Abstract: A system and method for optimally determining appropriate ergonomics for an individual in a workspace, such as an office, a vehicle, or a school, having at least one item with at least one physically adjustable parameter comprises collecting input data; determining at least one preferred setting for the at least one physically adjustable parameter based at least in part upon the input data collected in the survey; and adjusting the at least one physically adjustable parameter of the at least one item to the preferred setting based upon the results of the determination. The input data can comprise information related to the individual, a task performed by the individual, an environmental feature of the workplace, and/or to a comfort level of the individual. Further, the input data can be collected through the Internet.

Abstract: The convertible furniture includes an elongate central bench section. A subframe is provided having an elongate planar member with load-bearing upright support members supporting arm rests or back rests extending upward at opposite ends of the elongate planar member. The central bench section is disposed atop the upright support members. Two lateral extension sections are pivotally attached to opposite edges of the bench section so that the lateral extension sections independently swing out from the central bench section to define a bed frame. Each of the lateral extension sections includes extendable support legs, which provide stability to the respective lateral extension section when extended to the bed frame configuration. Removable mattresses are provided for each section of the furniture. The mattresses are stored on the subframe and hidden from view when the extension sections are retracted. Placing a mattress on the bench section converts the bench to a chaise.

Abstract: A folding cabinet bed is described for providing a piece of furniture that opens to a full-length bed in an attractive chest with a small footprint. The invention comprises a cabinet that houses a mattress, such as a futon, and allows the futon to be deployed as a bed. The cabinet is deep and tall enough to enclose a folded futon and of sufficient width to accommodate standard sizes of futon mattresses, without a separate mattress platform. Hinges on the bottom of the front and back walls of the cabinet enable the cabinet to be opened vertically so that the front and back walls fold down to a sleeping position, without mechanical devices to assist in deploying the bed. The top of the cabinet can become a headboard for the bed in the open configuration. Decorative handles or other protrusions on the front and back walls of the cabinet are sized to extend outward from the cabinet the same distance as the feet/supports of the cabinet to create a level sleeping surface when unfolded.

Abstract: A tarpaulin holddown device or retainer having a handle and a shaft, with a pointed or tapered tip at the end of the shaft. The tarp retainer has a stop member positioned along the shaft between the handle and tip, and a narrow hole extending through the shaft slightly below the stop. When used to fasten a grommeted tarpaulin to a soft soil or tufted area, the tarp retainer is placed through the grommet until the stop contacts the tarp. A retaining clip or O-ring is then inserted into the narrow hole in the shaft underneath the tarp, to hold the tarp retainer in place. The tarp retainer is then easily inserted into or removed from the ground by hand by pushing down or pulling up on the handle, thereby holding the tarp to the ground for collecting and moving debris while conveniently staying with the tarp in position for reuse when the tarp is moved.

Abstract: A combination bed and table which has two outer planar members and one inner planar member which in a first position form a horizontal bed surface with the members in a co-planar relationship and which are relatively movable to a second position at which the outer members are spaced apart and substantially vertical, and the inner member is horizontal and lower than in the first position.

Abstract: A marine vehicle comprising a hull, and a convertible dinette/sleeper apparatus including a base supported by the hull and including a generally horizontal upper surface having therein a recess, a table portion having a generally planar upper surface, and means supporting the table portion for movement between a first position wherein the table portion is located above the recess and the upper surface of the table portion extends generally horizontally and is spaced above the upper surface of the base, and a second position wherein the table portion is located in the recess and the upper surface of the table portion is substantially coplanar with the upper surface of the base.

Abstract: A folding bed-table wherein the bed is convertible into a table, single or double desk, lounge or the like which includes a base frame having a pair of coextensive side members, extension members pivotally connected at one end to the free ends of the side members, the other end of the extension members being interconnected by a plate, a table hinged to the plate and a prop between the plate and extension member pivoted to one of them.