Abstract: An apparatus having a fabric and method of forming thereof. The fabric's load bearing surface for supporting a load, comprising: at least one layer(s) (Ln) wherein n=0, ?1, ?2, . . . ?i, wherein n=0 represents the at least one layer(s) (Ln) of the load bearing surface that contacts the load. An n=?1, ?2, . . . ?i, represents successive underlying at least one layer(s) (Ln) of the load bearing surface. An n=?i, represents a bottom underlying at least one layer(s) (Ln). The fabric consists essentially of a polyurethane fiber and a fiber that is chemically different from the polyurethane fiber, and wherein the fabric has been stretched to the point just before encountering the Young's Modulus. The method comprising: cutting the fabric to a predetermined pattern; and stretching the fabric to the point just before encountering the Young's Modulus.

Abstract: A seat includes a tray, a net mounted on the tray and a supporting device provided between the tray and the net. Thus, when a user sits on the seat, the net takes a proportion of the user's weight while the supporting device takes another proportion of the user's weight.

Abstract: A stretch strap of a chair has multiple stretch ropes and a soft sleeve. The soft sleeve receives the two stretch ropes therein. Each stretch rope has multiple rubber cords and a covering layer binding the rubber cords therein. Since the covering layer is a weave, so there are gaps on the covering layer and a concave is formed between the two adjacent stretch ropes, when the stretch ropes are tied together. However, the woven covering layer is inside of the soft sleeve, the soft sleeve prevents dirt from receiving in the gaps and the concaves. In addition, a chair user directly sits on the soft sleeve not on the woven covering layers and feels comfortable.

Abstract: A seat for a land vehicle, aircraft, or watercraft, comprising a textile seat portion having a seating surface and a backrest with a supporting structure for the seat portion configured as a support frame extending about the seat portion. The support frame is in the form of a textile strap guided through vehicle-mounted eye rings. Portions of the strap extend laterally of the seat portion in the form of diagonal strap portions that each extend between one of the eye rings mounted below the seating surface and one of the eye rings mounted above the backrest. The seat portion is displaceably disposed on the diagonal strap portions. At least one adjustment strap is guided from the backrest to a fixation mechanism disposed above the seat portion.

Abstract: A seat assembly for use in supporting an occupant in an automotive vehicle is provided, having a seat frame and a suspension material extending between and operatively secured to the seat frame for supporting the occupant of the seat assembly. A plurality of adjustment assemblies operatively couple the suspension material and the seat frame. Each adjustment assembly includes a stationary bracket secured to the seat frame and an adjustable attachment bracket operatively coupled to the stationary bracket. The suspension material is secured between the adjustable attachment bracket and the stationary bracket. The tension in select portions of the suspension material may be selectively adjusted in response to movement of the adjustable attachment bracket relative to the stationary bracket.

Abstract: A composite assembly of furniture units each have a solo utilization, which can be seating surface area or table top surface area. The furniture units are made with an irregular contoured surface. When the irregular surface of a first furniture unit is brought in proximity to the irregular surface of a second furniture unit, the composite assembly assumes a joint utilization which differentiates from the solo utilization of the furniture units. The joint utilization of the composite assembly enlarges seating surface area or the table top surface area over the solo utilization. The furniture units are versatile because each can be used in its solo configuration or combined into the composite assembly for other uses. A mechanical coupling mechanism is used to secure the furniture units in the composite assembly configuration. The mechanical coupling can be a latch, magnetic plate, bracket, or rod.

Abstract: The present invention relates to chairs. In particular, the present invention relates to systems and methods for providing a portable chair. Implementation of the present invention takes place in association with a portable chair that can be rolled up for storage or portability purposes. The rolled implementation of the present invention is compact, and easy to manually transport. The present invention can easily be carried in a backpack or on the user's shoulders. The present invention also fits easily in car trunks or closets. Due to its rolling nature, the present invention is effortless to assemble. The invention does not require a locking mechanism that comprises of parts or components. To assemble, the invention is unrolled in one direction and then arranged into the sitting position by manipulating the invention in the opposite direction. The present portable invention is also comfortable and secure. The user of the present invention is able to sit comfortably in a stationary position.

Abstract: A seating unit includes a perimeter frame, a flexible seating surface supported by the frame, and parallel elongated resilient force-distributing members coupled to the seating surface to control a contour of the seating surface when supporting a seated user. The resilient force-distributing members are bendable along their length and are sufficient in number and distribution to substantially reduce localized deflection of the seating surface and thereby reduce pressure point contact felt by the seated user. The resilient force-distributing members can be wire rods, long strips, or other resilient material with memory.

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 invention provides a top plate for a unitary suspension device for a multi-element type bed base made with a plurality of unitary suspension devices disposed in rows and columns on a support platform, the top plate being quadrangular in shape and including in its central region fastener members for fastening to the top end of a suspension structure of a unitary device, wherein the corners of the top face of the plate are raised and define a horizontal plane situated above the face, and wherein the top plate presents around its central region a first convex surface forming a dome. Advantageously, the top face of the top plate presents in the vicinity of each of its corners a second convex surface tangential to the horizontal plane and connected to the dome via demarcation lines.

Abstract: The incentive seating module comprises: a structural frame provided with a gaiter, a frame, disposed above said structural frame and provided with an arch, whereby the structural frame exhibits planar symmetry, means for connecting the frame to the structural frame comprising a joint enabling the frame to swivel in relation to the structural frame about an axis which is perpendicular to the symmetrical plane, and a seating element joining the frame to the gaiter, made of an elastic membrane which is used to define a rest position for the frame in relation to the structural frame and to return it towards said position when a user causes it to tilt in one direction or the other.

Abstract: A seat structure is comprised of a support frame having an elastic fabric sheet secured to the frame along opposed lateral sides of the frame and extends across a top seating portion or front part of a backrest thereof. In one embodiment of the invention one or two extensor members are displaceably positioned between the frame and the elastic fabric sheet to a permanent tensioning position where the elastic fabric sheet undergoes an upward displacement and stretching sufficient to support an intended load, herein a user person, thereon or thereagainst in a flexible suspension in the seating or backrest portion and free from contact with any hard surfaces.

Abstract: An article of furniture has a sitting portion inner core assembly. The inner core assembly has a frame for providing structural support. Vertical bars connect lower and upper portions of the frame. Horizontal bars connect opposite sides of an upper portion of the frame. Alternative, the upper support structure of the frame uses box springs, free-floating horizontal bars with springs, or a mesh pattern for the structural support of the top portion of the inner core assembly. A cloth or foam pad covering is disposed along a side portion and top portion of the inner core assembly. A fabric material is disposed over at least the side and top coverings and inner core assembly. A back support inner core assembly with back support bars connect to the sitting portion inner core assembly and provide structure support of the back support portion of the furniture.

Abstract: A chair includes a base, a seat, a back, and a control operably supporting the seat and back on the base for movement between upright and recline positions. The seat and back include a stiff perimeter frame with opposing perimeter sections, and a plurality of rods each independently bendable in vertical and angled directions. End bearings on the rods are captured in pockets in the perimeter frame, which limits their inward and outward sliding movement. The control includes front and rear leaf springs and a pivot arm operably supporting the seat and the back for synchronous movement, with the direction of movement being such that energy is stored during recline. The energy stored during recline assists in providing a heavier person with added counterbalancing force during recline. A booster mechanism is also selectively engageable for added support upon recline.

Abstract: The invention resides in a system and method of tensioning a net comprising a frame having at least two opposing frame members and a net extending therebetween. The net is made from material of cords of a water soluble yarn capable of high shrinkage rates when wetted with water and dried. A tensioning device may be provided along one of said frame sides for causing tensioning of localized regions in said mesh after said mesh is wetted with water. The invention further resides in a method of tensioning a net to a frame having at least two opposing frame members and the net extending therebetween such that by sizing the net larger than said frame and mounting the net onto the frame such that the border is located outside of the frame and wetting the net and allowing it to dry, the net shrinks around the frame taking up play otherwise existing prior to the wetting step.

Abstract: Slat furniture generally of the outdoor type having a pair of laterally spaced apart supports and slats disposed there between and connected thereto and in which the slats individually or in groups are snap fittingly connected to the supports in a rigid manner such that the furniture is rigid without the need for further reinforcement. The slats, or slat units are selectively resilient and connected to the supports by fingers projecting therefrom into recesses in the supports. A snug close fit relation gives rigidity which is further enhance by contiguous slat sections being angularly disposed with respect to one another.

Abstract: A universal heavy duty, light weight, portable, foldable chair according to the present disclosure comprises a frame 1 comprising four shaped supports 11a, 12a, 13a, 14a held together and in position at the center by a hollowed cylinder hinge 15a. The seat comprises of two cloths 16a and 16b. There exists one piece of cloth 18a and 18b at each side of the chair to act as stabilizer for the frame and the chair as a whole. Cloth 21a will be connected to the two piece cloth assembly 22a at one end and have a locking mechanism 23a at the other to lock with one end of 21b. Cloth 21b will be connected to the two piece cloth assembly 22b at one end and have a corresponding locking mechanism 23b to fit the mechanism 23a at the end of the cloth 21a.

Abstract: A chair back for a chair that includes a support frame portion having a defined shape and is adapted to attach to a chair base member. The chair back for a chair may also include a tensioning frame portion having a defined shape and a removable elastomeric support sleeve having an opening adapted to receive the defined shape of the support frame portion and the defined shape of the tensioning frame portion. The removable elastomeric support sleeve may be slid first over the support frame portion so as to conform the removable elastomeric support sleeve to the defined shape of the support frame portion. The removable elastomeric support sleeve may then be slid second over the tensioning frame portion thereby conforming the elastomeric support sleeve to the defined shape of the tensioning frame portion.

Abstract: A seat suspension arrangement intended to provide greater protection for occupants of a vehicle seat in the event of a rearward collision in a motor vehicle, comprises a platform element intended to be supported in the frame of the back rest of a vehicle seat in order to provide support for the seat upholstery, the platform element comprising side rails (1) between which are coupled sinuous wire springs (3) and a plurality of link means (6, 300, 301, 302) by means of which the platform element may be suspended in the frame of a vehicle seat. At least some of the link means (300, 301, 302) are designed to collapse under abnormal load such as would occur in a vehicle collision from the rear, to allow the platform element to move relatively to the seat frame and thus to provide protection for the seat occupant against rearward impact.

Abstract: An adjustable backrest has a series of adjustable straps extending across a front opening cavity of a backrest support. The straps are held in a locked, fitted position by a series of buckles at one side of the backrest which engage and lock the straps. Each strap is acted on by a bias arrangement and urges the straps to a drawn position across the front open cavity. This drawn position is an initial setup position that allows fitting of the backrest for a particular user.

Abstract: The invention relates to a seat or seat back comprising of seat elements which are arranged to resiliently move with respect to each other and arranged to move with respect to a central axis, running centrally through the seat or seat back parallel to the spine of the occupant in a normally seated position, the first and second seat elements moving in opposite directions on either side of the central axis. The seat elements may rotate and are subject to a restoring force urging them to return them to their rest positions such that the user is able to move in a twisting position and the seat back or seat will also twist with the twisting movement of the user and provide support in the newly adopted position of the user. The seat elements could be formed from a single piece of resilient material.

Abstract: An adjustment device for beds, mattresses, seats and the like, which adjustment device includes several support elements extending across an adjustment direction and together spanning a support plane and at least one drive device for pivoting of support elements relative to each other for the purpose of a slope or trend change of the support plane. The support elements are provided with at least one mounting element extending across the support plane. Each mounting element is provided with a pivot joint in its first end region. Spacer devices are provided to maintain the spacing of adjacent mounting elements relative to each other in the region of the pivot joint. Spacing adjusters to change the spacing of adjacent mounting elements are provided on the region of the second ends of the mounting element opposite the pivot joints.

Abstract: A chair includes a base, a seat, a back, and a control operably supporting the seat and back on the base for movement between upright and recline positions. The seat and back include a stiff perimeter frame with opposing perimeter sections, and a plurality of rods each independently bendable in vertical and angled directions. End bearings on the rods are captured in pockets in the perimeter frame, which limits their inward and outward sliding movement. The control includes front and rear leaf springs and a pivot arm operably supporting the seat and the back for synchronous movement, with the direction of movement being such that energy is stored during recline. The energy stored during recline assists in providing a heavier person with added counterbalancing force during recline. A booster mechanism is also selectively engageable for added support upon recline.

Abstract: A seating unit includes a perimeter frame, a flexible seating surface supported by the frame, and parallel elongated resilient force-distributing members coupled to the seating surface to control a contour of the seating surface when supporting a seated user. The resilient force-distributing members are bendable along their length and are sufficient in number and distribution to substantially reduce localized deflection of the seating surface and thereby reduce pressure point contact felt by the seated user. The resilient force-distributing members can be wire rods, long strips, or other resilient material with memory.

Abstract: A seating unit includes a base, a seat, a back, and a control operably supporting the seat and the back on the base for movement between upright and recline positions. The control includes a spring providing a biasing supporting force to the back during recline, and further includes a booster mechanism capable of increasing the supporting force, and still further includes a selector device for activating and deactivating the booster mechanism. The selector device is easily moveable with a low effort that is separated from and independent from any friction generated by internal components of the booster mechanism. In a narrower aspect, the control is powered, such as by an electrical or electromechanical device from a remote location. A back stop is attached to the selector device, for movement between a disengaged position, a partial-recline position, and a recline-prevented position.

Abstract: A furniture piece including a plurality of rib units, each-rib unit having a pair of substantially parallel faces, at least one functional surface, and a leg or supporting member. When arranged in a predetermined, face-to-face relationship and secured by one or more connecting rods, the functional surface of each rib unit defines a surface of a furniture piece, such as a chair or bench seat, while each leg or supporting member is offset from the neighboring leg or support member according to a pattern which, when combined with the legs or supporting members of the other rib units, provides support for the entire furniture piece and its occupant.

Abstract: A net member is stretched over a frame for a seat and backrest of a chair. An engagement member attached to the end of the net member is inserted into an engagement groove on the lower surface of the basic frame. A binding frame is pressed onto the lower surface of the basic frame and the net member is fixed between the basic frame and the binding frame by the engagement piece.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chair or other furnishing which has a seat and backrest comprised of slats which run between frames, where the slats are connected to the frames using a novel fastening method. The slat is first created which contains a support member. To do this two attachment pins are inserted through holes in the slat support member. This assembly is then placed into a textured aluminum mold and located within the mold by the two attachment pins. The mold is sealed and injected with the self-skinning urethane formulation, thus totally encapsulating the support member. Seating frame thru-holes are bored in the seating frame on appropriate spacing. Receivers are inserted into each of seating frame thru-holes. The finished slat is attached to seating frame by pushing both attachment pins through receivers until attachment pins latch within the receivers, which in turn latch within the seating frames.

Abstract: This device is noteworthy in that it comprises a band (3) made of a plastics material attached to the outer border or borders of the fabric (1), said band having at least one shaped molded tab (3a) integral with the band, said tab having the shape of a supporting cradle so as to be inserted against the opposing wall of the side member of the supporting structure, and in the intervals formed between said side member and a strip attached to said side member, and in that the area of the join between the band and the tab constitutes an area of resistance capable of taking the pressure of an undulating part of the strip, thereby enabling the tab to be locked in position relative to the opposing side member.

Abstract: A metal frame glider having preassembled wooden seat panels. A bench back panel and a bench seat panel each include three vertical wooden support members to which a plurality of horizontal wooden slats are attached.

Abstract: A seating apparatus for supporting a lower body region of an immobilized person for avoidance and relief of decubitus ulcers which provides regular intervals of seating pressure reduction below a predetermined seating pressure for a predetermined relief period. The seating apparatus includes a plurality of slats/cushions which may be displaced between a first support position wherein each of the slats/cushions is co-planar with a defined plane and a second displaced position wherein each of the slats/cushions is displaced a distance D from the defined plane for the predetermined relief period whereby capillary blood pressure is reduced below the predetermined seating pressure in the unsupported portion of the lower body region.

Abstract: Slat furniture generally of the outdoor type having a pair of laterally spaced apart supports and slats disposed there between and connected thereto and in which the slats individually or in groups are snap fittingly connected to the supports in a rigid manner such that the furniture is rigid without the need for further reinforcement. The slats, or slat units are selectively resilient and connected to the supports by fingers projecting therefrom into recesses in the supports. A snug close fit relation gives rigidity which is further enhance by contiguous slat sections being angularly disposed with respect to one another.

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: This device is noteworthy in that it comprises a band (3) made of a plastics material attached to the outer border or borders of the fabric (1), said band having at least one shaped molded tab (3a) integral with the band, said tab having the shape of a supporting cradle so as to be inserted against the opposing wall of the side member of the supporting structure, and in the intervals formed between said side member and a strip attached to said side member, and in that the area of the join between the band and the tab constitutes an area of resistance capable of taking the pressure of an undulating part of the strip, thereby enabling the tab to be locked in position relative to the opposing side member.

Abstract: A bench having a back section and a seating section includes a plurality of vertically extending back members attached at opposed ends to an upper horizontal back support member and a lower horizontal longitudinally extending lower back support member wherein one of the vertically extending back members is removable received by said upper and said lower longitudinally extending back support members. The removable vertically extending back member is generally wider than the attached vertically extending support members and includes printing indicia thereon.

Abstract: A pendantly-supported swing chair has a mobile stand supporting a cross bar over which passes the upper ends of two parallel ropes. Each rope provides two upwardly extending portions which pass through, and hold in place at vertically-spaced positions, two rigid wooden support members. A bamboo platen has respective end areas providing an overhead sun screen supported by one pair of support members and a seat supported by the second pair of support members. The intermediate area of the screen provides a back rest and may be formed with a lumbar support. Arm rests movable to chosen positions on the ropes may be provided for comfort. Holes through which the ropes pass enable the heights of the seat and sun screen to be varied as well as their angles.

Abstract: A seating apparatus for supporting a lower body region of an immobilized person for avoidance and relief of decubitus ulcers which provides regular intervals of seating pressure reduction below a predetermined seating pressure for a predetermined relief period. The seating apparatus includes a plurality of slats/cushions which may be displaced between a first support position wherein each of the slats/cushions is co-planar with a defined plane and a second displaced position wherein each of the slats/cushions is displaced a distance D from the defined plane for the predetermined relief period whereby capillary blood pressure is reduced below the predetermined seating pressure in the unsupported portion of the lower body region.

Abstract: The present invention provides a seat containing several moveable, substantially vertically arranged, rubber panels which are mounted in parallel in a retention frame in such a way that the parallel, moveable, substantially vertically arranged, rubber panels align themselves horizontally when subjected to strain from above and form a horizontal sitting area, which is preferably suitable for use in public buildings such as waiting rooms, bus shelters or railway stations.

Abstract: An outdoor furniture frame construction is provided with a pair of fixedly mounted rails across which and into which a plurality of plastic straps are mounted in tensioned manner. Each rail is provided with a slot to receive an enlarged end of a strap as well as a lip defined by the slot and against which a folded over end of each strap abuts. The straps are heated before being mounted in the rails to permit stretching of the strap and placement in the rails. When in place, the enlarged ends of the strap engage against the lip in each rail for anchoring purposes. Damaged straps may be readily removed without having to remove additional straps.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a furniture component includes steps of molding a panel component of a flexible compliant plastic, the panel component having a continuous perimeter flange and further having flexible strips extending between portions of the perimeter flange that are shaped to flex to comfortably support a human body part. The method further includes molding a tubular perimeter frame of a reinforced structural plastic different than the flexible compliant plastic onto the panel component, the step of molding the perimeter frame including integrally bonded the perimeter frame to the perimeter flange to stiffen the perimeter flange and support the panel component and further including a gas assist process.

Abstract: A foldable stroller includes: a frame consisting of a pair of handle bars, a plurality of wheel bars pivotally secured to the handle bars having a plurality of wheels rotatably mounted on the wheel bars, a pair of seat bars pivotally connected with the wheel bars for supporting a seat, a pair of bottom struts diagonally pivotally secured on a bottom portion of the stroller and a pair of back struts diagonally pivotally secured to a back portion of the stroller for foldably linking the wheel bars and handle bars; with each bar or strut made of plastic-clad bamboo strip for preventing moisture corrosion, for comfortable seating and ergonomic handling.

Abstract: An ergonomic chair comprising a frame having outer and inner peripheries and an upper surface. A mesh supporting surface is supported on the outer periphery of the frame. The mesh supporting surface deflects to at least a first predetermined angle when a person is sitting on the chair. The inner periphery of the frame is located below the angle of deflection of the mesh so that the mesh does not engage the inner periphery when it supports a person sits on the chair.

Abstract: A reclining chair is provided which includes a base and a support linkage assembly pivotally supported from the base. A longitudinal link is operably interconnected to the support linkage assembly. A recline linkage assembly is operably coupled to the longitudinal link and to the base for controlling movement of the longitudinal link from an upright position to at least one reclined position. An adjustable tensioning mechanism is operably coupled between the base and the support linkage to bias the chair towards a reclined position. The reclining chair further includes a leg rest assembly supported from the longitudinal link and operably coupled to the drive shaft for movement from a retracted position to an extended position in response to rotation of the drive shaft.

Abstract: An anatomically shaped seat shell includes a first lateral profile and a second lateral profile with a longitudinal axis located between the first lateral profile and the second lateral profile, a median support located edgeways to the longitudinal axis of the scat shell and having an upper edge portion and a lower edge portion and seat bands located transverse to the median support and connected to the upper edge portion of the median support, the first lateral profile and the second lateral profile. A method of construction is also disclosed. By automatically adjusting the seat bands to the individual profile of the buttocks or posterior of a user, a high sitting stability and a high evenness of the distribution of sitting pressure are achieved. The distance of the seat bands from one another, in combination with an open-pore cellular material pad cut to the same thickness, provides a very good microclimate.

Abstract: A flexible pad for seat is provided. The pad includes a back pad for attaching to a back of the seat. Two movable covers are connected at upper edges to the back pad at locations separately close to a user's nape and waist. Lower edges of the movable covers can be fixedly or detachably connected to the back pad, such that a receiving space with two open ends is defined between each of the movable covers and the back pad for receiving a nape rest or a waist rest therein. The two rests are long members having a C-shaped profile and covered with an elastic net. The rests are provided at suitable positions with hooking means for firmly hooking the rests onto the back pad. The nape and the waist rests may be adjusted in their vertical and horizontal positions in their receiving spaces relative to the back pad, so that they may most comfortably support a driver's neck and waist to avoid easily growing tired during driving.

Abstract: A glider includes a stationary base frame, a seat, and side frames rigidly affixed to opposite ends of the seat and each movably affixed and suspended from the base frame. The seat has a seat frame and a plurality of slats each secured to the seat frame and collectively forming an upwardly extending back portion adjoined to a generally horizontal seat portion. The slats each have a front surface with a generally planar central portion and arcuate edge portions on opposite sides of the central portion. Each of the edge portions has a width equal to at least 25% of a total width of each of the slats and has a thickness greater than 50% of a total thickness of each of the slats.

Abstract: An improved seating arrangement having a pair of rigid sides which include a back portion and a seat portion. Flexible webbing members extend between the rigid sides in the back and seat portions. Various arrangements are provided for increasing and decreasing the length and tension of the flexible webbing to provide a three dimensional variation in the contour of the flexible webbing in the back and/or seat portion.