US2091899A

US2091899A - Adjustable seat

Info

Publication number: US2091899A
Application number: US753968A
Authority: US
Inventors: Le Grand S Whedon; Albert A Grinnell; Raymon E Rousseau
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1934-11-20
Filing date: 1934-11-20
Publication date: 1937-08-31
Anticipated expiration: 1954-08-31

Description

Aug. 31, 937- LE GRAND s. WHEDON ET AL' 2,091,899

1DJUSTABLE SEAT Filed Nov. 20, 1934 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTORS Lefimnd swhedon, Amer; Afirmnefl .s.

uymonhkousseau, a ATTORNEYS Aug. 3i; 1937.

ADJUSTABLE SEAT Filed NOV. 20, 1954. 4'Sh9ets-Shest 5 Fig.1.

163 lNv'ENTos LefirandS.Whadon,

. AlbcflAflrmmna Raymonmlousseau,

ATTORNEYS Patented Aug. 31, 1937 UNITED STATES.

2,091,899 ADJUSTABLE SEAT Le Grand S. Whedon Medina, N Y.

and Albert A. Grinnell,

and Raymon E. Rousseau, Buffalo,

Application November 20, 1934, Serial No. 753,968

20 Claims.

' This invention relates to adjustable seat structure for installation in vehicles or in other structures, and it has particular relation to an improved controlling and operating mechanism for Ya .seat structure wherein seat supporting members, seat back and seat bottom can be relatively moved to conform readily to the position desired of persons having various heights, weights, or other characteristics that might requi e either average or special seating arrangements.

The invention is concerned with improved controlling devices adapted to be incorporated in. an

adjustable seat structure and involves an improvement over the type of seat structure described generally in the application of Albert A. Grinnell, Serial No. 694,815, filed October 23, 1933, for Seat construction, wherein an occu-' pant while seated may adjust the elements of theseating structure to provide comfortable upright M seating posture for the back, or the seat may be so adjusted as to move the seat bottom with respect to its angular relation to the horizontal, in order to raise and lower portions thereof in conformity with the desired positions or physical characteristics of various types of persons, or

the seat bottom may be moved bodily to various horizontal positions forwardly and rearwardly, while portions of the seat back can be adjusted forwardly and rearwardly at will, in addition to 80 following in part the movement of the seat bottom.

One of the principal features of the invention is exemplified in the structure of a controlling mechanism that is incorporated in a seat raising or lifting device that includes mechanism for locking or unlocking the seat structure in any of a series of positions while the locking mechanism is substantially free from binding influences that might tend to interfere with uniform action of the mechanical parts of the structure.

In angular movements of the seat parts about supporting pivots and upon predetermined radii,

the force eifect of a given weight carried upon the seat varies; that is, when the radius of support is substantially vertical the leverage is very slight but as the radius approaches the horizontal the leverage increases. The lifting mech-, anism operates about predetermined axes and through predetermined angles and an improved arrangement of resilient means is provided to compensate forthe different eifects of weights at the different angular positions of s pporting rocker arms.

Another important feature of the invention is exemplified in an improved type of locking mechanism for maintaining the seat structure in various positions of adjustment, and which cooperates with rocker arm supports of portions of the seat structure.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a perspective of a seat structure in which the invention is incorporated;

Fig. 2 is a plan of the lower seat supporting structure and operating mechanism for adjusting the seat structure; 4 v 10 Fig. 3 is a vertical section taken substantially along the line III-III of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary ctoss section oi a looking mechanism and taken substantially along the line IV-IV of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary cross section taken substantially along the line V'V of Fig. 3;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary cross section taken substantially along the line VI--VI of Fig. 3;

Fig. '7 is a side elevation of another form of M lifting and locking mechanism for the seat structure;

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary elevation, partially in section and on a larger scale, of lever and locking elements of the seat adjusting mechanism;

Fig. 9 is a substantially vertical section taken along the line IX-IX of Fig. 8;

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary elevation showing in detail portions of a locking dog for the seat locking mechanism.

Fig. 11 is a fragmentary plan illustrating another form of arrangement of lifting springs and adjusting mechanism for the seat structure and' with certain elements omitted for the sake of clearness; and

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary side elevation of the structure shown in Fig. 11 and with, certain elements added.

In practicing the invention, a seat structure I0 is installed upon a suitable support H which 40 can be in the form of a vehicle floor, or the like, and includes supporting bars l5 that have pivotalconnections l6 securing them to the supporting floor.

A lifting and adjusting unit 20 which is frame- 45 like in construction includes a. front rocker arm 22 and a rear rocker a v 23 on each side bf the seat structure. v

Transverse rods

25 and 26, extending from one sldepf the unit to the other are integrally connected to the front and rear rocker arms 22 and '23, respectively, and are rotatablymounted in bearing brackets 21 carried rigidly upon the supporting bars IS. 'I'he

rocker arms

22 and 23 extend rigidly and substantially at right angles to the

transverse rods

25 and 26 and are pivotally movable in parallel relation from substantially horizontal to substantially vertical positions.

The lifting unit 20 further includes a substantially horizontal frame 29 having bearing brackets 38 in which oif-set front and rear bearing

portions

32 and 33 of the rocker arms are journalled. In their parallel movement the

rocker arms

22 and 23 carry the frame 29 substantially horizontally in all of their positions. Additional upholstery supporting framework 35 extending upwardly and rearwardly from the horizontal frame is rigidly secured to the latter and constitutes a part of the rear of the seat structure [0, as well as providing frame portions 36 extending to the front portion of the frame 29. A plurality of arms 31 and 38 are rigidly secured upon, or formed integrally with, the intermediate portion of the transverse bearing rod 26 and these arms extend at angles to each other and at angles to the rocker arms 23, with reference to the axis of the bearing rod 26, although they are spaced in different planes. Coil springs 40 and 4|, normally under tension, and having end por- 25 tions connected, as indicated at 42 and 43, to the outer end portions of the arms 31 and 38, respectively, also have their opposite ends connected, as indicated at 48 and 49, respectively, to intermediate portions of the transverse rod 25. It will be observed that, when the

rocker arms

22 and 23 are in a lowered or substantially horizontal position, the arm 31 is in a substantially vertical position and the arm 38 is disposed subr stantially 45 degrees to the vertical. In this position both springs 48 and 4| have a favorable leverage relation to the arms and both springs exert substantially their maximum lifting force with respect to the frame 29.- As the

rocker arms

22 and 23 approach upright positions the force required to lift the frame 29 and loads carried thereon decreases and at the same time the relative force exerted by the springs decreases because, in the upright position of the

rocker arms

22 and 23, the tension in the springs has been 45 considerably spent and the arm 31 is disposed at only a slight angle to the horizontal. Therefore, there is only slight lever action exerted upon the rod 26 through the arm 31. Under these conditions, the other arm 38 is disposed at an angle of 50 approximately 60 degrees to the horizontal and is tilted toward-the spring anchoring connection 49. This latter spring is still exerting considerable force and has much more favorable leverage advantage with respect to the arm 38 than the other spring and exertssuflicient force to maintain the frame 29 in its lifted position and can resist considerable weight upon the frame 29.

The

bearing portions

32 and 33 of the rocker arms at one side of the unit 28 are provided with upwardly projecting integral

angular extensions

58 and 52, respectively, which are parallel to each other and are connected at points spaced from the axes of the

bearing portions

32 and 33 by means of a locking device 53 having' piv'otal con- 05

nections

55 and 56 thereon. The extension 68 serves as a portion of an operating lever or handle. The locking device includes a bar portion 51 which serves as a brace to cooperate with the frame 29 in maintaining proper parallel rela- 7 tion of the rocker arms and compensating for whatever looseness that may occur in the bearing brackets 21 and 38 supporting these rocker arms.

' A line joining the axes of the

connections

55 and 56 is parallel to a line joining the axes of the bear- 75

ing portions

32 and 33 which latter line is, in turn,

parallel to a line joining the axes of the

transverse bearing rods

25 and 26. These imaginary lines of course are assumed to be in parallel vertical planes, or in the same vertical plane, depending upon the position of the parts with reference to the structure shown in Fig. 3.

The forward end of the locking device 53 is formed with a rigid sector 60 that has an arcuate rack portion '62, the line of curvature of which is drawn about the axis of the pivotal connection 55 as a center. The arcuate rack portion 62 faces downwardly and in the rocking motion of the rocker arms the edge of this rack portion passes transversely across the upper extension 58 of the front rocker arm at a predetermined point adjacent the side thereof. A locking member 63 having rollers 65 (Fig. 6) mounted thereon is movable into and out of engagement with the rack portion 62 of the locking device, and is carried upon the lower end portion of a handle 66 mounted in telescoping'relation upon the upper projecting end extension 58 of the rocker arm 22.

A socket 61 formed in the slidable handle supports one end of a coil spring 68 and the other end of this spring engages the outer end of the rocker arm extension 56. Normally the spring 68 urges the locking member into engagement with the arcuate rack portion 62 and thus locks the rocker arms against pivotal movement. However, by telescoping the handle downwardly upon the extension 50 the locking member 63 carried thereby can be released from the rack portion to permit rocking motion of the

arms

22 and 23. The bar portion 51 of the locking device remains in substantially the same parallel relation to the seat bottom 29 in all of its movements. A second adjusting-bar 10 having an intermediate slot 12 is slidably supported by the pivotal connection 55 engaging in the slot and is provided at its lower portion with that straddle the offset bearing portion 32 of the .rocker arm 22 to insure proper guiding of the lowerportion of the bar longitudinally of the rocker arm extension. The upper portion of the bar 18 is formed with a laterally projecting handle 15 to facilitate its operation. An arcuate actuating finger 18 is bar 10-and the line of curvature of this finger in its normal position is drawn substantially about the axis of the bearing portion 32 of the front rocker arm. One end of a latch 11 is disposed I adjacent the upper surface of the finger and upward sliding motion of the bar 16 causes the latch to be pivoted about its pivotal connection 18 on the frame 29 and against the action of a coil spring 19 that has one end engaging in a socket 88 in the frame and its other end engaging the end portion of the latch opposite that adjacent the finger 16. The latch 11 is thus releasably engaged with a rack 82 rigidly secured upon' the lower surface of a seat bottom 83. K

v A pair of straps 86, bowed upwardly to provide rounded bearing surfaces, support the front por-' tion of the seat bottom, and suitable fastening devices 86 secure the straps to the upper surface of the frame 29.

The rear portion of the seat bottom 83 is provided with upright stirrups 81 rigidly secured thereto and the upper ends of the stirrups are -.pivotally conniactedfas indicated at 88, to the upper ends of upright rocker arms 88. A hearin rod 92 integrally connecting the rocker arms to form an equalizer is disposed transversely of the.

upper rear portion of the frame and is provided parallel legs 13' with bearing brackets secured to the frame 29. The rear of the seat bottom 83 is thus suspended from the upper ends of the rocker arms I 90 and by releasing the latch 'I'I from the rack 02 the seat bottom can be adjusted forwardly and rearwardly to any position commensurate with the length of the rack and distance of the lower rear portion of the seat bottom from the upper surface of the frame 29. In the forward adjustment of the seat bottom 83 its rear portion is 10 slightly lowered as the upper ends of the rocker arms 90 tilt forward and follow a downward arcuate path. Thus it will be apparent that the seat bottom 83 can be adjusted with respect to the frame 29 and that the seat bottom and the 15 frame can be adjusted concurrently as a unit upon the

rocker arms

22 and 23 and by the ad-. justing device 53.

The stirrups 81 secured to the rear portion of the seat bottom 83 are provided with rearward- 20 ly extending angular portions 95. Inwardly directed guiding projections or lugs 96 formed upon the rear ends of each angular portion 95 slidably receive between them the lower cut away side edges 91 of a seat back I00, and thus the lower 25 portion of the latter is maintained in proper relation to the adjacent portion of the seat bottom 83 with which it moves regardless of whether the movement is forward or rearward, but the seat bottom is movable upwardly with respect to the seat back.

Torsion springs I02 having fastening devices I03 connecting end portions thereof to rear vertical frame members I05 of the seat back have I their opposite end portions connected by means of fastening devices I06 to the framework 35 of the seat structure I0. It will be observed that the lower extremities of the torsion springs are located adjacent the intermediate portion of the seat back with reference to the upper and lower 40 portions thereof and that these extremities are formed into torsion coils I01. These torsion springs are normally undertension, and, in ad dition to supporting the seat back upon the framework 35,, they constantly urge the seat back 45 in a forward direction. The coils I01 also pro-' vide a hinge-like connection between the seat back I00 and the framework 35, and hence, the seat back can be moved in tilting motions either backwardly or forwardly about these coils in ad- 50 dition to the bodily movement forwardly and rearwardly. An individual seated upon the seat structure can overcome the forward urge of the torsion springs against the seat back by exerting backward pressure against the latter, and hence, 55 the proper position for maximum comfort, as to the seat back, can be assumed conveniently and with ease. I

In controlling the movement of the seat back I00 with respect to the supporting framework 35,

60 an arcuate rack arm IIO, that has a pivotal connection Il2 securing it at one end to the frame support, is so mounted that its other end extends through a slot II 3 formed in a plate II5 that is secured to the rear portion of the seat back. The

65 rear of the seat back is recessed, as indicated at 6, in order to provide for extension of the arm IIO through the slot into'the seat back during movements of the latter incidental to adjustments. The lower surface or the rack arm H0 70 rests slidably upon the lower wall of the slot 3.

Back teeth III are formed. upon the upper side of the rack arm and. one end of a latch Ill, that has an intermediate pivot connection "0 securing it to the plate 5 at the rear of the seat 5 back, en8a8es between two adjacent teeth II! of' .movement of the seat bottom along with the the rack to lock the seat back in various positions of adjustment. The end portion of the latch opposite the rack has a flexible actuator I20 connected thereto that is incased in a flexible tube I22 and is also connected to an intermediate portion of a.lever I23 that is pivoted, as indicated at I 25,'to the side portion of the seat back I00. The lever projects forwardly and presents a knob or handle I20 at the side of the seat at a location convenient for actuation by a person seated upon the seat structure. The tube I22 is secured to the seat back frame by means of .a bracket I21. mounted upon the rear portion of'the latter.

By manipulating the lever I23 the latch I I8 is released from theteeth of the rack H0 and the springs I02 urge the'seat back forwardly to the desired position of adjustment while the lower portion of the seat back can pivot or slide between the lugs 96. Then the lever is released to permit the latch to resume its engagement with the rack teeth under the influence of a spring -I28. One endof this spring has a connection I29 upon the latch and its other end has a connection I30 upon the seat back. This spring is also normally under tension and always urges the latch into engagement with the rack whe the lever I23 is released.

The flexibility and resiliency of the torsion springs provide for substantially unobstructed seat back, or relative to the latter, and the engagement of the lower frame portions of the seat back between the bracket arm extensions 96 that extend rigidly from the seat bottom insure proper following of the lower portion of the seat back in response to movements of the seat bottom.

Referring to Figs. '7 to 10 of the drawings, the locking device 53 is operated somewhat differently from that previously described and the bearing portion 32 ofthe rocker arm 22 extends inwardly 40 to such' position that the bearing brackets 21 and 30 are disposed in' and operate in substantially the same vertical plane. 'In this arrangement the bearing portion 32 disposed'in thebearing bracket 30 is at one side of the rocker arm 22 and the upright angular extension is formed separately, but the latter is rigidly-secured to an integral a lug I58 adjacent its other end for engaging the arcuate rack portion 62 of the locking sector 60. The lug I58. is normally maintained in engagement with the arcuate rack by means of a coil spring I59 that is normally under compression and. has one end disposed in a socket I60 formed in the lower side of the dog adjacent its end, and the other end of the spring is disposed in a socket I02 formed in the end of a plug I63 that is screw threaded through the lower wall forming the cylindrical opening in the handle extension. The plug I53 extends through an opening I05 that is formed in the cylindrical portion of the bearing extension I50 and that communicates with the recess I51. Thus the end of the plug serves as a key to prevent relative movement of the handle lever 50 and the bear-. ing extension I50. 76

The handle extension 50 is formed with a longitudinal channel I66 communicating through the upper wall forming the cylindrical opening I52 and with the recess I51 in the bearing ex- 5 tension. This channel receives a rod I61 for actuating the dog I55 and its lower rounded end is connected in a socket I68 formed in the outer end of the dog adjacent the lug I58. The upper end of the rod I61 is pivoted, as indicated at I69, to a short arm I10 of a bell crank I12 that hasits intermediate portion pivoted upon a pin I13 secured in lugs I15 that are formed integrally upon an intermediate portion of the handle extension. A longer arm I16 of the bell crank I12 15 extends lengthwise of the upper curved portion of the handle extension which is in the form of a shell and is cut away to expose the greater portion of the longer bell crank arm I16. A

recess I11 defining the shell portion of the handle 20 communicates with the longitudinal channel I66 and constitutes a part thereof. By manually grasping the upper portion of the handle extension 50 and squeezing it the longer bell crank arm I16 will be pressed into the recess I11 in the shell-like upper portion of the handle and the shorter arm will be pivoted downwardly to press the rod I61 and dog I55 downwardly against the opposed action of the spring I59 to release the lug from the arcuate rack portion '62. Upon releasing the handle 50, together with the arm I16, the

spring will again urge the lug I58 into engagement with the rack portion 62 of the locking device. Hence, the

rocker arms

22 and 23 can be adjusted to various positions between their horizontal and vertical positions in substantially the same manner as that previously described. In adjusting the seat bottom frame 83 forwardly and rearwardly in the construction shown in Fig. '1, a rod I80 is vertically slidable in a guide bracket I82 that is rigidly mounted upon the frame 83. The rod I80 extends through the frame into recesses I83 formed in the upper portion of the lifting frame 29 and in a plate I85 rigidly securedto the latter. The lower end of the rod I80 engages in any of these recesses and locks the

frames

83 and 23 against relative movement in various positions of adjustment. A spring I36 secured between an upper inner shoulder I31 in the bracket I82 and a shoulder I88 on an intermediate portion of the rod I80 normally urges the rod downwardly into one of the recesses. A handle I89 at the upper end of the rod facilitates its manual operationandds disposed at one side of the seat bottom for convenient operation.

From the foregoing description it will be apparent that the seat back can be adjusted against the resiliency of the torsion springs I02 in upward, downward, rearward directions or tilted from the top or bottom, and that the seat back also co-operates with the seat bottom frame 83 in responding to all of the adjustments of the latter through the sliding connection provided by the lugs 86. Likewise, the seat back responds to all adjustments made by manipulating the

rocker arms

22 and 23 which are controlled by the improved adjusting and locking device 53, the opera-1 tionof all of the elements of these constructions being apparent fromthe preceding description.

Inthe form of the invention shown in Figs. 11 and 12,. a lifting and adJusting unit 200 is-- similar in construction to the unit 20 and includes a front rocker arm 202 and a rear rocker arm 203 on each side of the seat structure.

' Transverse rods 205 and 206' extending from one'side of the unit to the other are integrally be stiffer or stronger than the other.-

connected to the front and

rear rocker arms

202 and 203, respectively, and are rotatably mounted in bearing brackets 201 carried rigidly upon the supporting bars I5. The

rocker arms

202 and 203 extend rigidly and substantially at right angles to the transverse rods 205' and 206, and are pivotally movable in parallel relation from substantially horizontal to substantially vertical positions. v,

The lifting unit200 further includes asubstantially horizontal frame 208 havingbearing brackets 208 in which offset front and rear hearing sections 2I0 and 2, provided by bending portions of the'rocker arms, are journalled. In their parallel movement the

rocker arms

202 and 203 carry the frame 208 substantially horizontally in all of their positions.

Instead of employing a plurality of arms or projections similar to the arms 31 and", the

intermediate portion of the transverse bearing rod 206 is provided with a bent U-shaped portion 2I5 projecting from the axial line containing the bearing portions of the rod 206 and at an angle to the rocker arms 203. A pair of coil springs 2I6 and 2", normally under tension have their rear end portions connected, as indicated at 2I8, to the bent portion of the transverse bearing rod and their front end portions connected, as indicated at 2I9, to the intermediate portion of the front transverse bearing rod 205. I

In one form of the invention either of the coil springs 2I6 or 2" is of a lesser normal length inuntensioned condition than the other spring; but is composed 'of material having the same characteristics, including thickness, diameter and coeflicient of resilience. Thus, when .the rocker arms are in the region of a vertical position the longer of the two springs is in a relatively relaxed condition and exerts a proportionately lesser pull upon the bearing rod 206. When the lifting unit is in:a downward and rearward position and the rocker arms are in the region of a horizontal position, the longer of the two springs is elongated and is under greater tension, and thereby assists the other spring to a greater extent in urging the rocker arms upwardly.

This arrangement provides an increased spring force urging the U-shaped portion 2I5 upwardly and forwardly when the rocker arms are in the region of a horizontal position which is necessary in order that the lifting unit shall work smoothly and evenly and without any extra exertion or effort on the part of the user. 4

In another form of the invention either one of the springs 2I6 or 2" may be made of material having characteristics different from those in the other spring, so that one of the springs will Springs so constructed have so-called deflections of different values, and deflection", with reference to springs,

is intended to convey the meaning of travel, in inches, of the spring under application of specifled load in pounds. Thus, either a relatively stiffer spring or a relatively weaker spring having a greater normal length than the other maybe provided in order that the device may have any desired capacity; and although the particular arrangements of springs shown in the drawings serve their purpose, itis to be understood that various combinations of springs of different strengths and normal lengths are employed according to the weight to be lifted and the size and arrangement of the structural elements with which they are incorporated.

- The'prizflpal improved results to be secured involve the provision of springs so designed that their maximum force is applied when the rocker arms are in their substantially horizontal position, and the minimum spring force is applied when the rocker arms are in their substantially upright position. The springs are selected to cooperate efliciently in conjunction with the supporting of persons having a relatively wide range of weights atthe many various levels to which the seat is adjustable so that the device may be readily adjustable upon the application of a uniform and minimum amount of exertion or effort on the part of the operator.

The rocker arms 2'02 and 203 at one side of the unit 200 are provided with upwardly projecting

angular extensions

220 and 222 respectively, which are parallel to each other and are integral with the bearing portions 2| 0 and 2, respectively. These extensions provide

pivotal supports

225 and 226, for a locking device 221, and

these pivotal supports are spaced equally from the axes of the rocker bearing portions 210 and 2| I, respectively. The locking device includes a bar portion 228 which serves as a brace to cooperate with the frame 208 in maintaining proper parallel relation of the rocker arms and com-' pensating for whatever looseness that may occur in the bearing brackets 201 and 209 supporting these rocker arms. The parallel relation of these so elements is the same as that previously described with reference to similar elements connecting the locking device 53.

The forward end of the locking device 221 is formed with a rigid sector 229 that has an arcuate w rack portion 230, the line of curvature of which is drawn about an axis, for example, the axis of the pivotal support 225, ofiset upwardly from the axis of the pivotal connection 2 I 0. The arouate rack portion 230 faces downwardly and in the m rocking motion of the rocker arms the edge of this rack portion passes transversely across the upper extension 220 of the front rocker arm.

A locking lever 232 of bell crank form includes

rigid arms

235 and 236 disposed at acute angles to 45 each other and the lever has a pivotal connection 231 at the junction of the arms securing it to the outer side of an upturned flange 230 of a plate 230 rigidly mounted upon an edge portion of the seat frame 208. The flange 238 is spaced from the 50 edge of the seat frame 208. The free end of the lever arm 235 is provided with an outwardly turned integral finger 240 which is adapted to engage .various portions of the sector rack 230 according to the position of the

rocker arms

202 and 55 203. The other lever arm 236 is provided with a finger piece 243 which is manually operable to disengage the finger 240 from the sector rack. The pivotal movement of the lever is limited by a stop 245 which is'mounted upon the plate 239 be- 60 tween the two converging

arms

235 and 236 and one end ofthe rack 230 is provided with a relatively long projection 246 which lies in the path of the finger 240 regardless of whether the finger is in its lower or disengaging position, or in 65 (its engaging position with respect to the rack.

One end of a coil spring 241 has a connection 248 for securing it to the arm 236 of the lever, and the other end of the spring has a connection 240 for securing it to a bracket 25! on the seat frame 208. This spring is normally under tension and constantly urgesthe finger 240, toward its position of engagement with the rack 230, and prevents accidental disengagement therefrom. A second bell crank lever 250 which is mounted 75 by means of a pivotal connection 252 upon the inner side of the plate flange 238, is provided with converging

arms

255 and 256 disposed at an acute angle to each other. The lower arm 255 is formed with a finger 251 at the outer end thereof for engag'ement with a rack 258 secured to the lower side of the seat frame 83. Since the construction of the seat frame 83 in Fig. 12 is the same as that previously described its parts are designated by j the same reference characters as those previously employed. A finger piece 259 at the end of the other arm is adapted to be manually operated to release the seat frame 03 from its locked relation with the lever in order that it can be moved forwardly or rearwardly upon the rocker arms 90. One end of a coil spring 260 has a connection 262 for securing it to the arm 256 of the lever 250 and the other end of the spring has a connection 263 for securing it to the bracket 25| on the seat frame 208. This spring is normally under tension and constantly urges the finger 251 toward. its position of engagement with the'rack 258 and prevents accidental disengagement therefrom.

In operating the construction shown in Figs. 11 and 12, the operator can manipulate either of the

finger pieces

243 or 259 and shift his weight forwardly or rearwardly depending upon the relative position of the parts. By employing the steering wheel of an automobile as a means for assisting in shifting his weight, an operator can, with very slight effort, adjust the position of the

rocker arms

202 and 203 and, hence, the position of the seat structure with reference to its height, or forward and rearward position. In like manner, the frame 03 as previously described, can be adjusted forwardly and rearwardly upon the unit 200.

Although several forms of the invention have been shown and described in detail, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is not so limited, but that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention or from the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a seat structure, front and rear rocker arms movable between substantially horizontal and vertical positions, means for pivotally supporting the rocker arms, a seat frame mounted upon the rocker arms and movable with the rocker arms to various adjusted positions, a locking device having pivotal connections supporting it upon the rocker arms for movement therewith, locking means carried by one-of the arms and normally engaging the locking device to lock the rocker arms in various positions between their horizontal and vertical limits of movement, and means carried by one of the .rocker arms for actuating the locking means.

2. In a seat structure, front and rear seat supporting rocker arms, means for pivotally supporting the rocker arms, a member pivotally joining the rocker arms at locations spaced from the pivotal supporting means, said member having a locking sector, rigid therewith adjacent one of the pivotal connections of the member upon one rocker arm, a lockingmember carried by thelatter rocker arm and releasably engaging thelocking sector, actuating means carried by said latter rocker arm for releasably engaging and disengaging the locking member whereby the rocker arms can be locked in various positions about their pivotal supports.

3. In a seat structure, front and rear rocker arms movable between substantially horizontal and vertical positions, means for pivotally supmounted upon the front rocker porting the rocker arms, upon the rocker arms and movable with the latter to various positions of adjustment, a locking device having pivotal connections supporting it 5 upon the front and rear rocker arms for movement therewith, said locking device having. an arcuate indented edge disposed about the pivotalconnection of the locking device upon the front rocker arm, a movable locking member arm and normally engaging the indented edge for locking the rocker arms and frame against relative movement, and means carried by the front rocker arm for actuating the locking member.

4. In a seat structure, front and rear rocker arms movable between substantially horizontal and vertical positions, means for pivotally, supporting the rocker arms, a seat frame mounted upon the rocker arms and movable with the latter to various positions of adjustment, a looking bar having a sector plate formed at one end thereof, means for pivoting the sector plate to the front rocker arm, means for pivoting the end of the bar opposite the sector plate 'to the 2 other rocker arm, the sector ,plate having an edge of rack-like form, a locking member carried by the front rocker arm and normally engaging the rack-like sector plate to lock the rocker arms and frame against relative movement, and means a seat frame mounted carried by the front rocker arm for actuating the locking member.

5. In an adjustable seat structure, a seat frame, front and rear rocker arms having projections angularly movable and having upper portions connected to the seat frame for moving the latter upwardly and. forwardly to various positions ofadjustmerit,

otally connecting the front and rear rocker arms,

able with respect to seat frame in the rocking motion of the rocker arms, means carried by the seat frame for engaging the rack portion in locking relation in various positions of the rock- 45 er arms, and means for actuating the rocker 6. In an adjustable seat structure, a seat frame, front and rear rocker arms having projections angularly movable and connected to the 50 seat frame for moving the latter upwardly and forwardly to various positions of adjustment, means for supporting the rocker arms, a locking member pivotally connecting rocker arms, said locking member having a rack 5 portion movable with respect to the seat frame in the rocking motion of the rocker arms, a lever pivoted to the gag'eable with the rack portion forlocking the rocker arms invariouspositions of adjustment.

'1. In an adjustable seat. structure, a seat frame, front and rear rocker arms having rigid projections angularly movable and connected to the seat frame for moving the latter upwardly 65 and forwardly to variouspositions of adjustment, means for supporting the rocker arms, a locking device including rear rocker arm projections and movable in parallelism'with the seat frame, said bar having a 6 locking rackformed therewith, a lever pivoted to the seat frame and having meansengageable with the locking rack for locking the rocker arm projections ln'various positions of adjustment. 7 8. In a seat structure, front and rear rocker 75 arms movable between substantially horizontal means for pivotally sup-- porting the rocker arms, a locking member piv-,

the front and rear seat frame and having means en ing radially a bar connecting the front and and vertical positions, means for pivotally supporting the rocker arms, a seat frame having pivotal connections securing it to the rocker arms for movement with the latter tovarious adjusted positions, a locking device having pivotal connections supporting it upon the rocker arms for movement therewith, locking means carried by one of the arms and normally engaging the locking device to lock the rocker arms in various positions between their horizontal and vertical limits of movement, and means carried upon one of the rocker arms for actuating the locking means, the latter rocker arm projecting in the form of a lever handle to support the last mentioned means and to facilitate manual operation of the rocker arms.

9. In a seat structure, an'adjustable unit including a seat frame, said unit also including front and rear arms pivotally supporting the frame, supporting means pivotally supporting said arms at locations spaced from the pivotal connections thereof to the frame, a locking member pivotally connected to front and rear arms of the unit, said member having locking means formed thereon substantially radially disposed about one of the pivotal connections of the locking member, means connected to the unit for releasably engaging the locking means for locking the arms in various positions of adjustment, and means for maintaining the pivotal axes of the pivotal connections of said arms substantially parallel and horizontal. 1

10. In a seat structure, an adjustable unit including a seat frame, said unit also including arms pivotally supporting the frame, supporting means pivotally supporting said arms at locations spaced from the pivotal connections thereof to the frame, means for maintaining the pivotal axes of the several pivotal connections of said arms substantially parallel, and horizontal, a lockin device connected to said unit for selectively looking the latter in various positions of adjustment upon said arms, a plurality of projections rigid with respect to one of the arms and extending .at diflerent angles to the latter arm, a plurality of resilient members connected to the projections at locations spaced different distances from the pivotal axis of said latter rocker arm, and means for anchoring the resilient members to said supporting means atlocations remote from said latter arm.

11. In a seat structure, a movable unit includ- I ing front and rear rocker arms, said unit also including a seat frame pivotally carried by said arms, a rod rigidly joining the front rocker arms,

a second rod rigidly joining the rear rocker arms,

supporting means pivotally anchoring the rods of the front and rear arms whereby the unit is pivotally movable through predetermined angles upon the supporting means, a locking device connected to said unit for selectively locking the latter in various positions of adjustment upon said arms, a plurality of projections rigidly mounted upon the rod of the rear rocker arms and extendv at angles to one another and at angles to the direction of extension of the latter rocker arms, a plurality of resilient members connected to the projections at locations spaced from the axis of the rear rod, and means for connecting the resilient members to the integral rod of the front rocker arms.

12'. In an adjustable seat structure, a movable unit including angularly movable front and rear rocker arms, said unit also including a frame pivotally carried by the arms in varlouspositions,

supporting means pivotally supporting the rocker arms at locations spaced from the pivotal connections thereof to the frame, means for adjusting the rocker arms in various degrees between substantially horizontal and substantially upright positions in their angular movement, a spring normally under tension connected to said unit at a location spaced from said supporting means and exerting force tending to pivot the arms toward 10 an upright position, means for connecting said spring to said supporting means, a second spring normally under tension connected to said unit at a location spaced from said supporting means and exerting force also tending to pivot the arms toward an upright position, the deflection of the second, spring being greater than the deflection of the first spring.

13. In an adjustable seat structure, a movable unit including angularly movable rockerarn'is, said unit also including'a frame pivotally carried by the arms in various positions, supporting means pivotally supporting the rocker arms at locations spaced from the pivotal connections thereof to the frame, means for adjusting the rocker arms in various degrees between substantially horizontal and substantially upright positions in their angular movement, a first spring normally under tension connected to one rocker arm at a location spaced from the pivotal supporting means of the arm and exerting force tending to pivot the arms toward an upright position, means for connecting said spring to said supporting means at a location spaced from said one rocker arm, a second spring normally under tension connected to saidone rocker arm at a location a greater distance from the pivotal supporting means than the connection of the first spring to said arm and exerting force tending to pivot said one arm toward an upright position, means for connecting said second spring to the supporting means at a location spaced from said one rocker arm, the deflection of the first spring being greater than the deflection of the second spring.

14. In a seat structure, a movable unit including front and rear arms, supporting means pivotally supporting said arms about horizontal axes, said unit also including a member having pivotal connections with front and rear arms at locations spaced from said means, a bar pivotally connecting front and rear arms of the unit at locations radially spaced from said supporting means and from said connections, an arcuate rack carried rigidly by said bar and having its circumferential rack portion described about the pivotal axis of one of the pivotalconnections of said bar as a center, rack engaging means selectively engageable with the arcuate rack section for locking the arms in various positions, and means for sup- 00 porting said rack engaging means on said unit.

15. In a seat structure, a movable unit including front and rear arms, supporting means pivotally supporting said arms about horizontal axes, said unit. also including a member having pivotal connections with said arms at locations spaced I from said supporting means, a bar pivotally connecting front and rear arms of the unit at locations radially spaced from said supporting means and from said connections, said bar having a rack section formed thereon, raclmengaging means sef lectively engageable with the rack section for.

locking the arms in various positions, and means for supporting said rack engaging means on said unit.

16. In a seat structure, a movableseat suppivotal supports. l0

17. In a seat structure, a movable seat supporting and adjusting unit including front and rear arms, means for carrying a seat on said unit, supporting means pivotally supporting said arms about horizontal axes, a bar pivotally connecting l5 front and rear arms of the unit at locations spaced from said supporting means, an arcuate rack section formed on the bar and having its circumferential rack forming portion described about the pivotal axis of one of the 20 pivotal connections of said bar as a center, and

rack engaging means supported by at least one of said arms and selectively engageable with the arculate rack section for locking the arms in various positions.

18. In an adjustable automobile seat structure for positioning automobile operators at various elevations in an automobile body, a seat supporting unit including a seat frame, said unit also including front and rear arms having upper pivotal connections securing them to the frame and said arms being movable from a substantially horizontal position to an upright position, supporting means having lower pivotal connections securing and supporting said arms at loca- 86 tions spaced from the upper pivotal connections thereof to the frame whereby the arms carry the seat unit between a lower rearward position and an upper forward position, means for maintaining the pivotal axes of the several piv- 40 otal connections of said arms substantially parallel and horizontal, a projection rigid with respect to one of the arms and extending in a substantially upright position in the lower rearward position of said unit and being movable down- 45 wardly about the lower pivotal connection of v the latter arm in response to movement of the unit toward'an upper forward position, a resilient member urging said arms pivotally from a lower position upwardly about said supporting 59 means, said resilient member having an end connected to the outer end portion of said projection, and means for anchoring the other end of the resilient member with respect to said supporting means at a location remote from said 55 latter arm.

19. In an adjustable automobile seat structure for positioning automobile operators at various elevations in an automobile body, a seat supporting unit including a seat frame, said unit also 60 including front and rear arms having upper pivotal connections securing them to the frame and saidarms being movable from a substantially horizontal position to an upright position, supporting means having lower pivotal connec- 55 tions securing and supporting said arms at locations spaced from the pivotal connections thereof to the frame whereby said arms carry the seat unit between a lower rearward position and an upper forward position, means for maintain- 70 mg the pivotal axes of the several pivotal connections of said arms substantially parallel and horizontal, a projection rigid with respect to one of the rear arms and having an upwardly projecting outer end portion located forwardly 15 in the space beneath said unit and having one end connected to the outer end portion of said projection, and .means for anchoring the other end of the resilient member to a member stationary with respect to said,supporting means at a location remote from said latter arm and forwardly of the latter.

20. In an adjustable automobile seat structure for positioning automobile operators at various elevations in an automobile body, a seat supporting unit including a seat frame,- said unit also including front and rear arms having upper pivotal connections securing them to the frame and said arms being movable from a substantially horizontal position to an upright position, supporting means having lower pivotal connections securing and supporting said arms at locations spaced from the pivotal connections thereof to the frame whereby the arms carry the seat unit between a lower rearward position and an upper forward position, means for maintaining the pivotal axes of the several pivotal connections of said arms substantially parallel and horizontal,

a locking device connected to said unit for selectively locking the latter in various positions of adjustment upon said arms, a projection rigidwith respect to one of the rear arms and'ex- BAYMON E. ROUSSEAU. 2