Abstract: A swivel assembly for use in a seat suspension having a first swivel plate and an opposingly located second swivel plate with a plurality of ball bearings disposed between the swivel plates. The bearings permit the first swivel plate to rotate with respect to the second swivel plate. A lip is located inwardly from the bearings on the first swivel plate with the lip defining an aperture. An adjustment plate having an outer edge engages the lip. The adjustment plate also includes a plurality of sloped adjustment surfaces which increase in height and which have slots formed in the sloped adjustment surfaces. A plurality of fasteners extend through the slots into the second swivel plate and further engage the sloped adjustment surfaces.

Abstract: A sliding and swiveling device includes a mounting plate, a moving seat, a moving assembly, and a rotating assembly. On the moving scat is provided an inner annular-toothed portion. The rotating assembly includes a fixedly toothed sleeve, a movably toothed ring, a first protruding strip, a camshaft, etc. In the toothed sleeve is provided an annular-toothed portion. On the toothed ring is provided an annular-toothed portion, and the upper surface thereof is provided a protruding pillar. The first protruding strip and camshaft are fitted on the mounting plate, which can be engaged each other or not. The mounting plate can freely rotate in twenty locking positions within 360 degrees around the toothed sleeve. Because the camshaft is also positioned on the mounting plate, the sliding and turning of the chair are both operated in the same place along with the movement thereof, thus it's convenient for users.

Abstract: A plurality of conductor rings (16a, 16b, . . . , 16n) disposed concentrically with respect to a rotation axis X, and opposite terminals (19a, 19b, . . . , 19n) for coming into contact with the above-described respective conductor rings are provided, and these conductor rings and opposite terminals which come into contact with each other are connected to any one of electric circuits on a side of the above-described display section and on a side of the base section, respectively.

Abstract: An improved rotational cake decorating apparatus, commonly known as a Lazy Susan, used in the decoration, display and service of cakes. Said improved rotational cake decorating apparatus has a novel gripping means disposed thereon for improved rotational control. A donut shaped apparatus with a novel gripping means disposed thereon to be fixably attached to an existing rotational cake decorating apparatus. Said donut shaped apparatus with said novel gripping means provides for improved rotational control of said existing rotational cake decorating apparatus. A radial extension apparatus with a novel gripping means disposed thereon that can be removably attached to an existing rotational cake decorating apparatus. The radial extension apparatus provides a larger surface for supporting a work product such as a cake whereby the surface for supporting a cake on the existing rotational cake decorating apparatus is increased allowing for the decoration of larger cakes.

Abstract: An engaging and sliding portion (21) having a substantially inverted-U cross sectional shape is formed in a lower base (11). An upper base (13) is arranged via an engaging and sliding portion (21) of the lower base (11) and a first rolling member (23). A sliding portion (25) having a substantially U cross sectional shape and engaging with the engaging and sliding portion (21) is formed in a holding member (15). A second rolling member (27) is provided between the sliding portion (25) of the holder (15) and the engaging and sliding portion (21) of the lower base (11). A recess (13a) is formed at a position of an adhered portion of the holder (15) in the upper base (13). A position of an adhered portion in a seat main body is formed in a substantially linear shape. A mounting portion (15a) having a substantially inverted-U cross sectional shape is formed in the holder (15). A rotating lever (45) having a lock hook (45a) inserted to a lock hole (62) of the lower base (11) is pivoted to the upper base (13).

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for adjusting the angular position of one member relative to another, comprising means releasably lockably engageable with the one member therefor whereby the means is operable to lock and unlock the one member with respect to the another member. There is a remote actuating means for the means.

Abstract: A video display stand having dual panning axes suitable for controlling a screen direction of appliances such as a TV set or a personal computer without bumping against a wall even in a state that it is positioned very closely to the wall, and its controlling method for automatically controlling screen directions by using a driving force, including two motors being installed having gear driving shafts at one side of either a rotational base or a rotation support member of the TV set; two movement guide toothed slots each being formed along a circular arc centering a mutually opposite gear driving shaft with a predetermined width and depth, at the opposite side corresponding to the position of each motor, and having a gear portion to be engaged with the gear driving shaft at one side of each wall; and a controller for controlling driving of the motors.

Abstract: A support device for imparting repetitive motion to items such as a computer monitor. The device has a support base connected to drive means which impart either a reciprocal, an up-and-down or both motions to the support to induce relief and therapy to those who are required to focus on the device for extended periods of time.

Abstract: A pedestal assembly for a boat seat is disclosed which combines in a single lever adjustment the ability to raise and lower the seat as well as to lock or unlock the seat to permit clockwise and counterclockwise swivel action, as well as moving the seat fore and aft with respect to the pedestal. The lever is pulled up for vertical adjustments up or down. The lever is pushed down facilitating clockwise or counterclockwise pivoting about the pedestal of the seat. When the lever is released it is spring-biased to a neutral position. Depending on the configuration, the seat can be locked in one or more swivelled positions about the pedestal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a base bearing assembly, more particularly a device for bearing an upright object such as e.g. a work of art or a monument having a base and a pedestal arranged on the base, characterized in that the pedestal is borne by a film of liquid floatingly rotatable about a perpendicular axis on the base.

Abstract: A pivotable bench rest for supporting a shooter aiming a firearm including a seat and support surface configured to rotate in tandem about an axis of rotation that is adjustably alignable into a vertical orientation over uneven terrain.

Abstract: A holding structure for an upper post which supports a seat of a chair, such as a drum chair, in order to permit the seat to be rotated and preventing its undesired rotation, without loosening of the seat. The underside of the seat plate carries a holder having an accommodating part and a tightening part which are screw connected to clamp them against the top end region of the upper post. A synthetic resin compressive member surrounds the top end region of the post and includes a radially projecting flange extending between the accommodating and tightening parts for preventing rotation of the compressive member with respect to the accommodating part while permitting the seat to be rotated with respect to the post. The compressive member has a radial cut forming a split ring which are squeezed together as the compressive member is clamped and has a further cut from the first cut extending circumferentially half-way around.

Abstract: A seat assembly (11) is described including a seat (12), a support base (14), and an orbital guide assembly (16). The orbital guide assembly includes a first plate (30) connected to the support base, a second plate (32) connected to the seat, and an intermediate low-friction member (34) positioned between the first and second plates. The first plate includes at least two male elements (40), (42), such as guide pins. The second plate includes at least two arcuate female elements (50), (52), such as slots, adapted to engage their respective male elements. During use, the first pin acts as a first pivot point while the second pin translates along its corresponding second arcuate slot. Once the second pin completes its translation, the second pin then acts as a second pivot point while the first pin translates along its corresponding first arcuate slot. Various additional male and female elements may be used, either as stabilizing components or as additional pivot points.

Abstract: A pin secured at one end of a link is inserted into an L-shaped groove of a ock lever pivoted to the upper surface of an upper guide rail and the other end of the link is connected to an actuator by way of a wire. The hook of the lock lever can be inserted into the hook hole of the flange of the lower guide rail. Rotating of the lock lever and thus rotation of the upper guide rail relative to the lower guide rail by an accidental external force to the lock lever can be prevented in the rotatable seat.

Abstract: A chassis cover of a host unit, which has a horizontal orientation and a vertical orientation, includes a side cover and a stabilizing stand. The side cover has outer peripheral edges and a cavity. The stand is movable between a closed position and an open position and is coupled to the side cover. The stand fits within the cavity in the side cover to form a substantially contiguous surface when the host unit is in the horizontal orientation and the stand is in the closed position. The stand projects beyond the outer peripheral edges of the side cover in a direction transverse to the depth of the host unit to stabilize the host unit in the vertical orientation resting on the side cover when the stand is in the open position.

Abstract: In a rotary table of a seat for automobiles, a bolt-coupled holder and an end of a push plate are rotated by being engaged with an end of a fixing plate fixed to the bottom of the automobile to reduce a noise caused by the rotation and sustain a shock occurring in a car accident.

Abstract: An electrically operated lift chair/recliner which includes a swivel base having a power drive that permits an occupant to turn the chair to the left or right as desired.

Abstract: A swivel apparatus (16) on which a seat (10) is mounted in a vehicle to provide for rotation from a first position to a second position. The swivel apparatus (16) includes a support assembly (20) having a base member (22) with a plurality of legs (24, 24'. . . 24.sup.n) fixed to the vehicle. The base member (22) has a horizontal lower side (26) and a parallel horizontally upper side (28) with a central opening (30) that extends from the lower side (26) to the upper side (28). A collar (34) has a flange (36) which extends through the central opening (30) of the base member (22) to position a first bearing (37) between the collar (34) and the lower side (26) of the base member (22) while the flange (36) aligns a second bearing (38) on the upper side (28) of the base member (22). A mounting member (40) to which the seat (10) is connected is located a top of the second bearing (38) and attached to the flange (36) by a plurality of fastener (46, 46'. . . 46.sup.n) to define a unitary structure.

Abstract: An apparatus which includes a swivel base formed of a first plate and a second plate. The first and second plates each have a central aperture which is defined by a hook-shaped section of the second plate which extends over an interior edge of the first plate defining the first plate's central aperture. The hook-shaped section is preferably circumferentially continuous and fixes the first and second plates together while allowing for sliding engagement between the first and second plates. Bearing members, such as circumferentially spaced ball bearings, are provided externally to the hook section and between the plates to facilitate sliding and load distribution. One of the plates includes hollow reception ports for holding the bearing circumferentially in place with respect to that plate while the opposite plate has a continuous riding ring in which the bearings are free to rotate.

Abstract: A rotating apparatus for rotating an object utilizes a worm gear in which worm wheel torque supplied from a rotation table can be transferred to a worm gear. In this way the invention avoids a conventional disengaging mechanism that disengages the rotating apparatus when torque is supplied from the rotation table. Further, spring members and stoppers physically define a first and second rotation ranges and a split cam shuts off a drive motor within the first rotation range. Still further, an anti-backlash member is provided on the worm gearing. To prevent pinched fingers and dust accumulation, a skirt is preferably provided on the bottom, front edge of the object being rotated which closes a gap between the object and a support surface when the object is placed on the rotating apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a seat swivel assembly which allows a seat to swivel between stationary positions or to freely swivel about an axis, having an upper swivel plate and a lower swivel plate, a swivel member rotatably mounted to one of the plates, a swivel actuator lever in communication with the swivel member, a free-swivel latch facilitating unencumbered free swivel of the swivel plate, and a release lever in communication with the free swivel latch to release the swivel member to prevent free swivel.

Abstract: A rotatable and slidable seat mount which has controls for rotation and for sliding which may be independently operated and which may be operated from actuators fixed to the same location relative to the seat from any rotational or lateral orientation.

Abstract: A sliding and swiveling device that includes a sliding plate having a surface for supporting an attachment unit such as a chair and two laterally spaced sliding portions. The device further includes a holder which has a pair of laterally spaced sliding sections that are in a sliding relationship with respect to the two sliding portions of the sliding plate. The holder also includes a sleeve portion which is dimensioned for receiving a sleeve member in a swivel relationship. The device also features a first locking assembly for releasably locking the sliding plate and holder against rotation with respect to the sleeve member. A second locking assembly is provided for releasably locking the sliding plate and holder against longitudinal sliding. The device features a handle member and an assembly for triggering a release of the first locking assembly upon adjustment of the handle member in a first direction (e.g.

Abstract: A kind of SWIVEL AND SLIDE assembly including a Slide Base, Swivel Part, Slide Part, Lock Part, and Channels at both sides of the Slide Base. The Swivel Part includes a first Swivel Base and a second Swivel Base. The first Swivel Base includes the Slide Feet extending into the Channel, the female circle of the Ring Part, the Lunar Groove and the Pedestal. The second Swivel Base includes the male circle of the Ring Part, the Lunar Groove and the Swivel Lock Slots. Overlapping of the male circle and female circle is fixed by the rolling balls. By installing a Lock matched with the Lock Slot the swiveling can be started or stopped. This invention provides well distributed pressure when swiveling, easy operation, and reliable lock.

Abstract: An apparatus which includes a swivel base formed of a first plate and a second plate. The first and second plates each have a central aperture which is defined by a hook-shaped section of the second plate which extends over an interior edge of the first plate defining the first plate's central aperture. The hook-shaped section is preferably circumferentially continuous and fixes the first and second plates together while allowing for sliding engagement between the first and second plates. Bearing members, such as circumferentially spaced ball bearings are provided externally to the hook section and between the plates to facilitate sliding and load distribution. One of the plates includes hollow reception ports for holding the bearing circumferentially in place with respect to that plate while the opposite plate has a continuous riding ring in which the bearings are free to rotate.

Abstract: A slewing mechanism which is particularly suitable for use with a car seat for the physically disabled which permits a combined translational and rotational movement of a plate (6) or the like to which, say, a seat assembly (100) may be connected and which includes a primary arm (1) rotatable about a pivot (2) adjacent one end, a secondary arm (4) pivotally connected to the primary arm (1) by a pivot (5) adjacent the other end, the secondary arm (4) being pivotally connected to the plate (6) and a first link (8) to link the secondary arm (4) to the surface to which the primary arm (1) is pivoted and a second link (9) which connects the upper plate (6) to the primary arm (1).

Abstract: A footrest including a frame having a base portion for placement on a supporting surface and a standard portion projecting upwardly from the base portion. The standard portion has a pair of substantially parallel horizontally spaced apart uprights, and a pair of substantially parallel horizontally spaced apart struts, each strut having an upper end joined to an upper end of a different one of the uprights by a joining portion and the joined uprights and struts sloping upwardly toward each other.

Abstract: A seat swivel apparatus which comprises an upper plate supporting a seat and a lower plate fixed to a support structure, a first generally annular bearing affixed to the upper plate and a second generally annular bearing affixed to the lower plate and being juxtaposed such that the upper plate swivels relative to the lower plate on opposing first and second bearings, and an actuator arm rotatably mounted with one of the plates to allow 180.degree. rotation of the upper plate relative to the lower plate. The swivel apparatus can be easily interchangeable between the right and left sides of a vehicle.

Abstract: An adjustable seat support assembly and controls which allow the operator to independently or simultaneously swivel or slide the seat using control handles which are fixed relative to the seat and which may be operated independently and simultaneously.

Abstract: An aircraft passenger seat swivel assembly to be connected between an aircraft seat frame upon which an individual sits and an aircraft seat base which is secured to an underlying support surface, the assembly including a bottom swivel plate with a generally annular recess formed therein and structured to receive a bearing track with a plurality of slots disposed about a perimeter thereof and structured to receive a plurality of bearing members therein. The swivel assembly further including a swivel plate with an exterior segment structured to ride on the bearing members disposed in the bearing track and an interior mount segment upon which the aircraft frame is mounted, the exterior segment of the swivel plate being rotatably retained in place by a lock ring which is secured to the bottom swivel plate and has an annular lock recess to retain the exterior segment of the swivel plate, the bearing track, and the plurality of bearing members in the annular recess of the bottom swivel plate.

Abstract: A pedestal seat for supporting the weight of a user at a work station includes a seat and a pedestal which is secured to the floor adjacent the work station, and a support arm pivotally mounted on the pedestal and connected to the seat. The pedestal includes a vertically extending column and a base integrally connected to the column. The base extends symmetrically outwardly on both sides of the column and a reinforcing flange extends between the top of the column and an end of the base with a reinforcing web of reduced material thickness extending between the flange and the column and base. A footrest is movably mounted on either side of the reinforcing web. The column is formed integrally with the base intermediate the sides, with the base and column being symmetrical about a vertical plane which passes through the center of the column.

Abstract: A rotatable electrical equipment table comprising: a support stand having at least one leg, the upper extent of each leg being coupled to a cross bar with an upwardly extending shaft, a support plate being formed in a planar configuration, the planar plate being coupled to the upper extent of the shaft; a lazy susan having upper and lower segments formed in a planar configuration, bearings being positioned between the upper and lower segments to permit rotation of one segment with respect to the other, the lower segment of the lazy susan being coupled to the support plate; and a worktable formed in a planar configuration, the worktable being coupled to the upper segment of the lazy susan, the worktable including a pull handle to facilitate rotation to the desired position, an extension pole formed in an elongated configuration with an upper extent and a lower extent, the lower extent being coupled to the table, a multiple outlet utility box including at least one electrical socket and being affixed to the upp

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a device, such as a saw blade, on a base (3) to enable the blade to be positioned accurately in either of two distinct positions relative to the base. The apparatus comprises a pivot member (21) for supporting the blade (not shown) pivotally mounted on a fixed member (11). The fixed member (11) includes a pair of abutments (142,144) and the pivot member has at least one asymmetric stop (160) for abutting the abutments (142,144) after rotation of the pivot member (21) relative to the fixed member to define the distinct positions of the blade. These positions are defined generally by the positions of the abutments (142,144) and accurately by the orientation of the or each asymmetric stop (160). The apparatus may further include a device (170) for adjusting accurately one of the distinct positions by a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A device and method for angularly indexing an object (e.g., a mirror) relative to another at predetermined angles is provided. A rotatable mirror mount has the mirror mounted to a first element that rotates about an axis relative to an intermediate element. The intermediate element itself rotates about the same axis relative to a second element. The first and intermediate elements are formed with detents for establishing desired relative orientations at predetermined angles. The intermediate element can be locked at any position relative to the second element. When the intermediate element is locked, the first element remains rotatable with respect to the intermediate element and is restrained at desired relative orientations by the detents.

Abstract: A security mounting assembly for an electrical appliance, such as a color television set includes a mounting member which can be attached to a substantially flat support surface by a series of fasteners. The mounting member is rotatably connected to a support tray, which has an upwardly extending flange extending on a portion of the perimeter of the support tray. The television is held in place on the support member by a series of fasteners and is held in such a manner such that the television may not be readily removed from the support tray.

Abstract: A rotatable and removable bed tray for institutional or private home use. The bed tray is easily adjustable by the bedridden patient or by others. Further, there is provided bed rail adaptor for adopting beds without bed rails to use the bed tray.

Abstract: A fixed plate supporting the vehicle seat is secured to longitudinal adjusting slides. The fixed plate supports a rotary intermediate plate via a first ball bearing and a cover rigidly connected to the fixed plate and supported at the rotary intermediate plate via a second ball bearing. The assembly is centered on the two ball bearings. Displacement of a central rod is controlled by a lever articulated on a pivot rigidly connected to the fixed plate. This lever is forked and cooperates with the head of the rod and a washer separated from the head by a spring mounted concentrically to the rod. The lever actuates, in one direction, two safety latches normally latching the rotary intermediate plate in order to release the seat for a 180.degree. rotation.

Abstract: A base for a human support apparatus such as a bed or a chair which produces a rocking chair type of motion. The base also includes a motor which when driven simultaneously moves the bed or chair in a circular motion within a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A seat body comprised of a shell is articulated on a base adapted for attachment to a passenger vehicle seat. The base has a wall with a circular opening within which an upper plate and a lower plate are attached to form a swivel assembly. The swivel assembly includes a hub that rests against the edge of the wall delimiting the opening, and two flanges resting respectively above and below the wall. A spring biased lever is provided to lock the swivel assembly rotationally relative to the base.

Abstract: A movable table has a movable platen, a flange member secured to the movable platen and a fixed platen sandwiched between the movable platen and the flange member. Thrust bearings are disposed between the fixed platen and the movable platen and between the fixed platen and the flange member. Drive units are coupled to the movable platen to move the movable platen along the thrust bearings. Instead of supporting the movable platen on the thrust bearings, it may be supported in a non-contact manner by blowing compressed air into clearances defined between the fixed platen and the movable platen and between the fixed platen and the flange member.

Abstract: A seat mounting that allows omnidirectional movement of the seat in a single plane by means of two pairs of sliding rods, one pair perpendicular to the other, and a rotatable disc. Rods are locked and released by a series of skewed locker-like pieces that may be moved by a cam mechanism. The rotational disc is locked and released by a pin that extends through the disc into an underlying hole. Locking and release mechanisms are controlled by a single cable.

Abstract: A bath chair has a base with a number of suction cups for rigidly attaching to the floor of a bath tub or shower stall. A stem to which a chair shell is attached is rotatably connected to the base. An improved swivel connector between the stem and the base is provided which comprises a rotator disk rigidly attached to the base. The upper surface of the disk is the supporting rotator surface. A hollow swivel cylinder is threaded into a central bore in the rotator disk and extends perpendicularly away from a surface of the rotator disk opposite the supporting rotator surface. A lid-shaped rotator shell is rigidly attached to the stem of the chair and has a rotator surface to be placed on the supporting swivel surface of the rotator disk. A cylindrical extension emanates perpendicularly from the rotator surface of the shell and fits snugly into the hollow swivel cylinder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for reversibly supporting the seat of a vehicle. When a tractor or like vehicle is used for working with a backhoe or like work machine attached to the rear end of the vehicle, a forward operation seat and a rearward operation seat are conventionally needed and are therefore uneconomical. Furthermore, the work mahcine must be spaced from the vehicle body to avoid interference between the two sheets. This entails the problem of impairing the weight balance longitudinally of the vehicle. To overcome these problems, a support table is mounted on the vehicle body by a parallel link assembly which is pivotally movable longitudinally of the body, and a swivel table for supporting the seat thereon is mounted on the support table swivelably about a vertical shaft. Further provided is a lock for locking the swivel table against swiveling about the shaft, and unlocking device for unfastening the lock.

Abstract: A pivotable seat assembly for a mobile vehicle that allows the seat to be adjusted in fore or aft directions, pivoted to a position facing either of the directions, and then releasably latched against pivoting.

Abstract: A portable beach chaise lounge rotatable assembly is provided. The chair portion of the chaise lounge rotates about a circular track means enabling the upper portion to rotate above a stationary support portion. The upper portion rotates 360 degrees and swivels above a corresponding lower ballbearing laden circular track for smooth movement of the upper circular portion and the corresponding chaise lounge. For easy carrying, the lower support portion is attached to hinged collapsible leg portions which collapse inward towards each other in a parallel fashion in two pairs. The upper rotatable portion is supported by hinged support stanchions which collapse in a complimentary fashion such that the two pairs of support stanchions collapse in a direction parallel to each other.

Abstract: The rotatable sun chair includes a seat, a tubular ring beneath the seat, a plurality on angularly spaced channel-shaped brackets having their web portions secured to the underside of said seat, each bracket having a pair of downwardly extending and laterally spaced side panels. A grooved roller is journaled for rotation between each of said pair of side panels, the lower end portions of the side panels being inturned beneath the tubular ring to prevent disengagement of each bracket from the ring. A pair of U-shaped leg units are pivotally connected to the underside of the ring, one of the leg units having an upwardly facing notch and the other of the leg units having a downwardly facing notch where the leg units intersect each other so that the leg units will be maintained in a supporting relationship beneath the ring and can be folded into an adjacent relation with one side of the ring when the chair is to be transported.

Abstract: A seat construction for a vehicle includes a driver's seat angularly movable about a generally vertical axis toward a door opening formed in a side portion of a vehicle body. When a sliding driver door is opened, the driver's seat is angularly moved toward the door opening, so that the driver can easily get in and off the vehicle. An open area of the door opening, available when the sliding driver door is opened, is disposed slightly forwardly, and therefore the angle of angular movement of the driver's seat required for the driver to get in and off the vehicle can be relatively small.

Abstract: A mechanism for moving a table structure having a table as a part thereof in the lengthwise and crosswise direction and turning movement of the table, the mechanism having a support base, support bearing structure on the support base for supporting the table structure for movement in the lengthwise and crosswise direction and turning movement of the table, two mutually orthogonal pairs of parallel guide faces adapted to be mounted on the table structure, guide members on opposite sides of the table structure and engaged with the guide faces for controlling the movement of the table structure in the lengthwise and crosswise direction and turning movement of the table, and a moving device connected to at least some of the guide members for moving appropriate ones of the guide members for causing movement of the table structure along the other of the guide members in the lengthwise and crosswise direction of the table and in turning movement of the table.

Abstract: A convertible bench seat or bed for vans and other vehicles constructed and arranged to be readily mounted between a storage position and an operative position without displacing the bench seat. The bench seat of this invention is pivoted about a first vertical axis and comprises a seat portion pivoted relative to a back portion of the seat. Means are provided for securing the convertible bench seat in its seat storage position without requiring a great deal of time-consuming labor. Similarly, a minimum amount of labor is required to lock the seat in its operative position in sufficiently spaced relation behind permanent front seats of the vehicle.

Abstract: A stairway chairlift for transporting passengers in ascending and descending directions along a stairway includes a rail mounted adjacent one stairway wall and further includes a motorized chair unit movable along the rail. A seat, for carrying the passenger, is mounted to the top of the chair unit, and a swivel mechanism permits the seat to be rotated around a vertical axis to facilitate movement of the passenger onto and off of the seat. To minimize interference with ordinary use of the stairway, the seat is pivotally mounted to a horizontal plate which moves inwardly or outwardly in response to rotation of the seat so as to maintain a substantially constant clearance between the seat and the stairway wall. To further reduce interference with ordinary use of the stairway, the seat can be folded upwardly, as can be a foot rest mounted adjacent the lower end of the chair unit.