Abstract: The present invention features a device to facilitate female urination from a standing position. A collapsible structure is readily expanded by pressing on two opposing edges. Once expanded, the device is held in its open state by a unique locking mechanism. Because a user does not need to exert continuous pressure on the device to keep it in an open, operable state, it is easier to use than other similar devices. The device may be cleaned, collapsed and stored for re-use or may be supplied as a single use, disposable unit.

Abstract: A cleansing and freshening unit having a twofold purpose of spreading a fresh odor in a toilet room and introducing active substances into flushing water with each flush, the unit comprises a holder with unfoldable flexible suspension means for suspending the unit from the rim of a toilet bowl, a reservoir for active substance, such as liquid containing cleansing and air freshening agent, detachably connected to the holder, and a porous mass being arranged in the holder so as to be located in a path of the flushing water when the unit is suspended from the rim of the toilet bowl, said porous mass communicating with the active substance contained in the reservoir.

Abstract: A vacuum toilet for use with a waste pipe maintained under partial vacuum pressure. The vacuum toilet comprises a bowl having an upper surface defining an opening and a lid supported for pivotable movement between a lowered position, in which the lid covers the opening, and a raised position, in which the lid is rotated away from the opening. An actuator has a rod connected to the lid, the rod being movable between a first position, in which the lid is placed in the raised position, and a second position, in which the lid is placed in the lowered position. A controller is operatively connected to the actuator, wherein the controller normally operates the actuator with the rod in the first position. The controller automatically operates the actuator rod to the second position during a toilet flush cycle, and subsequently returns the actuator rod back to the first position after the toilet flush cycle.

Abstract: A pressurized plunger apparatus for cleaning drains and other plumbing fixtures of obstacles. The pressurized plunger apparatus includes a pressurizable handle assembly that has an air valve for releasing the compressed air into a chamber area of a plunger member when the device is depressed onto a drain, thereby forcing the compressed air into the plumbing system and clearing the debris.

Abstract: A portable soaking and bath pan is provided for treating perineal wounds of a bedridden patient. The pan comprises a bottom portion having a generally flat lower surface for being supported upon the patient's bed and upwardly and outwardly flaring sides that define a relatively wide and shallow treatment area that can receive the thighs and buttocks of the patient to be treated. A collection reservoir or basin is formed within the bottom portion immediately beneath the treatment area which is used to collect cleansing fluid as the patient is treated. The collection reservoir has a drain outlet that is used to convey the accumulated cleansing fluid from the reservoir through flexible tubing to a discharge receptacle in the patient's room. A discharge valve controls the flow of cleansing fluid from the reservoir. A handheld, detachable spray head mounted to the pan is provided for introducing cleansing fluid into the treatment area.

Abstract: A stool collecting apparatus is simple in construction and inexpensive to manufacture and provides an easy to use and contamination free apparatus for collecting a stool sample. The device includes a disposable strip spanning at least a width of a toilet seat having adhesive sections at ends thereof and an opening section between the ends. The opening section includes an opening through the disposable strip and a lip spanning a periphery of the opening. A sealable stool receptacle is removably secured to the lip adjacent the opening section. After a sample is deposited, the receptacle can be easily removed from the disposable strip and sealed for subsequent processing. The strip, with or without a seat cover, can then be discarded.

Abstract: A seat supporting table for a barber of beauty chair which can slide a barber or beauty chair even when the barber or beauty chair is provided with no sliding function. A sliding plate, to which the barber or beauty chair is attached, is slid forward and backward to a desired position along a guide rail for guiding a slide of the sliding plate. A sliding power controlling bolt for controlling a sliding power required for sliding the sliding plate is also provided and a slider controls the sliding of the sliding plate.

Abstract: A joint for a molded tub and surround which is formed of a multiple of portions. Mating wall surfaces are formed on both wall portions which extend generally parallel to the wall portions. An outer generally trapezoidal pair of surfaces are formed laterally spaced from the joint to engage a pair of parallel engagement surfaces substantially perpendicular to said first and second wall portions, and an angled engagement surface between said parallel engagement surfaces. One or more clips are received on the trapezoidal surfaces to further urge the surfaces into contact. The clip biases the two wall portions into contact such that there is a water tight seal at the joint.

Abstract: A plumbing fixture adapted to be installed from the top side of a sink deck through a sink deck opening includes a housing having a body portion which is adapted to extend through the sink deck opening and below the sink deck when mounted. The housing has a shoulder which is adapted to seat on the sink deck when mounted. There is a collar slidably movable on the body portion and of a size to pass through the sink deck opening. A threaded bore is in the collar and an unthreaded bore is in the housing shoulder, and a threaded member extends through these bores, with rotation of the threaded member from above the sink deck moving the collar axially along the housing body portion. Outwardly-biased yielding members are associated with the collar and extend outwardly therefrom such that when so extended the collar will not pass through the sink deck opening.

Abstract: A sofa and bed combination for providing multiple individual sleeping areas in one article. The sofa and bed combination includes a sofa having a back portion and two arm portions. Each of the arm portions is securely coupled to opposite ends of the back portion. Each of the arm portions extends in a generally parallel direction with relation to each other. A first platform extends between and is securely coupled to the arm portions. A second platform has a top surface and a bottom surface. The second platform has a length generally equal to a distance between the arm portions and a width generally equal to distance from the back portion to an outer edge of the arm portions. The second platform has four corners. Each of four legs is integrally coupled to and extends downwardly from the bottom surface of the second platform. Each of the legs is positioned generally adjacent to one of the four corners. Each of four wheels is rotatably coupled to one of the legs.

Abstract: A portable collapsible bassinet for suspension in a play yard is disclosed. The bassinet includes floor support bars disposed within fabric tunnels in the floor of the bassinet. The support bars each comprise at least two portions that are secured together by a spring element. The floor support bars provide even support for infants disposed in the bassinet. When not in use, the portions of the floor support bars can be disengaged to allow the bassinet to be folded into a compact position. The support bars and other components remain secured to the bassinet when erected and/or collapsed to eliminate the possibility of lost parts.

Abstract: A play yard has an oval-shaped upper frame. The upper frame is made of two u-shaped tubes and is supported by two vertical posts at either end of the play yard. The ends of each of the u-shaped tubes of the upper frame are connected to each post so as to be able to rotate about the posts. Located on each post is a slider which can slide up and down the post. Each slider is held in place by a button on each post. Diagonal support braces connect the sliders to each of the u-shaped tubes of the upper frame. When the play yard is in use, the upper frame is supported by the two vertical posts and the diagonal support braces located on either side of the play yard. The lower end of each post is connected to two opposing cantilevered legs at a hub. Each of the legs is substantially u-shaped and is pivotally connected at the hub in order to be able to rotate about the posts.

Abstract: A dual purpose plush, toy characters is used as both a sleep enhancer toy and headrest pillow. The combined plush character headrest pillow includes a pouch with manually movable recreational members, such as storybooks or puppets, inserted therein to help a young child fall asleep comfortably. The plush character toy may also be an elongate amphibian type of animal, such as a lizard or worm, wherein a concave spinal portion of the animal is an orthopedically correct pillow headrest. Puppets may be provided within a hollow portion within the plush character toy, so that after the pillow portion is pivoted down, a further puppet stage set with a pop up type landscape or fantasy scene is erected by spring action upon a base portion of the puppet stage set. Thereafter, the child can insert his or her hand within an open proximal end of an attached sleeve portion, wherein at a distal end thereof there are provided the puppet portion, such as a plurality of finger puppets or a single hand puppet.

Abstract: A support pillow comprises a resilient pillow body having a medial region and two opposing arms extending from the medial region to form a generally open well. The pillow body includes an outer periphery and an inner periphery adjacent the well. A handle is coupled to the medial region at the outer periphery.

Abstract: The present invention is a mattress that has tourmaline discs attached to the mattress. The mattress is an egg-crate mattress which has at least two different elevations, an upper elevation and a lower elevation. The mattress is made-up of foam. The tourmaline discs are attached to the mattress with glue in a plurality of the lower elevations of the egg-crate mattress. The mattress can also have magnets attached in a plurality of the lower elevations.

Abstract: A system for the operation of a number of commercial washing machines and automatically feeding liquid chemicals to the washing machines. The system has chemical reservoir pods with a pressure sensor and an output valve on each. The chemical pods are supplied with liquid chemical by refill pumps. The quantity of chemical in a chemical pod, and the quantity of chemical dispensed from each chemical pod is calculated from information received by a controller from the pressure sensor to determine when to open and close the valve. A further pressure sensor is provided in the supply pipe to each washing machine to verify and measure flow quantity of water and chemical to the machine.

Abstract: A dentifrice dispensing electrical toothbrush having two replaceable oscillating brush elements. A motor, batteries and a cartridge that contains dentifrice material are housed in the toothbrush handle. A neck connects the brush head and the handle. A pair of brush elements is mounted on a pair of posts attached to the brush head in a manner that allows their free oscillation. The neck includes a flow channel for dentifrice material that is pumped from the cartridge to the spout opening at the base of one of the brush elements. The brush elements are detachably positioned on the brush head by a snap-on retention cradle and are replaceable by detachment of the retention cradle from the brush head. An oscillating motion is imparted to both brush elements by an oscillating means and a drive shaft that is positioned in the neck and connected to the motor.

Abstract: A motorized brush apparatus including a supply of a fluid, such as water, that is selectively actuated upon a targeted surface. A switch allows a user to selectively interrupt the rotational movement applied to a rotating brush assembly at one end of a shaft. A motor assembly is mounted preferably at the other end of the shaft. A source of a fluid is connected to a conduit member that extends along the shaft and ends with an outlet that directs the fluid axially and in parallel with the rotating bristles. The bristles are perpendicularly mounted to a rotating base plate provided with arched openings that allow the fluid to pass through.

Abstract: A nozzle includes a body having an entrance location and an exit location. The body has a curved exit surface defined at the exit location. An internal chamber is defined in the body below the curved exit surface and a channel extends between the entrance location and the internal chamber. A slit defines an opening in the curved exit surface. The slit extends from the curved exit surface into the internal chamber. The curved exit surface and the slit are configured to define a fanned spray when liquid flows out of the slit. A method for rinsing the backside of a semiconductor wafer includes the operations of forming a wafer transport truck into a nozzle, and spraying a liquid from the nozzle onto the backside of the wafer.

Abstract: The invention concerns a manual scraping device (10) by rotation about the external surface of a tube (112) of plastics material, comprising an annular structure (11) having a passage (20) which is to receive the tube in order to guide it and a blade (30) secured to the annular structure (11). The passage extends right through the annular structure and is partially obstructed by a shoulder (50) defining a region (52) for restricting the passage, so that the shoulder defines an abutment for a non-scraped portion of the tube and permits the passage of a scraped portion of the tube through the restriction.

Abstract: A brush 1 for cleaning golf equipment has a handle (2) and a head (3). A plurality of bristles (5) extend from the head (3). A first locking formation (6) is disposed on the handle (2) and a second locking formation (11) is disposed on the head (3). The first and second locking formations (6, 11) are of a complementary shape to engage to releasably lock the handle (2) and (3) together and clamp a cloth or towel (16) therebetween.

Abstract: Several brush assemblies are disclosed. All employ bristle strings that include a base string connected to a plurality of monofilaments. The preferred monofilaments are nylons and other polymeric thermoplastic materials. The monofilaments may be linear segments or loop segments disposed in two rows. The bristle strings may be connected to brush bodies to form virtually any of the various types of brushes. Bristle strings employing loops may be braided together to form entangled, monofilament articles for brush or other applications.

Abstract: A foot mat has a plurality of elongated rail members (20) arranged closely adjacent each other with a gap between each adjacent pair of rail members. Each rail member is of uniform cross section along its length and includes a body portion (22) and a pair of spaced-apart dependent leg portions (27). An elongated tread member (100, 104, 106, 108 or 110) is received on the upper surface of each rail member. Each adjacent pair of rail members is joined by an extruded plastic connector member (30) that has a connecting web portion (32) and a pair of generally U-shaped socket portions (38). Each leg portion of each rail and each socket portion of each connecting member are configured to snap-fit together and have interengaging shoulders (27s and 38s) that are configured to retain the leg portion in the socket portion.

Abstract: A device serves as a wiper blade for motor vehicle windows to a wiper arm, which is guided on the wiper blade, is movable between turning point positions, and is provided with a device element (24), with whose device element (24).

Abstract: A new-wheel cleaner for cleaning the wheels of a golf bag cart. The inventive device includes a mounting bracket adapted for mounting to the leg of a golf bag hand cart. The first end of a primary arm is coupled to the mounting bracket. The second end of the primary arm is coupled to the first end of a secondary arm. A top brush is coupled to the second end of the secondary arm. A pair of spaced apart side brushes are coupled to the top brush.

Abstract: A paint apparatus is disclosed having a plurality of trays for use with a paint roller. A paint reservoir within each tray retains the paint. A grid portion is integrally formed in a lower surface of the paint apparatus, and has a plurality of channels and/or projections. The channels are curved, thereby providing increased surface area for the paint roller. The paint apparatus is also included in a kit containing paint application devices, practice paper, and instructional materials. The paint apparatus is further provided with a metering system which includes a plurality of grids and a mesh structure. The stackable grids are placed within the paint reservoir and permit the paint to wick up to a top surface of the stackable grids. During use of the apparatus, a user fills the paint reservoir with paint to a point below the top surface of the stackable grids. The user the rolls the rolling device over the grids, thereby loading the nap portion with paint.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing food and grease in a wastewater stream from a food service facility. Vacuum is supplied to a suction hose, which is used to remove food and grease from plates and utensils prior to these being introduced into the water flow. The food and grease is collected in a waste container for separate disposal. The suction hose may be fitted with a scrubber head for breaking up and removing the materials. The vacuum may be supplied by an air pressure operated vacuum transducer, or by an exhaust blower. The invention thus solves the problem of high BOD, FOG and TSS levels in wastewater streams from food service facilities, which generate excessive loads on both on-site septic systems and municipal waste water treatment plants.

Abstract: A portable, dust collection system for collection of wood dust generated in a wood floor sanding operation, the system comprising a plurality of portable blower motors comprising the primary static pressure generator positioned in series between the sanding tools and the collection container, this system having a plurality of collection hoses of increasing diameter between the sanding tools and the primary static pressure generator with intermediate blower motors positioned between the hoses where diameters increase, sanding tools having skirts for position thereon in distal proximate contact with the floor such that all dust is collected by the system.

Abstract: A dual filter wet/dry hand-held vacuum cleaner includes a two-stage filtration system effective to provide liquid and/or dry pick-up while minimizing the frequency with which it needs cleaned out that, at cleanup time, may be cleaned efficiently with little or no dust generation and minimal or no direct contact with accumulated grime.

Abstract: A front edge cleaning device for an upright vacuum cleaner is disclosed. The front edge cleaning assembly comprises a flexible, resilient member frontally disposed on the head assembly of an upright vacuum cleaner. In one embodiment, the front edge cleaning device includes an elongated section having an upper section and a lower section with front and a rear faces, the rear face of the upper section being attached to the front wall of the vacuum cleaner and the lower section extending downwardly from the upper section and having the front face of the lower section beveled inwardly towards the rear face of the lower section to form an apical lower edge spaced apart from the floor with air openings positioned along the apical lower edge and projecting through the lower section.

Abstract: Improved draught excluder for fastening doormats, of the type formed by an elongated prismatic body, consisting in that the prismatic head is formed by a sheet, in that it has, along its side, a “T”, and in that its transverse arms are free, one of them being bent at right-angles.

Abstract: The invention describes a door closer with an energy storage that includes a resisting spring (3), with a closer shaft (1) driven by the resisting spring (3) and with an hydraulic fluid damped damping device (12, 13), whereby the energy storage and the damping device (12, 13) act upon a common closer shaft (1), whereby the resisting spring (3) and the closer shaft (1) are not in contact with the fluid of the damping device (12, 13). In this way a particularly slim housing is possible.

Abstract: A moveable sliding glass door track clip guide, ideally formed of plastic, and attached to the bead on the top of the rail on the sill which is subsequently secured in place by a sliding glass door track clip cover which will inhibit the door from jumping the track in strong wind loads. The guide contributes significantly to the general security of the SGD installation, since SGD's, by design, must be lifted then set upon their track. The guide slidably engages the upper bead on the track on the sill and thus resists the effort of the door to jump off the track by actually gripping the track itself. The method of the present invention involves the steps of first positioning a moveable panel in place. Thereafter, the main attachment screw is removed, and passed through the clip assembly. Only after the track clip guide has been positioned over the bead on the rail.

Abstract: A luggage pull rod is formed of an outer tube and an inner tube slidably fitted into the outer tube such that the top end of the outer tube and the bottom end of the inner tube are connected by a buffer member capable of absorbing shock. The pull rod is provided with a hand grip which is pivotally fastened to the top end of the inner tube.

Abstract: A hinge has first and second hinge members interconnected by an axle that allows relative rotation between them. Each hinge member has screw holes allowing the hinge member to be connected to a leaf or a frame. The screw holes of one hinge member are protected by a cover that can only be removed when the hinge members have a specific relative disposition. This provides a security feature.

Abstract: A new and improved hinge for use with a refrigerator door. The inventive hinge is a drawn hinge, created by the drawing process. The inventive hinge includes first and second flanges, a pin, and a pin arm. The flanges on each side allow use of a thinner piece of metal in creating a hinge, while retaining the strength of a thicker piece of metal. The pin arm is extended in order to prevent pinching when opening and closing a refrigerator door.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for a handle. The invention is characterized in that it comprises a part (20) intended to be arranged at the end of a handle, referred to below as a holding part, that the holding part (20) comprises a part (22) intended to be gripped on use, referred to below as the gripping pant, that said holding part is provided with organs (10, 20) capable of allowing turning of the gripping part (22) around an axis of rotation (V) in relation to the handle when device is affixed to the handle end, the axis of rotation (V) coinciding in the main with the longitudinal direction (L) of the handle, and that the gripping part is provided with organs (34, 36) capable of increasing the friction between the holding pant and the hand or a surface which the handle end is placed against.

Abstract: Two dispersers tunnels (20, 22) are provided at a disperser station. Each disperser tunnel (20, 22) houses two dispersers (24, 26 and 28, 30). Each pair of dispersers (24, 26 and 38, 30) are spaced apart and confront each other, with a mixing zone (42, 54) being defined between them. A separate conveyor (32, 34, 36, 38) is provided for feeding textile fiber modules, e.g. cotton boll modules (18, 18′, 18″, 18′″), to the dispersers (24, 26, 28, 30). Each pair of dispersers (24, 26) removes fiber clumps from the leading ends of the modules (18, 18′, 18″, 18′″) and dispenses them into the mixing zone (42, 54) in admixture with the fiber clumps from the other disperser (24, 26, 28, 30) of the pair. The blend or mixture of fiber clumps is collected in the upper run (50) of a conveyor (52) that serves to carry the fiber clumps away from the disperser station.

Abstract: An installation includes a carding machine (1), and a distributor-layer (2) depositing the card (1) web (6) in a reciprocating motion on a delivery belt (8) moving transversely. The resulting intermediate lap (16) is conveyed to a needling loom (3) to produce a consolidated lap (24). A measuring station (28) scans the consolidated lap (24) profile and transmits it to a processing unit (32) where the profile is compared to a set reference input by a terminal (33). The variations in width cause a corresponding modification in the width deposited by the distributor-layer (2) by a link (36). The local surface weight variations cause a corresponding modification of the controls applied to the carding machine (1) capable of longitudinally profiling the web (6). The invention is useful for controlling an installation for obtaining a finished product.

Abstract: Cannula retainers for use with oxygen delivery cannulas having a tubular nose piece for introducing oxygen into a person's nose, dependent oxygen tubes extending from opposite ends thereof for looping over the person's ears and which terminate at a connector for connection to an main oxygen delivery tube, and a slidable retaining collar for tensioning the oxygen tubes against the person's lower jaw. The cannula retainers comprise a tubular, band, or elastic body having a hook, clip, loop, or tubular member connected to each end of the body for attachment to the upper and lower portions of the oxygen tube to retain the oxygen tube in a looped configuration about the person's ear. The cannula retainers can be of a fixed length or of a variable length such as being stretchable or elastic, or of an adjustable length. Cannula with retainer assemblies include any of the cannula retainers of the invention with such cannulas.

Abstract: The device includes a housing having a rear face with a clip thereon for releasably securing the housing to a child's clothing or other article which is convenient to the user. An elongate cord includes a proximal end secured to a spring biased roller within the housing. The cord extends through a channel in the housing and out through an opening in the side of the housing to a free distal en d portion which includes a fastener for securing the distal end portion to a pacifier. In a relaxed state, the spring biased roller maintains the cord wound thereabout so that the distal end portion of the cord and attached pacifier are adjacent the housing.

Abstract: There is provided a pair of open plates 3 rotatably connected to both ends of a base 1 and adapted to be oppositely opened from closed positions. The open plates are held at the closed position by holding means 5, 6. Stopping means 15, 16 are provided for stopping the open plates halfway of an opening operation.

Abstract: The present invention includes an inventive pigtail fastener and the associated method of attaching line thereto. The pigtail fastener is comprised of an elongated shaft at the proximal end of the device and a tightly coiled portion of the shaft at the distal end of the device. The pigtail fastener is constructed and arranged in such a manner so as to provide an amount of tension sufficient to pinch and thereby secure a quantity of line between the coiled portion and the shaft. The tension being provided as a result of the narrow confines of the space between the shaft and the coiled portion or alternatively as a result of the coiled portion being biased against a portion of the shaft.

Abstract: An improved golf club cover retaining device to secure golf club head covers to a golf bag which includes a golf bag securing mechanism circumferentially positioned and affixed to the generally upper portion of the golf bag, a securing mechanism affixation means attaching opposite ends of the securing mechanism for removably attaching the device to the golf bag; at least one generally elongate golf club retainer cord having a proximal end zone, a distal end zone, and a central zone extending between the proximal and distal end zones; a double swivel inter-connector means on the proximal end zone of the cord for securing the cord to the golf bag securing mechanism in movable relation thereto so that the inter-connector means and the cord are able to travel circumferentially around the golfbag; and a golf club cover connector means on the distal end zones of the cord for removable attachment of the head covers.

Abstract: A magnetic closure particularly for items of clothing and the like, comprising a magnetic body which is accommodated in a seat which is closed hermetically and is formed by two plate-like elements which are mutually coupled at least in a region which peripherally surrounds the magnetic body. The coupled plate-like elements (10,11) can be applied to each one of a couple of flaps to be joined.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a securing or button replacement device which includes a base member having an attachment side and a fastening side and a connecting member secured to the base member. The connecting member is sized to fit through a hole in a first piece of material to be joined to a second piece of material or a first part of a garment to be joined to a second part of a garment. After a free end of the connecting portion is passed through the hole, the connecting member is looped on itself so that the free end can be brought into engagement with a plurality of engagement members on the fastening side of the base member.

Abstract: A reusable, flexible positioning and locking clip for garment hangers and other cylindrical objects and the like that proportionally positions, and locks garment hangers or other cylindrical objects into place.

Abstract: A casket bed comprises a rectangular bed frame formed from a pair of side rails, a pair of end rails, a plurality of cross braces spanning between the side rails and a plurality of bed straps spanning between the end rails. The cross braces are adjustably movable along the side rails. The bed straps have first ends directly connected to one of the end rails. Each cross brace includes a plurality of locators thereon each of which receives a bed strap and locates the bed strap side-to-side on the bed frame. The side and end rails are formed from beams L-shaped in cross-section which overlap at the corners of the frame; at each corner, one of the beams has a tongue which cooperates with its horizontal leg to receive therebetween the free edge of the horizontal leg of the other beam.

Abstract: A heart shape diamond and setting therefore including a first diamond section formed by cutting a first pear-shaped diamond along a first cutting plane to define a first mating surface and a first table; and a second diamond section formed by cutting a second pear-shaped diamond along a second cutting plane to define a second mating surface and a second table. A heart-shaped setting is provided having a first seating area and a second seating area separated by a cross bar, wherein the first diamond section is seated in the first seating area and the second diamond section is seated in the second seating area, with the first mating surface engaging the second mating surface to form the heart shape diamond, and with the first table and the second table forming the appearance of a single table of the heart shape diamond. Further, the first pear-shaped diamond has a first culet and the second pear-shaped diamond has a second culet, and wherein the heart shape diamond has both first and second culets therein.

Abstract: A seat assembly machine that uses stanchion rods to install flexible covers on seat cushions characterized by the fact that the stanchion rods are slidably mounted via slides in an axis generally perpendicular to the stuffing or plunging axis such that the stanchion rods more closely follow the contour of the seat cushion. The present invention can be applied to either bottom seat cushion stuffers, back rest stuffers or neck cushion stuffers as desired. In the preferred embodiment the combination of a cam mechanism and spring mechanism controls sliding movement of the stanchion rods. The cam mechanism includes a cam track having an eccentric substantially matched closely to the contour of the intended seat cushion and a follower adapted to follow the eccentric.