Abstract: An adjustable vehicle seat wherein the frame supporting the seat portion is defined by two sides, each presenting a bottom portion sliding along a respective horizontal longitudinal guide, and a top portion integral with the seat portion and connected to the respective bottom portion so as to travel, in relation to the bottom portion, along a fixed vertical guide integral with the bottom portion and by virtue of two actuating devices located on either side of the fixed guide and each of which provides for rocking the respective top portion in relation to the respective bottom portion and about a respective axis perpendicular to the fixed guide.

Abstract: A vehicle safety device designed to respond to a sudden deceleration of a vehicle by controlling movement of both the front and rear of the vehicle seat in forward and upward directions. In various embodiments the movement is controlled by ramps and linkages and by various combinations of ramps and linkage. The linkage may be a single component link or a linkage of two components pivotally connected together. The ramp may be defined by a slot having an arcuate portion and/or a straight portion.

Abstract: A modular reclining chair and method for assembling it are disclosed. The modular reclining chair includes a simplified actuation mechanism which significantly reduces system complexity and weight while providing improved comfort to the seat occupant. The construction is such that the pre-assembled actuation mechanism is integrally suspended from and interdependent with modular frame components.

Abstract: A tilt-away system for front seats of vehicles for permitting the entire front seat to be moved as far as possible out of the entry and exit region of the vehicle includes a seat frame front support assembly including a support stand which supports the front portion of the seat frame, a seat frame rear support assembly including link arms on each side of the seat frame, the link arms having forward ends pivotally secured to travellers which are displaceably mounted in rails and rearward ends connected to the rearward portion of the seat frame and being locked in a use position for the seat by a link arm locking mechanism, the link arms being adapted to be pivoted forwardly and upwardly to tilt the seat forwardly after it has been moved forwardly on the rails to a position intermediate the use and access positions, and a release mechanism for releasing the front portion of the seat frame from the support stand and the link arm locking mechanism in one operation so that the front seat can be moved forward to th

Abstract: A modular reclining chair and method for assembling it are disclosed. The modular reclining chair includes a simplified actuation mechanism which significantly reduces system complexity and weight while providing improved comfort to the seat occupant. The construction is such that the pre-assembled actuation mechanism is integrally suspended from and interdependent with box-like modular frame components. In this manner, the frame components can be upholstered prior to final assembly with the actuation mechanism.

Abstract: A child's tiltable car seat comprises a base intended to be attached to a vehicle seat having a part of a curved slide mounted thereon and a tiltable structure having the other part of the curved slide attached thereto and cooperating with the base part of the curved slide. The base part of the curved slide has a C-shaped cross section, while the part of the curved slide attached to the tiltable structure has an .OMEGA.-shaped cross section. The flanges of the .OMEGA.-shaped part are able to slide inside grooves delimited by the C-shaped part thus providing a stable assembly.

Abstract: An arrangement of a vehicle seat for placement on a vehicle floor having a seat in a storage position is provided in a preferred embodiment including two elongated rails connected to the vehicle floor, the rails having a first hook and a plurality of notches to provide a locking plate; a slider for each side of the vehicle seat having a second hook interlocked with the rail's first hook; a locking pin for selective engagement with the rail notches, the locking pin being connected with the slider to selectively set the position of the slider with respect to the rail: a riser pivotally connected with each slider; and a seat bun connected with the risers, the seat bun assuming a storage position by forward pivotal movement of the risers.

Abstract: An infant seat which functions as an infant carrier, a glider, or a car seat. The car seat includes a base with an upwardly open cavity and a carrier connected to the base and at least partially contained within the cavity. The positioning of the carrier relative to the base may be adjusted to allow the carrier to move relative to the base or to lock the carrier to the base. In a locked configuration, seat belt receivers are properly positioned to receive an automobile seat belt, when the car seat is positioned on the seat of an automobile.

Abstract: A manually-operable six-way seat adjustment mechanism having a pair of laterally spaced tracks which are fixed securely to the vehicle's floor pan. A pair of carriages are slidably coupled to the tracks and are operable for synchronous longitudinal movement thereon. A seat assembly is fixedly secured to seat frame members supported from the elongated carriages for longitudinal movement therewith. A horizontal adjustment mechanism is operatively interconnected between each of the tracks and carriages to enable a seat occupant to selectively adjust the longitudinal position of the assembly. The manually-operable six-way seat adjustment mechanism also includes a front vertical adjustment mechanism and a rear vertical adjustment mechanism which are each operably interconnected between the laterally spaced seat frame members and the carriages to enable selective and independent vertical adjustment of their respective front and rear portions of the seat assembly.

Abstract: A "three-way" recliner mechanism for use in a sofa or loveseat type of article of furniture is disclosed. The present invention is a "zero wall proximity" recliner mechanism which is fully reclinable within the confines of its stationary frame assembly. The recliner mechanism provides operative linkages for "tilting" the seat unit, "reclining" the seat back relative to the seat frame and for extending and retracting a leg rest assembly. The present recliner mechanism has a short stroke drive assembly having an actuator lever, concealed in the upholstery of the sofa or loveseat, which may be easily operated by the seat occupant to concurrently operate the leg rest assembly and generate "tilting" movement of the reclinable seat unit.

Abstract: The squab of the seat is supported at its front and rear regions and by responsive support arms. The lower ends of the arms are mounted on the free ends of respective pivoted elements whose positions are adjustable selectively so as to enable the seat to be adjusted more precisely to the anthropometric characteristics of its occupant, the whole considerably reducing the vertical bulk of the squab and of the seat as a whole.

Abstract: A vehicle seat which is adjustable both with regard to its height and angle of inclination has front and rear height mechanisms which can be operated independently of one another. Each of the height adjustment mechanisms has at least one lever, which levers are pivotable about an axis running in the lateral direction of the seat. The upholstery support of the seat is supported on support points of these levers, which lie at a distance from their pivot axes. The front and rear height adjustment mechanisms are connected with a coupling drive, which, when the front height adjustment mechanism is activated limits the height adjustment of this front height adjustment mechanism, and when the rear height adjustment mechanism is activated, the height adjustment of the support point thereof is transferred to the support point of the front height adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: A "three-way" recliner mechanism for use in reclinable articles of furniture is disclosed. The recliner mechanism is operative for "tilting" the entire seating unit, "reclining" the seat back relative to the seat frame and for selectively extending and retracting a leg rest assembly. The recliner mechanism of the present invention incorporates separate bearing link assemblies for directly supporting the chair frame for translation movement relative to the base.

Abstract: Adjustable chair, whereby the seat of the chair comprising on each side a rail (10) secured to a front portion under the seat (3) and resting on a roller (11) connected with the chair frame, the seat being, in the rear portion on each side, connected turnably with a guide (5) secured to the frame where the guide having slideably arranged a first glider (6), the back (4) comprising a downwards and forwards directed prolongation and being turnably connected with the first glider (6), the front end of the prolongation being turnably connected with a second glider (8) being slideably arranged on a second guide (7), the second guide thereby being connected with the frame, and first and second guides (5, 7) being arranged in an obtuse angle in relation to each other such that the distance between the rear portion of seat and the lower portion of the back substantially is maintained whereas the angle between the seat and the back is altered when the back is moved backwards by the user in such a way that the gliders

Abstract: A chair adapted to passively adjust itself to be in equilibrium with the user's body in relation to changes in the center of gravity and thigh inclination. The chair includes a post from which is provided, in one embodiment, a convex track on which a carriage is allowed to travel, and a seat pan is pivoted on the carriage for angle adjustment relative to the carriage. In another embodiment, a first concave track is provided on the top of the post with a carriage slidable in the concave track and a seat pan mounted for travel in a track on the carriage wherein the second concave track has a smaller radius than the first track.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment seat adjuster according to the present invention has a first link which is pivotally connected typically along its rearward end to the vehicle floor. A powered gear is connected to the first link and is meshed with a sector gear which is connected to the forward end of the vehicle seat adjuster. The sector gear is also connected to the vehicle floor. Slidably mounted to the first link is a second link having a sector gear connected to its rearward end. The vehicle seat (or frame) is pivotally connected along its forward end to the second link and the vehicle seat has a powered gear which in meshed with the rearward sector gear of the second link. Longitudinal movement of the seat is provided by a worm gear rotatably connected to the second link and meshed with a rack connected with the first link. Elevation of forward end of the vehicle is accomplished by the powered gear rotatably connected with the first link and meshed with the sector gear connected with the vehicle floor.

Abstract: A kit or assemble is provided which can be used in the manufacture of a new wheelchair or to retrofit an existing wheelchair. The basic wheelchair structure includes a base portion having a pair of cross members mounted in the rear half of the upper portion of the wheelchair base structure. A pair of parallel guide rails are mounted between the cross members with a seat support bar attached to a pair of pillow blocks mounted on the guide rails. A linear actuator is centrally positioned within the wheelchair base structure to longitudinally move the seat support bar forwardly or rearwardly within the wheel base of the wheelchair. A rear edge of a wheelchair seat unit is pivotally attached to the upper surface of the seat support bar. Cam plates, each having a curved cam slot, are provided on each side of the seat unit with the cam slots engaging cam followers mounted on a pair of stanchions provided on each side of the rear portion of the base structure.

Abstract: Each front seat has under the base plate in its median longitudinal axis a rack connector rod and a mechanical bolt, this rack connector rod cooperating with a box joined to the floor of the vehicle via a framing and a brace, this box containing a blockable motor device. The entire afore-mentioned unit cooperates with two parallel arms first of all joined to the rear part of the seat and secondly joined to the floor of the vehicle via a spindle containing a memory constituted by a ring with a notch and the nose of the lever.

Abstract: An infant seat, a removable seat and a seat latch, the seat having a base, a removable seat, and means for restraining a child in the removable seat. The seat is usable as a car seat and the base securable to an automobile seat with a seat belt. The removable seat is joined to the base and reversibly disjoinable from the base without removal of the child from the seat.

Abstract: A seat structure for automobiles includes a pair of seat hinges provided at both side of the seat and a connecting member disposed between the seat hinges for connecting them. The seat structure further includes a support member on the connecting member for securing seat cushion to the seat hinges.

Abstract: In a seat having a support frame consisting of a seat portion frame and a backrest portion frame, the backrest portion frame is of a generally L-shaped configuration, with a first limb thereof extending under the seat portion frame. The first limb of the L-shape carries a pivot axis means which is disposed slidably in a pair of rails fixed at the underside of the seat portion frame while the first limb of the L-shaped backrest portion frame is further guided in a second pair of rails at another position spaced from the first pair of rails in such a way that upon forward movement of the seat portion frame the upper end of the backrest portion frame moves in the opposite direction and also moves downwardly, thereby increasing the angle of inclination of the backrest portion, and vice-versa.

Abstract: The seat lifter according to the invention includes a front and rear links supporting the upper bracket member and the upper bracket member has a first upper bracket supporting a seat cushion of the seat and a second upper bracket supporting a seat back of the seat. Thus, the seat back and seat cushion of the seat are respectively moved in the independent state. Particularly, a pair of second pivoting member respectively pivoting the front and rear links on the first upper bracket positions approximately in a rear direction in respect of a pair of first pivoting member and a pair of third pivoting member respectively pivoting the front and rear links on said second upper bracket positions approximately in an upper direction in respect of said first pivoting. In accordance with lifting the seat cushion by rotating the both links around the first pivoting member, the seat back moves in a forward direction and the size of the seat cushion is minimized.

Abstract: A rocking chair having a fixed base, and a seat frame mounted on the base for rocking movement by means of a plurality of rocker cams mounted one behind the other. The rocker cams are pivotally mounted to one of the base or seat frame and having arcuate surfaces engaged against the other of the base or seat frame. This achieves a predetermined desired motion of the seat relative to the base. In one embodiment, a pair of such rocking cams are provided in tandem on each side of the chair. In another embodiment, only a single pair of cams are provided in tandem at a central portion of the chair. In another embodiment three cams are provided in a triangular arrangement.

Abstract: This chair (10) includes a base portion (12), a seating portion (14) mounted for arcuate movement on said base portion (12), and an adjustable footrest assembly (40). The footrest assembly (40) includes opposed guide members (46) and a footrest (52) having opposed arms (54) which are received by the guide members (46) in sliding relation and are adjustably movable between an extended, elevated position to a retracted stored position. A drive assembly (62) is provided which includes spaced shafts (64, 66) carrying endless conveyor members (70) which are connected to the arms (54). The guide members (46) and the received arms (54) are arcuately configurated. A control system (100) including a longitudinal belt (102) attached to the upper seating portion (14) and received by a clamping assembly (106) attached to the base portion (12) provides for selective arresting of the seating portion (14) relative to the base portion (12) in a desired position.

Abstract: A reclinable children's chair or child's chair for use on a motor vehicle seat, comprising a base frame to be placed on such vehicle seat, and a reclinable child's seat operatively engaged with the base frame and movable generally longitudinally back and forth relative to the base frame selectively angularly between an upright rearward position and a reclined forward position, a drive mechanism, e.g. a motor and drive shaft and connecting rod linkage, mounted on the base frame and operatively connected to the reclinable seat for so moving the reclinable seat, and a control mechanism for controlling the operation of the drive mechanism e.g. a manual handle for rotating the shaft and/or a switch for operating the motor.

Abstract: A novel unlocking mechanism is provided in a recliner which has a stationary frame, left and right mechanisms for supporting a seat frame for movement on the stationary frame and for supporting and operating a legrest for movement between retracted and extended positions. The locking mechanism is spaced from and located between the recliner mechanisms, and it is formed of pivoted links, one of which is a toggle link which occupies an immovable over center position when the seatframe is in its rear position. A release wire operating the unlocking lever is used to move the toggle member from its own center position so that the locking mechanism can collapse and the seat frame may move to its forward position. The release wire has an exposed unlevered pull handle which is readily accessable to a user of the recliner.

Abstract: An adjustable chair includes a seat portion having a convex undersurface and a base portion having a concave upper surface. Low profile roller assemblies are fixed in a spaced apart relation along the convex undersurface. Tracks are affixed along the concave upper surface of the base portion. The roller assemblies are adapted for rolling contact with the tracks. A power transmission assembly has a first end which is pivotably coupled to the seat portion and has a second end which pivotably connects to the base portion. The power transmission assembly moves the seat portion along an arcuate path defined by the base portion. A noise dampening preload spring is associated with the second end of the power transmission assembly.

Abstract: A hinge fitting for an adjustable seat has a single rotatable handle by ms of which the back rest can be tilted and the height of the seat portion adjusted. The handle is connected to a shaft which can be selectively coupled to one of two eccentrics mounted on an axle which passes through the two hinge parts and one end of a pivotable seat support. One eccentric is coupled to one hinge part which has spur gear areas engaging inner toothings on the other hinge part. Rotation of this eccentric causes the inclination of the back rest to be adjusted. The other eccentric is coupled to a portion of the end of the seat support which is constructed as a three-stage hollow piston having inner toothings engaging spur gear areas on the adjacent seat hinge part. Rotation of this eccentric causes the height of the seat to be adjusted.

Abstract: A back rest and a chair seat are pivoted to each other about a displaceable axis and the back rest is pivotally attached to a support along an axis parallel to that axis. The back rest and the seat are continuously displaceable with respect to each other between a sitting position and a recumbent position of the user. At least the displacement of the chair seat is guided at the end opposite to the axis of pivotal attachment of the seat to the back rest along a curve so determined that, when the back rest and seat undergo a displacement between the two positions mentioned above, the center of gravity of the user's body moves away from a horizontal plane over a distance which is sufficiently short to ensure that the user can modify the relative position of the back rest and seat by exerting acceptable efforts without any need to rise from the chair.

Abstract: A new and improved chair is presented. In one embodiment the chair has a base, each side of the base having a front guide member and a rear guide member operably connected thereto. Each side of the seat portion of the chair has one end of a front roller pivot member and one end of a rear roller pivot member connected thereto. The opposite end of the front roller pivot member has a roller rotatably mounted thereto and the opposite end of the rear roller pivot member has a rear roller rotatably mounted thereto. The front and rear rollers ride in the front and rear guide members in order to change positions of the seat portion. The front guide member slopes downwardly from its rear end to its front end, while the rear guide member slopes downwardly from its front end to its rear end in order to enable the user to use his body weight to shift the seat position from at least a first position to a second position and vice versa.

Abstract: A vehicle seat, the seat portion of which has an adjustable inclination, is supported on two concave guide rails (as viewed from the seat portion) which are supported by a seat frame and extend in the longitudinal direction of the seat portion so that the seat portion is longitudinally adjustable and can be locked in a selected position by means of a locking device. The locking device is arranged in the central section of the seat portion and includes a straight bar extending in the longitudinal direction of the seat portion. The ends of the bar are connected with the seat frame. This bar supports an adjusting member which can be adjusted steplessly in its longitudinal direction and can be secured in any position against a longitudinal movement. A coupling member is coupled with this adjusting member and is connected on its other end with the seat portion which is longitudinally adjustable on the guide rails.

Abstract: A seat position control mechanism includes an inboard slave track arrangement having a single track assembly and an outboard control track arrangement having a pair of the same track assemblies arranged in vertically stacked relationship. One of the outboard track assemblies provides for horizontal adjustment of the seat and the other provides for movement of the seat to and from an easy enter position. A control cable arrangement interconnects a tilting seat back and a latch mechanism for the other outboard track assembly to release a latch mechanism and permit movement of the seat to the easy enter position.

Abstract: An adjustable boat-shaped seat for children, particularly usable as a car at, includes a generally boat-shaped seat having armrests on each side thereof and generally arcuately-shaped slide guides integrally-molded to said seat on each side thereof adjacent to said armrests and a rigid frame upon which the seat rests. The frame includes two generally arcuately-shaped rails disposed generally parallel to the sides of the seat, each of which slidably rests upon and lies in front of, and above, one of the slide guides to permit movement of the seat between sitting and prone end positions.

Abstract: An actuator assembly for a recliner chair having a chair frame, a seat unit, and a linkage mounting the seat unit on the chair frame for back and forth movement between a seating position and a reclining position located forwardly of the seating position. The actuator assembly includes a handle pivotally mounted on the side of the chair frame and connected through a link to an activator member which is pivotally mounted on the chair frame and provided with an abutting portion that is located in the path of movement of the seat unit. When the seat unit is in the seating position, a pivoting movement of the activator member in response to manipulation of the handle causes the abutting portion to engage the seat unit to move the seat unit forwardly toward its reclining position. The actuator assembly operates to move the seat unit only from the seating position toward its reclining position.

Abstract: A recliner chair having a chair frame with side frame portions defining armrests, a seat structure consisting of a seat and backrest, a linkage mechanism supporting the seat structure between the side frame portions for movement between an upright seating position and a reclining position, and a reclining actuator assembly connected to the seat structure and to the chair frame operable when actuated to move the seat structure between the seating and reclining positions. The actuator assembly includes a handle positioned between one side of the seat and the side frame portion adjacent to that side of the seat for movement between a generally concealed inoperative position in which the handle is located substantially below the top surface of the seat and an operative position to move the seat structure from the seating position to the reclining position.

Abstract: A reclining chair having a seat, and a support structure including an element which supports the bottom of the seat. The attitude of the seat is shiftable relative to the support structure between an upright and a reclining position by a pivotable interconnect between the bottom of the seat and the element which supports the bottom of the seat.

Abstract: An adjustable seat of a motor vehicle has a mounting arrangement at each of its lateral regions. The respective mounting arrangement includes an elongated carrier, a support rail which is connected to the seat proper and is displaceable longitudinally of the carrier, and a pivot which mounts the carrier, which extends in the front-to-rear direction, for tilting along a vertical plane. A drive and a driving section of a transmission are mounted on the carrier, the driving section including two pinions which are simultaneously driven by the drive and one of which meshes with a driven rack rigidly connected to the support rail, while the other pinion meshes with another driven rack which is provided at one side of an elongated slot in a support element for the seat proper and is curved having its center of curvature on the axis of the above-mentioned pivot.

Abstract: A positionable chair-lounge has a base which has transverse support beams, a movable top section that has transverse beams and is supported upon rollers that engage arcuate tracks secured to the base, a gear head motor type of power assembly which directly drives a threaded shaft and a drive tube through an irreversible drive. One end of the power assembly is pivotally attached to the top section by a guiding bracket and the other end is pivotally attached to the base by a guiding bracket. The base and seat transverse beams and the power assembly are positioned so that the seat can be moved in an arcuate path relative to the base.

Abstract: An improved control assembly for a reclining chair of the type having a body support, i.e., a seat and a backrest, adapted to move between an upright position and a reclining position. The body support is pivotally mounted on a body support frame, the body support frame being carried on a stationary chair base by roller and track means to permit forward/rearward motion of the body support frame relative to the chair base. The improved control assembly is in the nature of a control linkage positioned beneath the chair's seat, the control linkage being hidden from view in the upright and all reclining positions of the chair. The improved control linkage is connected between the chair base and the body support frame so as to control sliding movement of the body support frame in going between upright and reclined positions.

Abstract: A lift chair has a lift base, a seat, and an extensible and retractable power-actuated ram connected between the lift base and seat to selectively raise and lower the seat. One or another accessory base provided with accessories such as a rocker or wheel assembly is also connected to the seat and is positioned to contact the floor before the ram is fully retracted so that the full retraction of the ram lifts the lift base off the floor and transfers the entire weight of the chair to the accessory base. When the ram is extended, the initial extension of the ram reseats the lift base on the floor and lifts the accessory base off the floor, thus transferring the weight of the chair from the accessory base back to the lift base, which supports and stabilizes the chair during the lifting thereof and until the ram is fully retracted again.

Abstract: A car seat for a young child which may be oriented in either a sitting or reclining position. The orientation of the car seat can be changed without disturbing the occupant or the secured position of the supporting frame. The car seat includes a seat structure, a support frame and linkage therebetween. The seat structure is designed to enclose the occupant for protection during severe maneuvering and collisions and includes a restrainer positioned across the front of the occupant which advantageously distributes the impact force on the occupant during a collision. The restrainer is held in place by a secondary seat belt system which does not require unbuckling when the seat orientation is changed. The linkage between the seat structure and the support frame provides a high seating position for comfort and visability and a reclining position for resting.

Abstract: An underground mining apparatus and more particularly an underground mining apparatus having improved protective canopy means extending partially thereover.

Abstract: A safety vehicle seat structure comprising a seat having a backrest and a seat portion. A support frame is secured to the seat and comprises a pair of spaced-apart vertical back support members each pivotally secured at their upper ends to a respective side of the backrest. Each vertical back support member has a lower end secured to a respective one of two horizontal supports located below the seat portion. At least one connecting member is secured to the seat portion forwardly of the back support members and extends therebelow to pivotally interconnect with a displaceable lever framework whereby actuation of the lever framework will cause displacement of the seat between two positions relative to the support frame. A belt attachment clamp is secured to the horizontal support members and adapted to receive and rigidly engage a portion of a retaining belt extending therethrough.