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.

A flexible backrest for a folding chair includes a flexible backrest panel which can assume a curved configuration of use and an extended storage configuration. The flexible backrest panel has a support surface having a concave shape in a cross-section in a horizontal plane, and a convex shape in a cross-section in a vertical plane; and the flexible backrest panel has a plurality of vertical through-slits forming a plurality of vertical slats.

A modular furniture assembly includes a transverse member and a base member. The base member includes a base frame having a bottom panel and side panels, each of the side panels having an upper chamfered edge. The base member also includes a storage cavity at least partially defined by the bottom panel and the side panels and a lid configured to be selectively mounted on the base frame such that the lid covers the storage cavity.

A modular furniture assembly includes a transverse member and a base member. The base member includes a base frame having a bottom panel and side panels, each of the side panels having an upper chamfered edge. The base member also includes a storage cavity at least partially defined by the bottom panel and the side panels and a lid configured to be selectively mounted on the base frame such that the lid covers the storage cavity.

A chair support shell has an integral back portion, seat portion, and joining portion between the back portion and the seat portion. At least a major portion of the support shell comprises a compliant structure, the compliant structure having a plurality of cells interconnected by a plurality of resilient members. The compliant structure provides compliance in the seat portion, compliance in the back portion, and compliance in the joining portion. The compliant structure enables recline of the back portion relative to the seat portion.

The present disclosure relates to an inflatable structure transformable between a deflated state and an inflated state, the inflatable structure comprising a drop stitch fabric having a first layer and a second layer tethered by drop stitches. At least one layer of the first and second layers comprises a ridge formed by a folded portion of the one layer, secured by a fixation line. The disclosure also relates to a manufacturing method of an inflatable structure in accordance with the foregoing, and an inflatable seat comprising such an inflatable structure.

A connection structure for a composite backrest and a method for making the same are provided. The connection structure includes two frames, a backrest body, and metal bushings. The metal bushings include a group of left metal bushings and a group of right metal bushings. The two frames are respectively fixed to the left side and the right side of the backrest body by the left metal bushings and the right metal bushings. The method includes: punching the backrest body and the frames; placing the frames into the backrest body; processing the metal bushings; sandblasting or sanding the external surface of the metal bushing; coating a configured structural adhesive on the metal bushing, and oppositely bonding the metal bushing; fixing the bonded metal bushing by a tool; and placing the fixed metal bushing, the composite backrest and the two frames into a drying oven for heating.

A body support structure includes a frame and a membrane attached to the frame. The membrane includes elastomeric filaments. The membrane includes different regions with different stiffness. The membrane may form a part of a seat or a backrest.

A body support structure includes a frame and a membrane attached to the frame. The membrane includes elastomeric filaments. The membrane includes different regions with different stiffness. The membrane may form a part of a seat or a backrest.

A body support structure includes a shell having a central region, an outer peripheral region spaced from the central region, and at least one array extending between the central region and the outer peripheral region. The at least one array includes a plurality of spaced apart support members and at least one connector connecting adjacent support members within each array. The support members of the at least one array are progressively divided between the central portion and the outer peripheral edge.