ASTM F851-87(1996)

Standard Test Method for Self-Rising Seat Mechanisms

SCOPE
1.1 This test method evaluates the performance of self-rising or automatic-lifting seat mechanisms of chairs in places of assembly.  
1.2 This test method addresses only the raising of the seat. It does not address the load that may be placed on that seat. Committee F15 is considering a standard addressing this load.  
1.3 The values as stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values in parentheses are provided for information only.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 31-Dec-1999
• Technical Committee: F15 - Consumer Products
• Drafting Committee: F15.23 - Auditorium Seating

Relations

• Replaced By: ASTM F851-87(2000) - Standard Test Method for Self-Rising Seat Mechanisms
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2000

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
Designation: F 851 – 87 (Reapproved 1996)
Standard Test Method for
Self-Rising Seat Mechanisms
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F 851; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method evaluates the performance of self-
rising or automatic-lifting seat mechanisms of chairs in places
of assembly.
1.2 This test method addresses only the raising of the seat.
It does not address the load that may be placed on that seat.
Committee F-15 is considering a standard addressing this load.
1.3 The values as stated in inch-pound units are to be
regarded as the standard. The values in parentheses are
provided for information only.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
2. Summary of Test Method
2.1 The principle of the test method is to test the reliability
of the seat-lifting mechanism.
2.2 This test method consists of using hard rubber rollers
attached dually to the end of an actuating bar to lower the seat.
FIG. 1 Self-Rising Seat Mechanism Apparatus (Down Position)
The seat is then released and allowed to lift automatically to the
“at-rest” or “raised” position. The test method requires the seat
to be cycled at a specified rate, and allows for the number of
cycles completed, without failure, to be measured.
2.3 The “at-rest” position for an auditorium chair is the
“raised” position. The seat is lowered to allow the occupant to
be seated. When released, the seat is automatically returned to
the “raised” position by use of a spring return mechanism or
counter-weight for gravity lift (see Figs. 1 and 2).
3. Significance and Use
3.1 This test method provides the criteria for a practical,
reproducible test for assuring the proper life-cycle of self-rising
or automatic-lifting seat mechanisms of chairs.
3.2 This test method should be considered suitable for the
testing required for design purposes, manufacturing control,
service evaluation, specification acceptance, and regulatory
statutes.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F-15 on
Consumer Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F15.23 on
Auditorium Seating.
Current edition approved Feb. 27, 1987. Published April 1987. Originally
e1
published as F 851 – 83. Last previous edition F 851 – 83 . FIG. 2 Self-Rising Seat Mechanism Apparatus (Raised Position)
Copyright © ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
F 851
4. Apparatus
4.1 A representative apparatus capable of performing this
test is shown in Figs. 1 and 2. This unit consists of a
motor-powered rotating arm with adjustable length and two
3 ⁄2-in. (88.9 mm) roller wheels fastened to the end of the arm.
4.2 Other suitable apparatus may be used.
5. Sampling
5.1 Test Specimen—Each test specimen shall consist of a
self-rising seat mechanism contained in a single chair.
5.2 Sample Size—The sample size shall consist of three test
specimens selected at random from a standard production run.
(See Appendix X1.1. All components of the test specimens
must be manufactured using that manufacturer’s standard
materials, methods, and design.
6. Specimen Preparation
6.1 Assemble and mount the test specimen to simulate
installation conditions, following manufacturer’s assembly in-
structions. Record dimensional position of seat in “raised”
position relative to the back of the chair (see Fig. 3).
7. Procedure
7.1 Design the apparatus to lower the seat to its complete“
down” position.
7.2 The apparatus then releases the seat. This allows the
FIG. 3 Diagram of Self-Rising Seat Mechanism
seat-lifting mechanism to function, returning the seat to the
“at-rest” or “raised” position, completing one cycle.
8.1.3 Dates of testing,
7.3 Continue for 100 000 cycles to be completed within a
8.1.4 Brief description of testing apparatus and method,
period not to exceed 14 calendar days. (See Appendix X1.2.)
8.1.5 Brief description of chair assembly tested, and
7.4 The seat-li
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