Abstract: A method and a device for adjusting a seat are provided. The method includes the acts of detecting a pressure exerted by a user on the seat via a pneumatic sensor and/or a hydraulic sensor, and adjusting the seat based on the pressure exerted by the user. The device includes a pneumatic or hydraulic lifting element, a pneumatic or hydraulic pressure sensor connected to the lifting element, and a control unit connected to the pressure sensor. The pressure sensor detects a pressure exerted by a user on the seat, and the control unit controls the first lifting element to adjust the seat based on the pressure exerted by the user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chassis for a reclining chair comprising at least two contiguous deformable quadrilateral segments, pivot points and at least two force-developing elements. Each quadrilateral segment has four rigid side members and four vertices. Each quadrilateral segment shares one of its side members with at least one other contiguous quadrilateral segment. The pivot points are located at each vertex of each quadrilateral segment. All pivot points have their pivot axis parallel to the pivot axis of the other pivot points. Each force-developing element independently provides a force to a corresponding one of the at least two quadrilateral segments. The invention also relates to a frame for a reclining chair made of two parallel chassis. A reclining chair made of this chassis and a kit for such a reclining chair are also described.

Abstract: A vehicle seat is provided with a protective surface to support the vehicle passenger and a variable-shape aircushion. The contour of the supporting surface can be varied by changing the shape of the aircushion. A drivable device is also provided with which the aircushion can be compressed at least partially from outside in such a way as to vary the shape of the aircushion, and hence vary the contour of the supporting surface. A motor vehicle is also provided with such a vehicle seat.

Abstract: A cable wiring structure of a vehicle seat is provided including a headrest attached to a seat-back, a skin member covering the seat-back, a cable extending in the seat-back, a wire member extending between sides of a frame, and a strip member attached to the wire member. When the cable is pulled and the headrest is moved to a seat front side, the cable is moved to extend through a guiding recess portion formed in a portion of the wire member and a portion of the skin member is pulled into the seat-back as the portion of the skin member is extended by the strip member over the guiding recess portion.

Abstract: A rear seat assembly is provided for supporting occupants. The seat assembly includes a seat cushion. A pair of spaced apart outer seat backs is pivotally secured to the seat cushion. A middle seat back is pivotally secured to the seat cushion and disposed between the pair of outer seat backs. Each of the pair of outer seat backs includes a pair of spaced apart bolsters pivotally hinged thereto for movement between a retracted position and a deployed position. Each of the outer seat backs also includes an actuating mechanism operatively connected between the pair of bolsters for moving the pair of bolsters between the retracted and deployed positions as one of the outer and middle seat backs pivots relative to the seat cushion.

Abstract: This invention relates to seating or reclining furniture. A back rest or arm rest is disposed for adjustment on the seating and/or reclining surface. The back rest or arm rest may be positioned in different areas of the circumference of the furniture (e.g., sofa) and can bend along the adjustment path so that they can adapt to the shape of the circumference, i.e., the contour of the circumference of the seating and/or reclining surface.

Abstract: In order to secure a shape retaining property of a support face of a backrest 1 of a chair, the backrest 1 for chairs comprises frame elements 21 and 22 arranged in pairs at right and left sides, a flexible support member 3 that bridges the frame elements 21 and 22 to support a load of a body of a seated person and an adjust mechanism that can change a bent degree of the support member 3 in multiple states and that can maintain the state against the load of the seated person.

Abstract: A seating and console system for use in a seating row and configurable between a seating configuration and a console configuration is disclosed. The system comprises a seat including a seat base and a seat back; and a console mounted to an opposite side of the seat back. The seat back rotates between a first position to provide the seating configuration and a second position to provide the console configuration that divides the seating row.

Abstract: A seat having a plurality of defined zones for supporting the human anatomy. The zoned seating can also include one or more recoil shields that can be one piece, multiple pieces, or can itself comprise multiple sections that correspond with the multiple zones or individual zones. The seating can also include inserts to assist in supporting or isolating certain desired portions of the human anatomy. The seating includes both seat back structures and seat pan structures, with each including a zoned configuration designed to support and stabilize specific structures of the human anatomy in a defined manner. The zones can separate independent and defined zones that are designed to be separate and act as individual anatomical support areas that collectively support, cradle and permit the human anatomy to be supported in a comfortable manner. It is preferred that the zones act and operate independently from one another.

Abstract: A crank element is arranged rotatably between two support elements so as to prevent removal therefrom. The crank element is formed with a pair of generally inverted-L-shaped end portions each having a horizontal first end region and a vertical second end region bent from that first end region. Each of those two end portions is rotatably secured via retainer bush in each of two through-holes formed in the respective two support elements. The two through-holes each has an elongated hole region and a circular hole region. The retainer bush is resiliently deformable and has: a through-bore in which the first end region of crank element is rotatably support; and a groove portion in which the circular hole region of the through-hole is closely engaged.

Abstract: The invention relates to a seat (1) which comprises an underframe (3) and a seat element (2), the seat element (2) comprising a front seat part, a rear seat part, a lower backrest part and an upper backrest part.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle seat (1), particularly a rear seat or rear seat bench for a motor vehicle, having a back rest (2) and a seat part (3), wherein the back rest (2) can be moved from a use position to a storage position and, in so doing, at least the shape of the back rest (2) changes and the seat part (3), and/or the back rest (2) has a plurality of means (6) disposed parallel to one another extending substantially over the entire length of the seat part (3) or back rest (2), the shape of said means changing in a reversible fashion when the back rest is moved from the use position to the storage position.

Abstract: The methods and apparatus taught herein provide an elongated spine support member integrated into or attached to a chair for providing improved back support. According to one embodiment of a chair, the chair comprises a seat, back and elongated spine support member. The back includes inner and outer sections. The inner section is spaced inwardly from opposite sides of the back and extends generally vertically through a substantial portion of the height of the back. The outer section extends along opposite sides of the inner section. The elongated spine support member is generally vertically extending and forms a part of the inner section of the back. The elongated spine support member is configured to engage and support at least two of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions of the vertebral column of a person seated in the chair.

Abstract: A chair mechanism for an ergonomically adjustable, reclinable chair includes a frame and profile bands mounted to the frame. The profile bands are flexible and are configured to define a forwardly projecting lumbar region, the degree of forward projection of the lumbar region being variable in response to the position and movement of the chair seat. A flexible back support surface is carried by and spans the region between the profile bands. The shape and contour of the back surface is controlled by the shape of the profile bands. The chair mechanism enables the user to shift easily between upright and reclining positions without requiring the use of heavy springs or complex linkages.

Abstract: A pneumatic vehicle is provided with a first and second sub-assembly. The first sub-assembly has a chassis supporting an air tank. The second sub-assembly has part of the vehicle body and is bonded to the first-sub-assembly using a structural adhesive. Another pneumatic vehicle is provided with a first and second sub-assembly. The first sub-assembly has a chassis, air tank, part of the vehicle body, a pair of B-pillars, and a pair of rear rails. The second sub-assembly has a part of the vehicle body, a pair of A-pillars, and a pair of roof rails. A vehicle seat is provided with a seat base and upright seat back providing a seating area. A bladder located in the central region of the seating area inflates to provide two bucket seats, and deflates to provide a bench seat. The vehicle seat also has inflatable inserts to provide cushioning.

Abstract: A vehicle seat may include a seat back that includes an upper half corresponding to a shoulder portion of a passenger, a lower half corresponding to a waist portion of the passenger, at least one angular adjustment mechanism and at least one upper half height adjustment mechanism. The at least one angular adjustment mechanism is disposed between the upper half and the lower half and is arranged and constructed to tilt the upper half back and forth relative to the lower half to intermediately fold the seat back at an intermediate folding position. The at least one upper half height adjustment mechanism is disposed in the upper half and is arranged and constructed to vertically move the upper half relative to the intermediate folding position.

Abstract: A seat assembly comprises a seat back pivotably connected to a seat base, a tilt pan pivotably connected to the seat base, pivotable over a travel range between a lower position and a raised position, and a biasing device positioned between the tilt pan and the seat base, wherein the biasing device applies a biasing force to the tilt pan, biasing the tilt pan toward the raised position.

Abstract: A seat assembly for a vehicle comprises a seat back and a seat base, wherein the seat back has a front side and a back and defines a pocket on the front side, a removable center panel is positioned in the center pocket, and a fastening assembly releasably secures the center panel to the front side and can also releasably secure the center panel to the back. Side bolsters are adapted to protect the kidney area and to provide lateral support of a seat occupant and are removably mounted on a mounting plate. The seat back is preferably formed as a generally curvo-planar member having a first curve radiused generally away from the seat base which defines a recess adapted to accommodate a B-beam or other structure of a vehicle, and a second curve radiused generally toward the seat base. The first curve is connected to the seat base and the second curve extends from the first curve.

Abstract: A backrest for a vehicle seat includes a backrest frame, which is surrounded by a cover and has an upper backrest with an adjustable inclination. An additional frame is hinged so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis to a side plate, the cover, or the backrest frame. The pivot axis is arranged in an upper region of the backrest, and the additional frame extends upwards from the pivot axis in the installed position of the backrest. The additional frame can be secured in different angular positions in relation to the backrest frame, and, thus, a variable gap forms between the additional cover of the additional frame and the cover of the backrest frame.

Abstract: A traction table (200) include a frame having a base-frame portion (202) rotabably coupled to a top-frame portion (250) at a pivot point 214, a seat back portion (208) coupled to the top frame portion, and a seat-bottom (204) slidably coupled to the frame top portion. The seat-bottom can rotate about a pivot point (262) and tilt about at least one axis (260 and/or 264). The seat-bottom can further slide forwards or backwards relative to the top frame portion. The traction table can include an optional neck piece (210) coupled to the top frame portion that can move parallel relative to the seat back portion and constructed to rotate, tilt side to side or forward and backward. The traction table can include at least one actuator motor (245 or 244) for moving the seat-bottom or neck piece relative to the top-frame portion and a controller (212) for controlling such actuator(s).

Abstract: A chair with articulable support sections and an integrated lift system may have support sections mechanically linked such that a single actuation control device may articulate multiple sections. The chair includes configurable accessories directed to the comfort of an occupant of the chair. The support sections may include air cells to adjust firmness of support section surfaces.

Abstract: A seat for a vehicle includes a cushion carrier for a bottom seat cushion, the carrier having a frame with a raised front portion and an integrated reinforcement member disposed in an interior space of the front portion, the reinforcement member being rigid and reticulated, the seat also including a molded foam bottom seat cushion disposed above the cushion carrier.

Abstract: A vehicle seat, in particular a rear seat bench for a motor vehicle, has a seat part and a backrest which is provided with displaceable side cushions. Their position can be changed as a function of the position of the backrest. According to the invention, at least the backrest is arranged in the vehicle in a manner such that it can be displaced in or counter to the direction of travel, wherein the position of the side cushions located on the outside of the backrest can be forcibly changed as a function of the sliding position of the backrest.

Abstract: The invention to a seat, in particular an aircraft passenger seat, comprising seat components such as a seat (10) and a backrest (12), in addition to at least one cover part (20), which is pre-tensioned in at least one direction and at least one section and which extends between frame parts (24) of an allocated seat component. As the seat is provided with at least one controllable adjusting unit (26), which permits the specification of different pre-tensions for the respective cover part (20) within a predefinable range and in a reversible manner, the respective seat user, who occupies the seat can adapt the seat to his or her comfort and health requirements.

Abstract: A seat for installation in a vehicle that is adjustable to support an occupant's thighs. The seat includes a generally-horizontal seat frame supporting a seat cushion including a front edge that at least partially extends outwardly beyond the seat frame, a seatback coupled to the seat frame for providing back support to the occupant while seated, and a seat bracket coupled to the seat frame and compatible with a floor bracket supported above a floor of a vehicle cabin for coupling the seat to the vehicle. The seat further includes an adjustable thigh support adjacent to a front portion of the seat cushion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a backseat with a base plate (1) and a corresponding back plate (11) on which one layer (2) ON of foam each or pneumatic cushions covering both plates (1, 11) are arranged. Following pneumatic cushions are placed on said layer (2) and are suitably secured thereto: For every passenger occupying a window seat, one edge cushion (13) each, resting towards outside and towards inside, and one lateral cushion (4, 14) each, resting towards inside, is provided, the latter being impinged upon with tensile forces by tension elements (9, 19) inserted in a tube (8) for the rapid evacuation of air. In the center of the backseat, a planar cushion (5, 15) is located and may also serve as a center shelf. The back plate (11) may be subdivided into two back plates (11a, b) which occupy approximately ? and ? of the width thereof. The pneumatic cushions can be impinged upon with pressure and can be evacuated individually by means of a control.

Abstract: An adjustable lumbar support has a guide wire assembly and a support basket, at least one of which comprises overmolded plastic components, wherein the support basket is slidably engaged with the guide wire assembly, and at least one actuator operably engaged with the support basket.

Abstract: An adjustable seat ramp adapted for use with a seat base and defining a first angle of inclination, includes a structure translatably disposed within or integrally formed with the base and presenting a first position, and further includes an actuator employing a shape memory material element and configured to cause the structure to translate to a second position, wherein a second angle of inclination is defined.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an adjustable seat for a motor vehicle and related methods. Some embodiments relate to a seat having a thigh support insert that can be adjusted relative to a laterally-disposed bolster cushion of the seat to accommodate a variety of occupants having different heights. Some embodiments relate to methods for making a vehicle seat having an adjustable thigh support.

Abstract: A self-inflatable under-thigh support used in combination with a car seat for use by a driver of a vehicle in order to shorten brake-activation reaction time and reduce pressure on the lower side of the thigh for improving blood circulation. The under-thigh support is made in the form of an elongated body of a triangular cross-section that consists of an air-proof inner casing made from a non-stretchable flexible material and a squeezable foam plastic that fills the interior of the casing. The casing is provided with a valve that can be opened for squeezing the pad to a compressed state and then closed for preserving the pad in a compressed state convenient for storage and transportation. For use of the pad, the valve is opened, the squeezed foam plastic is expanded, and then the valve is closed, whereby the pad is maintained in a predetermined shape and with a predetermined rigidity.

Abstract: A vehicle seating system can be used within a variety of vehicles to reduce positional fatigue and other effects of long distance traveling. Such a system includes a typical vehicle seat mountable in a vehicle, at least two powered seat energizer members, including at least one thermal energizer, and an electrical controller. The energizer members are activated to alter the seating condition created by the seat, thereby impacting circulation and reducing fatigue experienced by a vehicle traveler.

Abstract: A guiding element for attaching a cable having a sleeve (2) and a wire (3) running in the sleeve (2) to a seat frame is provided, said guiding element (1) comprising first coupling means (4) for coupling the guiding element (1) with the seat frame (10), second coupling means (5) for coupling said guiding element (1) with said cable, said second coupling means (5) comprising an abutting area (9) against which an end of said sleeve (2) abuts when said cable is coupled with the guiding element (1), and guiding means (6, 8) for guiding said wire extending from said abutting area. Such a guiding element (1) may be used to guide said cable around a seat frame for adjusting a lumbar support structure.

Abstract: A configurable vehicle seat having at least two configurations is disclosed. The configurable vehicle seat has a seat base, a seat bottom supported by the seat base, and a seat back coupled to the seat base. The seat back or seat bottom has one or more adjustable profile members, wherein the adjustable profile members may be adjusted such that the seat is adjusted from at least a first configuration to a second configuration.

Abstract: The seat depth adjustable motor vehicle seat comprises a first seat part, a second seat part and a longitudinal adjustment device interposed between the first seat part and the second seat part and allowing for displacement movement in a first seat direction of the first seat part relative to the second seat part. The seat further comprises a toothed rack connected to the second seat part and extending substantially in the first seat direction. A primary gear meshes with the toothed rack. A secondary gear is in rotating communication with the primary gear. A toothed bar extends substantially in a second seat direction and engages the secondary gear. A third seat part is slidably disposed in the second seat direction and is connected to the toothed bar.

Abstract: In an adjuster (80) for a vehicle seat, in particular for a motor vehicle seat, having at least two components (81, 82) forming a load-bearing gear, which are movable relative to each other by way of a drive unit (10), wherein the drive unit (10) has a particularly electronically commutated motor (12) and a gear stage (14), the drive unit (10) is integrated into the load-bearing gear, and the motor (12) has at least one rotor (22, 24) borne in the load-bearing gear and rotating around an axis (A).

Abstract: Ergonomic systems and devices are disclosed. In accordance with the embodiments of the invention, a system or device includes a traction surface that provides traction and/or support through contact with a portion of a user's body. For example, an ergonomic system includes a backrest cushion. The backrest cushion has a traction surface with a plurality of protruding traction pads for resting against a user's back and pulling along the user's back. The traction pads help stretch or decompress the user's spine through contact at multiple positions on the back and flanking the spine. In alternative embodiments of the invention, a chair, resting table, bed or other article of furniture includes one or more traction surfaces that provide traction through contact with one or more corresponding portions of a user's body.

Abstract: In a seat (10), rotating a seat cushion rearward causes the seat cushion to be superposed on the front side of a seat back for stowage. In the stowage of the seat (10), the seat cushion is rotated rearward, moving an interlocking link downward. The connection link (18) is then rotated downward in the seat back, so that a distance in a back-and-forth direction between a back main frame (14) and a receiving member (20) is reduced. This allows the thickness of the seat back (12) to be reduced in a part on the back of the back main frame (14).

Abstract: A seating element has an archable element with a first side to face an occupant of a seat when the seating element is installed in a seat and a second side opposite of the first side. A pneumatic arching element is arranged at the second side of the archable element.

Abstract: A seat back for a vehicular seat has a plate member for supporting a back of a pad and an elastic support mechanism for holding the plate member for moving the plate member in a forward and backward direction. The plate member includes a thoracic vertebra avoiding portion having at least one of a hole and a recessed portion recessed in a direction away from the thoracic vertebrae of a user, so as to avoid a pushing force to the thoracic vertebrae. In addition the thoracic vertebra avoiding portion is vertically elongated at a substantially widthwise center position of the plate member and has a width of 40 to 100 mm.

Abstract: A seat, in particular for a pram, having a seat back (0) comprising a frame (1) and a covering (2) encompassing the frame (1) with a front side (3) and a rear side (4), characterised in that the covering (2) on the rear side (4) is placed such that a cavity (5) accessible from outside can be formed with a inner layer 2? facing the front side (3) and an outer layer (7) opposite the latter and upholstered pads (8) can be attached detachably at least on one of the layers (2?, 7?), on which a force can be exerted when the cavity is closed.

Abstract: A seat structure includes a frame having a plurality of parts having respective joining surfaces. Two respective joining surfaces, which belong to two respective different parts, are joined to one another by laser-welding. A method of forming a seat frame having a plurality of parts includes the steps of positioning the parts in a fixture, fixing the position of the parts relative to one another and laser-welding the parts to form the seat frame.

Abstract: A vehicle seat cushion structure whereby even when a steering wheel or other object is pushed closer toward a vehicle occupant after a vehicle is involved in a head-on collision and little space is left in front of the vehicle occupant, the space can be readily enlarged. The cushion structure comprises a supporting member provided on a seat frame and a cushion member disposed in a folded state on the supporting member. The folded cushion member is capable of being withdrawn from a cushion removal opening formed on a side of a seat. Space is provided between the vehicle occupant and the steering wheel or the like when the cushion member is removed via the cushion removal opening.

Abstract: A combination lumbar bolster system for attachment to a vehicle seat frame comprises a lumbar support having a flat position and a deployed position, wherein the deployed position is forward of the flat position; a pair of lateral bolsters each having a resting position and an extended position, wherein the extended position is further from the seat frame than the resting position; at least one traction cable operably attached to at least one of the lumbar support and the lateral bolsters; and at least one spring. The traction cable moves the lumbar support between the flat position and the deployed position and the lateral bolsters between the resting positions and the extended positions such that the movements of the lumbar support and the bolsters is coordinated, and the spring opposes the movement of the traction cable.

Abstract: In the case of a transmission device (5) for a vehicle seat (1), in particular a motor vehicle seat, with at least one hub (7, 27, 27?, 27?) and a shaft (10) which interact in a form-fitting manner in order to transmit a torque, wherein the shaft (10) has a profile with m teeth (12) and the hub (7, 27, 27?, 27?) has a profile with a central opening with n receptacles (15, 15?), and wherein each receptacle (15, 15?) is designed for interaction with a tooth (12), the hub (7, 27, 27?, 27?) has n=2m receptacles (15, 15?) or n=2m?1 receptacles (15, 15?).

Abstract: A seat shell includes a plurality of adjustable cushioning elements each having first and second pads and configured to be non-positively attached to an essentially vertical frame section of a frame using an affixing device, wherein the first and second pads each have at least two openings configured as longitudinal slots for receiving each affixing device.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automotive seat the seat cushion level of which can be adjustable up-and-down, in which the safety is improved when a shock is applied to a vehicle. The automotive seat according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is equipped with a level adjusting mechanism for adjusting the seat cushion level, and comprises a base frame, a seat cushion, a seat cushion frame, a space from which to the base frame being adjustable, a stopper which supports the sinking seat cushion frame at a rear end collision of an automobile. The stopper moves to narrow the space between the seat cushion frame and the stopper and supports the seat cushion frame.

Abstract: The chair has a sub frame (1) set on the floor, a mechanism (2) set on the sub frame, a seat (3) set on the mechanism (2) and a backrest (7) attached to the mechanism (2). The backrest (7) exhibits a backrest frame (5), which supports an elastically deformable backrest part (6) with a back panel (62). The back panel (62) has a back part (60), to which a head restraint (61) is attached. The backrest (7) is capable of pivoting about a first pivot shaft (D1) from an essentially upright, neutral position to a reclined position displaced towards the rear. The movements of the seat (3) and the backrest (7) are synchronized with one another.

Abstract: A vehicle seating system can be used within a variety of vehicles to reduce positional fatigue and other effects of long distance traveling. Such a system includes a typical vehicle seat mountable in a vehicle, at least two powered seat adjustment actuators, and an electrical controller. The actuators are moveable to alter the seating position formed by the seat, thereby reducing fatigue experienced by a vehicle traveler.

Abstract: An adjustable depth seat includes fixed and moveable cushions. The moveable cushion is moveable between retracted and extended positions. In the retracted position, a support cushion is hidden. In the extended position, the support cushion is exposed.

Abstract: A seat structure comprises a base (1), a back and a bolster (2) located on at least one edge of the base or back. The bolster (2) includes an upholstered cover (3) and a support structure (4) for controlling the position of the upholstered cover (3). The support structure (4) comprises: a support member (11) pivotally mounted for pivotal movement between a raised position in which the support member (11) supports the upholstered cover (3) in a raised state, and a lowered position in which the upholstered cover (3) is no longer supported in the raised state, a first strut member (14) pivotally connected to the support member (11) and a second strut member (16) pivotally connected to the first strut member (14) to form with the first strut member (14) an over-centre strut (13) which, when in its over-centre configuration, holds the support member in its raised state.