Steel-tube Seat Frames for Passenger Vehicles
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A Reflection Upon Experiments that are Being Carried Out on the Continent
A N attempt is being made by some timotor-coach proprietors on the Coninent to replace the orthodox sprung [lad upholstered seat by a new type in v.hich tubular-steel framing is used, he style following that of a modern ype of household chair, which is gainng a certain amount of popularity. There are, no doubt, certain distinct tdvantages with this kind of seat, and t will be worth while for passengerrelricle bodybuilders and vehicle pro)rietors in this countryto look careully into the matter and weigh up the tros and cons of this novel suggestion. Most of our readers will be familiar vith the tubular-frame chair, for this as made its appearance in English urniture stores during the past year ir so. The frame material used is ,eamless elastic steel tube,' this being ixtremely strong in proportion to its veight, so that the necessary rigidity uad support are available even with the implest possible lines of construction. Tery few joints are necessary—in fact, he single seat can be made from one ength of tube bent to the required hape.
The question of comfort naturally trises in the operator's mind. We have eat had an opportunity for testing any If these seats under service conditions, tut it is accepted that the tubular came gives a desirable resiliency, and t is claimed that good-quality tight anvas is all that is necessary to comdete the seat. NV e understand, in fact, hat in cases where operators have pecified the fitting of sprung and upholstered cushions on top of the tubular frame, the explanation lies in their own scepticism and not in any lack of comfort in the simpler design. Experiments a r e needed in this country to demonstrate whether sprung cushions are required, but, even should they be fitted, most of the advantages of the tubular frame will still be enjoyed.
In the simpler form the seat is, of course, agreeably cool in summer, more hygienic, inexpensive and easy to replace. Qualities of canvas are available which are fireproof, rotproof and antproof, so that the advantages in tropical climates are quite obvious. The maintenance problem is very much simplified for the seat is practically indestructible, and a great deal of labour is saved in the everyday task of cleaning the interior of the vehicle.
The saving in weight is important enough, but the saving in space is, perhaps, even more interesting. Seats of this pattern give excellent legroom, since they do not interfere with the shins when the legs are stretched forward. It is a simple matter so to mount the seats on the.floor that they . may be tipped backwards or forwards, whilst the seating angle is easily adjusted, and the top rail, apart from being convenient to assist passengers out of their seats, is also useful as a rug rail.
The attachment of the seats to the floor is extremely simple, and it is possible to fix the seat bases in longitudinal rails, so that their Position may be adjusted fore and aft.
When it is desired to have a rother elaborate finish, the canvas may be covered with any of the usual materials, such as leather or moquette. Actually, the Seats can be made to look quite smart, particularly if a bright framework be used.