A seat back support with an adjustable support curvature, the support including: a frame; at least one elongate deformable member extending between side portions of the frame; and an elongate adjustment element that intersects one or more of the at least one deformable member(s), wherein manipulation of the adjustment element adjusts the deformation of the one or more deformable member(s) with which it intersects to adjust the curvature of the back support.

The invention is a method of manufacturing a multi-color molded furniture item made by a multi-step molding process using heat zone control in the mold to apply different plastic charges to predefined portions of the mold. Controlling zones of the mold with heat by zone heating and thermal insulators separating mold zones for molding a part of different plastics differing in characteristics such as color, durability, surface finish and chemical resistance.

The invention is a method of manufacturing a multi-color molded furniture item made by a multi-step molding process using heat zone control in the mold to apply different plastic charges to predefined portions of the mold. Controlling zones of the mold with heat by zone heating and thermal insulators separating mold zones for molding a part of different plastics differing in characteristics such as color, durability, surface finish and chemical resistance.

A blow-molded plastic structure has a hollow interior portion formed during a blow-molding process, and includes first and second outer portions that are spaced apart from each other, with the hollow interior portion disposed there between. The structure includes a pattern of structural stiffening features that are integrally formed in the second outer portion. The pattern of structural stiffening features includes a plurality of tripodal depressions disposed in rows and columns and a plurality of convex regions disposed in rows and columns between the plurality of tripodal depressions. Each convex region has a maximum height between the first and second outer portions. Each of the tripodal depressions extends into the hollow interior portion, includes three indentations disposed adjacent the first outer portion, and includes an island spaced away from the first outer portion. The island has three sides, each of which is disposed adjacent one of the three indentations.

A blow-molded plastic structure has a hollow interior portion formed during a blow-molding process, and includes first and second outer portions that are spaced apart from each other, with the hollow interior portion disposed there between. The structure includes a pattern of structural stiffening features that are integrally formed in the second outer portion. The pattern of structural stiffening features includes a plurality of tripodal depressions disposed in rows and columns and a plurality of convex regions disposed in rows and columns between the plurality of tripodal depressions. Each convex region has a maximum height between the first and second outer portions. Each of the tripodal depressions extends into the hollow interior portion, includes three indentations disposed adjacent the first outer portion, and includes an island spaced away from the first outer portion. The island has three sides, each of which is disposed adjacent one of the three indentations.

A knock-down furniture frame includes a plurality of panels having interlocking sides and at least one tensioning device having a band that draws the plurality of panels together under tension into an interlocking relationship. In one embodiment, the band may apply tension to each of the plurality of panels and extend exclusively within the interior space defined by the plurality of panels. In another embodiment, the band may be woven through the plurality of panels such that at least a first portion of the band extends along an outside surface of at least one of the plurality of panels and at least a second portion of the band extends within the interior space defined by the plurality of panels.

A knock-down furniture frame includes a plurality of panels having interlocking sides and at least one tensioning device having a band that draws the plurality of panels together under tension into an interlocking relationship. In one embodiment, the band may apply tension to each of the plurality of panels and extend exclusively within the interior space defined by the plurality of panels. In another embodiment, the band may be woven through the plurality of panels such that at least a first portion of the band extends along an outside surface of at least one of the plurality of panels and at least a second portion of the band extends within the interior space defined by the plurality of panels.

A modular monocoque backrest is provided. The modular monocoque backrest may comprise a front shroud, a back shroud, and an at least one back spar. The front shroud may be coupled to the back shroud, and the back spar may be configured as a mounting point, enabling the modular monocoque backrest to mount to an aircraft floor. The front shroud and the back shroud may comprise a carbon fiber composite material, allowing the modular monocoque backrest to be modular in nature. The carbon fiber composite material may enable the modular monocoque backrest to have a lightweight design while also maintaining resistance to dynamic crash loads.

A modular monocoque backrest is provided. The modular monocoque backrest may comprise a front shroud, a back shroud, and an at least one back spar. The front shroud may be coupled to the back shroud, and the back spar may be configured as a mounting point, enabling the modular monocoque backrest to mount to an aircraft floor. The front shroud and the back shroud may comprise a carbon fiber composite material, allowing the modular monocoque backrest to be modular in nature. The carbon fiber composite material may enable the modular monocoque backrest to have a lightweight design while also maintaining resistance to dynamic crash loads.

A method for conditioning a load bearing surface includes positioning an oriented polymeric membrane in a mount and applying a force to the polymeric membrane so as to create a stress in the membrane. The stressed membrane is heated to a temperature no less than about a temperature that the load bearing surface is expected endure in use. The membrane is maintained at the temperature for a first period of time sufficient to heat the entirety of the membrane and the it is cooled while maintaining the stress on the membrane. Following a predetermined cool down period, the applied stress is removed for availability of the end use product. A seating surface for use in a vehicle that is subjected to an elevated temperature is also disclosed.