ASTM_F_851_-_87_2013.pdf

Designation:F85187(Reapproved 2013)Standard Test Method forSelf-Rising Seat Mechanisms1This standard is issued under the fixed designation F851;the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of originaladoption or,in the case of revision,the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscriptepsilon()indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.1.Scope1.1 This test method evaluates the performance of self-rising or automatic-lifting seat mechanisms of chairs in placesof 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 beregarded as the standard.The values in parentheses areprovided for information only.1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of thesafety concerns,if any,associated with its use.It is theresponsibility 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 Method2.1 The principle of the test method is to test the reliabilityof the seat-lifting mechanism.2.2 This test method consists of using hard rubber rollersattached dually to the end of an actuating bar to lower the seat.The seat is then released and allowed to lift automatically to the“at-rest”or“raised”position.The test method requires the seatto be cycled at a specified rate,and allows for the number ofcycles 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 tobe seated.When released,the seat is automatically returned tothe“raised”position by use of a spring return mechanism orcounter-weight for gravity lift(see Figs.1 and 2).3.Significance and Use3.1 This test method provides the criteria for a practical,reproducible test for assuring the proper life-cycle of self-risingor automatic-lifting seat mechanisms of chairs.3.2 This test method should be considered suitable for thetesting required for design purposes,manufacturing control,service evaluation,specification acceptance,and regulatorystatutes.4.Apparatus4.1 A representative apparatus capable of performing thistest is shown in Figs.1 and 2.This unit consists of amotor-powered rotating arm with adjustable length and two312-in.(88.9 mm)roller wheels fastened to the end of the arm.4.2 Other suitable apparatus may be used.5.Sampling5.1 Test SpecimenEach test specimen shall consist of aself-rising seat mechanism contained in a single chair.5.2 Sample SizeThe sample size shall consist of three testspecimens selected at random from a standard production run(see Appendix X1.1).All components of the test specimensmust be manufactured using that manufacturers standardmaterials,methods,and design.6.Specimen Preparation6.1 Assemble and mount the test specimen to simulateinstallation conditions,following manufacturers assembly in-structions.Record dimensional position of seat in“raised”position relative to the back of the chair(see Fig.3).7.Procedure7.1 Design the apparatus to lower the seat to its complete“down”position.7.2 The apparatus then releases the seat.This allows theseat-lifting mechanism to function,returning the seat to the“at-rest”or“raised”position,completing one cycle.7.3 Continue for 100 000 cycles to be completed within aperiod not to exceed 14 calendar days(see Appendix X1.2).7.4 The seat-lifting mechanism passes the test if the threespecimens meet the following conditions:7.4.1 Completion of 100 000 cycles without failure.Toreturn to raised position see Appendix X1.3.7.4.2 Dimensional deviation of front of seat shall not exceed112in.(38.1 mm).1This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F15 onConsumer Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F15.23 onAuditorium Seating.Current edition approved April 1,2013.Published August 2013.Originallyapproved in 1983.Last previous edition approved in 2005 as F851 87(2005).DOI:10.1520/F0851-87R13.Copyright ASTM International,100 Barr Harbor Drive,PO Box C700,West Conshohocken,PA 19428-2959.United States1 8.Report8.1 At completion of test the report should include thefollowing information:8.1.1 Chair manufacturers name,8.1.2 Chair model or series number or name,or both,8.1.3 Dates of testing,8.1.4 Brief description of testing apparatus and method,8.1.5 Brief description of chair assembly tested,and8.1.6 Number of cycles,rate of cycles and elapsed time oftesting.8.2 Report any dimensional deviations of the seat positionas compared to original“at-rest”or“raised”position.8.3 Report if the seat-lifting mechanism passes the test(see7.4).9.Precision and Bias9.1 No justifiable statements can be made either on theprecision or bias of this test method,since the test result merelystates whether there is conforman