Abstract: A driver interface assembly (10) is provided comprising a controller element (15) mounted to a body (16) which forms an integral part of an armrest (11) associated with a driver's seat (12). The body is rotatable with respect to the armrest between two positions: (a) an operating position, in which the controller element is exposed for operation thereof, and (b) a stowed position in which the controller element is concealed from use. The body remains substantially within the profile of the armrest when in both the operating position and the stowed position. The volume occupied by the armrest (11) can therefore be exploited to mount and stow a controller element (15). This is particularly advantageous in a working environment where space is at a premium.

Abstract: A lock device for a vehicular seat, including a striker and a catcher including a base plate, a cover, a first striker receiving portion formed in each of the base plate and the cover, a latch rotatably disposed through a latch shaft, a lock plate rotatably disposed through a lock shaft, and a rubber bumper mounted to the first striker receiving portion of the base plate. The rubber bumper includes engaging grooves engaged with side peripheries of the first striker receiving portion of the base plate, respectively, a recessed portion engaged with a bumper receiving portion formed on a bottom surface of the first striker receiving portion of the base plate, and restraining portions engageable with outer circumferential surfaces of the latch shaft and the lock shaft, thereby restraining the rubber bumper from falling off from the first striker receiving portion of the base plate.

Abstract: The structure for mounting a seating body according to the present invention includes a seating body mounting portion, a leg mounting portion and a screw. The seating body mounting portion is provided to a back surface of a seating face of a seating body, and has a screw hole. The leg mounting portion is provided to a leg member, and includes a through-bore formed thereon into which a screw shaft can be inserted. The screw fixes the seating body mounting portion and the leg mounting portion. The seating body mounting portion contacts the leg mounting portion on a first region in which the screw hole is formed and on a second region which is spaced from the first region via a groove.

Abstract: A seat assembly including a pair of spaced apart lower sectors, each exhibiting an annular extending inner surface defining first and second aligning apertures, and an upper sector interposed between the spaced apart lower sectors and exhibiting a further annular extending inner surface defining a further aperture positioned between the aligning apertures of the lower sectors and defining a pivot point of the upper sector. A bushing and collar spacer are incorporated into the pivot point to maintain a desired spacing between the upper and lower sectors. A bushing exhibits male and female subassemblies, each further exhibiting an outer annular projecting perimeter lip such that the male bushing is installed through the aligning apertures in the upper and lower sector plates from the exterior side of a first selected lower sector, whereas the female bushing is installed from an exterior side of the other lower sector.

Abstract: A chair support apparatus includes partially affixed first and second flexible panels with a first and second outer periphery portion respectively, also a plurality of channels are formed between the first and second flexible panels bounded by the partial affixment. Also, a plurality of straps are disposed within each one of the channels, wherein each of the straps has a pair of extensions that extend beyond the first and second outer peripheries, each strap has a slip fit engagement within each channel allowing relative movement between the first and second flexible panels and the strap. Operationally, each of the strap extensions is engaged to a beam of a chair for drawing taut a plurality of portions of the first and second flexible panels resulting in a remaining plurality of portions of the first and second flexible panels drooping from the relative movement as between the taut portions to retain accessories.

Abstract: A pinch guard for a vehicle seat (1) is provided that can be transferred from a normal use position into a step-in position. The vehicle seat (1) includes a rear foot, which is attached to a base (5) in the normal use position of the vehicle seat (1) and in the step-in position of the vehicle seat (1) the rear foot is arranged at a distance above the base (5). The vehicle seat (1) includes a rear lower pivoting axis firmly fixed to the base. The pinch guard includes at least one movable trim (17) with a pivoting axis (A), and the pivoting axis (A) of the movable trim (17) is arranged at a distance from the rear lower pivoting axis, fixed to the base of the vehicle seat (1).

Abstract: An actuator device for the seat adjustment in a motor vehicle, exhibiting at least one ratchet fitting (1), a transmission element (2) and an actuator element (3), whereby the transmission element (2) is centered in the ratchet fitting (1) with a centering element (4) such that the centering element (4) allows for a limited torsional backlash between the transmission element (2) and the ratchet fitting (1) and creates a restoring force against the rotation, whereby said transmission element (2) is connected in a torsionally stiff manner to the actuator element (3), whereby the actuator element (3) is connected in a form-fitting manner to the centering element (4).

Abstract: A height adjustment mechanism is disclosed that includes a pedestal height variability mechanism. The pedestal height variability mechanism includes a first member and a biasing mechanism. The biasing mechanism is configured to hold the first member in a first position. The first member has a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The biasing mechanism has a first portion attached to the first member adjacent the first end of the first member. The biasing mechanism also has a second portion attached to the first member adjacent to the second end of the first member. Preferably, a second member is also provided that is moveably attached to the first member. The second member may be configured such that movement of the second member actuates height adjustment of a chair.

Abstract: A seat operation device having improved operability of both a height adjustment mechanism and an angle adjustment mechanism, and a seat. The vehicle seat (10) has a seat lifter (22) that is provided at a seat body for seating and is adjusted by operation force transmitted, a reclining mechanism (20) that is provided at the seat body and is adjusted by operation force transmitted, and an operation lever (30) that adjusts the seat lifter (22) and the reclining mechanism (20). The operation lever (30) can take both a first predetermined position and a second predetermined position. At the first predetermined position, operation force by operation of a person seated can be transmitted to an operation load input section (28) of the seat lifter (22). At the second predetermined position, operation force by operation of the person seated can be transmitted to a reclining release plate (38) of the reclining mechanism (20).

Abstract: A release handle is adapted to activate a portion of a chair or sofa, such as a foot rest or a recline mechanism. The handle allows a user to selectively control the movement of functions of the chair. The handle is coupled to a cable, which is used to release a mechanism on the chair, such as the footrest. The handle includes a grip ring that is coupled to an annular tube at one end. The annular tube is adapted to be positioned over sheath of the pull cable. The annular tube protects the cable within the sheath to prevent wear to the cable to prevent breakage. The handle also includes a retention slot positioned at the top of the annular tube, at the junction of the tube and the grip ring. The retention slot is adapted to allow an end fitting of the cable to be snapped into the handle to secure its position.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, an alarm assembly for a wheel chair is disclosed. A pair of mounting brackets is combined to the frame underneath the seat of the wheel chair. A removable and extendable switch-bar selectively combines to the mounting brackets. The switch-bar is adjustable in length to accommodate chairs of various widths and selectively positionable on the mounting brackets to change the distance between the seat and switch. The switch on the switch-bar senses the presence of a patient and in response to the absence of a patient communicates an alarm signal to the alarm.

Abstract: A seat latch structure is provided, which includes a base bracket mounted on a seat for a vehicle and having a first insertion hole and a second insertion hole formed thereon and an opening which is formed on one side thereof and into which a striker fixed to a vehicle body is inserted, a claw having a first through-hole formed thereon to correspond to the first insertion hole and a locking groove formed on one side thereof, a pawl provided on one side of the claw and having a second through-hole formed thereon to correspond to the second insertion hole, a first rotating shaft and a second rotating shaft inserted into the first through-hole of the claw and the second through-hole of the pawl, respectively, and a double torsion spring connecting the first through-hole and the second through-hole into which the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft are inserted, respectively.

Abstract: A travel pillow or cushioning device that provides lateral comfort in travel or fixed position seating with a one piece, easily installed unit with an inherent self securing design that is positioned on top of an armrest and is further secured between two seat backrests or supported by the interior wall of a moving vehicle.

Abstract: An unlocking device is provided for a vehicle seat of a motor vehicle, particularly for a vehicle seat with a foldable backrest, that includes, but is not limited to a basic element arranged on the backrest of the vehicle seat with a longitudinal axis, an unlocking element rotatable connected about a swivel axis to the basic element, as well as a belt guide. The swivel axis is substantially arranged perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the basic element and the swivel axis is arranged in a plane of the backrest, and the belt guide configured in the form of an open profile. Through the unlocking element an improved entering is made possible.

Abstract: A vehicle seat lock device is provided. The vehicle seat lock device includes a seat lock housing, a striker, a hook member and a blocking member. The seat lock housing is configured to be fixed to one of a seat back and a vehicle body. The striker is configured to be fixed to the other of the seat back and the vehicle body. The hook member is rotatably mounted on the seat lock housing to latch and unlatch the striker by engaging and disengaging the striker, respectively. The blocking member is pivotally mounted on the seat lock housing. The blocking member pivots and contacts with the hook member to prevent the hook member from rotating and to maintain engagement between the hook member and the striker when a load that is higher than a predetermined amount is inputted to the vehicle body.

Abstract: A furniture member leg rest ratcheting member for temporarily retaining a leg rest assembly in multiple extended positions includes a one-piece homogeneous member having a first portion including at least two cavities each defining a leg rest assembly extended position. A second portion has a male engagement tongue. A third portion has opposed first and second bracket engagement members spaced from each other. The third portion is elastically deflectable with respect to the first and second portions to permit a furniture mechanism bracket to be received between the first and second bracket engagement members when the male engagement tongue of the second portion is engaged with the furniture member bracket and to allow a ratcheting motion of the first and second portions with respect to the third portion.

Abstract: A variable torque rotary damper for a vehicle seat comprises a housing defining a non-uniform chamber for retaining therein a viscous fluid. A rotor has an axial portion extending at least partially into the chamber and a resistive portion extending radially from the axial portion for moving through the viscous fluid within the chamber. When torque is applied to the rotor resulting in rotation of the resistive portion through the viscous fluid, a resistant force being applied by the viscous fluid on the resistive portion increases or decreases proportionally relative to a position of the resistive portion within the non-uniform chamber.

Abstract: A vehicle seat movable between a seating mode, an ingress/egress mode, and a cargo mode includes a vehicle seat rotation controlling apparatus. The vehicle seat rotation controlling apparatus allows a seat back to be rotated toward a seat bottom into the ingress/egress mode while holding the seat bottom in an elevated position. Further, the vehicle seat rotation controlling apparatus allows the seat back to be rotated further toward the seat bottom into the cargo mode while rotating the seat bottom into a lowered position. When the vehicle seat is moved from the cargo mode to the seating mode, the seat back is rotated away from the seat bottom while the vehicle seat rotation controlling apparatus causes the seat bottom to rotate into the elevated position.

Abstract: A fastening bracket (1) for a chair (2) having two side members (21) and a seat plate (20), an assembly kit for a chair, and the use of the fastening bracket and the assembly kit. The fastening bracket includes an upper beam (10) and a lower beam (11) positioned in parallel over each other and joined in the front edge and rear edge by a front side piece (12) and a rear side piece (13) respectively, the pieces being outside a first space that is formed between the beams (10, 11 The first space receives a side edge of the seat plate (20). A second space is formed between the front and rear side piece (12, 13) and receives a side member (21) of the chair (2). The bracket includes at least one fastening device (14).

Abstract: A sofa hinge that provides easy conversion of a sofa convertible from one position to another while providing added safety by substantially reducing the risk of an injury to the operator's fingers. The sofa hinge includes a first and a second bracket rotatably connected to the sofa hinge at a bolt. The second bracket includes a semi-circular portion that covers a portion of the lever during the various positions of the sofa. The sofa hinge further includes a cover plate rotatably connected to the sofa hinge at the bolt. The cover plate includes a semi-circular portion and is adjacent to the semi-circular portion of the second bracket. The cover plate covers at least a portion of the semi-circular portion of the second bracket. By having the cover plate conceal the gear mechanism of the sofa hinge, the risk of injury to the operator's fingers is substantially reduced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a floor latch (200) for connecting a vehicle seat base portion (204) with a vehicle floor portion, the floor latch (200) comprising an attachment means (301) and a riser (300), the floor latch (200) providing centering of the attachment means (301) for clamping the riser (300) with the seat base portion (204) or with the vehicle floor portion.

Abstract: A hood assembly for use with furniture, the hood assembly comprising a frame structure including at least first and second rigid elongated frame members that are spaced apart by at least a first brace member and a fabric sock cover member that forms a passage that is open on at least one end, wherein the frame structure is slid into the passage to stretch the sock cover member over the frame structure and form an architectural structure including portions of the fabric sock cover member on either side of the frame member.

Abstract: A stay is provided with an insulating member, so that only a lower stay body disposed on a lower side of the insulating member can be energized. Further, the lower stay body is set at a position in which the lower stay body is not exposed to an interior of the seat back when the head rest is vertically adjustably connected to the seat back.

Abstract: Hinge mechanism comprising first and second frames rotatably mounted relative to one another, the first frame comprising a collet, a control member rotatably mounted in the collet of the first frame and controlling a relative rotation between the two frames, and a brake unit comprising an operating member connected to the control member with angular play. The brake unit is housed in the collet of the first frame and fitted with a braking member adapted to brake the control member when the operating member is not activated and to allow the operating member to rotationally drive the control member.

Abstract: A method for forming connecting structures between the column and seating portion for office chairs, characterised by:-forming a frusto-conical portion (8) provided with a flange (24, 26, 28) by cold-pressing a portion of sheet metal,-inserting said flanged portion into a mould (32) reproducing the shape of the structure,-injecting plastic material into the mould in such a manner as to incorporate the flanged portion (24, 26, 28) of said frusto-conical portion (8) into the plastic material.

Abstract: hinge mechanism comprising first and second rotating frames and a control member mounted rotatably in a neck of the first frame, such control member being capable of controlling the relative rotation of the frames. A metal retaining part is held in the neck by pressing, and the control member is mounted rotatably independently of the retaining part and abuts against such retaining part.

Abstract: A latch assembly for vehicle seat is provided. The latch assembly includes a base with a receiving pocket for accommodating a striker of a vehicle body part, a catch rotatably coupled to the base to rotate between a locking position where the catch supports the striker and an unlocking position where the catch allows the striker to escape, a damping plate rotatably coupled to the base to elastically press the catch to rotate to the unlocking position and having a damping surface which elastically presses and supports the striker accommodated in the receiving pocket, a pawl plate rotatably coupled to the base and having a pressing surface which presses the catch rotated to the locking position, and a pawl rotatably coupled to the base with the same rotating axis as the pawl plate and can prevent a further rotation of the catch due to an outer impact.

Abstract: A seat assembly having a guide bushing. The guide bushing has a body and a biasing member. The body has an opening for receiving a support post and first and second engagement features that are configured to flex. The biasing member exerts a biasing force on the first and second engagement features to bias the first and second engagement features.

Abstract: A combined backrest for a chair comprises a left side plastic fastener, a right side plastic fastener and at least one wooden rest board. The left side plastic fastener is fixedly connected to the left side rest staff. The right side plastic fastener is fixedly connected to the right side rest staff, and the left edge part and the right edge pad of the wooden rest board are fixedly connected to the left side plastic fastener and the right side plastic fastener, respectively.

Abstract: A furniture member component drive mechanism includes a force multiplying gear assembly. A wire member can slide within a flexible sheath in opposed first and second directions. The wire member is connected to the gear assembly for axial displacement. A lever arm connected to the gear assembly defines a lever arm first axis of rotation. Rotating the lever arm in a first direction about the first axis of rotation axially incrementally displaces the wire member in the first displacement direction. The lever arm is rotatably connected to a pivot base defining a second axis of rotation of the lever arm transverse to the first axis of rotation. Rotating the lever arm about the second axis of rotation displaces the wire member in the second displacement direction.

Abstract: A locking chair adjustment mechanism for adjusting a position of a chair component. The mechanism comprises a central shaft, a spiral jaw clutch comprising two interconnecting spiral jaw interfaces and a slotted element wherein the slot is sized to slideably receive the central shaft for displacement of the slotted element when the mechanism is in an unlocked position. A locking pad locks the mechanism against the slotted element. A rotatable adjustment handle allows the mechanism to toggle from a locked position, to an unlocked position, by displacement of the spring mechanism caused by the rotation of the spiral jaw interface fixedly mounted on the adjustment handle, therefore releasing pressure on the locking pad. A spring mechanism is activated when the claimed mechanism goes from a locked position to an unlocked position, pulling the claimed mechanism back to a locked position. The claimed mechanism provides a low cost solution offering better locking capabilities than traditional braking mechanisms.

Abstract: A seat assembly includes a first member. There is a second member located proximate to the first member. A latch mechanism is located between the first member and the second member and is configured to selectively prevent movement of the second member relative to the first member. A latch release switch is positioned on the seat assembly and is configured to send a first signal when a user applies an adjustment force at a seat adjustment location. A controller is connected to the latch release switch and a latch release actuator and is configured to receive the first signal from the latch release switch and in response to generate an activation signal. The latch release actuator is activated in response to the activation signal to move the latch mechanism to a released position to allow relative movement between the first member and the second member.

Abstract: Spring-soft intermediate mounting piece for use in a swivel chair, which comprises a chair column comprising a gas lift (1) and a standardized cone, as well as a seat mechanism comprising a conical sleeve, wherein the intermediate mounting piece comprises an elastic element so as to enable a spring-soft interconnection between the chair column and the seat mechanism. The intermediate mounting piece comprises a cartridge (3) for being able to receive the standardized cone of the chair column (9), wherein the cartridge (3) is at least partially encased by an elastic rubber element (7). In addition, the intermediate mounting piece, which comprises in an upper portion thereof a housing comprising a cone (4) for plugging the cartridge (3) of the seat mechanism and which encloses in a lower portion thereof the cartridge (3) together with the elastic rubber element (7) at least partially in the radial direction.

Abstract: A drive device for a motor vehicle seat (1) has a mount (22), a drive (24) which is mounted to the mount (22), so as to be pivoted about a first axis (A), an output (25) which is mounted to the mount (22), so as to be rotated about a second axis (B), and a transmission. The transmission transmits a driving pivot movement of the drive (24), which moves the drive (24) from an initial position into a deflected position, to the output (25) and causes a rotating movement of the output (25). At least one rolling body (26) is provided as the transmission. The rolling body (26), in the initial position and during the driving pivot movement of the drive (24), is in friction contact both with the drive (24) and simultaneously with the output (25) and rolls along same, and releases during the pivot movement back into the initial position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a seat apparatus having: a seat back; a forward tilt device that allows at least a portion of the seat back to tilt forward; a securing device that secures the seat back at a vehicle body side; and a release strap that is used for releasing a securing condition of the securing device and has a grip portion. The release strap has a first condition in which the grip portion is positioned at a rear side of the seat back and a second condition in which the grip portion is positioned at a portion so as to be accessible from a front side of the seat back, and one of the first condition and the second condition of the release strap can be selected.

Abstract: A vehicle seat (1), in particular a motor vehicle seat, has at least one fitting (10) including two fitting components (11, 12) that can rotate relative to each other. At least one structural component (15) has at least one opening (16) for partially receiving the fitting (11, 12) and at least one mounting area (18) enclosing the opening (16) for mounting the fitting (10), by at least one weld seam (19) between the mounting area (18) and one of the two fitting components (11, 12). The mounting area (18) is reinforced by additional material relative to the other areas of the structural component (15).

Abstract: A rear seat of a vehicle which allows controlled reclining of the seat as well as folding the seatback to a stowed position.

Abstract: An operation cable has an operational structure in which an inner member inserted into a tubular outer member is pulled from a lower end side thereof. The operation cable having a double layer structure is axially connected to a double layer cable that is constructed from a stay of a headrest and a push rod inserted into the tubular stay. In particular, the stay is inserted into a support positioned on an upper portion of the seat back, a lower end of the stay and an upper end of the inner member are axially connected to each other, so that a lower end of the push rod in the tubular stay and a head portion of the outer member are positioned closer to each other. As a result, the push rod can be pushed by the head portion of the outer member when the operation cable is pulled.

Abstract: A locking element for a vehicle seat serves to lock the backrest to a seat part and/or to the body of the vehicle. The element comprises a rotatably mounted rotary catch which interacts with a pin in a locking manner. A rotatably mounted latching pawl secures the rotary catch in its locking position. In case of an accident, the rotary catch and the latching pawl are displaced relative to a housing part.

Abstract: A vehicle seat headrest (14) is mounted on a vehicle seat back (12) for infinite position vertical adjustment by helical spring clamping and unclamping of a support shaft of the headrest.

Abstract: A connector includes a first component having a socket and a first catch portion and a second component having a post and a resilient arm having a second catch portion. The post is shaped to be received in the socket. The second component is moveable along an axis relative to the first component from a first position wherein the resilient arm is biased such that the second catch portion is in a non-engaged position to a second position wherein the second catch portion is in an engaged position relative to the first catch portion.

Abstract: A gaming system including a chair having a base and a mechanical connector mounted to the base, and a gaming machine having a rotary locking mechanism to mate with the mechanical connector of the chair to latch the base to the gaming machine. The gaming machine and base can include an electrical connection.

Abstract: A hinged fitting for an article of seating furniture, which has a supporting element which is capable of being swung, by means of a swing over joint, from a basic position to the side of the seat to an end position that is located in front of the seat to form a leg rest, with the top or lateral surface of the supporting element in the basic position becoming the bottom surface thereof in the end position, has a displacement device, by means of which the end position of the supporting element can be displaced to a position in front of the seat or the base frame of the article of seating furniture beyond the position defined by the swing over joint.

Abstract: A three component swiveling and rolling glide device, of which two components comprise the mounting assembly and one is an exchangeable base. The mounting assembly is designed to accept multiple fasteners such as screws, bolts, pins or nails. The glide base is removable by finger pressure only without the need for tools enabling the easy interchangeability of the glide base and the fastener as desired. This glide also has a tandem swiveling and rolling capability and will adapt to a singular rolling function in deep carpets or whenever the glide is at maximum tilt. The hard base has a unique base design to encourage the swiveling and rolling action of the glide. The soft base can accept different materials for the specific need, such as, felt to protect hardwood or tile flooring or rubber for a non-skid function. This glide is designed to combine all the above functions, allowing it to adapt to multiple furniture and flooring styles.

Abstract: A tiltable anti-pinch vehicle seat assembly for an associated vehicle is provided. The seat assembly includes a seat and a tilt assembly is provided for supporting the seat and is disposed between the seat and a chassis of the associated vehicle. The tilt assembly is capable of moving the seat between a forward tilted position and a rearward latched position. The tilt assembly includes a first latching member. A second latching member is secured to the chassis of the associated vehicle for selectively engaging the latch and the latch and the striker cooperate to maintain the seat in the rearward latched position. A pinch guard housing is disposed about the first and second latching members. The housing substantially covers the first latching member, the second latching member, and a pinch zone defined between the first latching member and the second latching member when the tilt assembly is in the forward tilted position.

Abstract: A holding structure of a vehicular seat for holding an electric wire member has a shield. The shield is made of a resin and has a main body that can be integrally formed with a bending portion and a cover portion arranged on an inner side of the main body. The holding structure further includes a locking portion capable of locking the cover portion on the inner side of the main body. The holding structure is capable of accommodating a wire member between the cover portion and the main body.

Abstract: A system and method to tether a child seat to a vehicle seat is disclosed. The child seat has a latch strap engaging with a lower back of the child seat and a top tether strap coupled to a top of the child seat. An adapter plate is provided which has first, second, and third apertures with the first and second apertures receiving first and second connectors coupled to first and second ends of the latch strap and the third aperture receiving a third connector coupled to the top tether strap. The latch strap ends are threaded through the seat bight and coupled to first and second apertures of the adapter plate. The top tether strap connector is coupled to the third aperture. Each strap has a cinch, which is adjusted to tighten the straps.

Abstract: An armrest attaching structure for attaching an armrest to a vehicle seat having a seat back frame, the seat back frame having a side frame element that is connected to a base member at a lower end portion thereof, may include an armrest attachment member having an armrest attaching portion and a connecting portion. The armrest attaching portion is connected to the armrest. The connecting portion is connected to the side frame element of the seat back frame at a position closer to the lower end portion of the side frame element than the armrest attaching portion.

Abstract: A protective chair having a base with a support platform having supporting legs extending therefrom to hold the platform and an engaged seat cushion elevated from a support surface. A seatback, and seat cushion and secondary cushions extending away from the seat cushion are engaged to the base. Each of the seatback, seat cushion and extending cushions have one or a plurality of bullet resistant layers which provide a ballistic shield for a user who picks up the chair and holds it in an as-used position, in-between the user and an assailant. A viewing slit positioned between the extending cushions and the seat cushion allows the user to view a potential assailant on the other side. Elongated members extending away from the seat cushion, on the side of the chair opposite the user, may be employed to attack the assailant.

Abstract: A seat support for a juvenile restraint adapted to receive a juvenile seat. The seat support includes an anchor belt retainer for anchoring a seat-base anchor belt to the seat support and for anchoring a vehicle anchor belt to the seat support.