Abstract: A power slide includes a left slide and a right slide, each including a top rail, a bottom rail, a lead screw and an electric motor. The top rail is arranged above the bottom rail and is slidably connected to the bottom rail, and a notch is formed in a middle portion of the top rail. The lead screw is arranged above the bottom rail in parallel and has two ends fixedly connected to the bottom rail. The electric motor includes a housing, a rotor shaft and a stator shaft. The housing is mounted in the notch, the stator shaft is fixedly connected into the housing, the rotor shaft penetrates into the stator shaft and is rotatably connected to the stator shaft, and an interior of the rotor shaft is threadedly connected to the lead screw.

Abstract: A vehicle seat structure includes a vehicle seat including a seat cushion configured to support an occupant, an upper rail that is fixed to the vehicle seat and that moves in a seat front-rear direction together with the vehicle seat, and a lower rail that is fixed to a floor of a vehicle body and that engages with the upper rail and supports the upper rail so as to allow movement of the upper rail. The vehicle seat structure includes a lock mechanism configured to restrict movement of the upper rail with respect to the lower rail. The lock mechanism is configured such that at least part of the lock mechanism deforms when a force toward the seat front side arising due to inertia acts on the vehicle seat in a state in which the upper rail is engaged with a seat rear side portion of the lower rail.

Abstract: An aircraft seat with tilt-shift functionality includes a backrest frame pivotably mounted to the seat frame, the backrest frame having rollers set into its upright end that translate through slots in the seat frame and lateral slots in its forward end capable of accepting sliders attached to the seatpan. When a passenger leans backward in the seat, tilting the backrest frame backward and downward, a shift linkage below the backrest frame translates the backward tilt to a forward shift of the seatpan forward to enhance the comfort of the passenger. The aircraft seat may further be capable of longitudinal and lateral translation as well as a full 360-degree swivel.

Abstract: A spindle drive (1), drive spindle (8), and a production method for such a spindle, particularly for a seat adjustment or a servo steering mechanism, having a spindle thread (19) for receiving a spindle nut (9), wherein a drive gear (5) made from synthetic material is injection-molded in a non-rotatable manner on the drive spindle (8), said cog having external toothing (21), by means of which the drive spindle (8) can be caused to rotate, wherein within an axial extension (27) of the drive cog (5) the threaded spindle (8) has a recessed region (31) with a smaller external diameter (30) between two holding regions (28, 38) with a larger outer diameter (29, 39).

Abstract: A method of controlling motion of movable components of a powered seat includes, using the controller, monitoring a feedback signal of an actuator during motion of a component. During an acceleration phase of the motion of the component, a reference state of the time-varying motion command is detected and a reference value of the monitored feedback signal is determined as a reference value. A feedback-signal acceptance range is determined using the reference value of the monitored feedback signal. During a steady-state phase of the motion, the motion of the component is terminated if the monitored feedback signal departs the determined feedback-signal acceptance range. A control system for a powered seat of a vehicle is described. A powered seat assembly is described.

Abstract: A holding device for an adjustment drive of a motor vehicle seat has at least one channel for receiving a drive shaft which is mounted rotatably in a shaft casing and is connectable at one end to a drive unit and at the other end to an adjustment device. In order to provide such a holding device that permits a reliable arrangement of the shaft casing, in particular in a manner secure against rotation, provision is made for the channel to be formed for positioning the shaft casing in a manner partially offset in relation to the longitudinal axis of the channel.

Abstract: An adjustment mechanism, particularly for the longitudinal adjustment of a seat of a motor vehicle, with a transmission housing (30) fastened at a first part (10), which is displaceable in reference to a second part (12), with a transmission being arranged inside the transmission housing (30). A spindle (40) projects from the transmission housing (30). The spindle (40) is coupled via a nut element (50) to a second part (12). The transmission housing (30) is made from plastic, with at least one repeatedly angled metal insert (60, 70) being embedded in the plastic. At least one wall (60b) of the metal insert (60, 70) is aligned orthogonal in reference to the axis (A) of the spindle and at least partially encompasses the spindle (40) on the side of the transmission housing (60) allocated to the nut element (30).

Abstract: A seat assembly having a seat cushion and a seat back pivotally coupled to the seat cushion for pivotal movement between a generally upright seating position and a folded position overlying the seat cushion. A power return mechanism is operatively coupled to the seat back for automatically returning the seat back from the folded position to the seating position. The power return mechanism includes a support bracket for mounting the power return mechanism to the seat assembly, a slider bracket slidably coupled to the support bracket, a cable connected between the seat back and the slider bracket, and a motor and gear assembly for power driving the slider bracket between a home position when the seat back is in the seating position and a full stroke position pulling the cable to pivot the seat back from the folded position to the seating position.

Abstract: A linear recliner assembly in use with a seat having a seat back pivotally engaged relative to a seat bottom. A housing exhibits a communicating interior between a first and second ends. A drive rod is supported in linearly displaceable fashion from the first end and is secured to the seat bottom. The second end pivotally engages the seatback spaced from its pivot point. A rotatable gear located at a fixed lineal position within the housing receives the drive rod in threadably inter-engaged fashion. A trigger mechanism pivotally secured to the housing exhibits a downwardly biased detent communicating through an opening in the housing to seat between succeeding teeth of the gear. A spring supported within the housing contacts the drive rod. Upon release of the detent, a reclining force applied to the seatback results in displacement of the housing against the drive rod to bias the spring.

Abstract: An item of furniture includes a frame mounting two adjustable sections which each includes a pivot shaft to cause pivoting of the respective section relative to the frame. Each pivot shaft mounts a claw-shaped arm having two legs. A dual linear actuator having openings at its opposite ends is suspended from the two claw-shaped arms and is operable to rotate the pivot shafts by engagement of sliding spindle nuts therein with the respective claw-shaped arms.

Abstract: A rocking and reclining seating unit includes: a base unit with a first bearing surface; a generally horizontally-disposed seat positioned above the base; a generally upright backrest positioned above the base and substantially rearward of the seat; an extendable ottoman; a reclining mechanism attached to the seat, the backrest, the ottoman and the base unit, the reclining mechanism comprising a plurality of pivotally interconnected links; a rocker mechanism attached with the base unit and the reclining mechanism, the rocker mechanism configured to enable the seat, backrest and reclining mechanism to experience a longitudinally-directed rocking motion relative to the base unit; and a power actuating unit attached to the reclining mechanism. The actuating unit is configured to move the chair between an upright position, an intermediate TV position, and a fully reclined position.

Abstract: A wheelchair having a tiltable and translatable seat for compensating for shifting of the center of gravity of an occupant during tilting is provided. Such a wheelchair includes a frame, a first actuator, a seat assembly, and a first rigid link. The first actuator includes opposing front and rear ends coupled to the frame, a rod that extends between the front and rear ends, and a connector that is capable of translating in response to actuation of the rod. The seat assembly is directly coupled to the connector of the first actuator. The first rigid link has a front end and a rear end. The link front end is pivotably coupled to the frame, and the link rear end is pivotably coupled to the seat assembly. The link may be oriented such that as the connector translates, the first link impels the chair to tilt.

Abstract: A transmission device that transmits rotation of a drive cable to a screw shaft is provided. The transmission device includes a worm gear attached to the drive cable, a helical gear attached to the screw shaft, a gear case, a pair of first bearing wall portions, and a pair of second bearing wall portions. The gear case has an opening on one side so as to accommodate the worm gear and the helical gear. The first bearing wall portions are integrally formed with the gear case so as to face each other along the axial direction of the drive cable, and rotatably support both ends of the worm gear. The second bearing wall portions are integrally formed with the gear case so as to face each other along the axial direction of the screw shaft, and rotatably support both ends of the helical gear.

Abstract: A linear recliner assembly in use with a seat having a seat back pivotally engaged relative to a seat bottom. A housing exhibits a communicating interior between a first and second ends. A drive rod is supported in linearly displaceable fashion from the first end and is secured to the seat bottom. The second end pivotally engages the seatback spaced from its pivot point. A rotatable gear located at a fixed lineal position within the housing receives the drive rod in threadably inter-engaged fashion. A trigger mechanism pivotally secured to the housing exhibits a downwardly biased detent communicating through an opening in the housing to seat between succeeding teeth of the gear. A spring supported within the housing contacts the drive rod. Upon release of the detent, a reclining force applied to the seatback results in displacement of the housing against the drive rod to bias the spring.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spindle bearing arrangement for a longitudinal seat adjusting gear, which has a housing which can be attached by an attaching device on a vehicle-side component or on a seat component, whereby a spindle opening for guiding a spindle along a spindle opening axis runs through the housing and whereby an inner thread in the housing in the area of its spindle opening is formed to engage into a spindle run through in this manner, for shifting the housing and the spindle relative to each other along the spindle opening axis. The spindle bearing becomes advantageous in that the inner thread is formed in a spindle nut and the spindle nut is adjustably supported in the housing relative to the spindle opening axis.

Abstract: A linear recliner assembly in use with a seat having a seat back pivotally engaged relative to a seat bottom. A housing exhibits a communicating interior between a first and second ends. A drive rod is supported in linearly displaceable fashion from the first end and is secured to the seat bottom. The second end pivotally engages the seatback spaced from its pivot point. A rotatable gear located at a fixed lineal position within the housing receives the drive rod in threadably inter-engaged fashion. A trigger mechanism pivotally secured to the housing exhibits a downwardly biased detent communicating through an opening in the housing to seat between succeeding teeth of the gear. A spring supported within the housing contacts the drive rod. Upon release of the detent, a reclining force applied to the seatback results in displacement of the housing against the drive rod to bias the spring.

Abstract: Furniture drive for displacing parts of a piece of furniture relative to one another, includes a linearly displaceable drive element for pivoting a pivot shaft that, when furniture drive is in a mounted position, is operatively connected to a part of the piece of furniture to be displaced, and drive element is connected in the manner of a crank mechanism via a rod-like power transmission element to pivot shaft, one end of which is connected to drive element in an articulated manner, however without displacing in the longitudinal direction of power transmission element, and other end of which is connected in an articulated manner to a crank pin of pivot shaft, the position and distance of coupling points of power transmission element on drive element and pivot shaft being selected such that power transmission element, during displacing movement, changes the angular position by more than 20°, preferably more than 40°.

Abstract: Reduces backlash and clearance in a thrust direction of a worm when engaging a seat back to more securely prevent the generation of abnormal noise that before. A movable bearing 12 is pressed by cams 21, 22 that are pressing members, when the seat back is stopped at a predetermined angle, to approach a worm wheel 5. A ball 14 disposed in a recess 12a of the movable bearing 12 moves slightly along an inner surface of the recess 12a so a worm 4 is pressed to the worm wheel 5 side and pressed to the fixed bearing 11 side, and a latch member 23 that is a engaging member engages the worm 4 to inhibit rotation of the worm wheel 5 thereby securely holding that state. Since the movable bearing 12 moves to the worm wheel 5 side, the substantial movement range of the ball is wider compared to a structure that supports a ball only at a fixed bearing, and the range of displacement of the worm 4 by being pressed by the ball is substantially larger.

Abstract: A linear recliner assembly in use with a seat having a seat back pivotally engaged relative to a seat bottom. A housing exhibits a communicating interior between a first and second ends. A drive rod is supported in linearly displaceable fashion from the first end and is secured to the seat bottom. The second end pivotally engages the seatback spaced from its pivot point. A rotatable gear located at a fixed lineal position within the housing receives the drive rod in threadably inter-engaged fashion. A trigger mechanism pivotally secured to the housing exhibits a downwardly biased detent communicating through an opening in the housing to seat between succeeding teeth of the gear. A spring supported within the housing contacts the drive rod. Upon release of the detent, a reclining force applied to the seatback results in displacement of the housing against the drive rod to bias the spring.

Abstract: A housing is held by a bracket of a vehicle seat and receives a worm wheel and a threaded shaft. The shaft is driven linearly through the worm wheel. One end of the housing contacts the bracket and includes a receiving recess, which is recessed in the axial direction of the worm wheel. A sensor unit is installed in the recess of the one end of the housing and includes a support wall, which supports the housing relative to the bracket in the axial direction of the worm wheel.

Abstract: An actuator for beds, slatted beds or chairs of the type accommodating, in a cabinet, two drive units based on a spindle and a spindle nut configured as an adjustment element, cooperating with an arm of a rotary shaft for a backrest section and a legrest section, respectively, in the bed, the mattress support or the chair. The two spindles are rotational interconnected and are driven by a common reversible electric motor. By having just one motor and one transmissions, as well as no switching mechanism between the two spindles, a simple and inexpensive structure is provided.

Abstract: Reduces backlash and clearance in a thrust direction of a worm when engaging a seat back to more securely prevent the generation of abnormal noise that before. A movable bearing 12 is pressed by cams 21, 22 that are pressing members, when the seat back is stopped at a predetermined angle, to approach a worm wheel 5. A ball 14 disposed in a recess 12a of the movable bearing 12 moves slightly along an inner surface of the recess 12a so a worm 4 is pressed to the worm wheel 5 side and pressed to the fixed bearing 11 side, and a latch member 23 that is a engaging member engages the worm 4 to inhibit rotation of the worm wheel 5 thereby securely holding that state. Since the movable bearing 12 moves to the worm wheel 5 side, the substantial movement range of the ball is wider compared to a structure that supports a ball only at a fixed bearing, and the range of displacement of the worm 4 by being pressed by the ball is substantially larger.

Abstract: A press-back style reclining seating unit includes: a frame configured to rest on an underlying surface; a seat fixed to the frame, the seat being generally horizontally disposed; a generally upright backrest positioned above the rear portion of the seat; and a reclining mechanism that interconnects the frame and the backrest and controls the movement of the backrest relative to the frame between an upright position, in which the backrest is generally vertically disposed, and a fully reclined position, in which the backrest is more reclined relative to the underlying surface than in the upright position. The reclining mechanism includes an actuating unit that enables the backrest to move to and remain in any partially reclined position between the upright and fully reclined positions.

Abstract: A spindle gear for a motor vehicle seat adjusting device having a housing, a spindle nut, a spindle and a worm wheel. The spindle nut may have an external bearing surface and a bearing shell may include an internal bearing surface cooperating with the external bearing surface. The spindle nut may have a slide lacquer coat. The spindle nut may have an external bearing surface and a stop disk may be attached to the external bearing surface so as to surround it. A projection may engage a corresponding spindle nut recess. The housing may comprise at least two housing parts made of zinc diecasting. The external teeth of the spindle nut may form a globoidal gear. The external spindle nut teeth may have an outer diameter that is smallest in an axial center thereof and increases toward the axial end regions.

Abstract: A reclining element includes a pivotal backrest, a headrest, which is coupled in an articulated manner thereto, and optionally a footrest. These pivotal parts can be displaced by an electromotive adjusting device. The reclining element is so configured as to eliminate the need for the link lever fastened to the pivot shaft, whereby the forces required for adjusting can be transmitted by an appropriate kinematic system to the footrest or backrest. In order to raise the backrest, an articulated lever (20) is used, which is provided in the form of a toggle lever and which is connected to the adjusting element. A lever (20a) of the articulated lever (20) is coupled to the adjusting element (18). The other lever (20b) is coupled to the backrest (11) so that when the adjusting element travels out of the end position, the joint (21) executes a guided linear movement and a rotational movement that leads to a blocking of the articulated lever (20) in a particular blocking position.

Abstract: A device for locking and unlocking the position of a moving part of a seat such as a seat on an airplane or other vehicle is disclosed. The device includes a screw and nut assembly with a clamping element. The clamping element allows movement of the moving part of the seat when the clamping element is released and holds the moving part of the seat in position when engaged.

Abstract: A housing includes a support surface that supports an axial force of a worm wheel. Ribs are arranged radially inward of a peripheral wall of one end of the housing and at least partially overlaps with the worm wheel in the axial direction of the rotatable member. Ribs contact a bracket and support the support surface of the gear housing relative to the bracket in the axial direction of the worm wheel when the axial force of the worm wheel is applied to the ribs.

Abstract: A structure to adjust a seat back includes a seat base, a seat back, an adjusting device and a linking rod. The seat back comprises a seat back support pivotally connected to the seat base. The adjusting device includes a worm, a worm wheel and a bracket. The bracket is secured to the seat base opposite the seat back. The worm is pivotally connected to the bracket. The worm wheel is pivotally connected to the bracket and meshes with the worm. The linking rod has one end pivotally connected to the seat back support and another end connected to the worm wheel. By operating the worm, the worm wheel is linked to spin, which links the linking rod to move to adjust the seat back.

Abstract: A recliner adjuster for appropriately adjusting an inclination of a seat back with respect to a seat cushion includes a worm rotatably mounted on the seat cushion, and a helical gear held in engagement with the worm and mounted on the seat back via an auxiliary locking mechanism. The auxiliary locking mechanism includes a pair of external gears connected to the helical gear and held in engagement with a portion of the seat back, and a pair of internal teeth mounted on the seat cushion so as to accommodate the pair of external gears therein, respectively. During normal use, the seat back is held at a predetermined angle with respect to the seat cushion by the engagement of the helical gear with the worm, while when a load greater than a predetermined value is inputted to the seat back, the pair of external gears are partly deformed to engage with the pair of internal teeth, respectively, to thereby hold the seat back at the predetermined angle with respect to the seat cushion.

Abstract: A powered seat assembly for reducing end-play of an associated lead screw interconnecting a pivotally secured seat back to a motor gear box. A motor actuates the lead screw through an input to the motor gear box and in order to pivotally readjust the seat back. The seat assembly includes a base plate, the seat back pivotally securing to a forward location of the base plate, the motor gear box securing to a rearward location. A bracket secures to an intermediate location of the base plate, a slot defined in an extending portion of the bracket defining a passage therethrough for the lead screw. A spacer bushing is supported upon the lead screw and adheres against a face of the bracket opposite the pivotally secured seat back.

Abstract: A side plate according to the invention includes a main body, a first cup-shaped feature formed of the main body, and a second cup-shaped feature formed of the first cup-shaped feature, wherein the second cup-shaped feature has a diameter smaller than the first cup-shaped feature and is oriented in the direction opposite the first cup-shaped feature. The first and second cup-shaped features form a frustum-conical segment extending generally outward from the main body. The frustum-conical segment includes a plurality of threads located about a length of a hole formed therethrough. A contact surface is disposed about the hole.

Abstract: A recliner adjuster for appropriately adjusting an inclination of a seat back with respect to a seat cushion includes a worm gear rotatably mounted on the seat cushion and a helical gear mounted on the seat back via an auxiliary locking mechanism and held in engagement with the worm gear. During normal use, the seat back is held at a predetermined angle with respect to the seat cushion by the engagement of the helical gear with the worm gear. When a load greater than a predetermined value is inputted to the seat back, the auxiliary locking mechanism acts to hold the seat back at the predetermined angle with respect to the seat cushion.

Abstract: A linear recliner assembly is provided having a recliner rod slidably supported within a housing. The recliner rod is selectively engageable with a pawl which is fixed within the housing. The recliner rod is in contact with a cam which is operable to force the recliner rod into engagement with the pawl or enable the recliner rod to fall out of engagement with he pawl. The cam is biased in a first position by a biasing mechanism, such that the recliner rod is engaged with the pawl. The linear recliner assembly is implemented into a seat assembly for enabling an operator to select a plurality of recline positions of a seat back relative to a seat.

Abstract: In a longitudinal adjuster for a vehicle seat, in particular for an automobile seat, for motor-driven longitudinal adjustment of the vehicle seat (1), having a first seat rail (5) defining the longitudinal direction, a second seat rail (8) that can be made to slide relative to the first seat rail (5), a first drive element (11) in the first seat rail (5), and a second drive element (14) cooperating with the first drive element (11) to achieve longitudinal adjustment, the second drive element (14) being mounted in a drive casing (18) belonging to the second seat rail (8), the drive casing (18) being mounted longitudinally between two bearing plates (20) connected to the second seat rail (8), and each bearing plate (20) is firmly attached to the second seat rail (8) on at least two sides.

Abstract: The objects of the present invention is to reduce a backlash at the time of locking of a seat back and to reduce clearance in the thrust direction of a worm so as to prevent generation of an abnormal noise with a simple structure suitable for mass production. Substantially cone-shaped recesses 15 and 16 are provided respectively on both end faces of the worm 4 pivotably attached on a seat cushion, and inside end faces of a pair of holders 13 and 14 to support these two end portions, and at the same time balls 17 are rotatably housed respectively in a pair of spaces formed in the recesses 15 and 16 facing each other to form a pair of bearings 11 and 12 which rotatably support the worm 4. A press means composed of a coil spring 25 and the like which presses the worm 4 to the worm wheel 5 is provided in a locking mechanism.

Abstract: A linear recliner for a vehicle seat assembly providing selectively lockable pivotal adjustment of a seat back pivotally coupled to a seat cushion between a plurality of reclined seating positions. A housing is fixedly secured to the seat cushion. The housing includes a bore extending between front and rear ends of the housing. A chamber is formed within the housing adjacent and open to a portion of the bore. A rod extends between one end pivotally coupled to the seat back and an opposite end slidably carried within the bore of the housing for axial displacement of the rod within the bore during pivotal movement of the seat back. The rod includes a rack of teeth extending towards the chamber. A pawl lockably engagable with the rack of teeth in the rod for preventing axial displacement of the rod within the bore is pivotally coupled to the housing for movement in and out of the locking engagement with the rack of teeth in the rod.

Abstract: A linear recliner assembly is provided having a recliner rod slidably supported within a housing. The recliner rod is selectively engageable with a pawl which is fixed within the housing. The recliner rod is in contact with a cam which is operable to force the recliner rod into engagement with the pawl or enable the recliner rod to fall out of engagement with he pawl. The cam is biased in a first position by a biasing mechanism, such that the recliner rod is engaged with the pawl. The linear recliner assembly is implemented into a seat assembly for enabling an operator to select a plurality of recline positions of a seat back relative to a seat.

Abstract: An adjusting device for a piece of furniture on which to lie or for sitting on with at least one swivel part (12, 14) that is pivotally attached, by way of a torsion bar (20, 22), to the piece of furniture on which to lie or for sitting on, with a housing (26) and with a bearing element (38, 40) accommodated in the housing (26) whereas the bearing element (38, 40) is provided with a recess (66, 68) that partially surrounds the torsion bar (20, 22) and in which the torsion bar (20, 22) may be introduced so that the adjusting device (24) is attached to the torsion bar (20, 22) with positive fit, and with an actuating drive (46, 48) that is accommodated in the housing (26) and acts on the torsion bar (20, 22). The bearing element is connected to the actuating drive (46, 48) which are slidably arranged in the housing (26).

Abstract: A linear recliner assembly is provided having a recliner rod slidably supported within a housing. The recliner rod is selectively engageable with a pawl which is fixed within the housing. The recliner rod is in contact with a cam which is operable to force the recliner rod into engagement with the pawl or enable the recliner rod to fall out of engagement with the pawl. The cam is biased in a first position by a biasing mechanism, such that the recliner rod is engaged with the pawl. The linear recliner assembly is implemented into a seat assembly for enabling an operator to select a plurality of recline positions of a seat back relative to a seat.

Abstract: A side plate according to the invention includes a main body, a first cup-shaped feature formed of the main body, and a second cup-shaped feature formed of the first cup-shaped feature, wherein the second cup-shaped feature has a diameter smaller than the first cup-shaped feature and is oriented in the direction opposite the first cup-shaped feature. The first and second cup-shaped features form a frustum-conical segment extending generally outward from the main body. The frustum-conical segment includes a plurality of threads located about a length of a hole formed therethrough. A contact surface is disposed about the hole.

Abstract: A constant engagement linear recliner assembly is provided for implementation with a seat assembly. The constant engagement linear recliner assembly includes a recliner rod in constant mesh engagement with a gear system. As the gear system is caused to rotate, the recliner rod moves linearly with respect to the linear recliner assembly. The linear motion of the recliner rod translates into pivotable motion of a seat back relative to a seat.

Abstract: A quick adjustment mechanism for a seat back recliner operated by a lead screw, which is appropriate for use in a restraint safety seat, wherein the recliner comprises pivotally connected upper and lower body members connected respectively to back frame and seat frame portions of the seat. Seat inclination is controlled by a screw drive mechanism having axially spaced fixed and traveling pinions attached to the lower and upper body members. The recliner includes a quick adjustment mechanism wherein the fixed pinion is mounted in a multiple position quick adjustment slot in the body member. The slot desirably has a downwardly facing U-shaped configuration. A mounting pin on the fixed pinion fits in the U-shaped slot. Quick adjustment of inclination is achieved by moving the pin from one slot to the other without disengaging the screw drive.

Abstract: An automobile seat or recliner has a recliner adjuster for adjusting the inclination of a seat back relative to a seat cushion. The recliner adjuster is provided with a backlash reducing structure that includes a worm gear attached rotatably to the seat cushion, a sector gear fixed to the seat back and held in engagement with the worm gear, and a pressing member for pressing the sector gear to the worm gear to reduce backlash therebetween.

Abstract: A constant engagement linear recliner assembly is provided for implementation with a seat assembly. The constant engagement linear recliner assembly includes a recliner rod in constant mesh engagement with a gear system. As the gear system is caused to rotate, the recliner rod moves linearly with respect to the linear recliner assembly. The linear motion of the recliner rod translates into pivotable motion of a seat back relative to a seat.

Abstract: A seating system, for example a paediatric seating system for wheelchairs, provides appropriate support for a person using the chair by providing adjustable components to support specific anatomical areas of the back, pelvis and upper leg and, more specifically, three components that stabilize the pelvis of that person. These components comprise an elevation change in the seat, a pad at the back that provides resistance to the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS) and a pair of anterior pelvic pads that stabilize below the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS).

Abstract: A seat recliner that controllably adjusts the angular position of a seat back relative to a seat base structure and is responsive to remote actuation by an operator. The recliner includes a driven mechanism adapted to be connected to the seat back, a drive mechanism rotatable in a first and second direction, and a transmission assembly operably interconnecting the drive mechanism and the driven mechanism. The transmission assembly includes a gear retainer assembly and a mounting assembly. The mounting assembly is adapted to be connected to one of the seat base and seat back. The gear retainer assembly includes a gear housing formed of a polymeric material and adapted to accommodate the drive and driven mechanisms for operative interconnection, whereby rotation of a transmission rod in the first or second direction causes a recliner rod to move relative to the housing in a corresponding first and second linear direction.

Abstract: A reclining device comprises a housing fixed to a seat cushion of a seat, a shaft connected to a seat back, and a locking member. A helical thread groove is formed in the outer peripheral surface of the shaft. The locking member has thread ridges that can engage the shaft. The locking member is movable between a lock position in which the thread ridges engage the thread groove of the shaft and an unlock position in which the thread ridges are disengaged from the thread groove of the shaft. The locking member is held in the lock position by means of a cam member that is urged toward a first position by means of a spring. The locking member can be moved to the unlock position when the cam member is moved to a second position.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for adjusting parts in furniture for sitting and lying down includes parts activated via a shaft being provided with a control lever. Adjusting mechanisms which can be driven by an electromotor are provided for driving purposes. The invention provides a drive mechanism which is compact especially with the shafts arranged close to each other. An adjusting mechanism is positioned so that the longitudinal side facing away from the shafts is opposite the longitudinal side of the other adjusting mechanism facing the shafts.

Abstract: A pivot assembly for a structured vehicle seat assembly accommodates loads applied to the seatback through a safety belt restraint system carried by the seat assembly. The pivot assembly includes a connector member including an upper portion extending into a hollow channel defined by the seatback frame. The connector member is fixedly attached thereto. The pivot assembly further includes a housing attached to a lower seat structure for movement therewith between fore and aft positions. The connector member is pivotally mounted to the housing to thereby permit the seatback to rotate relative to the lower seat structure between a generally upright position and a reclined position. The pivot assembly further preferably includes a drive arrangement for rotating the connector member about a pivot axis. The pivot assembly functions to efficiently and effectively transfer loads from the seatback to the lower seat structure, and in turn, to the vehicle structure.

Abstract: Apparatus for adjusting the spatial relationship between the bottom and the bade of a chair which may be subjected to seven mechanical stress, as in the case of a vehicle crash, the seat and the back being operatively connected respectively to two oppositely threaded portions of a rotatable shaft which is adapted to be routed in one direction or the other to produce the desired change in spatial relationship, the arrangement providing the combination of exceptional strength in the event of a crash and reduced cost. The operative connection between the chair parts and the shaft includes two non-rotatable parts engaged respectively with the oppositely threaded shaft portions so as to move in and out with respect to the shaft as the latter is rotated, and a housing which permits those parts to thus move while preventing their motion.