Abstract: The present invention relates to a suspension arrangement (20, 120) for a seat comprising a plurality of elongate suspension members (21, 22, 121, 122) of a glass fibre filled plastic. Each elongate suspension member (21, 22, 121, 122) of the plurality of elongate suspension members includes in a longitudinal direction thereof a first end (23, 25, 123, 125) and an opposing second end (24, 26, 124, 126). The elongate suspension member (21, 22, 121, 122) has a meandered shape in the longitudinal direction. The present invention relates furthermore to a method for producing an elongate suspension member (21, 22, 121, 122).

Abstract: A flexible backrest for a folding chair includes a flexible backrest panel which can assume a curved configuration of use and an extended storage configuration. The flexible backrest panel has a support surface having a concave shape in a cross-section in a horizontal plane, and a convex shape in a cross-section in a vertical plane; and the flexible backrest panel has a plurality of vertical through-slits forming a plurality of vertical slats.

Abstract: A seat structure, particularly for a vehicle, that includes a seatback structure and a seat frame. The seatback structure includes a seatback frame and a plurality of seatback support members. The seatback support members are connected to the seatback frame. The seatback structure is connected to the seat frame.

Abstract: A method of constructing a seating arrangement that includes providing a first chair structure comprising a first polymeric material having a first surface and a second surface, the first chair structure including at least one attachment area, providing a second chair structure, locating the second chair structure proximate the first chair structure such that at least a portion of the second chair structure covers the first chair structure, providing at least one staple member comprising a second polymeric material, wherein the second polymeric material of the at least one staple member may be recycled with the first polymeric material of the first chair structure without requiring separation of the at least one staple from the first chair component and inserting the at least one staple member through the first chair structure and the second chair structure, thereby securing the first chair structure to the second chair structure.

Abstract: A chair assembly includes a base structure, a seat support structure movably coupled to the base structure, an upwardly-extending back support structure movably coupled to the base structure, wherein the back support structure is adapted to move between an upright and reclined positions, wherein the back support structure is operably coupled to the seat support structure, a flexible shell structure defining a forwardly-facing surface forming a lumbar support, wherein the flexible shell is movably coupled to the seat support structure, and a resilient member generating a variable compressive force acting on the flexible shell structure in a manner that tends to cause a curvature of the back support structure to increase, and wherein the compressive force decreases as the back support structure moves from the upright position to the reclined position.

Abstract: Vehicle seat (1) having a seat part (2) and a backrest (3), wherein the supporting structure (44) of the seat part or the backrest, in particular the side part thereof, integrally has at least one spring element (40, 31) a pivot point (P) and/or a safety belt connection.

Abstract: A chair assembly includes a base structure, a seat support structure pivotably coupled to the base structure, a back support structure pivotably coupled to the base structure and including an upwardly extending portion adapted to move between an upright position and a reclined position, a control link having a first end pivotably coupled to the seat support structure and a second end pivotably coupled to the back support structure, a back support surface having an upper portion pivotably coupled to the back support, and a back link pivotably coupled to the seat support structure, wherein the back support surface is moved forward by the back link relative to the upwardly extending portion of the back support structure as the back support structure is moved from the upright position to the reclined position.

Abstract: An improved seating system that includes a blow molded seat back assembly that is fabricated to include a seat back comprising a double walled design having a foreword (14) and a rearward (16) wall wherein there is at least one or more sections comprising a single wall (213). Further, the blow molded seat back may include an integrated reinforcement structure.

Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly having a seat back including a polymeric body portion defining a forward support frame having a plurality of forwardly extending connection pins on a front surface thereof. A flexible comfort carrier is disposed on the polymeric body portion and includes a plurality of slots configured to receive the plurality of forwardly extending connection pins. A seat includes a seat pan that is rotatable over a seat bin between open and closed positions. The seat pan includes a forward upwardly-rounded hump configured to lessen the potential of a passenger to slide forward in the seat. The seat pan includes a storage compartment on an underside thereof that includes a latchable lid.

Abstract: A seat has a first ischial region, a second ischial region, a tailbone region and a thigh transitional region, each having at least one slot. Each slot generally opens outward, away from a center of the seat. Each slot may have an elongated central portion and two distal portions extending from the central portion. The central portion and distal portions may be substantially linear and may have a specific configuration relative to each other to provide desired support characteristics. The slots may allow flexing and cantilevering of portions of the seat to dynamically contour the seat based on the weight of the user. Multiple grooves may be included at the front of the seat to facilitate curling of the front of the seat.

Abstract: According to the present invention a back for a seating unit is provided. The back comprises a plurality of flexible finger elements. Each of the plurality of flexible finger elements has a distal end. The back further comprises a retainer connecting at least two of the flexible finger elements proximate their distal ends. When a load is applied to a flexible finger element, the retainer distributes at least a portion of the load to at least one adjacent flexible finger element.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat back having a backrest, a backrest support, and a linkage arranged to interconnect the backrest and the backrest support. The linkage is configured to support the backrest for movement relative to the backrest support.

Abstract: A seat cushion of vehicle seat including a seat cushion frame and a bottom panel member on which a foam padding is mounted. The bottom panel member has a thigh support area fixed to a forward portion of the seat cushion frame and a buttocks support area situated in a rearward portion of the seat cushion frame. The buttocks support area has a resiliently deformable area in which are formed beads, each being resiliently stretchable laterally relative to the central line thereof by a downward load applied to the buttocks support area, whereby the resiliently deformable area is rendered deformable and displaceable downwardly. The buttocks support area may be made narrow by forming two inwardly curved edge portions in the respective sides thereof to thereby allow that buttocks support area to be warped downwardly. Hence, the buttocks support area is resiliently displaceable vertically relative to the seat cushion frame.

Abstract: A backrest includes a shell having a first, forwardly facing support surface being more pronounced along upper and lower portions of a central, spine region relative to a middle portion of the central spine region and relative to side regions adjacent the central, spine region. A cushion is disposed over the first support surface. In one aspect, the cushion has a second, forwardly facing support surface being free of any corresponding pronounced portions overlying the pronounced upper and lower portions of the central, spine region of the underlying shell. In another aspect, a chair includes a backrest as disclosed. Methods of use and assembly also are provided.

Abstract: A seating assembly having a seat and a seat back. A frame assembly is disposed in each of the seat and the seat back. A carrier assembly is operably coupled with the seat and the seat back. The carrier assembly includes a plurality of elongate support tabs proximate the seat. A plurality of apertures and at least one groove are proximate the seat back. A cushion extends over the seat and the seat back.

Abstract: A load bearing assembly includes a molded plastic retainer that supports a load bearing surface over an opening defined by a frame. The molded plastic retainer includes a first portion attached to the frame, a second portion attached to the load bearing surface, and at least one elastic connector integrally molded with the retainer. The elastic connector is oriented such that it includes a crystalline structure having a greater degree of alignment in one direction than in other directions.

Abstract: A seating structure including a base, a pair of laterally spaced support arms each having a seat portion and a backrest portion and a transition portion joining the seat portion and backrest portion, wherein the support arms are coupled to the base. A body support member extends between and is connected to the support arms and includes at least a seat portion and a backrest portion. A support element is coupled to the base and includes a central support arm extending upwardly along a centerline of the backrest portion of the body support member. The central support arm is spaced rearwardly from the backrest portions of the support arms and further includes a pair of laterally extending struts connecting the central support arm and the laterally spaced support arms.

Abstract: A backrest device for a chair, in which a backboard is easily flexible without a reduction in its strength, thus making the chair comfortable to sit on. The lower ends of both right and left sides of the back frame are supported at both sides at the back of a leg body, and the flexible back board is formed on the inside of rear frames. A large number of openings are formed in the backboard so as to be close to each other in the top-bottom and left-right directions. Between openings adjacent to each other in the left-right direction, there is formed a connection section continuing in the top-bottom direction, and the dimension in the front-back direction of the connection section is made larger than the dimension in the left-right direction of the connection section.

Abstract: A backrest device for a chair, capable of, without a reduction in its strength and rigidity, effectively bending backward so as to follow the shape of the back of a person seated on the chair, providing the person with excellent sitting comfort. In the backrest device, a back board is supported by a backrest frame, and the back board has a flexible back stopper on the inner side of a back frame. The thickness of a vertical intermediate section of the back stopper is gradually increased from both left and right sections of the intermediate section toward the center such that the thickness is less in both left and right sections and is maximum at the center.

Abstract: A human body supporting structure, particularly a bicycle saddle, includes a load-bearing shell having a topside designed to face towards a user and an underside designed to face a bicycle frame. The shell includes at least one continuous sheet element having at least one differently deformable portion located at particularly stressed regions of the user's body. The sheet element is formed of a thermoplastic resin matrix with reinforcement fibers embedded therein. The differently deformable portions have a smaller thickness (Si) and a locally greater average density (pi) than the rest of the extension of the shell, said portions are formed in a thermoforming step wherein a local thickness reduction is carried out by compression and by heating said sheet element to a temperature near the melting temperature of the thermoplastic matrix. A method of making such support structure is further provided.

Abstract: A chair has a supporting frame, a seat portion, a back portion, and a recline mechanism. The mechanism moves the seat portion upon a reclining action of the back portion. The mechanism has a rear deformable member and a front deformable member operatively connecting the seat portion and the supporting frame. The recline mechanism also has a lower deformable member operatively connecting a lower part of the back portion and the supporting frame, and a puller member above the lower deformable member. The recline mechanism is configured such that as the back portion is reclined, the lower deformable member deforms and the puller member applies a rearward pulling action which causes the seat portion to move and the front and rear deformable members to deform.

Abstract: An ergonomic chair having a seat with selectively located slot patterns or spring mechanisms to reduce pressure on the occupant of the seat and a flexible back that allows the occupant to recline while at the same time providing lumbar support. An embodiment of the chair may be telescopically stacked in a space-saving configuration of a plurality of identical chairs.

Abstract: A molded foam containing no voids and a mold for forming such a molded foam are provided. A molded foam 5 has an external corner 5a where a small rib 10 is formed and a recessed step 7 where thin plate-like ribs 11 are formed. The rib 10 has a triangular cross-sectional shape in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the recessed step 7. The rib 10 is tapered from the base to an end thereof in a direction in which the rib 10 protrudes. The ribs 11 are arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the recessed step 7.

Abstract: A flexible base board for a chair, easily bends into a desirable shape. The base board fits more appropriately to the body of the person seated on the chair following the shape of the person's body without pressing the back, etc., thereby providing the person with good sitting comfort. The flexible base board is used for the backrest, etc. of a chair. The base board has an upper shell (4), an intermediate shell (5), and a lower shell (6). A large number of holes (14) having substantially the same size are substantially uniformly formed in the entire shell (6). Also, a large number of holes (15) are formed in the entire surface of the intermediate shell (5), and each hole (15) has a greater transverse width than a hole (14) in the upper shell (4) and the lower shell (6).

Abstract: A shingled thin seat back for a vehicle having a generally centrally-located panel which is movable in the rearward direction when the seat is occupied and which is immovable in the forward direction when folded flat to accept a load. The seat back includes a support structure which provides support to the movable panel. The support structure includes at least one edge and the panel includes at least one edge. The panel is movable from a first position where the edge of the support structure and the edge of the panel are in overlapping contact (creating a shingled arrangement) to a second position where the edge of the support structure and the edge of the panel are not in contact with one another but instead are spaced apart from one another.

Abstract: A chair comprising a supporting structure having a seat and a backrest, in which the backrest comprises a deformable resting portion made of plastic material which has a non-planar resting surface provided with at least one weakened area which enables an elastic deformation of the resting portion so that the resting portion assumes a configuration bent backwards under the action of a thrust applied backwards by the user, two uprights formed integrally on the lateral sides of the resting portion, and two side connection elements, which connect the backrest to the supporting structure, formed integrally at the bottom ends of the uprights. The backrest is provided with elastic stiffening elements made of a material different from the material constituting the resting portion and arranged only in an area corresponding to the uprights so as to bestow upon said uprights a rigidity to bending higher than that of the resting portion.

Abstract: Chair backrest, comprising a support structure constituted by a single piece of injected plastic material, including a bearing section having a front surface against which a user's back is to bear. The bearing section has an opening that extends in a lumbar region of the front surface. The backrest comprises a lumbar support panel movably positioned in said opening. The lumbar support panel has a front surface against which a lumbar region of the user's back is to bear and it has an outer perimeter that is connected to the edge of said opening by means of an elastic element that tends to thrust the support panel towards a position in which the front surface of the lumbar support panel projects anteriorly relative to the front surface of said bearing section.

Abstract: An elastomeric load bearing surface with different load support characteristics in different directions. In one embodiment, the surface includes an elastomeric membrane that is oriented in only a single direction, for example, by compression or stretching. In another embodiment, the surface includes mechanical structures, such as connectors, variations in thickness and apertures, that vary the load support characteristics in different directions. In another aspect, the present invention provides a multilayer load bearing surface in which the layers cooperate to provide a controlled force/deflection profile that is variable in different regions of the surface. In one embodiment, the upper layer includes a plurality of loosely connected nodes and a lower layer having a plurality of resilient elements that separately support each node.

Abstract: A seating structure includes a plurality of boss structures arranged in a pattern and a plurality of web structures joining adjacent boss structures within the pattern. At least some of the web structures are non-planar and at least some adjacent web structures are spaced apart such that they define openings therebetween. In another aspect, the seating structure includes a plurality of boss structures arranged in a pattern and defining a support surface and a plurality of web structures joining adjacent boss structures within the pattern. At least some adjacent web structures are spaced apart and shaped such that they define substantially non-circular openings therebetween when viewed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the support surface. A reinforced frame is also provided.

Abstract: An elastomeric load bearing surface with different load support characteristics in different directions. In one embodiment, the surface includes an elastomeric membrane that is oriented in only a single direction, for example, by compression or stretching. In another embodiment, the surface includes mechanical structures, such as connectors, variations in thickness and apertures, that vary the load support characteristics in different directions. In another aspect, the present invention provides a multilayer load bearing surface in which the layers cooperate to provide a controlled force/deflection profile that is variable in different regions of the surface. In one embodiment, the upper layer includes a plurality of loosely connected nodes and a lower layer having a plurality of resilient elements that separately support each node.

Abstract: The apparatus is an infant seat that has reduced depth for shipping and recline controls that permit control of the seat during the reclining adjustment. The seat is constructed so that the deepest part of the seat fits into the rest of the seat for packaging, but locks into its proper location for use. The preferred embodiment of the recline control uses a dial on a seat pivot fixture. The dial is pushed in to release the seat for reclining, but the dial is interconnected with the seat so that the dial maintains full control of the seat movement. An alternative recline control captures and releases a support wire at the backside of the seat.

Abstract: An elastomeric fabric load bearing surface having a non-linear force/deflection profile. In one embodiment, the load bearing surface includes multiple layers, at least one of which is an elastomeric fabric. The various layers cooperate with one another to define a non-linear force/deflection profile. In one embodiment, the load bearing surface includes an upper layer of elastomeric fabric and a lower layer of elastomeric fabric, and the two layers are stretched in different directions. In a second aspect, the load bearing surface includes at least one layer of elastomeric fabric that follows a non-linear pattern. In one embodiment of this second aspect, the fabric defines a body-supporting surface and includes a plurality of undulations away from the body-supporting surface.

Abstract: A musician's chair that enhances the musician's posture when performing vocal or wind instruments. The music posture chair includes a seat and back that are mounted on a frame with respect to a floor to not only enhance diaphragmatic breathing of the musician but also to enhance the comfort of the musician.

Abstract: The invention relates to a backrest with a support area (71), at least one structure connected to the support area (71) or forming the support area (71), which structure (10) extends towards the top of the backrest from a first end region of the support area (71) to a second end region of the support area (71) and at the front has a tension element (49) and at the rear a pressure element (47). The tension element (49) connects the first end region (37) of the support area (71) to the second end region (38) of the support area (71) transmitting tensile forces. The pressure element (47) connects the first end region (37) of the support area (71) to the second end region (38) of the support area (71) transmitting thrust forces. Pressure element (47) and tension element (49) are in the extension direction non-displaceably connected to one another in the first and in the second end region of the support area (71).

Abstract: The frame of the automobile vehicle seat back comprises a body extending over a general plane and functional components joined to the body, serving notably to attach or reinforce it. It is made in one piece from an overmoulded plastic material that forms the body, reinforced by a reinforcing strip comprising a woven band of mineral and plastic material fibers, the reinforcing strip extending in the general plane of the frame and interconnecting at least two of the functional components comprising inserts at least partially embedded in the body.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a seating system that includes a seat back (20) with one or more plastic panels (22, 24) that extend across a lateral distance (D2) of the seat back (20). The seat back (20) preferably includes one or more channel forming ribs (50, 54, 58). Optionally the seat back (20) will be anchored to a body of an automotive vehicle with an improved attachment system (100).

Abstract: A back construction includes a back shell having stiff thoracic and pelvic regions connected by a flexible lumbar region in a manner adapted to ergonomically support a seated user. The back shell includes springs that press on a rear surface of the back shell to bias the flexible lumbar region forwardly so as to support a seated user, thus biasing the lumbar region of the back shell forwardly in a manner distributing stress applied to the lumbar region by the seated user.

Abstract: A seat portion (14) for a seat (10) wherein the seat portion (14) includes a panel having a rear portion to support the occupant. The rear portion has a longitudinal centerline and incorporates two zones (162) on either side of the longitudinal centerline. Each of the zones has a first pattern of weakeners arranged in a series of spaced sinuous lines. Furthermore, a substantial portion of the panel, apart from the zones (162) may also be provided with a pattern of weakeners arranged in a series of spaced sinuous lines (163), interrupted by the zones (162).

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved vehicle seat pan and a method for controlling vertical deflection in a vehicle seat pan. A vehicle seat pan in accordance with the present invention includes a frame adapted to be mounted to a vehicle body. A suspension web for supporting a seat cushion is mounted to the frame. A vertical deflection controller is coupled between the web and the frame. The controller may be a leaf spring. Additionally, the controller may be a coil spring and a metal strap that limits the extension of the spring. A method for controlling vertical deflection in a vehicle seat pan is also provided. The method includes the step of mounting a substantially horizontal suspension web to a seat frame. The method further includes the step of coupling a vertical deflection controller between the web and the frame.

Abstract: A seating unit includes a seat and back operably supported for synchronized reclining movement. The back includes a back support with separate upper and lower portions pivotally coupled to a back frame at upper and lower connections, respectively. The upper and lower portions combine to define a forwardly-protruding convex shape and include mating structure forming an expansion joint that permits collapse and expansion as the upper and lower portions are flexed between a more-convex shape and a more-planar shape. In one form, the lower portion includes first and second sections pivoted together, with the upper portion and the first and second sections forming thoracic, lumbar, and pelvic regions of the back support, respectively.

Abstract: A chair having a synchronously moving seat bottom and seat back includes a frame having a seat bottom support portion and a seatback support portion and a seat assembly having a seat bottom and a seat back interconnected by a flexible intermediate portion. The seat bottom is slidably mounted to side support members in the bottom frame providing forward and aft movement of the seat bottom. The seat back is pivotably engaged to the seat back support portion of the frame. The flexible intermediate portion provides for cooperative movement of the seat bottom and seat back between an upright seating position and a reclined position. Preferably, the seat assembly is a one piece molded plastic shell having a flexible intermediate portion interconnecting the seat bottom and seat back. In one embodiment of the invention, the chair can be provided with legs to enable stacking of the chairs.

Abstract: A furniture component, such as a chair back or seat, includes a panel component made of a flexible compliant plastic, and a rigid tubular perimeter frame integrally molded onto and hence bonded to a perimeter flange of the panel component to structurally support the panel component. The panel component includes horizontally extending flexible strips shaped to provide comfortable support for a seated user. The perimeter frame extends continuously around the enlarged show area and is made by gas assist processes, which cause the perimeter frame to be tubular and hollow for increased strength-to-weight ratio. Methods related to the above are also disclosed.

Abstract: The backrest of a chair comprises an inner low rigidity flexible back-receiving portion and an outer high-rigidity side frame spaced from the back-receiving portion via a slit. The backrest is integrally molded by synthetic resin, thereby shortening manufacturing process and reducing its cost. Comfort of a sitting person is also attained.

Abstract: A recoil strap for use with a vehicle seat frame bottom, the frame having an open interior defined by inwardly facing side edges, apertured portions being defined along a first side edge of the frame and clasp portions being defined along a second side edge. The strap includes an elongated and substantially planar shaped body, constructed of a stamped and spring steel blank, and having a first end and a second end. A plurality of catch portions extend from the first end for securing to the aperture portions of the frame bottom and a plurality of eyelet portions extend from the second end for securing to the clasp portions of the frame bottom. The strap is biased in an upward direction, and in response to a downward application of force, by at least one plurality of alternating bends and recesses formed in the stamped blank. The stamped blank may also include an arcuate curvature to provide additional biasing and resistive support to the seat bottom.

Abstract: A flexible chair back comprising a back supporting surface that is defined by a plurality of generally downwardly directed curvilinear shaped openings arranged in a vertical array. Each of the curvilinear openings is around the next adjacent lower curvilinear opening so that they define a plurality of upwardly directed back supporting members. The back supporting members bend to follow the curvature of the back.

Abstract: Seating furniture can be configured for mounting on a carrier element. The carrier element may be part of a stand in a stadium, a frame for a park bench or a carrier element mounted on other established foundations or on other natural foundations. The chair distinguishes itself in that the chair can be mounted on or demounted from the carrier element without difficulty. The chair includes a profile provided with jaws extending around the carrier element and which is fastened to the carrier element. As a result, it is much faster to provide new seats, for example in a stadium, and it is easier to replace individual chairs which may have been damaged. In a preferred embodiment the chair is provided with a pivotable seat. In alternative embodiments, a back of the chair is also pivotable, just as the seat and the back may extend over more seats and thus constitute a bench.

Abstract: A chair comprises a back cushion material, a back plate and a back frame. The chair is used for looking at a display of a personal computer at suitable posture when it is reclined. The back plate comprises upper and lower shell which are connected by a flexible bent portion to each other. The back plate is mounted to the back frame at the upper end and a lower portion. When the chair is reclined, the upper shell is moved forwards and the lower shell is moved rearwards, so that an angle between the upper and lower shells may become smaller. Thus, the operator can take suitable posture for looking at the display any time.

Abstract: A sitting and/or lying arrangement, particularly a vehicle seat or airplane seat, has a stable subframe and a flexible support which has a base part and a cushion. For creating such an arrangement, in which the user's body is anatomically correctly supported such that the body can relax and no pressure points are formed, the base part consists of a transversely stiff but longitudinally flexible material and is implemented, for example, by a thin, corrugated spring plate made of spring steel, carbon fibers, glass fibers or kevlar fibers, titanium and the like.