Abstract: A reclining mechanism (1, 1a) for an item of furniture comprising a pair of linkage units (2, 2a), each having a first arm (21, 21a) and a second arm (22, 22a) adapted to be secured to, respectively a stationary (40) and a reclining (41) part an item of furniture (4) adapted for moving the reclining part between upright and reclined positions. The first and the second arms are pivotally connected to each other at their first ends (23, 23a; 24, 24a) and ratchet arrangement (26, 27, 28) is provided between the first and the second arms which allows the second arm to rotate in one direction while preventing its rotation in the opposite direction. The linkage units are spaced apart from each other and are connected by a pivot bar (30) connected at its ends to the ratchet arrangement of each linkage unit and actuatable by a lever (31) for overriding the rotation preventing action of the ratchet mechanism to allow the second arm to rotate freely.

Abstract: A fitting system (9) is provided for a vehicle seat (1), especially motor vehicle seat, which defines a pivot axis (A) of backrest and has a fitting lower part (11) and an associated fitting upper part (12) on both sides of the vehicle seat. Each fitting upper part (12) is pivotable relative to the associated fitting lower part (11) about the pivot axis (A) of the backrest. The system has, on one side of the vehicle seat, a lock (15) and an opposing element (16), which lock the fitting system (9) in a use position by cooperating. A prestressed latch (17), which cooperates with another opposing element (16), especially receives it, in the use position, is provided on the side of the vehicle seat that is located opposite the lock (15).

Abstract: A robotic mechanism comprising a chassis having a first side and an opposite second side, a first leg member rotatably coupled to the chassis proximate the first side and a second leg member rotatably coupled to the chassis proximate the second side. The first leg member and the second leg member being of generally spiral shape. The first leg member and the second leg member rotating generally about a common axis. The chassis having a center of mass lying below the common axis.

Abstract: A recliner adjustment system and method utilizing active material based actuation is adapted for use with a recliner defining an engaging surface and operable to adjust the angle of inclination of the surface, and includes a locking mechanism configured to selectively prevent the surface from pivoting, an unlocking actuator including at least one active material element configured to release the mechanism when activated or deactivated, a signal source operable to generate and deliver to the element an activation signal, and more preferably, a second adjusting actuator including a second active material element configured to rotationally displace the surface, so as to adjust the angle, when activated or deactivated and the mechanism has been released.

Abstract: An adjustable motion wheel chair having a mobility base for supporting a back panel and a seat panel. A pair of control plates are mounted to the mobility base and positioned laterally across the mobility base in spaced apart parallel relation. The back panel includes a pair of pivot pins located on opposite lateral edges of the back panel which are pivotally received by a respective control plate. A linkage member hingedly connects the seat panel to the back panel. Each control plate includes a forwardly extending stop for limiting the downward movement of a front edge of the seat panel. A latch member is attached to each control plate and is operable between a first position where the back panel is fixed in angular relation with the seat panel and a second position where the back panel is rotatable with respect to the seat panel.

Abstract: A reclining device of a vehicle seat for easily locking and releasing the vehicle seat so as to increase performance of the vehicle seat and to improve quality thereof. The reclining device is easily assembled, by removing minor shortcomings that may occur during the assembly process, and enhances engagement of the locking teeth with the upper teeth when the reclining device is installed to a vehicle, so that the convenience as well as quality, strength, and durability of the reclining device are enhanced.

Abstract: It is possible to set a free zone and use a greater number of pawls in a reclining device having a plurality of pawls even if an angular range where a certain pawl is out of mesh with a ratchet and an angular range where pawls adjacent to that pawl are in mesh with the ratchet overlap with each other in a plan view, by bringing the other pawls out of mesh through an operation of bringing one specific pawl out of mesh. An unlock plate holds at least one pawl in retreat from the ratchet while a stationary disc holding the pawls and a movable disc having the ratchet form a relative rotational angle within a predetermined range. By holding the other pawls out of mesh through retreat of the pawl from the ratchet, an angular range for the operation of bringing one of the pawls Out of mesh with the ratchet by means of the unlock plate, and an angular range for the operation where the adjacent pawls are brought into mesh with the ratchet are so set as to overlap with each other in a plan view.

Abstract: An adjustable high chair comprises a frame, a seat portion, and a backrest sequentially connected with each other, as well as a tray connected to the top end of the seat portion, in addition to an adjusting unit installed at the back of the backrest. The adjusting unit comprises a guiding piece for guiding movement, and an actuating piece, at least a transmitting piece, a sliding piece, and a securing piece sequentially cooperated each other, as well as a button served as a secondary safety lock. Two distal ends of the securing pieces are respectively engaged into a plurality of recesses to fix the backrest at a certain inclination angle. When the actuating piece is pressed to the extent that the securing piece is escaped from the recesses, the backrest can be adjusted and its inclination can be changed. If the actuating piece and the button are pressed simultaneously, the backrest can be adjusted to have the largest inclination angle.

Abstract: A high-rigidity recliner according to the present invention comprises an upper actuating member attached to a seat base, and a lower actuating member attached to a seat back and is characterized by the upper actuating member supporting a pair of symmetrical lock gears fixedly interposed between a cam and a lower actuating member. Outer gear parts of the lock gears engage inner gear parts of the lower actuating member, whereby any clearances between the outer gear parts and inner gear parts are eliminated and any irreular engagement of the outer and inner gear parts is prevented. The lock gears lock or release the lower actuating member by rotation of the actuating cam. The simple structure of the present invention reduces the number of parts, the time for assembly, and the cost of manufacturing. Additionally, forming the outer and inner gears by blanking improves strength and durability of the recliner.

Abstract: A swing includes two seat units swingably connected to an upright support frame through suspending members. Each seat unit includes a seat frame disposed between inner and outer side frames, and a backrest frame pivoted to the seat frame. Inner and outer engaging plates are fixed respectively to the inner and outer side frames, and are each formed with a plurality of intercommunicated engaging grooves. Inner and outer operating arms are respectively disposed adjacent to the engaging plates. Each of the operating arms has a rear arm section pivoted to the backrest frame and a front arm section formed with an engaging tongue that engages a selected one of the engaging grooves in the respective engaging plate.

Abstract: A foldable chair includes a leg assembly and a reclining back connected together by a pair of joint assemblies. Each joint assembly includes a through hole for receiving a support member of the reclining back, and a through channel for accommodating a control device that adjusts the reclining angle. The control device comprises a spring member and an adjustment block to be engaged and disengaged with a saw-tooth member formed on the lower end of the support member. A control button is connected to a handle of the adjustment block. The reclining angle can be adjusted when the control button is pulled to disengage the adjustment block with the saw-tooth member. The control button may also be coupled with the handle using a coupling device. By having the coupling device, the control button can be pushed to disengage the adjustment block with the saw-tooth member.

Abstract: It is possible to set a free zone and use a greater number of pawls in a reclining device having a plurality of pawls even if an angular range where a certain pawl is out of mesh with a ratchet and an angular range where pawls adjacent to that pawl are in mesh with the ratchet overlap with each other in a plan view, by bringing the other pawls out of mesh through an operation of bringing one specific pawl out of mesh. An unlock plate holds at least one pawl in retreat from the ratchet while a stationary disc holding the pawls and a movable disc having the ratchet form a relative rotational angle within a predetermined range. By holding the other pawls out of mesh through retreat of the pawl from the ratchet, an angular range for the operation of bringing one of the pawls out of mesh with the ratchet by means of the unlock plate, and an angular range for the operation where the adjacent pawls are brought into mesh with the ratchet are so set as to overlap with each other in a plan view.

Abstract: A foldable chair includes a leg assembly and a reclining back connected together by a pair of joint assemblies. Each joint assembly includes a through hole for receiving a support member of the reclining back, and a through channel for accommodating a control device that adjusts the reclining angle. The control device comprises a spring member and an adjustment block to be engaged and disengaged with a saw-tooth member formed on the lower end of the support member. A control button is connected to a handle of the adjustment block. The reclining angle can be adjusted when the control button is pulled to disengage the adjustment block with the saw-tooth member. The control button may also be coupled with the handle using a coupling device. By having the coupling device, the control button can be pushed to disengage the adjustment block with the saw-tooth member.

Abstract: In an inclination adjustment lock for partial areas of seats, such as seat backs, a first lock part is firmly attached to a first partial area and a second lock part is attached to a second partial area. Both partial areas are connected together so that they may pivot about a common pivot axis, and the second is mounted to the second partial area so that it may pivot about an axis parallel to the pivot axis, and so that it may be held via a locking pawl in a ratchet position. In the ratchet position, a toothed section of the second lock part engages with an opposing toothed section of the first lock part. The pressure angle of the tooth faces assuming increased loading conditions, such as during a crash, with the toothed section of the second lock part and their complementary opposing toothed section decreases as the separation from the axis 4a increases.

Abstract: A seat reclining device has a base plate secured to a seat cushion, an arm member secured to a seat back, upper and lower tooth plates pivotally mounted on a base plate and provided with upper and lower teeth, a cam member pivotally mounted on the base plate, and at least one support for the lower tooth plate. When the cam member moves the lower tooth plate in a direction to bring the lower teeth into contact with the upper teeth, the upper tooth plate is locked together with the arm member so that the seat back becomes unable to pivot relative to the seat cushion. In such a locked condition, the support supports the end portion of the lower tooth plate so as to maintain the engagement of the upper and lower teeth. Thus, the seat reclining device can lock the seat back with improved strength.

Abstract: It is possible to set a free zone and use a greater number of pawls in a reclining device having a plurality of pawls even if an angular range where a certain pawl is out of mesh with a ratchet and an angular range where pawls adjacent to that pawl are in mesh with the ratchet overlap with each other in a plan view, by bringing the other pawls out of mesh through an operation of bringing one specific pawl out of mesh. An unlock plate holds at least one pawl in retreat from the ratchet while a stationary disc holding the pawls and a movable disc having the ratchet form a relative rotational angle within a predetermined range. By holding the other pawls out of mesh through retreat of the pawl from the ratchet, an angular range for the operation of bringing one of the pawls out of mesh with the ratchet by means of the unlock plate, and an angular range for the operation where the adjacent pawls are brought into mesh with the ratchet are so set as to overlap with each other in a plan view.

Abstract: A seat recliner for a vehicle includes a lower arm adapted to be fixed to a seat cushion, an upper arm adapted to be fixed to a seat back and rotatably supported by the lower arm, a pawl slidably supported by the lower arm, an inner gear portion formed at the upper arm for engagement by the pawl, and a pressure member rotatably supported by the lower arm to urge the pawl into engagement with the inner gear portion. The back surface of the pawl includes a projecting portion for engaging the pressure member, and the pressure member includes a cam surface for engaging the projecting portion. First and second contact portions are formed on opposite sides of the cam surface for being contacted by the back surface of the pawl upon application of an excessive force to the upper arm which causes the pawl to be inclined.

Abstract: Current seat construction typically includes a mechanism by which the back portion of the seat may be adjustably reclined. These mechanisms have been known to have unacceptable relative movement between the seat components which has been the source of operator discomfort. The present invention comprehends a reclining mechanism that includes a gear connection between a pair of spaced extensions defined by a back portion of a seat assembly. The extensions engage a pair of stub shafts, each of which defines a gear assembly thereon. The stub shafts each define a hex-shaped socket and are interconnected by a shaft member. The shaft member defines a spherical hex head portion that engages the respective sockets and accommodates a preselected amount of lateral misalignment between the sides of the seat assembly and the respective stub shafts.

Abstract: An adjustable hinge mount in which a first hinge member is fixed to a seat proper or frame and a second hinge member fixed to the seat back comprises a control arrangement acting on a bearing plate with upper teeth for locking engagement with internal teeth of the second hinge member. The bearing plate is guided by spaced guide walls of the first hinge member and pushed by an elevated portion of a cam pivotable about an axle together with a lever which is pivotable about the axle. Pivoting the lever to an unlocking or released position causes the cam to disengage from the internal teeth.

Abstract: An infant restraint device is provided for securing and supporting an infant inside a motor vehicle. The device includes a shell assembly having upper and lower shell portions pivotally coupled together. The upper shell portion can be positioned in either a first generally planar orientation or in a second angular orientation with respect to the lower shell portion. A locking mechanism is provided for securing the upper and lower shell portions together in either the first or second orientations. In the first generally planar orientation, the device provides a car bed for the infant. In the second angular orientation, the device provides a standard rear-facing infant seat. A collapsible lower support surface provides a seat for the infant when the device is in the angular orientation. The lower support surface bends along a flexible portion when the upper shell portion of the device moves to the planar orientation to provide a generally planar support surface for the infant.

Abstract: A reclining mechanism for a seat of an automotive vehicle in which a back bracket is pivoted with a pivot pin to a seat bracket of a seat in an automotive vehicle.An angle of inclination of the back bracket relative to the seat bracket is adjusted and maintained by a sector gear locking pawl engagement mechanism.Raised portions are formed along the peripheral sides of the mounting surface remote from a locking pawl of the back bracket upon which is attached the sector gear in such a way that the raised portions abut against a portion of the circumferential surface of the sector gear and the sector gear and the back bracket are securely joined together with joint pins.

Abstract: A seat reclining mechanism includes a first bracket attached to a seat back of a seat assembly and a second bracket attached to a seat cushion of the seat assembly, an internal gear provided on the first bracket, an external gear provided on the second bracket for engagement with the internal gear. Both gears are rotatably supported on the eccentric shaft for relative rotation of the first and second brackets. Further, a bearing member is disposed between the first and second brackets for reducing the friction therebetween upon relative rotational movement.