Abstract: Protective strips for use in the manufacture of upholstered furniture include a fastening strip portion, a cover strip portion and a hinge portion which flexibly connects the fastening and cover strip portions to one another. In use, the protective strips may be positioned such that a portion of the upholstery fabric is sandwiched between the fastening strip portion thereof and a portion of the furniture frame to which the fabric is to be attached. Suitable fasteners (e.g., staples, tacks, nails, brads and like fasteners) may then be physically driven through the fastening strip portion and the underlying fabric portion into the furniture frame and thereby fasten the fabric portion physically to the frame. Once the fastening strip portion has been fastened to the furniture frame, the remaining fabric portion may be doubled over the fastened tail portion which in turn causes the cover strip portion to be folded over the fastening strip portion.

Abstract: An inclination adjustment fitting for seat backs of vehicle seats includes two fitting parts that are connected in a swiveling manner relative to each other via a wobble mechanism driven by an eccentric. The eccentric is formed from an eccentric ring and two wedge segments that are arranged in mirror image and set apart from each other and that in regions cover the circumference of the eccentric ring. The wedge segments are pressed apart by a spring acting against their one end faces for increasing the eccentricity and which are capable of being acted upon against the force of the spring by driving elements between the other end faces. The spring is supported on the eccentric such that the wedge segments occupy a defined position relative to the eccentric ring.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a method and an apparatus for adjusting mutual position of two structural elements of a patient chair, like the back rest and the head rest, articulated with each other, in which method the mutual position of the two structural elements (3, 4, 5) connected with each other by articulation is adjusted by a drive device (13). With the help of the drive device (13) it is possible to produce, for example, an essentially high rotational motion that can be converted to a linear motion with the help of a thread. The linear motion is converted to an essentially slow rotational motion with the help of a thread element (9) functionally connected to an articulated shaft (6, 7) belonging to the position adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fitting for a vehicle seat, in particular a motor vehicle seat, comprising a first fitting part; a second fitting part which can be rotated about an axis in relation to the first fitting part; an eccentric which is rotationally mounted about the axis and which can be driven; at least two locking devices, which are guided in a radial direction by the first fitting part, can be displaced in a radial direction in an outward manner by the eccentric and which co-operate in a radial manner towards the outside with the second fitting part in order to lock the fitting; and at least one spring arrangement (17) which impinges upon the eccentric. The spring arrangement (17) comprises two springs (27, 28) which are arranged in a central manner and are placed within each other.

Abstract: A servo mechanism for a seat part arranged on a support frame for travel in a longitudinal direction in synchronism with an adjustment of a back rest part from a normal position to several predetermined reclined positions, includes a scissor-type articulated lever assembly which is connected to the seat part and the support frame. The articulated lever assembly includes several articulated lever elements. A spring assembly progressively applies a spring force upon the scissor-type articulated lever assembly such that a relative change in angular disposition between the lever elements applies a substantially constant force upon the seat part in every position of the seat part, whereby a relatively great longitudinal travel distance of the seat part is accompanied by a short spring travel during the spring force application.

Abstract: An aircraft seat fixing apparatus includes at least one insertion region and at least one retaining element, both of which are provided for fixing a shell half to a bracket. The insertion region comprises a recess for enabling the retaining element to be inserted into the insertion region by means of an insertion movement which has a component perpendicular to a main direction of the extent of the retaining element.

Abstract: A device for adjustment of the level of inclination of the back part of a motor vehicle seat having a device part (2) connected to the seat part and a device part (3) connected to the backrest, which can be pivoted opposite to each other about a pivot axis (14), wherein both device parts (2,3) have parts of gearings (4,5) forming a swash mechanism, which roll over each other under the influence of cam means (11) that can be rotated about a pivot axis (14). The drive of the cam means (11) is provided via a two-part carrier, comprised of a metal carrier boss (17) and a metal carrier plate (18) non-rotatingly connected therewith. The carrier boss (17) has a collar (17.2) for axial bracketing of the device parts (2,3) on one side of the device for adjustment of the level of inclination (1). The object is to configure this type of device for adjustment of the level of inclination, so that no longer requires an additional locking ring for axial bilateral bracketing of the device parts (2,3).

Abstract: A folding seat apparatus for a vehicle comprising a slide mechanism for slidably moving a seat in a front-and-rear direction, and a pop-up mechanism for popping up a seat cushion. The slide mechanism and pop-up mechanism are connected to the control lever. The controller controls the actuator so that the control lever rotates in the forward or reverse direction. The pop-up mechanism is unlocked by rotating the control lever in a first direction, and the slide mechanism is unlocked by rotating the control lever in a second direction.

Abstract: The sheath for receiving a head-rest branch includes at least one wedge disposed in a window formed in a wall of the sheath and adapted to be disposed between the bushing and the branch, said wedge having a thickness greater than that of said wall so that, when the sheath is housed in the bushing and the branch is received in the sheath, the wedge is compressed between the bushing and the branch.

Abstract: A fence-mounted, collapsible spectator seat includes a compact and durable seat that is designed to fit onto or hang from fence panels. The assembly is produced from sturdy yet lightweight material and includes a hooked backing with an integrally attached seating area. The assembly is telescopically adjustable in length. A back base member has a U-shaped mounting hook attached at its top end. A second U-shaped mounting hook is attached at the bottom end of the back base member. The seat extends from the bottom of the base member at an oblique angle and is attached thereto by a seat stem. The seat is padded and is swivel mounted to the seat stem.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for mounting a thermoelectric device in a thermo-regulatable vehicle seat incorporating a lumbar support device. The thermoelectric device is mounted to a seat back load support structure which is affixed to a rear portion of the seat back cushion by a mounting bracket such that the entire upper and lower end portion of the seat back cushion can move forward and backward with the lumbar support device in position.

Abstract: A recliner cover assembly for enclosing a recliner mechanism of an automotive seat wherein the recliner mechanism includes an upper arm pivotally coupled to a lower arm. The recliner cover assembly comprises a housing defined by facing first and second molded members forming a cavity therebetween for encasing at least a portion of the recliner mechanism and a separate shingle cover slidably coupled between the first and second molded members wherein the shingle cover is coupled to the upper arm of the recliner mechanism for movement concomitantly therewith to continuously cover the recliner mechanism encased with the housing.

Abstract: An integrated compensator module that protects cable and conduit assemblies from excessive loading. Also, a primary cable and conduit assembly that transfers motion to a plurality of secondary cable and conduit assemblies. The conduit portions of the secondary cable and conduit assemblies are biased to relieve excessive loads on the secondary cable and conduit assemblies.

Abstract: An adjustable seat having an upright position and an inclined position for use on a watercraft, wherein the seat includes a frame; a movable seat bottom having an upper surface that is at a greater angle relative to the horizontal in the inclined position than in the upright position; and a movable seat back that is at a greater angle relative to the vertical in the inclined position than in the upright position. A rear portion of the seat bottom may be located lower in the inclined position than in the upright position, and the seat back may be located lower in the inclined position than in the upright position. The adjustable seat may include a gas-assist strut connected between the frame and one of either the seat bottom or the seat back. The frame may include at least one slot to facilitate movement of the adjustable seat from the upright position to the inclined position, and the seat may further include a support member movable in the slot.

Abstract: A recliner assembly for a vehicle seat having a seat back movably mounted relative to a seat bottom includes first and second frame members. The first frame member supports the seat back. The second frame member supports the seat bottom. The first frame member is pivotally attached to the second frame member and is movable between an upright position and a storage position. In the upright position, the seat back is in a generally vertical position for supporting an occupant seated on the seat. In the storage position, the seat back is positioned above the seat bottom. A damper is operatively connected between the first and second frame members. The damper dampens the movement of the first frame member relative to the second frame member when the first frame member is pivoted from the upright position to the storage position.

Abstract: A one-piece stamped metal guide (128) for seatbelt webbing (112) in a vehicle (108) includes a mounting portion (242) for mounting the guide in the vehicle. The mounting portion (242) defines a mounting plane (352). A guiding portion (244) includes a guiding surface (256) having at least one guide element (258) stamped in the metal forming the guiding portion. A portion of the guiding surface (256) including the at least one guide element (258) is positioned outside the mounting plane (352). Laterally spaced side portions (246) connect the guiding portion (244) with the mounting portion (242). The mounting portion (242), guiding portion (244), and side portions (246) define a webbing slot (248) for receiving the seatbelt webbing (112) for sliding movement over the guiding surface (256).

Abstract: A device for attaching a child safety seat has a frame defining a slot engageable by a fixed catch; and a lever which rotates, about an axis of rotation, from a release position to a lock position to retain the catch inside the slot. The frame guides a control member, in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the lever, between a forward position and a withdrawn position with respect to the slot; a spring pushes the control member into the withdrawn position, and a cam transmission rotates the lever into the release position as the control member is pushed into the forward position in opposition to the spring; and the lever is fixed radially with respect to its axis of rotation, and is retained in the release position by a pin, carried by the control member, engaging a seat on the frame.

Abstract: An adjustment mechanism includes a housing, a pawl rotatably supported by the housing, and a sector plate rotatably supported by the housing. The sector plate ratchets along the pawl in a first rotational direction and selectively locks the sector plate in one of a plurality of angular positions to prevent rotation of the sector plate in a second rotational direction relative to the housing. A reset lever is in selective engagement with the pawl to rotate the pawl out of engagement with the sector plate and permit rotation of the sector plate in the second rotational direction.

Abstract: A chair including a central, substantially vertical supporting member provided with a seat at the top, where the supporting member at the bottom end thereof or adjacent thereto is supported by a plurality of legs. Each leg is substantially horizontal, and one end of each leg is inserted into an opening in a projecting portion of a star-shaped member positioned at the bottom of the supporting member, the one end of each leg being secured in the opening by way of a snap effect and wherein each leg is secured to its respective projecting portion of the star-shaped member by a projecting, rounded guide member positioned at one end of the leg, the guide member being adapted to engage a recess in the under side of the projecting portion of the star-shaped member.

Abstract: A chair comprises a seat, legs for supporting the seat, a backrest frame connected to the legs, and a backrest attached to the backrest frame. The backrest includes a backrest panel and backrest inserts. The backrest panel has slots extending inwardly from peripheral edges of the backrest panel. Each insert is configured for sliding insertion into a corresponding one of the backrest slots. The backrest is secured to the backrest frame by fasteners that pass through the backrest frame and into a corresponding one of the backrest inserts. The backrest inserts may be formed of a sturdy plastic to provide a secure anchor point for the fasteners. This provides a significant advantage for chairs having backrest panels constructed from relatively soft materials, such as pressed wood fiberboard.

Abstract: A chair includes a leg having a mounting hole, a castor having an end portion provided with an axle mounted in the mounting hole of the leg, and a substantially S-shaped snap ring mounted in the annular groove of the axle and rested on a peripheral wall of the mounting hole of the leg. Thus, the S-shaped snap ring is enclosed around the peripheral wall of the annular groove of the axle and rested between the upper wall and the lower wall of the annular groove, so that the S-shaped snap ring will not slip in the annular groove of the axle to prevent from producing noise due to friction between the axle of the castor and the leg during movement of the castor.

Abstract: A chair adjustable device includes a base with which a seat frame and a backrest frame are respectively and pivotably connected. A positioning mechanism is connected to the base and includes an operation handle which is able to shift a transmission frame and a positioning plate is movably connected to the transmission frame and biased by a spring, so that the positioning plate can be movably engaged with one of notches defined in a positioning member on the seat frame. The seat frame and the backrest frame are connected by a connection member so that the chair can be adjusted its tilt angle by operating the operation handle.

Abstract: A method and device for enabling an aft passenger on a conveyance to establish protection from a forward seatback, irrespective of a conventional effort by a forward passenger to cause reclining of the forward seatback. A device is disclosed that includes a main body and additional elements appended to the main body. The device is adapted for access by the aft passenger to activate it in order to inhibit such reclining. In one preferred embodiment, the device is adapted for use on an airplane to engage the forward seatback and an arm of a tray table designated for use by the aft passenger. In another preferred embodiment, the device comprises a recline inhibitor component connected to a depressible safety input control which is integrated with a rearward portion of a seat for access by the aft passenger.

Abstract: A seat back frame of automotive seat, which has an armrest connection point in one of the two side frame members thereof, to which an armrest may be mounted. A reinforcing element is removably secured between such one of the two side frame members and a lower frame member of the seat back frame. The reinforcing element is so formed to have a long portion and a short vertical portion extending vertically and continuously from the long portion. Such long portion and short vertical portion are removably secured to the foregoing lower frame member and the foregoing one of the two side frame members, respectively.

Abstract: A child safety chair restraining system for a table set that includes a strap that comprises two ends with part of an attachment device on at least one end and a strap receiver that comprises an adhesive back and at least one part of an attachment device on the front. The adhesive back of the strap receiver attaches to the underside of a table while the strap wraps around and restrains the chair and attaches to the attachment device on the strap receiver.

Abstract: A seat weight sensor for detecting the load upon a vehicle seat. The seat weight sensor includes a seat rail positioned under the vehicle seat. A lever arm is mounted to the vehicle seat. One end of the lever arm has one or more stationary fingers and a free finger. The stationary fingers are rigidly mounted to the seat rail. The lever arm bends in relation to the force placed upon the seat that in turn places the free finger in motion. A sensor is mounted to the seat rail and is configured to measure the change in motion of the free finger when a force is placed upon the seat.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hitch adaptor adapted to engage a tow plate via a tow ball skirt or base, a tow ball shaft or fastener and a nut or locking device and adapted to receive support structures such as stanchions having deployable panels as seats.

Abstract: A stair lift for lifting and lowering at least one person on a rail on a stairway. There is a carriage mountable to the rail, the carriage having a track engaging drive, and a motor to power the drive, the powered drive causing the carriage to move along the rail. There is a central support post mounted on the carriage and an offset arm connected to the seat support post. The offset arm is mounted to the carriage in one of a left side or a right side position. A seat is mounted on the offset arm, and a notched plate secures the seat in position on the offset arm in either the left side or right side position and permits the seat to swivel between a sideways facing position and an upward facing position to facilitate the person getting into and out of the seat.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat back frame having an aperture extending therethrough, and a head rest guide tube disposed in the aperture. The guide tube has a radially extending swaged portion engaged with the seat back frame for securing the guide tube to the seat back frame.

Abstract: A distance adjustment device for a chair includes a guide rail, a movable plate slidably mounted on the guide rail, a movable handle pivotally mounted on the movable plate and having a first end detachably engaged with the guide rail, and a fixed handle secured on the movable plate and located opposite to a second end of the movable handle. Thus, the user only needs to hold the push portion of the movable handle and the grip portion of the fixed handle by his one hand to unlock and move the movable plate, so that the distance adjustment device is operated by the user's one hand.

Abstract: In a through anchor, a configuration of first grooves (or second grooves) of a region on a surface of a piece, which region is where a webbing is particularly strongly fit tightly to and slides when a vehicle rapidly decelerates (i.e., a region at a vehicle front side and a vehicle compartment inner side), runs along a direction of application of the webbing to a vehicle occupant, and is formed so as to smoothly curve toward a rear of the vehicle. Therefore, the webbing, which slides in a state of being strongly fit tightly to the first grooves (or the second grooves) on the surface of the piece, slides while a direction of sliding thereof is pulled back (corrected) toward the rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mounting a rear seat entertainment device easily and quickly on a seat of a vehicle without affecting the height adjustment of a headrest. The method includes the steps of preparing a bracket having an attachment portion for attachment with the seat and a mounting wall for attachment with a rear seat entertainment device, shifting a headrest upwardly to expose a headrest support tube and a flange of the support tube, placing the attachment portion of the bracket between the flange and a top surface of the seat in such a way that an opening of the attachment portion surrounds the support tube, attaching the rear seat entertainment device to the mounting wall of the bracket, and fixedly attaching a lower part of the rear seat entertainment device to the back of the seat.

Abstract: A low cost and portable infant seat restraint device is provided. The infant seat restraint device having a generally anchor shape form. The anchor installing behind a vehicle seat back and designed to transfer tensile forces from the infant seat restraint straps to the vehicle seat assembly. The infant seat restraint designed to be quickly and easily installed into and removable from the majority of vehicle seats, automotive or otherwise, without the use of special tools or requiring anchoring provisions in the vehicle. The infant seat restraint device designed to install onto most vehicle seats regardless of vehicle age and passenger restraint equipment type installed, if any, and finding especially useful application in conditions where an infant seat anchoring means is not provided. The infant seat restraint device designed to secure modern three points restraint type infant seats to a vehicle passenger seat assembly.

Abstract: A plurality of levers each having one end adapted for attachment below a chair seat for controlling separate movements of a chair, each said lever having another end presenting a substantially planar surface terminating at a periphery, said periphery defining a geometric shape different from one another so as to tactually distinguish said levers and the associated movements of said chair controlled by said levers.

Abstract: A sleeve arrangement for a neck rest, including a sleeve body adapted to be inserted into an opening in a frame of a vehicle seat, the sleeve body having a through going axial passage adapted to accommodate a rod of the neck rest, and the sleeve body having further a head portion which includes internal locking elements to fix the axial position of the rod in the sleeve body and a shank portion joining the head portion, the sleeve body having an external side which includes fixing elements the sleeve body in the opening of the frame, wherein in upper and lower end portions the passage has radially annular enlargements, and a preferably radially expandable sliding bushing of anti-frictional plastic material is accommodated by the enlargements which encircle the rod, and an elastomeric material is accommodated in the intermediate space between the sliding bushing and a wall of the passage.

Abstract: A guide mechanism for a safety seat tether includes a guide and at least one seat back attachment for securing the guide to a seat back. The guide is configured and positioned so as to prevent substantial contact of the tether with a top end of the back seat. The guide may also prevent pressure contact of the tether with upper portions of the front and back surfaces of the seat back. The seat back attachment cooperates with head sleeves on the top end of the seat back to secure the guide to the top end of the seat back.

Abstract: A restraining device for securing a child safety seat to the LATCH system anchors of an automobile includes a strap having first and second opposed ends. Respective hooks or other fasteners are connected to the opposed ends for selective attachment to respective anchors of an automobile. The restraining device includes a ratchet mechanism enabling the strap to be incrementally tightened and thus increasing tension forces between the first and second strap ends. A strain gauge is also included for visually indicating the tension forces and indicating when the straps are at safe or unsafe tension conditions.

Abstract: An adjustable grommet for a chair including an oval shaped member having a top surface, a bottom surface and a contiguous curved side surface. The adjustable grommet is 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: A chair includes: a hollow frame including, on each lateral side of the chair, a front, a back, a bottom, a front bend arranged between the front and the bottom, and a back bend arranged between the back and the bottom; a seat attached to the front of the frame; a seat back attached to the back of the frame; at least one front stiffener insert arranged inside the frame at the front bend and extending along a partial length of the front and the bottom; and at least one back stiffener insert arranged inside the frame at the back bend and extending along a partial length of the back and the bottom. The front stiffener inserts and the back stiffener inserts stiffen the frame relative to a frame without such inserts. The seat back and the seat may be movable independently of each other relative to the bottom of the frame.

Abstract: A high-technology armrest with integrated buttons connected to a command transmission cable for the adjustment of the seat and the seat back movements of an office chair with articulations for the synchronized movement of the seat plane and the seat back. The invention includes a mobile base of the “rocket launcher” type, from which base a column rises, which is adjustable in height, and which supports the seat plane and the reciprocally hinged seat back. A first armrest of the office chair is equipped near the front end with two side-by-side buttons. A second armrest of the office chair, designed symmetrically to the first, is equipped near the front end with a single-control button, for the function of adjusting the height of the chair.

Abstract: A chair includes a frame and a seat bottom associated with the frame. Flexible seat mounts are used to retain the seat bottom on the frame.

Abstract: A car seat that rests on a seat of an automotive vehicle is secured with a restraint system including a seat belt having lap and shoulder sections, a coupler including a latch plate located between the two seat belt sections and a buckle located along the seat. A threader sleeve is installed over the shoulder section behind the latch plate and with tabs attached to the lap section. Then with the sleeve, which is considerably stiffer than the belt, the shoulder and lap sections and the latch plate which separates them are pushed through a channel in the car seat, to present the latch plate on the other side of the seat where it is engaged with the buckle. The tabs are released and the sleeve is withdrawn over the shoulder section to a position remote from the seat.

Abstract: An article supporting device for use in a motor vehicle that is equipped with a pair of headrest supporting sockets in the backrest and a headrest removably mounted in the sockets. The article supporting device includes a horizontal supporting component, an article supporting fixture fixed to the front end of the horizontal component, and a pair of spaced posts fixed to the rear end of the horizontal component.

Abstract: A hinge construction in which a center hinge 14 is provided between seat backs 1 and 2 arranged by being divided into left and right, and the left and right seat backs 1 and 2 are supported by the center hinge 14 so as to be reclinable. In this hinge construction, the center hinge 14 includes a mounting bracket 18 of which one end portion is installed to the right seat back 2, a center hinge bracket 19 installed to the vehicle body side, and a hinge shaft 20 for connecting the mounting bracket 18 to the center hinge bracket 19. The left and right seat backs 1 and 2 are supported via the center hinge 14 so as to be reclinable by inserting the hinge shaft 20 through the other end portion of the mounting bracket 18 and the center hinge bracket 19 and by fixing the hinge shaft 20 to a seat frame 3 of the left seat back 1.

Abstract: A control device for use in a chair includes a casing fastened to the chair at the bottom side, a control rod pivoted to the casing, and an operating handle pivoted to the control rod and turnable between an operative position for rotation by the user to bias the control rod to further control rotation/lifting of the chair and a collapsed non-operative position to reduce space occupation of the chair for delivery.

Abstract: A tiltable chair is provided with a tilt lock mechanism that can be activated when the chair is at any tilt position, the tilt lock mechanism engaging and locking the chair when the chair moves into the upright, neutral position.

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: The present invention relates to a motor vehicle seat with an adjustable reclining backrest, which is articulated to the seat frame on both sides using tilt adjusting fittings. Both tilt adjusting fittings are coupled to each other by a rigid connecting tube, which is formed as a hollow section or at least in the zone of the tilt adjusting fittings as a hollow section. It is used for the simultaneous adjustment of both tilt adjusting fittings by means of a driving device arranged on one side of the seat. The connecting element is fastened bilaterally to one of the two tilt adjusting fittings, so that it is secured on both sides against an axial movement. The object of the invention is to improve this type of seat so that a folding back or opening of the tilt adjusting fittings is prevented while at the same time mounting of the connecting elements without problematic rattling and axial jamming is made possible.

Abstract: A chair includes a seat back having a generally rigid back member. The rigid member includes a peripheral edge. The peripheral edge is defined by spaced apart sides and top and bottom edges extending between the sides. A handle is fixedly secured to the top edge of the seat back. The handle extends between opposite ends. A bumper extends along at least a portion of the peripheral edge. The bumper has at least one end that abuts one of the ends of the handle to provide a smooth transition between the handle and the bumper.

Abstract: A force isolating apparatus for use in a vehicle seat suspension, where the suspension has a base frame and an upper frame mounted to move horizontally relative to the base frame. The force isolating apparatus comprises: a first pair of in line springs comprising a first coiled wire compression spring and a first elastomeric compression spring; a second pair of in line springs comprising a second coiled wire compression spring and a second elastomeric compression spring; and an actuator disposed between said first and second pairs of springs, the actuator being horizontally movable to actuate one of the spring pairs when the base frame and upper frame move relative to one another. A force isolating apparatus may be used with a cooperating shock absorber which is also preferably mounted in line to the spring pairs.