ASTM F851-87(2000)

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
• ICS: 43.040.60 - Bodies and body components
• Technical Committee: F15 - Consumer Products
• Drafting Committee: F15.23 - Auditorium Seating

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM F851-87(1996) - Standard Test Method for Self-Rising Seat Mechanisms
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2000
• Replaced By: ASTM F851-87(2005) - Standard Test Method for Self-Rising Seat Mechanisms
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2005

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation:F851–87 (Reapproved 2000)
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)
Theseatisthenreleasedandallowedtoliftautomaticallytothe
“at-rest” or “raised” position. The test method requires the seat
to be cycled at a specified rate, and allows for the number of
4. Apparatus
cycles completed, without failure, to be measured.
4.1 A representative apparatus capable of performing this
2.3 The “at-rest” position for an auditorium chair is the
test is shown in Figs. 1 and 2. This unit consists of a
“raised” position. The seat is lowered to allow the occupant to
motor-powered rotating arm with adjustable length and two
be seated. When released, the seat is automatically returned to
3 ⁄2-in. (88.9 mm) roller wheels fastened to the end of the arm.
the “raised” position by use of a spring return mechanism or
4.2 Other suitable apparatus may be used.
counter-weight for gravity lift (see Figs. 1 and 2).
5. Sampling
3. Significance and Use
5.1 Test Specimen—Each test specimen shall consist of a
3.1 This test method provides the criteria for a practical,
self-rising seat mechanism contained in a single chair.
reproducibletestforassuringtheproperlife-cycleofself-rising
5.2 Sample Size—The sample size shall consist of three test
or automatic-lifting seat mechanisms of chairs.
specimens selected at random from a standard production run.
3.2 This test method should be considered suitable for the
(See Appendix X1.1. All components of the test specimens
testing required for design purposes, manufacturing control,
must be manufactured using that manufacturer’s standard
service evaluation, specification acceptance, and regulatory
materials, methods, and design.
statutes.
6. Specimen Preparation
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F15 on 6.1 Assemble and mount the test specimen to simulate
Consumer Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F15.23 on
installation conditions, following manufacturer’s assembly in-
Auditorium Seating.
structions. Record dimensional position of seat in “raised”
Current edition approved Feb. 27, 1987. Published April 1987. Originally
e1
position relative to the back of the chair (see Fig. 3).
published as F 851 – 83. Last previous edition F 851 – 83 .
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F851
FIG. 2 Self-Rising Seat Mechanism Apparatus (Raised Position)
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
...