Abstract: A massage apparatus includes a frame defining a central opening, with a web of mesh cloth or fabric spanning the opening. A plurality of SMA wire segments span the central opening directly adjacent to the cloth or fabric. The wire segments are joined at opposed ends to a power circuit that provides ohmic heating for the wires. The wires may be actuated singly and sequentially, the contraction of each wire providing a compression of the body portion upon which it impinges. The apparatus may be a portable massage device for use with any chair, or built into a chair or bed or other furniture, or a slipcover.

Abstract: A self-adaption breathable cushion comprises a fixed base and a plurality of self-adaptive units integrated side by side and disposed on the fixed base; each of the adaptive units comprises a strap and an elastic member, the elastic member supports the strap to tension above the fixing base; when the strap is pressed and recessed, the elastic member deforms, so that the whole self-adaptive unit moves downwards; when the pressure is removed, the elastic member is reset, and the strap is also reset. The self-adaptive breathable cushion can be deformed self-adaptively according to the weight of a human body to be borne, so as to be attached to the human body, making the human body more comfortable.

Abstract: Back rest to be used in association with a chair or a seat providing an adaptable convex back support for individual adjustment. The back rest comprises a plate shaped body that is bent into a curved shape by use of a tensioning device. The back rest can be used to increase comfort while seated, for example at the office or during travels, or to prevent or relieve back strain and ache as a result of being seated over longer periods or having back problems. The back rest is portable and fits into a backpack or handbag, and can be set up in a conventional chair, for example a seat in an airplane, waiting area, or office chair.

Abstract: An occupant support device (OSD) for a seat, comprises a flexible membrane having a first end and a second end. The flexible membrane is coupleable to a seat proximate the first end and the second end of the flexible membrane. The OSD further comprises at least one stiffening member for stiffening the flexible membrane. The at least one stiffening member is positionable so that the flexible membrane is generally stiffer in a longitudinal direction than in a transverse direction. A seat comprising the OSD, an array of seats comprising the OSD and an aircraft comprising the OSD are also provided.

Abstract: A neck rest for supporting the neck and head of a human being, comprising a right and a left elongate support member, and a collapsible intermediate section interconnecting the support members. The support members and the intermediate section are sufficiently bendable to conform to the natural contour of the left and right neck and head portions of the human being. The neck rest further comprises a holding mechanism for maintaining the support members in bent position. The holding mechanism may be adapted to be in a locked state and in a released state.

Abstract: A chair back support cushioning system includes a cushioned body forming an inner cavity configured to rest on a back of a chair and secure thereto via a strap; an upper horizontal head support having a cylindrical body and composed of a semi-rigid material; a lateral support having a cylindrical body and forming a U-shape around an inner area; a first horizontal support having a cylindrical body and positioned within the inner area of the lateral support; a second horizontal support having a cylindrical body and positioned within the inner area of the lateral support, the second horizontal support being spaced apart from the first horizontal support; a first lateral outward notch configured to peripherally surround the lateral support and adapted to secure the lateral support to the head support; a second lateral outward notch configured to peripherally surround the first horizontal support; and a third lateral outward notch configured to peripherally surround the second horizontal support.

Abstract: A new easy-assemble seatback includes a seatback frame adapted to be connected to a seat. The seat back frame has a pair of opposite sides. The frame supports at least two flexible panels from a top panel connection so the panels hang and rotate freely from the connection on the frame. The panels are formed from a flexible material which may include wood, metal, metal alloy or plastic. Panel-to-frame assembly is done by hand. The frame includes a stop member connected to the frame that impedes free rotation of the flexible panels. Since the panels cover most all of the load bearing seatback area, fewer metal supportive elements are necessary. The new seatback is longer lasting, lighter in weight and more deployable as a result.

Abstract: An adjustable seat back includes a frame having a perimeter and a cushioning material that is disposed at least partially within the frame's perimeter. The adjustable seat back also includes a tension member and a plurality of straps that are disposed over the frame with a distal end that is coupled with the cushioning material and a proximal end that is operationally coupled with the tension member. A reel based tightening mechanism is operably coupled with the tension member and configured to tension the tension member and thereby tension the plurality of straps. Tensioning of the plurality of straps effects adjustment of the cushioning material.

Abstract: The head and neck support system includes a pair of rods, a frame having an upper portion and a lower portion, and a pad having an attachment device, a first surface and a second surface. The pad wraps around the frame so as to form a loop to hold the head of a user against the second surface. The pad can have an eye mask or face mask section for a resting or sleeping position for the user. The lower portion of the frame is aligned with the back of the user so that the weight of the user stabilizes the frame. The rods connect the lower portion and the upper portion of the frame so that stabilization from the back of the user supports the pad and head of the user.

Abstract: A head support for a pushchair comprises a support section, a seat connection section and a back support. The support section forms a U-shape and comprises an armature, comprising sides, that provides stiffness to the support section. The seat connection section is coupled to the support section and is for connecting to the pushchair. The back support is connected to the support section or connectable to the support section and configured such that, when connected to the support section, it prevents the sides of the armature from dropping relative to the back support in use.

Abstract: A posture support system that includes a base portion, a vertical arm portion extending from the base portion, a horizontal arm portion extending from the vertical arm portion, and a support portion extending from the horizontal arm portion. The base portion includes a rectangular board that rests on a flat surface. The vertical arm and horizontal arm portions are fully adjustable to accommodate different users when a user rests against the support portion to perform work, such as typing, on the flat surface. The posture support system induces proper seated posture.

Abstract: A headrest stay includes a pair of first stay-composing parts extending in top and bottom directions of a seat back while supported by the seat back, the first stay-composing parts being arranged in different positions in a direction of vehicle width; and a second stay-composing part connecting specific parts of the first stay-composing parts in the direction of the vehicle width, the specific parts extending straight in the top and bottom directions of the seat back. The specific parts face a head of an occupant seated on the seat. A portion of the second stay-composing part, which portion is between the one specific part and the other specific part in the direction of the vehicle width, is not located further forward than the specific parts, and at least part of the portion is located further rearward than the specific parts.

Abstract: An ergonomic back support device utilizing one or multiple vertical components that include layers (28,36), pressure distributing layers (34,38,50), and a single notched layer (48). These layers provide primary back support located behind and conforming to the Erector spinae muscles (124). The vertical components form an open channel (24) that is parallel to the prime neurological pathway of the spinal column (100). The vertical conforming support components and open channel facilitate physiological functions that promote health. The device accomplishes support without using any transverse, hard or continuous components across or against the back. Other embodiments include the following additional vertical components: a lateral pressure-adjusting device (14), heating layers (40,46), circulation stimulating layers (42,44), and massage layers (52,54).

Abstract: A chair including a dynamically-flexible back and seat having a shape that adjusts to the movements of a user seated in the chair to enhance user comfort. Each of the back and seat has an air gap formed therewithin and a resilient frame or liner with a spring memory. The resilient liner is adapted to flex in response to compressive forces that are generated as the user slides his body back or from side-to-side in the chair. Accordingly, some of the chair back and some of the chair seat move into respective air gaps so that the shapes of the back and seat change to conform to the movements of the user. The air gaps also establish air flow ventilation channels which run laterally through the back and seat of the chair.

Abstract: The present disclosure will provide a simple spinal support device that can be used while sitting to force the user to develop proper posture and reduce back strain. This is accomplished by creating a ‘T’ shaped device that can be ergonomically designed for the back. The user will place the device against the back rest of a chair prior to sitting. Alternatively, the device will be integrated within the chair. When in use, the spinal support member will force the user's shoulders to go backwards, improving his or her posture instantly.

Abstract: A portable back support device is provided for increasing the spinal support experienced by a user of a low-back chair. The present invention comprises a winged headrest, a back support, a pair of removably attachable armrests, and an adjustable chair strap. The winged head rest and back support may be separatable and removably secured to one another, or alternatively may be may be one piece. The device has cushions of varying contour and firmness and is covered with an upholstery material. Cushioned armrests may be attached at the sides of the back support according to the preference of a user. The device is removably secured to a chair by means of an adjustable strap that fits around the back of a chair and may be tightened or loosened as necessary to affix the device.

Abstract: A portable backrest gives upper body support to a person sitting sideways on a sofa or like furniture, the portable backrest placed and retained on the sofa through a cushion of the sofa on which the person eventually sits. A lower, support or base portion of the portable backrest forming a bracket that is received under and around a part of the cushion that is adjacent an armrest of the sofa while an upper portion of the portable backrest extends upwardly and outwardly from the lower portion and armrest to support the upper body, neck and head of a sitting person. In one form, a back portion of the backrest is pivotally connected to a lower portion of the backrest while in another form, the back portion is integral with the lower portion. The upper portion may have back, neck and head cushioning.

Abstract: An assembling structure for a vehicle seat includes: an assembly frame having a frame shape and configured to be detachably attached to a seat main body of the vehicle seat, the seat main body having a backbone frame having a frame shape; a planar elastic body configured to elastically support a body of an occupant and is stretched on the assembly frame; an elastic latching unit configured to be detachably attached to a part of the backbone frame, the elastic latching unit formed on a part of a periphery of the assembly frame, wherein the assembly frame further includes a hook portion, the backbone frame further includes a portion to be hooked, and the planar elastic body is prevented from moving in an out-of-plane direction of the planar elastic body when the hook portion of the assembly frame is hooked on the portion to be hooked of the backbone frame.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided with on-demand seating to allow maximum cargo space in the passenger compartment when the seats are not needed. The seating is lightweight and compact, maximizing available cargo space and minimizing mass and fuel economy impact. The flexible seat may be stowed within body structure defining the passenger compartment, such as side trim panels or a vehicle floor. The body structure supports the flexible seat in a deployed position in which the flexible seat extends from the body structure into the passenger compartment. Roller mechanisms mounted within the body structure allow the seat to extend and retract from the passenger compartment. The seats may be inflatable, and may include pneumatic foam.

Abstract: A restraining apparatus for a child consists of a frame with a back; the back of the frame has parallel back rods which can be adjusted lengthwise and a bottom foldably attached to the back by lockable hinges. The back and the bottom each have a foundation rod further comprising a stop. The apparatus also has a cover for the frame. The cover has an upper portion containing a plurality of slots, and a plurality of straps which fit removably through the slots to adjust to the height of the child to be restrained.

Abstract: A supportive back rest for attachment to an original equipment back rest of a wheelchair to enhance the supportive characteristics of the wheelchair back rest. The supportive back rest includes a cushion, a suspension element and a cover. The cushion and one side of the suspension element are positioned in the cover. An opposed side of the suspension element is exposed and defines a space between it and the cushion. The suspension element slips over the upper edge of the original equipment back rest of the wheelchair to suspend the supportive back rest in position behind a seated user. The suspension element can be attached to the cover or can be attached to the cushion by molding or through attachment anchors.

Abstract: A back cushion includes an enclosure portion, a buffer portion, a filler portion and a fixing portion. The enclosure portion has a first surface/layer and a second surface/layer. The buffer portion and the filler portion are placed in the internal space of the enclosure portion. The buffer portion is in contact with the first layer and the rear surface of the filler portion is in contact with the second layer. The fixing portion is connected with the second layer of the enclosure portion. The fixing portion enables the back cushion to be attached to a suitable place of a chair or a supporting member. The buffer portion allows the back of a user can be comfortably cushioned and supported and hence injuries to his back may be avoided.

Abstract: The invention consists of a chair back support, which consists of at least two flexible elongated supports (2,2a) on both sides of the seat (1), which supports (2, 2a) are connected with support belts (3, 3a and 4, 4a), all supporting a person's back and making gymnastic movements possible both for the back and stomach while sitting on the chair.

Abstract: A supportive back rest for attachment to an original equipment back rest of a wheelchair to enhance the supportive characteristics of the wheelchair back rest. The supportive back rest includes a cushion, a suspension element and a cover. The cushion and one side of the suspension element are positioned in the cover. An opposed side of the suspension element is exposed and defines a space between it and the cushion. The suspension element slips over the upper edge of the original equipment back rest of the wheelchair to suspend the supportive back rest in position behind a seated user. The suspension element can be attached to the cover or can be attached to the cushion by molding or through attachment anchors.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a back support device (60) for use in a children's chair (1) wherein the children's chair comprises at least one backrest, two side pieces (5), one seat plate (2) and one safety bow (100) with ends (101), wherein the safety bow (100) is detachably fastened to the side pieces (5) and wherein the backrest or the side pieces have at least one opening or groove each, wherein the back support device (60) comprises: a top part (61) stretching beyond the backrest in height; left and right arms (63) for at least partly inlay in the opening(s) or groove(s) in the backrest or the side pieces; wherein parts of the arms (63) are locked in said opening(s) or groove(s) by the safety bow (100). The invention also concerns the use of the back support device, and a children's set comprising the back support device and use of the children's set.

Abstract: An article for improving the posture of an individual sitting on a chair. The article includes a back covering member positionable on the back support portion of the chair and covering at least a portion thereof. The article is configured to annoy the individual when the individual is sitting in a manner deleterious to proper posture. The article includes a means for removably attaching the back covering member to the chair. There is also taught another article for improving the posture of an individual sitting on a chair. The article includes a seat covering member positionable on the seat support portion of the chair and covering at least a portion thereof. The article is configured to annoy the individual when the individual is sitting in a manner deleterious to proper posture. The article includes a means for removably attaching the seat covering member to the chair.

Abstract: An orthopedic back support for displacing a person's weight from the lower area of the spine by providing support for the upper torso and for use with a chair or seat having a seat base and a seat back. A flexible fabric cross piece is connected between vertical axillary support members to provide back support. The cross piece may include vertical channels or sleeves at opposite sides to receive and support the vertical members. The entire unit is portable and when in use facilitates unobtrusive intermittent use and easy ingress and egress from the seat to relieve discomfort after long periods of use. A rib band may be attached to the flexible fabric by means of hook and loop fabric strips such as Velcro to form a detachable connection. A hook strip is disposed on the back of the rib band and is adapted to cooperate with a mating soft loop strip on the forward side of the flexible fabric member which supports the user in a seated position by the combined action of the flexible fabric and rib band.

Abstract: A panel having particular utility in a chair or other apparatus for receiving an occupant in a seated position includes an envelope of resilient material having at least one small opening for receiving a substantially rigid and U-shaped envelope support frame. The envelope support frame is inserted into the envelope through the opening and positioned inside the envelope to tension the resilient material of the envelope in one or more tension zones. A rear support frame bar is then inserted into the opening and connected to the envelope support frame. The small opening may then be sewn closed, knitted, or heat sealed. The width of each tension zone when the envelope is in its relaxed state is different than the width of each immediately adjacent tension zone.

Abstract: A seat cushion for selective attachment to a bleacher seat includes a bracket with a front jaw and a rear jaw. The front jaw includes multiple laterally spaced attachment locations for the rear jaw. A cushioned seat including a cushioned bottom and a flexible connected backrest attaches to the bracket to be held in place on a bleacher. The backrest may include a pocket formed from a transparent material for displaying a card within the pocket.

Abstract: An orthopedic back support for displacing a person's weight from the lower area of the spine by providing support for the upper torso and for use with a chair or seat having a seat base and a seat back. A flexible fabric cross piece is connected between vertical members to provide back. The cross piece may include vertical channels or sleeves at opposite sides to receive and support the vertical members. A flexible strap is connected to the fabric or the vertical members and adapted to be positioned behind a seat or a head rest. The entire unit is portable or may be fabricated as part of a seat.

Abstract: A lumbar support device that is adjusted to a user's neutral postural position when the user is standing, and that is subsequently used to reinforce the user's neutral postural position when the user is seated. The device includes a rigid shell and an adjustable lumbar support surface. The lumbar support surface is a plurality of inelastic straps of adjustable length disposed horizontally between the sides of the rigid shell. The user adapts the straps to conform to the user's back when in a standing neutral position. When seated, the straps maintain their adjusted lengths, so as to reinforce the user's neutral position. The device includes a covering and a padding between the covering and the straps. The lumbar support device features downwardly depending legs at each side so as to support the device when placed in a chair and position the surface in the lumbar region above the chair.

Abstract: A seat cushion includes a cushioned bottom portion and a back portion. The back portion is flexibly connected to the bottom portion. An attachment mechanism is provided to attach the bottom portion to a bleacher. A constraint element restrains the back portion for rotating beyond a desired angle with respect to the cushioned bottom portion. The back portion does not include any rigid cross members.

Abstract: There is described a back support for a chair. The back support comprises a body for receiving a back of a user when the user is in a seated position on said chair. The body has one or more shape adaptive members capable of adapting their shape in response to pressure applied by the back of the user when the user is in a said seated position. The one or more shape adaptive members are positioned proximal the user's vertebral column when the user is in the seated position.

Abstract: A legless chair includes a seat, a seatback having its bottom side connected to the seat, and a flexible member backwardly extending from a rear side of the seat. When the user sitting on the seat forces his/her back against the seatback to tilt the legless chair backwards, the flexible member is bendable to impart a damping force against the backwardly tilting motion of the legless chair so as to prevent the backward falling of the legless chair.

Abstract: Provided is a chair comprising a seat; a backrest; a first armrest; a second armrest; a seat support structure; and a support structure for supporting the lower back of a seated person; wherein the support structure is directly mechanically-connected to the first armrest and the second armrest; and the support structure is not directly mechanically-connected to either the backrest or the seat. Additionally, provided are methods for supporting the lower back of a seated person in the need of such supporting comprising providing to the person a chair as described above.

Abstract: An orthopedic back support for displacing a person's weight from the lower area of the spine by providing support for the upper torso and for use with a chair or seat having a seat base and a seat back. A flexible fabric cross piece is connected between vertical members to provide back support. The cross piece may include vertical channels or sleeves at opposite sides to receive and support the vertical members. A flexible strap is connected to the fabric or the vertical members and adapted to be positioned behind a seat or a head rest. The entire unit is portable or may be fabricated as part of a seat.

Abstract: An orthopedic back support for displacing a person's weight from the lower area of the spine by providing support for the upper torso and for use with a chair or seat having a seat base and a seat back. A flexible fabric cross piece is connected between vertical members to provide back support. The cross piece may include vertical channels or sleeves at opposite sides to receive and support the vertical members. A flexible strap is connected to the fabric or the vertical members and adapted to be positioned behind a seat or a head rest. The entire unit is portable or may be fabricated as part of a seat.

Abstract: The present invention is a cushion. The cushion has a seat cushion and a back cushion that are attached with an attachment element. The cushion is intended to provide comfort to a patron using a stadium seat.

Abstract: A light-weight portable vertebrae decompression support device comprising a pair of arm rests with selectively adjustable members connecting the arm rests and a base member. The base member is adapted to rest on a seat. The selective adjustment raises and lowers the height of the arm rests with respect to the base. The support device provides arm support sufficient to decompress the vertebrae and aids persons recovering from back surgery or those with chronic back problems. The support device can be made adjustable to fit different girth persons.

Abstract: A light-weight portable vertebrae decompression support device comprising a pair of arm rests with selectively adjustable members connecting the arm rests and a base member. The base member is adapted to rest on a seat. The selective adjustment raises and lowers the height of the arm rests with respect to the base. The support device provides arm support sufficient to decompress the vertebrae and aids persons recovering from back surgery or those with chronic back problems. The support device can be made adjustable to fit different girth persons.

Abstract: The present invention is a cushion. The cushion has a seat cushion and a back cushion that are attached with an attachment element. The cushion is intended to provide comfort to a patron using a stadium seat.

Abstract: A non-freestanding child seat for use with in underlying seat or other support structure. The child seat is well-suited for use with “spectator” seats such as those found at sport event, theatres, and performing arts venues. The child seat may including a flexible member that is placed over and/or attached to an underlying seat or other structure. A child seat platform is attached to the flexible member and configured for position adjustment among other features.

Abstract: An adjustable backrest has a series of adjustable straps extending across a front opening cavity of a backrest support. The straps are held in a locked, fitted position by a series of buckles at one side of the backrest which engage and lock the straps. Each strap is acted on by a bias arrangement and urges the straps to a drawn position across the front open cavity. This drawn position is an initial setup position that allows fitting of the backrest for a particular user.

Abstract: A stadium chair includes a frame for engaging a bleacher. An attachment bracket is provided on the frame and receives a clamp that allows the frame to be secured to the bleacher. A seat cushion and back are included to provide comfort to a patron using the chair.

Abstract: A seat back for a chair has a support panel to contact a seated person and a flap that extends from the top of that support panel to which advertising is attached. The flap folds over the back of the top of the support panel and presents the advertising to a person seated behind the chair fitted with the seat back. The seat back is particularly useful to convey advertising messages in stadium settings.

Abstract: A lumbar support device that is adjusted to a user's neutral postural position when the user is standing, and that is subsequently used to reinforce the user's neutral postural position when the user is seated. The device includes a rigid shell and an adjustable lumbar support surface. The lumbar support surface is a plurality of inelastic straps of adjustable length disposed horizontally between the sides of the rigid shell. The user adapts the straps to conform to the user's back when in a standing neutral position. When seated, the straps maintain their adjusted lengths, so as to reinforce the user's neutral position. The device includes a covering and a padding between the covering and the straps. The lumbar support device features downwardly depending legs at each side so as to support the device when placed in a chair and position the surface in the lumbar region above the chair.

Abstract: A stadium chair includes a frame for engaging a bleacher. An attachment bracket is provided on the frame and receives a clamp that allows the frame to be secured to the bleacher. A seat cushion and back are included to provide comfort to a patron using the chair.

Abstract: A flexible pad for seat is provided. The pad includes a back pad for attaching to a back of the seat. Two movable covers are connected at upper edges to the back pad at locations separately close to a user's nape and waist. Lower edges of the movable covers can be fixedly or detachably connected to the back pad, such that a receiving space with two open ends is defined between each of the movable covers and the back pad for receiving a nape rest or a waist rest therein. The two rests are long members having a C-shaped profile and covered with an elastic net. The rests are provided at suitable positions with hooking means for firmly hooking the rests onto the back pad. The nape and the waist rests may be adjusted in their vertical and horizontal positions in their receiving spaces relative to the back pad, so that they may most comfortably support a driver's neck and waist to avoid easily growing tired during driving.