Abstract: In one form of the invention, a rounded bicycle seat is provided. The seat has no front pommel that is a significant factor in causing most pressure and pain to the crotch area of a rider. As such, the bicycle seat is designed to relieve numbness. In one embodiment of the current invention, the seat is provided with a rounded dome portion that minimizes or makes no contact with the crotch area of the rider when the bicycle seat is in use. Further, the seat may pivot in multiple directions in connection with the rider's movement, giving the rider proper coordination and alignment with the seat and the bicycle pedals. The seat is anatomically correct and provides support for the rider with a snug comfortable fit, while at the same time improves balance, flexibility and improves body strength with the least amount of friction and pain experienced by the rider.

Abstract: A seating unit includes a mechanism for adjustably positioning a component of the seating unit. The mechanism includes first and second members, each having a generally smooth curvilinear load bearing surface and a plurality of teeth adjacent the load bearing surface. The load bearing surfaces are in contact to transfer load, and the teeth of the first and second members are in engagement to provide non-slip rotation.

Abstract: A drive unit includes a cable possessing connecting portions at both ends, one of the connecting portions inserted into a groove of an output shaft at one side, and the other one of the connecting portions inserted into a groove of an input shaft at the other side, wherein rotational torque from the output shaft is transmitted to the input shaft, and at least two projected portions provided on the respective connecting portions and arranged with a predetermined distance therebetween in a longitudinal direction of the cable, wherein the respective connecting portions possess bent-shaped structures and the two projected portions of the respective connecting portions become in contact with opposed surfaces of the respective grooves.

Abstract: A pedestal assembly for supporting a seat including a first cylinder having an inner surface with a plurality of longitudinally-extending channels, and a second cylinder having an inner surface with a plurality of longitudinally-extending channels and an outer surface with a plurality of longitudinally-extending grooves. The assembly also includes a first bushing that is operably coupled to one end of the second cylinder by a plurality of fasteners received within an end of the channels of the second cylinder, and a second bushing that is operably coupled to one end of the first cylinder by a plurality of fasteners received within an end of the channels of the first cylinder. The second bushing includes a plurality of tabs slidably received within the channels on the inner surface of the first cylinder and is adapted to telescopingly guide the second cylinder within the first cylinder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a seat belt assist handle mounted to a component of a seat belt passenger restraint system. A grab handle on the seat belt assist handle allows occupants to grab a component of the seat belt passenger restraint system to allow the occupant to engage that system without engaging in uncomfortable body movements. The configuration of the present invention also provides a signal to an occupant when the occupant has failed to engage the seat belt passenger restraint system.

Abstract: A control lever having one end adapted for attachment to a resting device for controlling movement thereof, and another end having a tactile contour for identifying said control lever.

Abstract: A reclining chair, which has a back and a footrest both angularly displaceable relative to a seat simultaneously, is equipped with an adjusting mechanism, which includes a shaft, a pedal secured to one end of the shaft, a pushing member secured to the other end of the shaft, a fixed pin, and a locking rod; the locking rod is pivoted to the back at an upper end, and is right opposite the pushing member at a lower portion; the locking rod has engaging gaps on a rear edge for selective engagement with the pin; a spring is used for biasing the locking rod such that the locking rod can normally engage the pin at the gaps; thus, the footrest can be adjusted together with the back when the pedal is depressed for making the pushing member push the locking rod forwards such that the locking rod disengages the pin.

Abstract: Elderly and handicapped persons may have difficulty exiting some chairs. Raising the chair off the floor a few inches may make it easier for such a person to remove themselves from the chair. A chair elevating device is disclosed, having a raised surface on which to set a chair's legs and removable pegs. The removable pegs can be removed to accommodate the chair's legs and transverse cross members while helping to secure the chair to the chair raising device.

Abstract: An office chair has multiple moving parts and controls for the different moving parts of the chair. The chair includes a control directory which is in a more visibly accessible position than the controls to a person sitting in the chair. The chair further includes control switches which when activated provide a guide to distinguish which particular set of instructions on the directory pertains to each of the controls. The control switches are activated without producing operation of the actual controls.

Abstract: A seat eliminates any danger of accident during use when attached to a suspended rope. A plate-shaped seat body (1) has an axial passage (3) and a horizontal channel (14) disposed outside of the passage (3). The rope (7) is passed through the passage (3) and has a radial section (16) which is guided over the lower side of the seat body (1) and through the channel (14) and the rope end (17) is passed beneath the radial section (16) to form a knot.

Abstract: A chair includes a seat and a seat frame including several legs. Bumpers are coupled to the legs and arranged to separate one chair from an underlying chair in a stack of chairs.

Abstract: A coupling member for connecting a conventional handle to a lock release actuating shaft of an vehicle tilt seat mechanism. The coupling member comprises a relatively short shaft having contiguous first and second portions that are of different outer dimensions transverse to the length of the shaft. The larger one of the first and second portions has a recess extending a selected distance inwardly from a free outer end of such portion in a direction toward the smaller one of the two contiguous portions. Means are provided within the recess for detachably mounting and securely anchoring the coupling member on and to the lock release actuating the shaft for rotating same. The smaller one of the contiguous portions is adapted to project into a socket in the handle for the tilt mechanism, and has means thereon cooperating with means in the socket of the handle for preventing relative movement of the handle and coupling member when the handle is moved in a direction to rotate the lock release actuating shaft.

Abstract: A vehicle seat frame assembly that includes inboard and outboard generally vertical side members that define outer surfaces. The assembly also has a separate first spacer bracket attached to the outboard side member and has a first contact surface spaced apart from the outer surface of the outboard side member. A separate second spacer bracket is attached to the inboard side member and has a first contact surface spaced apart from the outer surface of the inboard side member. A vehicle seat assembly that includes a center console frame member and a vehicle seat. The seat has a seat frame with a pair of vertical side members and a first and second spacer bracket attached to each of the vertical side members. The first spacer bracket is positioned on an inboard side of the seat frame, with the inboard spacer bracket extending towards the center console frame member.

Abstract: An infant support structure having a frame, a support, and a height adjustment mechanism. The frame includes telescoping legs that support the frame in selected positions above the support surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gas cylinder including: a spindle at least having a flange washer of a cavity shape having a region D1 and a region D2 whose inner diameters are different; a piston inserted to the open inside of the spindle; a piston rod whose one end is fixed in the piston; a base tube having a mounting member on which the lower end of the spindle is mounted with the mounting member inserted to the flange washer; and a pipe holder inserted to the tapered portion in the upper part of the spindle.

Abstract: An adjustable grommet for a chair seat and method for using same including an oval shaped member having a top surface, a bottom surface and a contiguous curved side surface positioned between the chair seat and the chair legs. The adjustable grommet can flex and compress so that the chair seat is adjustable to the user's desired position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a metallic cylindrical member and a metallic bracket that can prevent a change in inside diameter of the metallic cylindrical member which is induced with an external force applied on cooling of the welded portion. When forming the bracket by engaging projections and recesses with each other, which projections and recesses are formed at left and right sides A, B of a metallic plate, portions P through S which span adjacent projections are crushed stripewise in the wall thickness direction to form indentations, thereby supplying metal which is forced out of the indentations P through S to around each of the projections to enhance the adhesion between adjacent projections and realize a strong joining of both left and right sides of the metallic plate.

Abstract: A locking device of a flexible laminar element connected to a frame is disclosed, in order to achieve a bearing structure which houses a person's body, comprising a groove obtained along one part of the perimeter of the frame and a shaped insert which is pressed into said groove in order to constrain the perimetral edge of the flexible laminar element between the groove and the shaped insert. Inside the grove a plurality of openings is arranged for the passage of as many appendixes of the shaped insert equipped with coupling means which snap the shaped insert to the frame.

Abstract: A saddle support for securing a saddle of a vehicle, typically of a bicycle, comprises an outer part (2) that surrounds at least a portion of an inner part (1) with formation of a gap (8). A rolling bearing for a linear mounting of the inner part (1) on the outer part (2) is arranged in this gap (8). A spring element (5) acting in mounting direction spring-mounts the inner part (1). The rolling bearing is constituted by a linear bearing assembly (9) with recirculating rolling elements. The rolling elements (13) are in rolling contact with rolling element raceways (13a, 15, 14), at least one of said rolling element raceways being configured on the linear bearing assembly (9) and at least one other of said rolling element raceways being configured on the inner part (1).

Abstract: The invention is a foldable chair for use by hunters and outdoorsmen. The chair is equipped with folding leg elements positioned at opposite ends of a frame-mounted seating surface. The leg assemblies have different heights, allowing the chair to be positioned on uneven terrain. Additionally, the chair is provided with a relocatable backrest, which may be pivoted from one side of the seating surface to the other. A carrying strap is provided for facilitating carrying of the chair.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device for equipping a recliner with one or more accessories, comprising a base frame portion attachable to the recliner, the base frame having a plurality of mounting locations and a plurality of recliner accessories, each of which is arranged for removable attachment to a corresponding one or more of said mounting locations.

Abstract: In the case of a fitting (5) for a vehicle seat, in particular for a motor vehicle seat, having a first fitting part (11), having a second fitting part (12) which can be rotated relative to the first fitting part (11) and can be locked, and having a ring (35) which holds the two fitting parts (11, 12) together in the axial direction, the first fitting part (11) is pressed into the ring (35).

Abstract: A headrest supporting rod for a vehicle seat has a body of molded plastic material, preferably ABS, and an outer coating layer coating the body of plastic material; the material defining the coating layer having at least one metal component.

Abstract: A pivotal mounting mechanism and a method of mounting an axle in an axle mount. A plug is inserted in a receptacle such as the open end of a tube which has at least one J-shaped track. The axle is held in its final position by inter-engagement of the plug and tube. The mounting mechanism is easily assembled and substantially vandal resistant.

Abstract: This invention provides a child safety seat with an integral seat belt tensioner for properly securing the seat to the passenger seat of an automotive vehicle by taking up the slack in the seat belt after it has been fastened through the child seat. The tensioner pulls or pushes the seat belt so that the few inches of slack that usually exist are eliminated by the tensioner. The safety seat is adapted to have internal space, either in its back and/or below the seat, to accommodate the tensioner and the belt movement so that the controls, tensioner, and/or other moving parts are out of the reach of the a child in the seat. A preferred version of the tensioner includes motor and gearing to move a belt holder up and down generally along the rear of the safety seat, for tightening and loosening the belt, respectively.

Abstract: An article for protecting edges and/or corners of furniture from damage. The present invention is formed of a unitary body possessing a base and two angularly disposed sides, alternatively, the unitary body can be formed of a first and second angularly exposed legs. The furniture edge protecting article includes furniture attachment options and weight and material reduction options.

Abstract: A dual reclining device comprising a pair of reclining elements provided on both lateral sides of an automotive seat, with a tubular connecting rod being connected with two shafts respectively of those two reclining elements. The tubular connecting rod has an L-shaped end portion having a longitudinal pressed region and a transverse flange portion, wherein a hole is formed in the transverse flange portion. One of the two reclining element shafts is inserted through such hole of transverse flange portion and welded thereto, while being also welded to the longitudinal pressed region of transverse flange portion. Such easy welding is effective in absorbing both longitudinal and radial errors or non-alignment between the two shafts.

Abstract: The attachment 1 comprises the frame 6 having a seat side part 4, which faces a seat part 2a of a vehicle seat 2 and supports the backside of a seat part 3a of a child seat 3, and a back side part 5, which faces a back part 2b of the vehicle seat 2 and supports the backside of a back part 3b of the child seat 3; an first engagement part 8 made into engagement detachably with a second engagement part 7 provided on the back part 2b of the vehicle seat 2; and a fixing belt 9 fixing the child seat 3 to the frame 6.

Abstract: A seatbelt extracted from a retractor is extended to and suspended by a webbing guide portion of a main rod, folded back in a predetermined direction by the webbing guide portion, and extended from a belt drawing-out portion. A load applied to the webbing guide portion when the seatbelt contacts it is dispersed by a plurality of rods to prevent the load from concentrating to the portion where the main rod is attached to a vehicle body, and thus it is not necessary to provide a large bracket for attaching the main rod to the vehicle body. With the above arrangement, the weight and the cost of parts can be reduced while securing the strength thereof and realizing a belt folding-back function, and further a degree of design freedom of the layout can be improved.

Abstract: A system adapted to install a child safety seat in a vehicle, comprising a child safety seat, a restraint system; and a tension device; wherein the restraint system includes at least one restraint belt, the restraint belt includes a restraint belt loose end, the tension device is connected to the restraint belt loose end, and, the tension device is adapted to generate tension on the restraint system through the restraint belt loose end to firmly secure the child safety seat with respect to the vehicle.

Abstract: The present device relates to a fastening device for a child seat on a motor vehicle seat provided, in the upper region of its back rest, with guides for inserting a head rest, said fastening device consisting of a holder firmly affixed to the back rest, and a holding means is provided which connects said holder to the upper region of the back mould of the child seat. The object is to provide such a fastening device which can be used independently of the location where a vehicle seat is mounted inside a passenger compartment and, moreover, provides a fastening point for a so-called “top tether” sufficiently located towards the back meeting the requirements of applicable safety regulations. This task is solved in that the holder firmly affixed to the back rest consists of a first region (3.1) insertable into the head rest guides (2), and from the first region protrudes a further region (3.2, 3.

Abstract: A seat anchoring device includes a slide base coupled slidably to a seat support rod and formed with a roller chamber that extends along a longitudinal direction. The roller chamber is formed with a shallower section and a deeper section. A rolling member is disposed in the roller chamber and is movable along the longitudinal direction between the shallower and deeper sections to selectively arrest sliding movement of the slide base. A biasing member is disposed in the roller chamber for biasing the rolling member toward the shallower section. A release mechanism is mounted on the slide base and is operable so as to extend into the roller chamber and push the rolling member from the shallower section into the deeper section of the roller chamber against biasing action of the biasing member.

Abstract: A simple inexpensive one-piece device to aid one in acquiring the seatbelt within a motor vehicle. This one-piece flexible device is meant to be temporarily or permanently attached above the male member of the seatbelt buckle. The attachment may be accomplished with a snap on method as seen in this preferred embodiment but may also be done by other methods as will be obvious to those trained in the art. When the seatbelt is in its retracted position a long handle protrudes towards the windshield so that it is visible to the driver or passenger. With either arm the seatbelt can be easily grabbed and pulled across the body to fasten the seatbelt with minimal reaching. This is ideal for persons with back, neck, shoulder and arm pain.

Abstract: A pivotal joystick base has a base bar (1) with a pivot end and a base end. The pivot end is pivotal horizontally on a base pivot (2) positioned on a chair attachment (3) that is fixable to a motorized chair (4). The base end is adapted to support a joystick assembly (5) for operating the motorized chair. The base pivot includes a pivot lock for locking the joystick base in a pivoted position laterally from the base pivot to prevent contact of the joystick assembly with tables, desks, workstations, walls and other approachable objects (17) selectively. The base end can include an assembly fastener (31) for rotating the joystick assembly to a forward position in compensation for rotational positioning of the joystick assembly by lateral pivoting of the joystick base. The joystick base can have a linear mount that includes a slot (32) for linear distancing of the joystick assembly from the base pivot selectively.

Abstract: A furniture support system for elevating and angling furniture to assist individuals in standing up from a seated position. The furniture support system includes at least one first support member, and at least one second support member wherein the first support member is shorter in height than the second support member. The support members are preferably constructed of a tapered structure with a broad lower end and a narrow upper end. At the upper end of each of the support members a cavity extends downwardly for receiving the leg of furniture member. A support plate may be attached to the bottom edge of a couch or other type of furniture that does not contain legs to ensure proper placement with the cavities of the support members.

Abstract: In a device, particularly a locking device (11) for a vehicle seat, with at least one casing component (13) and at least one bearing (15) for bearing at least one pivotable element (23), the bearing (15) is tooled by plastic transformation as a first draw-through (15) in the first casing component (13).

Abstract: A moulded plastics clamp (14) for attaching strap (16) of a lumbar support to an upright of a seat for a vehicle comprises two portions (20, 22) reinforced by ribs (52-53) and integrally joined by flexible portion (24). To engage clamp (14), portion (24) is flexed so that ridged concave sections (26, 28) enclose and contactthe upright, projection (60) being received in a hole therein. During engagement, surfaces (34, 36) on extension sections (30, 32) are guided into proximity, if not contact, by engagement of complementary tapering webs (42) and recesses (44) so that apertures (38, 40) align to receive a bolt to tighten clamp (14). Extension section (30) includes flanges (50) between which section (32) locates to prevent relative lateral movement between sections (30, 32).

Abstract: A rotary feed mechanism includes a ratcheting mechanism intervening between an operating lever and a brake drum and operable to permit rotation of an input shaft only when the operating lever is angularly moved from the neutral position in any one of the first and second directions, but to lock the input shaft during angular movement of the operating shaft back to the neutral position.

Abstract: A loop hanger for a seat belt (10) which slidably hangs a seat belt webbing (S) is provided with a base member (20) made of a metal plate and having a slot (21) through which the seat belt webbing (S) is moved, wherein the slot (21) is constituted with a long side portion (21a) extending in a generally horizontal direction and a pair of left and right short side portions (21b) communicating with left and right end portions of the long side portion (21a) and extending downwardly, a portion of the base member (20) surrounded by the long side portion (21a) and the pair of short side portions (21b) is curved smoothly from a side of the long side portion (21a) in a generally C-shaped sectional configuration, and a curved face (21f) formed by curving the portion of the base member (20) serves as a portion (20a) through which the seat belt webbing (S) is turned back. Accordingly, anti-gum up property can be improved largely.

Abstract: A seat assembly mounted on a floor of a motor vehicle includes a seat cushion having a seat cushion frame operatively secured to the floor. The seat assembly also includes a seat back having a seat back frame including side members and an upper crossmember extending between the side members fixedly secured to the seat cushion frame. A recliner mechanism is fixedly secured to the seat cushion frame for pivotally moving the seat back relative to the seat cushion, and an armrest is connected to one of the side members. In addition, a bracket includes a base and first and second mounting arms extending out from the base. The base is fixedly secured to one of the side members. The armrest is secured to the first mounting arm and the recliner mechanism is secured to the second mounting arm such that the bracket maintains a predetermined distance between the armrest and the recliner mechanism.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for supporting the back of a seated person by providing primary support to the back of the seated person at the junction between the lower thoracic vertebrae and the upper lumbar vertebrae and surrounding tissues. More specifically, the primary support is preferably provided to the spine in a target region between the 11th thoracic vertebrae and the 2nd lumbar vertebrae of a user of the chair, and more preferably between the 1st lumbar vertebrae and the 12th thoracic vertebrae.

Abstract: A seat assembly having a tunable tie bar is provided and includes a main pivot and a housing operably supporting the tie bar. The housing is fixedly attached to a seatback of the seat assembly and includes C-shaped members fixedly joined together to provide a space in which the tie bar is disposed. The tie bar is fixedly attached to the housing and is in engagement with the main pivot, whereby the tie bar reacts against the main pivot to provide the seatback with sufficient support. The tie bar serves to strengthen the housing and ultimately provide the seatback with sufficient strength to support an occupant and the accompanying seatbelt loads associated with a seat-mounted retractor assembly. The tie bar is tunable between different seating applications and as such, allows the housing to be used in various seating applications and does not require extensive design and tooling for each application.

Abstract: An improved rivet system is disclosed. A wall proximity reclining/tilt chair includes the improved rivet system which eliminates the need for oil lubrication and additional bushings. The rivet system is such that installation is simplified and manufacturing inconsistencies are reduced. In this manner, the rivet system can be installed with less need for quality control confirmations.

Abstract: A coupling member for connecting a conventional handle to a lock release actuating shaft of an vehicle tilt seat mechanism. The coupling member comprises a relatively short shaft having contiguous first and second portions that are of different outer dimensions transverse to the length of the shaft. The larger one of the first and second portions has a recess extending a selected distance inwardly from a free outer end of such portion in a direction toward the smaller one of the two contiguous portions. Means are provided within the recess for detachably mounting and securely anchoring the coupling member on and to the lock release actuating the shaft for rotating same. The smaller one of the contiguous portions is adapted to project into a socket in the handle for the tilt mechanism, and has means thereon cooperating with means in the socket of the handle for preventing relative movement of the handle and coupling member when the handle is moved in a direction to rotate the lock release actuating shaft.

Abstract: An attachment washer assembly for aligning and fastening an attachment bracket (32) to a floor panel (20) has a first member (40) having a tubular ring (44) extending from a cylindrical flange (42) and a second member (5) having a tubular ring (54) extending from a cylindrical flange (56). The ring of the first member is frictionally fitted within the ring of the second member retaining the attachment washer assembly within a preformed aperture formed in the attachment bracket. The flanges slidingly engage the peripheral side portions of the bracket along opposing sides of the aperture. The ring (54) of the second member has an outer diameter which is less than the diameter of the aperture and the flanges (42, 56) having an outer diameter greater than the diameter of the aperture such that the attachment washer assembly is moveable within the preformed aperture for alignment with an aperture in the floor panel to receive a fastener therethrough and secure the bracket to the panel.

Abstract: An improvement in an apparatus used to retain a plastic guide that guides the post of a vehicle head restraint during vertical adjustment. The improved head restraint support tube formed from a flat sheet having two interlocking sides. The sheet formed into a tubular body that retains a plastic guide. The plastic guide used to guide the head restraint post within the hollow tube. The tubular body further having a necked down region with a smaller inner diameter when compared to the remainder of the tube to improve its retaining capability. Additionally, the improved head restraint support tube has a series of lances located at one or both ends to further retain the plastic guide and reduce lateral movement.

Abstract: A garnish arrangement in a through-hole of an annular headrest comprises at least one support wire member, a first cylindrical garnish member of synthetic resin material, and a second cylindrical garnish member of synthetic resin material. The support wire member extends across the through-hole of the annular headrest. The first and second cylindrical garnish members each has an engagement element and a stopper element. With this garnish arrangement, the first and second cylindrical garnish members are firmly engaged together within the through-hole at their respective engagement elements, while the support wire member is sandwiched between the stopper element of the first cylindrical garnish member and the stopper element of the second cylindrical garnish member, thereby providing a robust structure against deformation.

Abstract: In a fastening device (101) for a child's seat on a vehicle seat, in particular on a motor-vehicle seat, having at least one fastening element (109) which can be moved between an operational position and a parking position and which can be secured in the operational position, an interlocking element (113) is provided which locks the fastening element (109) in the operational position.

Abstract: A chair control actuator, such as a chair control paddle, is provided with a surface relief. The surface relief depicts a chair in two different positions illustrative of different chair positions which may result from use of said actuator. The surface relief has solid relief areas depicting a first of the two positions and outline relief areas depicting a second of the two positions.

Abstract: Ground-contacting block structure of a chair for preventing the chair leg from scraping wooden floorboard and other high glass floorboards. The ground-contacting block is designed with different patterns respectively for fixing under bottom end of a column-type chair leg and latching under the transverse beam of a U-shaped chair leg. The ground-contacting block is composed of a mother pad and a daughter pad which are made of two different materials with different elastic coefficients. The mother pad is fixedly connected with the chair leg. The daughter pad is assembled with the mother pad and protrudes from the bottom of the mother pad. The daughter pad is resiliently softer than the mother pad. Therefore, the chair legs can more stably and silently contact with the ground without scraping or wearing the floorboard.