Abstract: A seat assembly for a vehicle includes a seat bottom and a seatback. The seatback includes a seatback frame and is selectively rotatable relative to the seat bottom from an upright position to a forward position. A seatbelt assembly includes a retractor coupled to the seatback frame and a belt selectively extendable from and retractable to the retractor. A first end of the belt is disposed in the retractor. A guide is coupled to the seatback frame and defines an orifice with the belt slideably extending through the orifice. The retractor and the guide are fixed relative to the seatback frame and the second end of the belt is fixed to the seatback frame. The retractor, the guide, and both ends of the belt rotate from the upright position to the forward position in response to a force exerted on the seatback frame during rapid deceleration of the seat assembly.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a passenger seat with a seat frame having at least one coupling projection and a seat pan assembly having at least one coupling retainer. The coupling retainer is configured to releasably engage the coupling projection via at least one locking device. The seat pan assembly is disengaged from the passenger seat by removing the locking device, disengaging the coupling retainer, and rotating the seat pan assembly to an open position.

Abstract: A seat back assembly including a frame formed of a low density material such as expanded polypropylene (EPP) and a reinforcement structure encapsulated within the frame is provided. The reinforcement structure includes a load transferring surface extending between opposite ends of the seat back. Each end of the reinforcement structure is secured to a vehicle body structure. The reinforcement structure transfers a load placed upon the seat back assembly throughout the frame so as to maintain the structural integrity of the frame under a predetermined load. Specifically, the load transferring surface of the reinforcement structure is in contact with the frame and transfers the load across a predetermined area of the frame and to the vehicle body.

Abstract: A vehicle seat frame (10) includes a plurality of frame components (16, 40, 42, 50, 60, 62, 64). At least one of the frame components (16, 40, 42, 50, 60, 62, 64) is fixedly connected to another of the frame components (16, 40, 42, 50, 60, 62, 64), defining a fixed joint (84, 86, 88, 90). In each fixed joint (84, 86, 88, 90), one of the frame components (16, 40, 42, 50, 60, 62, 64) is connected to another of the frame components (16, 40, 42, 50, 60, 62, 64) only by at least one of structural adhesive, a fastener (72, 74), and a fixed swaged joint (76).

Abstract: A seat applicable to vehicles comprises a seatback unit and the chair base unit. The seatback unit comprises a first frame and a first net support portion. The first frame fixes and pushes open the first net support portion. The first net support portion has many thru holes. The chair base unit is combined with the seatback unit. The chair base unit comprises a second frame and a second net support portion. The second frame fixes and pushes open the second net support portion. The second net support portion has many thru holes. The seatback unit and the chair base unit are supported by the first and second net support portions, so the rider comfort ability and the chair ventilation ability significantly increases. The structure of seat is simple, so the weight of seat significantly decreases and light, making the vehicle consume less fuel.

Abstract: A seat back assembly including a frame molded from material having low density such as expanded polypropylene. The seat back assembly further includes an adjustable head rest assembly including a guide bracket encapsulated in a frame. Encapsulating the guide bracket within the frame provides the headrest assembly with a rigid support, while simultaneously reducing the mass of the seat back assembly with respect to seat back assemblies having a metal seat frame. The headrest assembly includes a headrest body and a pair of legs extending outwardly from the headrests. The guide bracket is fully encapsulated within the frame during the molding process, and is configured so as to slidingly receive each of the legs and secure the headrest assembly to the seat back assembly.

Abstract: An aircraft seat assembly configured in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention utilizes composite materials to achieve significant weight savings relative to conventional seat designs. The seat assembly includes a lightweight composite support structure, a lightweight composite seat base, and a seat back assembly that employs a lightweight inner frame. The seat cushion and the seat back cushion may utilize a sealed pneumatic element that self-inflates to provide increased air cushioning during flight. The seat assembly can leverage inexpensive manufacturing techniques such that the seat assembly can be economically produced for use as an economy class seat.

Abstract: A seat frame for a folding chair includes a U-shaped front frame, a linear rear frame and a seat cushion. The front frame has a first support surface between an upper surface and a lower surface of the front frame, the first support surface having a contour the same as that of the front frame. The rear frame has a second support surface between an upper surface and a lower surface of the rear frame, the second support surface having a contour the same as that of the rear frame. The seat cushion is clamped between the first and second support surfaces in a horizontal position. The peripheral edges of the seat cushion are thereby in tight contact with the first and second support surfaces. Brackets are then used to connect the front frame and the rear frame that surround the seat cushion therein.

Abstract: A method of fabrication of furniture by affixing a plurality of rods of similar length forming a frame comprising a plurality of tetrahedra and pentahedra with the frame having at least one planar surface for attachment thereto of a covering.

Abstract: A load support member includes spaced apart beam members, a linking member and a stop member. In another aspect, the beam includes a support surface defining first and second landing regions, which are in contact with and support a membrane. In another aspect, a brace member is secured between laterally spaced beams, with the brace member having a greater height than width at the end thereof and a greater width than height at the middle thereof. In another aspect, a pair of armrests are joined to a cross member and a pair of spaced apart beams in a releasable engagement. In yet another aspect, a pair of beam members are fixedly joined with a cross member, which is pivotally connected to a link pivotally connected to the beams. A method of assembling a load support structure is also provided.

Abstract: A seat frame for a folding chair includes a U-shaped front frame, a linear rear frame and a seat cushion. The front frame has a first support surface between an upper surface and a lower surface of the front frame, the first support surface having a contour the same as that of the front frame. The rear frame has a second support surface between an upper surface and a lower surface of the rear frame, the second support surface having a contour the same as that of the rear frame. The seat cushion is clamped between the first and second support surfaces in a horizontal position. The peripheral edges of the seat cushion are thereby in tight contact with the first and second support surfaces. Brackets are then used to connect the front frame and the rear frame that surround the seat cushion therein.

Abstract: A seat frame for a folding chair includes a support rail of an increased size that extends from a bottom edge of the seat frame toward a central area of the seat frame. The support rail is used for placing a seat cushion of the folding chair thereon. A plurality of through-holes is formed on the support rail, and a plurality of threaded holes is formed through a bottom of the seat cushion corresponding to the through-holes. When the seat cushion is placed on the support rail, the threaded holes are in alignment with the through-holes, and a plurality of fasteners are engaged via the through-holes with the threaded holes so as to directly fix the seat cushion on the support rail of the seat frame. The strength of the seat cushion for sustaining a load can be thereby enhanced.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a structural element of a backrest. A through-loading opening is provided in the element. The element includes a metal plate with a reinforcing plate secured to it. A channel in the element is provided in at least some of its circumference or periphery. The channel is hollow and a reinforcing profile is inserted into the channel.

Abstract: A carrier element for an object. The carrier element has an essentially u-shaped form and includes two side pieces, which are interconnected by a bridge.

Abstract: A seatback frame structure is provided for the manufacture of a seat of a vehicle. The seatback frame structure includes a pair of side brackets and an upper cross member. The side brackets are coupled at lower ends thereof to left and right sides of a seat frame. The upper cross member is transversely mounted between the upper ends of the side brackets, and a headrest is placed on the upper portion of the upper cross member. Each of opposite ends of the upper cross member comprises a downwardly inclined surface, and is coupled to the upper end of a corresponding side bracket.

Abstract: To achieve further weight reduction and thinning of a seat structure. A configuration in which a side frame cover 212 composed of a laminated body 1 provided with a planar member made of cloth and planar members made of synthetic resin laminated on both sides of the planar member made of cloth via adhesive agent and formed in a predetermined shape is joined to a side frame base body 211 composed of a metal member is obtained. Therefore, the thickness of the metal member used can be reduced by an amount corresponding to a strength the laminated body compensates for, which results in achievement of further weight reduction from a conventional structural member composed of only metal members that are used at the same site. Further, when an impact force is applied, the impact force can be consumed as a force that causes delamination of the laminated body from the metal member at a portion where they are joined via the adhesive agent.

Abstract: Building materials formed from synthetic polymer materials have an appearance which simulates natural woods. The building materials may be used in the construction of fences, sheds, decking materials, indoor/outdoor furniture, railings and numerous other products. The faux wood material is constructed to include reinforcing fibers and voids for weight reduction. The aesthetic appearance of the finished product can be enhanced by applying a color wash which includes a polymer component and a color component adhering to the surface of the material.

Abstract: A seat assembly for a vehicle includes a seat bottom and a seatback. The seatback includes a seatback frame and is selectively rotatable relative to the seat bottom from an upright position to a forward position. A seatbelt assembly includes a retractor coupled to the seatback frame and a belt selectively extendable from and retractable to the retractor. A first end of the belt is disposed in the retractor. A guide is coupled to the seatback frame and defines an orifice with the belt slideably extending through the orifice. The retractor and the guide are fixed relative to the seatback frame and the second end of the belt is fixed to the seatback frame. The retractor, the guide, and both ends of the belt rotate from the upright position to the forward position in response to a force exerted on the seatback frame during rapid deceleration of the seat assembly.

Abstract: A slider rail is provided in the back face of the seat back of a vehicle seat. The vehicle seat is formed of a framework having a plurality of frame members. The slide rail forms a guide path along which a slider is moved. The slide rail is attached outside the framework to a side portion (side frame member) of the seat back and extends in a longitudinal direction of the seat back, and overlaps with the side frame member in a front-rear direction of the vehicle seat.

Abstract: A vehicle seat and vehicle seat back frame are disclosed with a plastic frame substrate extending across a rear surface of a seat back. A steel frame portion is connected to the plastic frame substrate within the seat back. The steel frame portion has an upper cross member extending across an upper region of the substrate, an intermediate member extending from the upper cross member, and a lower cross member extending across the lower region of the substrate. The substrate structurally reinforces the steel frame portion with a reduced weight.

Abstract: An integrally formed base arrangement of an office chair, and more particularly, a base arrangement integrally made by plastic material, comprising: a) a middle axle seat; b) a first U-shaped pivotal seat perpendicular to the middle axle seat; c) a claw member having a plurality of arched supporting arms extending in the shape of claws from the external rim of the middle axle seat upward; d) a base frame disposed at the top of the supporting arms of the claw member, an annular groove being positioned at the surface of the base frame; e) two second U-shaped pivotal seats symmetrically formed at both sides of the bottom of the base frame; and f) two hand rest supports extended from both sides of the base frame and the claw member outward, thereby creating a connection surface directed upward at the external end thereof. In this way, a convenient and rapid assembly of components of the office chair is ensured. Moreover, a stable structure is achieved.

Abstract: A vehicle seat frame which is lightweight and strong includes a seat cushion frame supporting a seat cushion, a seat back frame supporting a seat back, a recliner rotatably connecting the seat back relative to the seat cushion and adjusting the rotation angle thereof and a shoulder belt anchor provided on the seat back frame for supporting one end of a shoulder belt. The back center frame of the seat back frame includes a hollow quadrangular shape outer peripheral portion and a reinforcement plate provided in the outer peripheral portion and placed in parallel with a direction of load to be applied on the shoulder belt anchor from the shoulder belt.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a mesh seat for use with a piece of ride-on power equipment. The mesh seat includes a lower frame and a bottom mesh coupled to the lower frame forming a bottom hammock surface for the rider. The mesh seat includes an upper frame and a back mesh coupled to the upper frame forming a back hammock surface for the rider. The mesh seat includes a safety interlock coupled to the lower frame and positioned under the bottom mesh in order to be engaged by the lower torso of the rider. The mesh seat includes a base adapted to be coupled to the piece of ride-on power equipment, and the lower frame is coupled to the base.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle seat frame made of structural foam having an attachment flange for attaching to a vehicle, and vehicle seat assembly, and methods of making the same. In at least one embodiment, the vehicle seat assembly comprises a seat frame made of structural foam and having a main body portion and at least one attachment flange depending from the main body portion. The attachment flange is attachable to a vehicle floor pan via an interference fit. The attachment flange has a first density and the main body portion has a second density, less than the first density. The vehicle seat assembly further comprises a cushion supported on the frame. The cushion is softer than the seat frame. The vehicle seat assembly further comprises a trim material disposed over the cushion and the frame.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bearing mechanism with an integrated flexible bearing surface. The bearing mechanism includes a frame, which is folded to define an inner space; and an integrated flexible bearing surface, which has an elastic restoring force and is prefabricated onto the inner space of the frame. At least two sides of the integrated flexible bearing surface are mated integrally with the frame when the bearing mechanism is fabricated. The present invention enhances the structural strength, reduces greatly the fabrication cost and improves substantially the manufacturing efficiency with better applicability and industrial benefits.

Abstract: A vehicle seat (10) is equipped with a seat frame composed of a sub-frame (16) and a rod (30) provided between certain regions of the sub-frame. The rod is equipped with a minor vibration damping portion (34) that maintains rigidity of the seat frame when the seat frame is displaced by a large amount and suppresses an increase in rigidity of the seat frame when the seat frame is displaced by a small amount to reduce the level of minor vibrations in the vehicle seat.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of manufacturing seat back frame, wherein a pair of side back frame portions are first provided. Also provided is a first upper back frame portion having an upper surface defining a first profile is provided, and a second upper back frame portion having an upper surface defining a second profile. The second profile is different from the first profile. A desired profile of a vehicle seat back frame is then determined. After the determination, one of the first and the second upper back frame portions is selected for attachment to the pair of side back frame portions corresponding to the desired vehicle seat back frame profile determined previously. The selected one of the first and the second upper back frame portions is secured to the pair of side back frame portions.

Abstract: A modified seat frame incorporates a wall riser having an integrated mounting flange to reduce welding operations and to reduce the number of parts required to build and install a modular school bus seat.

Abstract: An upholstered structure including an upholstery material for a chair or a backrest of a chair is proposed, which may achieve: reduced proportion of the appearance of the rear frame of the backrest over the appearance of the whole chair; more sophisticated design; reduced weight; reduced number of parts; and improved assemble-ability. In the chair having the backrest upholstered with the upholstery material over the front surface of the rear frame, the rear frame comprises a front frame to which the peripheral edge part of the upholstery material is fixed and an upper reinforcement frame rod. The laterally facing upper reinforcement frame rod is connected at its both ends to both ends of the laterally facing upper frame rod at the top of the front frame with the center part of the upper reinforcement frame rod separated backward from the upper frame rod.

Abstract: A seat frame (1) for a vehicle seat has two seat supports (3, 3) that extend in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle and are intended for laterally attaching the seat frame (1) to a vehicle floor (2) or to adjustment rails (16) for the seat frame (1). A seat shell (4) is mounted in and connected to the seat supports (3, 3) and is configured for accommodating a seat cushion. The seat shell (4) is connected to the respective seat support (3) so that the seat shell (4) and the seat support (3) form a closed profile in the connection region. The seat shell (4) is formed from a light metal and combines maximum weight reduction with a high degree of rigidity, in particular high torsional or bending stiffness.

Abstract: Vehicle seat frames of increased strength at constant or lighter weight are provided by including a foam reinforcement within the hollow sections that make up the seat frame. The foam may be provided on a carrier which can be designed to provide additional reinforcement to the seat frame.

Abstract: A modular seat frame for a school bus seat includes riser assemblies for supporting the seat fabricated from a moldable material reinforced locally by attachment and reinforcement members.

Abstract: The specification discloses a stackable chair, and framework therefor, that adapted for vertical stacking in closely conforming relation with at least one other chair of identical configuration, the stackable chair comprising a framework dimensioned for a human being, the framework defining legs, a back rest support, and a seating surface support, and a seating surface and a back rest disposed on the framework. The framework is at least substantially comprised of one or more frame elements each having a thickness of less than 7/16th inches, the one or more frame elements further being configured so that the framework is characterized by a stacking thickness of less than 7/16th inches.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle seat, in particular a motor vehicle seat, comprising a structural element that consists of several components which are at least partly connected to one another. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for producing the motor vehicle seat according to the invention.

Abstract: A seat frame for a vehicle includes a first seat frame member (34) and a second seat frame member (24). The second seat frame member (24) includes a body portion (32) and a first flexible member (70) extending from the body portion (32). The flexible member (70) is welded to the first seat frame member (34) at a first location (66) to couple the second seat frame member (26) to the first seat frame member (34).

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

Abstract: A backrest of chair in which the lower part of a back frame can be concealed neatly by a stretching material. In the backrest device of a chair where a bag like stretching material (12) knitted or woven in the shape of mesh and opening downward is stretched across a back frame (11) formed by coupling the upper ends of right and left side frames (14a) directing the vertical direction by an upper frame (14b) directing the right and left direction, and coupling the lower ends of both the side frames (14a) by a lower frame (14c) which can be fixed to a backrest supporting rod (8) erected from the upper rear of the seat body of the chair, upper portion of the stretching material (12) is made air permeable, and at least a part at the lower portion of the stretching material (12) covering the lower frame (14c) is made non-translucent.

Abstract: A rear seat assembly for a vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes a support frame having a pair of spaced frame rails extending along the length of the vehicle and a body mounted on the support frame. The rear seat assembly comprises a rear seat including a rear seat cushion. The rear seat defines a left seat sections a center seat section and a right seat section. The rear seat has a first end section supported on one of the frame rails and a second end section supported on the other frame rail. A frame member is mounted to the body. The frame member is positioned generally beneath the center seat section of the rear seat. The frame member is configured to provide additional support to the center seat section. The frame member at least partially displaces the rear seat cushion to raise an occupant of the center seat section and balances a thickness of the rear seat cushion under an occupant of one of the left and right seat sections.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle seat wherein the vehicle seat includes a back rest frame and a seat frame, which can be fastened to each other via a fitting. During assembly, mutually corresponding fastening points on the fitting and on at least one of the frame parts are brought to overlap in order to connect the two frame parts to each other with the aid of fastening elements. For the assembly, assembly aids are provided on the frame part and fitting. The assembly aids engage one inside the other in a form-fitting manner and are configured so that the two frame parts are held in an assembly aid position in which the mutually corresponding fastening points are aligned with respect to each other.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor mounting system for a vehicle seat includes a bracket having a first sidewall and a second sidewall. A generally planar plate is located generally parallel to and spaced apart from the first sidewall of the bracket. The plate is coupled to the second sidewall. In addition, at least one of the bracket and plate are secured to, and cooperate with, a seat cushion frame of the seat to surround and protect an emergency locking retractor mounted to the first sidewall. A method employs the system.

Abstract: A seat assembly for a vehicle includes a seat bottom and a seatback. The seatback includes a seatback frame and is selectively rotatable relative to the seat bottom from an upright position to a forward position. A seatbelt assembly includes a retractor coupled to the seatback frame and a belt selectively extendable from and retractable to the retractor. A first end of the belt is disposed in the retractor. A guide is coupled to the seatback frame and defines an orifice with the belt slideably extending through the orifice. The retractor and the guide are fixed relative to the seatback frame and the second end of the belt is fixed to the seatback frame. The retractor, the guide, and both ends of the belt rotate from the upright position to the forward position in response to a force exerted on the seatback frame during rapid deceleration of the seat assembly.

Abstract: A tailored vehicle seat component 12 having at least two portions with different properties that are joined together, such as by an adhesive or in a welding process (e.g., laser weld). These different properties include thickness, grades, surface finishes, coatings, and the like. The laser tailored welded vehicle seat 12 components may be incorporated into seat back frames 16, seat track assemblies 26, recliners 20, seat base frames 18, head restraints 88, cushion pans 132, and the like, to optimize manufacturing operations, mass, performance quality, and costs.

Abstract: Various methods for installing an article of fabric to a frame to provide an improved seating product, which can be integrated in essentially any type of seating unit, are provided. These methods include a pre-forming operation that deforms the frame prior to securing the fabric article thereto, and a securing operation that leverages post-mold shrinkage properties of the frame to secure the fabric article thereto. The pre-forming operation generates tension in the fabric article, which spans the frame, by initially deforming the frame utilizing compression mechanisms of an assembly fixture and subsequently loading the fabric article to the frame in a loose condition. Upon releasing the compression mechanisms, the fabric article assumes a taut condition that expresses the tension. The securing operation involves inserting a segment of the fabric article into a groove in the frame and allowing the groove to naturally clamp the segment during post-mold shrinkage.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly method for forming a seating structure for a vehicle seat, having a cross support (2) and a side support (3). For this purpose the cross support comprises at least one detent means (15), and the side support has at least one complementary detent means (8). During assembly, the detent means and the complementary detent means engage in each other, wherein the side support and the assembly support are positioned substantially perpendicular to each other. The cross support encompasses the side support for the engagement. The invention further relates to a seating structure produced in this way.

Abstract: A seat back frame for a vehicle for supporting a seat back, includes a first back frame, at which a shoulder belt anchor for supporting one end portion of a seat belt is provided, a second back frame arranged substantially in parallel with the first back frame, and a cross member connecting the first back frame and the second back frame, wherein a protruding portion or a recessed portion is formed at the cross member so as to extend in a longitudinal direction thereof, a first recessed surface portion or a first protruding surface portion is formed at the first back frame and a second recessed surface portion or a second protruding surface portion is formed at the second back frame so that the first back frame and the second back frame are fittedly connected to the protruding portion or the recessed portion of the cross member.

Abstract: An aircraft passenger seat configured in accordance with an embodiment of the invention utilizes composite materials to achieve significant weight savings relative to conventional seat designs. The seat includes one or more lightweight composite support legs, a lightweight composite seat pan, and a lightweight composite seat back structure. The support legs are coupled to the seat pan, which is in turn coupled to the seat back structure. The support legs utilize composite frame elements that are formed as continuous compression molded composite extrusions. The seat pan includes composite fore and aft cross beams that are also formed as continuous compression molded composite extrusions. The aft cross beam includes a rear flange that serves as a flexible “hinge” for the seat back structure. The seat can leverage producible and relatively inexpensive composite manufacturing techniques such that the seat can be economically produced for use as an economy class seat.

Abstract: An aircraft passenger seat configured in accordance with an embodiment of the invention utilizes composite materials to achieve significant weight savings relative to conventional seat designs. The seat includes one or more lightweight composite support legs, a lightweight composite seat pan, and a lightweight composite seat back structure. The support legs are coupled to the seat pan, which is in turn coupled to the seat back structure. The support legs utilize composite frame elements that are formed as continuous compression molded composite extrusions. The seat pan includes composite fore and aft cross beams that are also formed as continuous compression molded composite extrusions. The aft cross beam includes a rear flange that serves as a flexible “hinge” for the seat back structure. The seat can leverage producible and relatively inexpensive composite manufacturing techniques such that the seat can be economically produced for use as an economy class seat.

Abstract: A folding or stacking chair has a seat and a backrest carried between opposite frame sides each with a backrest support, a front leg and a rear leg. One or both of the seat and the backrest has a continuous sheet of flexible and elastic knitted mesh or patterned open texture plastic held across and substantially covering an opening in an open-end hoop coupled between the frame sides. An open-end of the hoop faces in a front or a back orientation for the seat, or a top or a bottom orientation for the backrest, with sides of the hoop attached to the frame sides. The sheet of mesh or textured plastic has a finished edge spanning the open-end of the hoop.

Abstract: A motor vehicle seat has a structural element that includes a plurality of components, at least some of which are connected to one another. At least one of the components is available in a plurality of materials, such as steel or a lightweight construction. The shape of the components, however, is configured so that it remains unchanged irrespective of the component material.

Abstract: A vehicle seat has an energy-absorbing device connected to a transverse support member of the seat frame. The device has a plurality of rib members configured to plastically deform in response to an impact between an object and the device, thereby absorbing energy from the object. The device has a shell portion with a pair of intersecting side walls having a generally U-shaped profile defining a recess, and the rib members are connected to each of the side walls within the recess. The shell portion is one piece, and the shell portion and rib members are formed of molded plastic. Each rib member is equally spaced within the recess.