Abstract: A seat assembly for use in a motor vehicle which includes a seat accommodated in the motor vehicle, hardness changing members disposed within the seat and capable of changing a hardness of the seat, running conditions detecting sensors for detecting running conditions of the motor vehicle, an actuating device for actuating the hardness changing members and a controller for driving the actuating device in accordance with running conditions of the motor vehicle by receiving outputs from the running conditions detecting sensors.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method of utilization of the same of a vehicle seat headrest with an adjustable tilt provided by a pneumatic bladder captured between a headrest frame and a pivotally attached cushion support. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention the present invention provides an artificially powered headrest also adjustable in a generally horizontal plane.

Abstract: A seat for supporting a child or infant for use in an automobile which is composed of pliable fabric arranged in a unitized or integral manner to define a seat, arm rests, back and front tray or bar. The fabric provides conduits or channels of continuous passages for holding air when pressurized so that the seat is readily inflatable to expand into a pre-formed arrangement for supporting the occupant. Tie-down straps are operably provided between the seat back and the front of the seat for reliably securing the occupant while back straps are provided for carrying the seat on the back of a parent. A separate inflatable compartment is carried on the seat back for use when the seat is intended to support the occupant in a reclining position. Slots in the fabric receive standard safety belts for retaining the seat and its occupant on the auto seat.

Abstract: An inflatable seat cushion system has an envelope that will fit in a conventional coat pocket or pocketbook of a user when deflated for storage, includes an envelope having an open side with the open side affixed to the back of the inflatable portion. When the inflatable portion is deflated and folded, preferably, seams as hinge portions, it fits into the integral envelope portion which envelope portion has forward facing margins with fasteners that receive the margins over the folded portions. Pocket-like markings may carry out the theme of "pocket" inflatable cushion.

Abstract: A pneumatically cushioned vehicle seat and apparatus and method to adjust the same is provided by the present invention. A novel switching and pumping arrangement for the pneumatic seat and/or seating combination allows the pump to inflate the pneumatic cushion and also deflate the pneumatic cushion. Use of the pump for deflation of the pneumatic cushion eliminates the need of the chair occupant pushing against the same cushion when adjusting the seat to a less firm position.

Abstract: A cushion has a base and a plurality of flexible hollow cells attached to the base and projected outwardly from it. The cells may be arranged in zones, with the interiors of the cells for each zone being in communication, yet isolated from the interiors of the cells for the other zones. The cells are inflated slightly to support a load applied to the cushion, and when the cushion is so loaded, the cells of each zone are at the same pressure, so that the supporting force exerted by each cell of a particular zone against the load is essentially the same. The cells may be of varying length to contour the surface formed by the ends of the cells, giving that surface, for example, a wedge-shaped configuration or a cradle-like configuration. Some of the cells may be separated more than others to provide the cushion with a cavity where no support is provided, and the cavity may extend through the base.

Abstract: In order to achieve with an adjustable back support a further comfort increase, supports consisting of individual air chambers are accommodated in the backrest of a motor vehicle seat stacked flake-shaped one above the other. The approximately horizontally directed boundary edges of the air chambers are constructed wave-shaped so that wave troughs and coordinated wave peaks of two adjoining air chambers overlap owing to the stacking.

Abstract: A three-section convertible sofa mechanism installed in a convertible sofa. The convertible sofa has a pair of curved channels in which the head section of the sofa rides. As the mechanism is pulled outwardly from the sofa frame, the head section is guided upwardly and outwardly by the curved channels. Preferably, the movement of the mechanism in the channels is synchronized so that both sides are raised and lowered together. A retractable leg assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A lumbar supporting air bag assembly built into a seat back includes a main body consisting of a resilient sheet of synthetic resin sealed together at the side edges thereof, a port provided on the main body for introducing air into and discharging air from the main body, a plurality of partitions formed in the sheet, and longitudinally extending elongate holes or slits formed at the center of the partitions, the latter being separated from one another to define mutually communicating chambers in the air bag assembly. The opposing edges of the slits or holes separate from each other when air under pressure is introduced into the air bag, in such a manner that the holes or slits cause the chambers to be expanded in the direction of a pad.

Abstract: A portable inflatable stadium type seat including an airtight hollow base which provides a pressure chamber, the pressure chamber being arranged to introduce air under pressure into a plurality of flexible, double-walled panels secured to a base which also functions as a seat. The panels are arranged to be assembled into a protective enclosure including a canopy structure for the user which overlies the base. The panels, when assembled, are mechanically coupled together by suitable fastening means. Air is introduced under pressure independently from the pressure chamber into each of the panels to inflate the same into the protective enclosure.

Abstract: A piece of boat furniture is vertically adjustable by a pneumatically controlled system. The furniture includes a base securely mountable to the deck of a boat. A first hollow shaft of generally square cross section is secured to the base and extends upwardly therefrom. A second hollow shaft of generally square cross section is longitudinally movable with respect to the first shaft. The shafts are coaxial, with one of the shafts disposed at least partially inside the other. The spacing between the shafts is sufficiently small that the shafts cannot twist or rotate with respect to each other. A fluid operated piston is operably secured to the second shaft for moving it longitudinally with respect to the first shaft. A mounting surface is disposed at the top of the second shaft and fixedly secured thereto. A seat, table top or the like is secured to the mounting surface.

Abstract: To assist in complying with strict Federal standards of cleanliness for industrial clean rooms, a sealed upholstered seat is placed in communication with an underlying relatively shallow breather bag which is retained by a seat pan attached to a rigid panel of the seat. The breather bag receives air from the upholstered seat when the seat is compressed and returns the same air to the seat as the seat expands. The escape of particulate matter from the seat into the atmosphere during usage of the seat is eliminated. A seat standard is received through an opening in the pan and passes between two spaced portions of the breather bag. The top of the standard is welded between the side walls of a channel member having side flanges which are attached to the bottom of the seat panel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a seat for vehicle which is pneumatically controlled for a desired body pressure distribution of a person seated in the seat, comprising: a plurality of air bags embedded in a seat; an air pressure source; a single first conduit connected the air pressure source at its one end and branched off into a plurality of second conduits leading to the air bags at its other end; a plurality of on-off valves each provided in the corresponding one of the second conduits leading to the air bags; an exhaust valve connected to the first conduit at its one end and to the atmosphere at its other end; a single pressure sensor provided in the first conduit; and control means connected to the air pressure source, the on-off valves, the exhaust valve and the pressure sensor; the control means comprising means for storing predetermined air pressure values for the air bags, means for selectively opening and closing the on-off valves and the exhaust valve, and means for preventing the valve opening and closing means fo

Abstract: An air lumbar support device utilized in an automobile seat for adjusting the curvature of a seat back by selectively regulating air pressures of a plurality of air bags accommodated in the seat back. The support device includes a pressure sensor detecting the air pressures of the seat bags, an input circuit supplying an electric signal from the pressure sensor to a control circuit, an output circuit receiving electric signal from the control circuit and causing an air control valve to actuate to thereby control the air pressures of the air bags, and a memory circuit memorizing and reading the electric signal supplied from the input circuit to the control circuit.

Abstract: A system for counteracting the effect of helicopter vibrations on a seat in the helicopter which seat includes a plurality of controllable air cells includes a means for varying the pressure of the cells and transducer means for sensing cell pressure and vibrations and for providing electrical signals representative thereof. Control means provide signals for controlling the means for varying and processing means process the electrical signals and provide driving signals for driving the control means. A processing means converts the electrical signals to provide driving signals which drive the control means to control the means for varying so as to counteract the changes in pressure in the air cells due to vibrations to eliminate or reduce the changes in pressure with this system, the pilot is isolated from the helicopter compared with prior art systems where the seat is isolated from the helicopter.

Abstract: A seat occupant-activated underseat support air-cushion consisting of: a support base, an airtight expandable aircushion, resting in the support base, with the top of the air-cushion pressing upward against the bottom side of the vehicle seat cushion, with an air pump or pumps, disposed within, air-cushion which is provided with outside air-intake or intakes, air pump or air pumps arranged within to be normally expanded, filled with air on the beginning of the air pumps compression stroke in a manner so that any downward pressure by the seat occupant's weight would cause the pump or pumps to compress air, discharging it thru the pumps check valve into the air-cushion. Air-cushion to be equipped with an adjustable automatic air pressure regulating valve, discharging surplus air to exterior of air-cushion. Thus providing the seat occupant with an air-cushion ride, the constant motion of the moving vehicle to provide a continuing source of energy to operate the air-cushion.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an inflatable infant's seat which can be mounted on an automobile seat and secured with an existing standard seat-belt-buckle arrangement. The infant's seat comprises a unitary structure which includes a seat portion, an upright back portion, a canopy portion, and side walls, all being inflatable by way of an air inflator valve. The seat further includes portholes in the side walls for increasing the viewing range of the infant. The standard seat belt is passed through ring openings at the side walls and secured to retain the seat. The infant's seat also includes a harness for restraining the infant. The infant's seat is safe, comfortable, and appealing to the infant.

Abstract: An inflatable seat cushion assembly includes a seat cushion having a plurality of inflatable compartments and a manifold block having integrally formed therewith a pressure manifold with a common inlet for connecting to a source of pressurized fluid and a plurality of lateral outlets, each for establishing fluid communication between the fluid source and one of the compartments through one of the inlets. An exhaust manifold is also integrally formed with the manifold block. The exhaust manifold has a common outlet for exhaust of spent fluid from the compartment and a plurality of lateral inlets, each for establishing fluid communication between the compartments and the common outlet. The exhaust manifold is separate from the pressure manifold. Control valves are positioned between each lateral inlet and a corresponding lateral outlet.

Abstract: A two-way selector valve for a vehicle seat inflation device is disclosed. The selector valve includes a first input passageway connected between a source of pressurized air and a valve body chamber. The selector valve further includes second and third passageways which are connected between the valve body chamber and respective output conduits. Each of the output conduits is connected to a respective pneumatic chamber formed in the vehicle seat. A valve plate having first and second apertures formed therein is disposed within the valve body chamber. The valve plate is rotatable between first and second positions so as to selectively provide communication between the first passageway and a selected one of the second and third passageways. A relief valve is provided adjacent the valve plate for deflating the selected one of the chambers.

Abstract: An improved vehicle seat such as an automotive seat is disclosed which is formed with through bores respectively in a seat cushion and a seat back, in particular, in the respective connecting portions thereof, harness means is inserted from within the seat cushion into the seat back via the thus-formed two through bores, and the harness is mounted such that it will never be exposed outside of the seat.

Abstract: An improved three-section convertible sofa mechanism for installation in a convertible sofa. The mechanism has three sections which unfold from a sofa configuration into a bed configuration. The conversion is assisted by a motor-operated pair of bellows which assist in the lifting and positioning of the mechanism during the unfolding operation. The front edge of the convertible sofa and of the bed both deflect downwardly to eliminate the usual uncomfortable forward edge of such convertible sofas.

Abstract: A molded, lightweight pneumatic bicycle saddle. The saddle is molded entirely of plastic and includes a relatively rigid lower wall providing structural support and strength to the saddle and a flexible upper wall providing comfort to the rider. The lower wall may also include a plurality of ridges angularly disposed with respect to one another to provide additional strength thereto. A valve is provided for inflation of the saddle. The bicycle of this invention is molded ina low pressure process such as rotocasting or reaction injection molding. In the rotocasting method, the same material is used for both walls but the upper wall is provided with a lesser thickness than the lower wall. In the reaction injection molding technique, the differences in rigidity are provided by forming each wall of a different material having the desired flexibility.

Abstract: A pedestal-type chair having a height-adjusting air spring connected between the base and seat assemblies, and a manually activated control for releasing the air spring. The control includes a small manually engageable activating lever pivotally supported interiorly of the seat assembly adjacent one side thereof and positioned so as to project slightly downwardly a small extent through the lower seat shell. This lever is connected to one end of an elongated flexible cable which extends interiorly of the seat assembly and has its other end connected to a force transfer lever positioned within the central interior of the seat assembly. This latter lever activates the valve-release member associated with the air spring.

Abstract: A hydraulic lifting mechanism for an article of furniture comprising a pair of sealed chambers interconnected with a hollow conduit and containing hydraulic fluid. One of the chambers is expandable and comprises flexible walls in the form of a rolling diaphragm. The second chamber contains a pressurized gas in addition to a hydraulic fluid. The expandable chamber is located in the supporting base of the article of furniture. A two speed valve is included in the interconnecting conduit for allowing fluid transfer between the chambers at a first rate in one direction and at a second rate in the other direction. As fluid is transferred to the expandable chamber, a support column will be forced upwardly by the expanding chamber at a fast rate and when the fluid transfers from the expandable chamber to the second chamber the support column will move downwardly at a second rate of speed slower than the first rate.

Abstract: Inflatable or inflated seat cushion intended as a training or helping device mainly for sitting upright without a back rest providing as in walking for extensive free play of movement especially in the region of the pelvis and the lumbar, which activates the erecting muscular system and avoids permanent stress. The seat cushion is made of flexible material of several adjacently-arranged communicating chambers which are divided by a groove, whereby the height of the chambers decreases from the back towards the front.

Abstract: A vehicle seat is disclosed in which an air bag is inserted into each of a plurality of support sections provided in a seat cushion and a seat bag respectively, and feed/exhaust operating devices provided collectively at one place are operated to adjust the amount of air within each of the air bags separately or simultaneously so as to expand and thus elevate the front part of the respective support sections by means of air pressure.

Abstract: A vehicle seat is disclosed which includes air bags therein in order to form support sections of a predetermined configuration on the surface of the seat. Within a seat pad in the seat, in particular, in its interior portions which correspond to locations where said support sections are formed, there are formed slits respectively such that these slits extend substantially parallel with the surface configurations of the respective support sections. Also, the air bags are inserted into and contained within these slits, respectively. The air bags and thus the support sections can be suitably expanded and compressed by means of an adjustment device.

Abstract: To assist in maintaining the high degree of cleanliness required by Federal standards in industrial clean rooms, an upholstered seat is provided having an attached bellows which receives air from the seat when the seat is compressed and from which air is returned to the seat as the seat expands. There is no escape of air from the seat and bellows to the atmosphere and no induction of air from the atmosphere to the seat or bellows.

Abstract: A lumbar support air valve assembly is comprised of a housing having a chamber therein adapted to be connected to a source of air under pressure. A plurality of outlet ports are provided through the housing corresponding in number to the number of air bags located in the lumbar support region of an automobile seat back. The passage of pressurized air to the outlet ports is controlled by a check valve associated with each outlet port. A pressure relief valve is provided for limiting the pressure within the chamber and the individual air bags to a pre-determined value. A solenoid actuator is associated with each check valve within the housing so that on operation of the solenoid actuator by means of a switch located at a remote location on or near the dash board a solenoid actuator will cause the respective check valve to open. The energization of each solenoid actuator to open a check valve simultaneously opens an exhaust port for reducing the air pressure within the air bag associated therewith.

Abstract: A seat for use in automobiles or airplanes is disclosed which comprises a base frame of a hollow synthetic resin to be fixed to a vehicle body, a cushion body of a foam material to be placed over and fixed to the base frame, and a top member placed over the surface of the cushion body to cover the same, characterized in that the base frame is provided along its side walls a cushion body fixing flange portion as well as along its upper surface periphery with expanded portions that are formed by expanding the base frame outwardly and upwardly.

Abstract: A seat for use in vehicles such as automobiles, airplanes or the like is disclosed in which each of panel-like frames is formed with integral, closed hollow chambers and expandable/contractible hollow chambers by means of blow molding so as to correspond to required projected portions and elasticity holding portions provided on the surface of the seat.

Abstract: An installation for the actuation of several controllable elements with modulated pressures, whereby the elements are constructed in particular as air chambers accommodated in the upholstery of a motor vehicle seat; the installation consists of only one pressure modulator and of a distribution device series-connected therewith; the pressure modulator is adapted to be selectively connected with one or several of the controllable elements by way of this distribution device.

Abstract: An inflatable article, having a pair of gas impervious sheets which are heat welded together at their edges to form an envelope and are provided with parallelly spaced apart longitudinal first seams to define a plurality of air compartments between the pair of sheets, is provided with a reforming and reinforcing outer inflatable multiple-compartmented unit formed, on the wall of the envelope, by heat-sealing an additional outer sheet to one of the pair of gas impervious sheets at the edge portions and at the lines which lie between each two of the first longitudinal seams to form second seams whereby the article will achieve a stronger and stiffer construction and the acute fused edge portions thereof can be reformed by the expanded superimposed inflatable outer units adjacent to the edge portions.

Abstract: There is provided a chair having a seat portion and an inflatable member under the seat portion. Enveloped by the inflatable member is means for bringing outside air into the inflatable member to inflate it and thus raise the seat portion. In a preferred form, an electrically powered vacuum device would be located within a bag constituting the inflatable member, and thus the bag itself would contribute to muffling the sound of the electrically powered vacuum device.

Abstract: A portable seat pad of the seat and back element type said back element having an inflatable bladder removably mounted for adjustment vertically along the outer side thereof. The back element is sufficiently rigid along its peripheral edges for making it self-supporting but the body portion is sufficiently flexible so that the force of the bladder deforms the body to form a lumbar support in the body portion. The adjustment is preferably accomplished by a hooked and napped loop tape means mounted on the outer side of the back element and on the inner surface of the bladder. Further, a cover is provided to cover the outer surface of the back and assist in holding the bladder in place. Preferably hooked and napped loop means secures the cover to the back.

Abstract: An arrangement for the distribution of pressurized fluid to areas of a seat unit having a backrest comprising a first fluid-containing chamber adaptable to the seat area of the seat unit so as to be adapted to receive, at least in part, the user's weight; one or more inflatable chamber adaptable to the seat unit backrest; and lines communicating between the first chamber and each said backrest chamber. Each line has inserted therein a normally closed valve means provided with an opening means with opening controls positioned in the seat unit such as to be accessible to the user. The invention also relates to an embodiment of said valve.

Abstract: The present invention entails a body support structure such as a chair, bed or the like that is provided with an inflated bladder interposed between a plurality of load carrying members and a main frame that allows the plurality of load carrying members to be depressed independently of each other and to, as a group, generally conform to the shape of the load being supported. In the design of a chair and the seat therefor, for example, the chair is provided with two side frames. Each side frame receives and retains an elongated inflated bladder with upper segments of the bladder being exposed. A plurality of independent transversely extending seat members or slats span said two side frames with each seat member or slat about opposite ends resting over and generally supported by said bladder. Thus, the bladder tends to support the respective seat members or slats in a floating-resilient type fashion.

Abstract: An inflatable support arrangement includes a plurality of first wall portions each of which bounds an annular inflatable zone and surrounds a central region, and second wall portions which are sealingly connected to the first wall portions and span the distances therebetween to separate the central region from the exterior of the support arrangement. A main one-way inlet valve is arranged in the second wall portion and permits air to be aspired therethrough into the central region when the second walls are moved apart. An auxiliary one-way inlet valve communicates the central region with one of the annular zones and permits air only to flow from the central region into the annular compartment when the end walls are moved together.

Abstract: A seat cushion adapted to be concealed in a back rest area of a motor vehicle seat includes a number of superimposed chambers, with the chambers being individually inflatable for individual support of a spinal column of the user of the seat. The individual chambers are delimited at intervals by a connecting ribs, with each connecting rib following along staggered paths and, preferably, along staggered undulating paths so that adjoining chamber walls form a tooth-like meshing. Thus, a transition area formed by the tooth-like meshing of the chambers is percieved as comfortable when the chambers are inflated to different hardnesses.

Abstract: A support device, suitable for the physically handicapped, and also for packaging delicate objects, consists of an airtight flexible bag filled with a granular material coated with an adhesive. A non-return valve is provided to allow a partial vacuum to be established within the bag. In use, the bag when non-evacuated of air, is pushed against a body to be supported so that the granular material flows and assumes a shape closely conforming to the body. Air is then evacuated from the bag and as a result the granular material is compressed into a rigid mass in the conformed shape. The mass is then made permanently rigid by activating the adhesive coating, for example with microwave radiation.

Abstract: An air bag control valve assembly is adapted to control the inflation of a plurality of air bags installed in a seat back rest of an automobile to fit the contour of the seated individual. The valve assembly comprises an integrally assembled body in which a pressure compartment is formed, an inlet for connecting the pressure compartment to a source of air pressure, a plurality of combined check and release valve units for connecting the pressure compartment to each of the air bags, said combined check and release valve units being attached to the interior of said body, and push-button mechanisms attached to said body to correspond to respective ones of said combined check and release valve units, the combined check and release valve units being opened by said push-button mechanisms so that air enclosed within the air bags is expelled backwardly into the pressure compartment and thence discharged into the atmosphere through gaps defined between the body and the push-button mechanisms.

Abstract: A lumber support system comprising an air bag disposed behind the upholstery sheet of a vehicle seat, a manual air pump and a valve assembly for controlling the supply of air from the manual air pump into the air bag as well as the discharge of the air contained in the air bag.

Abstract: A chair is provided which includes a low, rectangular seat cushion positioned between two large wedge-shaped cushions, one of which forms a backrest while the other forms a leg rest. The cushions are formed from individual air bags inserted within separate compartments in an upholstery cover and then inflated.

Abstract: A pneumatic cushion fabricated from two sheets of expandable thin material are welded together at a circumferential portion thereof to define therebetween a expandable pneumatic chamber. The welded portion is separated from the pneumatic chamber by a substantially rigid board. The board-like member cooperates with a portion of the sheets mating therewith to isolate the welded portion from tension forces applied to the sheets as the chamber air pressure increases.

Abstract: This invention provides a multi-function cushion and its assemblies, which is made of a tough and flexible plastic cloth being soldered together with supersonic (or high frequency) wave heating means to form a suitable geometric shape. On the circumference, some lugs with assembling hole are furnished. After being filled with air or water, said cushion will become an air cushion or water cushion to be used on the water or the land; in addition, a plural number of said cushions may be assembled together with hook ring, or link and cord to form various shapes for many purposes.

Abstract: A seat which has a pneumatic component. The pneumatic component is pressurized to a desired degree to conform the curvature and hardness of the surface of the seat to the preference of the seat occupant. The pressurization is carried out by manipulating a control mechanism which allows air into and release air from the pneumatic component.

Abstract: This invention provides a dental chair having a seat, toeboard, and back, the toeboard and back being pivotal relative to the seat. A bladder unit fits on the seat and toeboard, defining a plurality of chambers containing opencelled foam plastic and air at atmospheric pressure, interconnected by narrow passageways. This provides for displacement of the air to the location of low weight when the seat is occupied to provide support behind the knees irrespective of the height of the occupant. At the bottom of the seat back is a pad that includes a bladder which is compressed as the seat back is lowered to be displaced outwardly so that it acts as a lumbar support. At the upper end of the seat back is a pivotal plate beneath which is a bladder which can be inflated to raise the shoulders of the occupant. On the headrest is a head support with a recess complementary to the back of a human head, pivotally connected to a base which in turn rests on three bellows.

Abstract: A chair is disclosed, with a plurality of water bags on the chair serving as the cushion on the back support. The bags are layered down along the back support. Each bag is supported in a sling whose upper margin is attached to the back support. The seat cushion of the chair is also a water bag.

Abstract: Foam plastic pads are contained in separate air-tight compartments with each of the compartments having an air passage which is controlled by a manually operated valve. The person using the cushion first allows air to enter the compartments, then rests on the cushion and allows the air to exhaust until the cushion feels comfortable as it forms to the contour of the person's body and the valve is then closed and the cushion will hold its shape for some time or until the valve is opened.

Abstract: A cushion having beneficial purposes for both persons having physical disabilities and persons who do not. It is an expandable cushion having a lower chamber for air and an upper chamber for liquid, preferably ordinary water. The water chamber or container is configurated to be over the air container and to have portions at the sides and back of the cushion, which are filled with and forced up by pressure when a person is seated on the cushion to provide a containment for the upper thighs, buttocks and lumbar region for beneficial purposes, as identified herein.