assembly to the vehicle. The support assembly includes a plurality of pivoting members which bear the seat assembly. The height adjuster includes a biasing member which operates the pivoting members to elevate the seat assembly. The height adjuster also includes structure for selectively locking the pivoting members against movement, whereby elevation of the seat assembly is arrested.

Abstract: A first separable pivot is at the height of the pelvis of an occupant and has a guide for supporting a back rest while the support thereof is being transferred from the first separable pivot to a second separable pivot near the bottom of the back rest. A pin secured to the back rest is positioned in a toothed slot for different positions of tilt while the first pivot is engaged and during folding is positioned in an adjusting arcuate slot for maintaining the second pivot engaged.

Abstract: Vehicle seat assemblies, including seats and their suspensions that are to be mounted to rigid structure of vehicles, have restraint ties completely contained within the assemblies. The ties restrict the amount of upward and forward movement of the seats when they and their occupants are subject to abnormal forces when the vehicles roll over or are involved in other accidents. Each restraint tie is made from strong, flexible material such as wire rope; one end of a tie is connected to one frame of an assembly at the top of its suspension, and the other end is connected to another frame at the bottom of the suspension. The latter frame may be the movable member of a rugged fore-and-aft adjusting mechanism. In addition, pelvic restraint belts are connected to a frame at the top of the suspension.