ASTM F851-87 (2020) PDF

Full title and description

ASTM F851-87(2020) — Standard Test Method for Self‑Rising Seat Mechanisms. This standard specifies a test method for evaluating the raising (self‑rising or automatic lifting) action of seat mechanisms used in chairs for places of assembly (for example, auditorium, theatre, or stadium seating).

Abstract

This test method defines procedures and conditions for assessing the performance of self‑rising (automatic‑lifting) seat mechanisms. The procedure covers only the raising action of the seat mechanism and explicitly does not address imposed loads on the seat; units are given in inch‑pound as the standard. The test is intended to provide reproducible comparative performance data for design verification and quality control.

General information

• Status: Active / reapproved (designation in force as F851‑87(2020)).
• Publication date: Original 1987; designation reapproved/confirmed January 5, 2020 (listed as ASTM F851‑87(2020)).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 43.040.60 (Bodies and body components / seating).
• Edition / version: Designation: F851‑87 with confirmation/reapproval year shown as (2020); file/version recorded as F0851‑87R00 (R00 reapproval record).
• Number of pages: 3.

Scope

The standard covers a laboratory test method to evaluate the raising action of self‑rising or automatic‑lifting seat mechanisms used in chairs intended for places of assembly. It addresses only the seat‑raising function (not the load the seat may carry) and provides instructions for test setup, measurement and reporting so that comparative performance and durability characteristics of mechanisms can be assessed. Units are specified in inch‑pound; the standard does not claim to address all safety issues associated with the use of such seating.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition and purpose: test method for self‑rising (automatic‑lifting) seat mechanisms used in assembly seating.
• Test scope limitation: evaluates only raising action; does not address imposed payloads or other seating safety aspects.
• Units and measurement: inch‑pound units are the standard; metric values may be provided for information.
• Procedural elements: specimen preparation, cyclic operation (specified cycles or conditions for comparative testing), measurement of motion/performance, and reporting criteria.
• Use in product verification: intended for design verification, quality control and comparative assessment of seat mechanisms used in auditoria, theatres and similar venues.

Typical use and users

Manufacturers of auditorium, theatre and stadium seating, product designers and engineers, test laboratories, quality managers, and procurement/specification writers use this standard to verify and compare the self‑rising function of seat mechanisms, to support product development, production quality control, and acceptance testing for installed seating. Venue owners and facility engineers may reference the test method when specifying seating performance requirements.

Related standards

Other ASTM furniture and seating standards and performance specifications and relevant industry standards (for example, related ASTM F‑series documents addressing seating performance and load testing) are commonly referenced alongside F851. Committee and Book of Standards listings group F851 with related F‑series seating standards (reapproved/confirmed publications in the same cycle). Specific complementary standards may include performance requirements for seating and test methods maintained by the same ASTM committee (F15).

Keywords

self‑rising seat mechanism, automatic lifting seat, auditorium seating, theatre seating, seat mechanism test, ASTM F851, seating test method, F15 committee, cyclic testing.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM F851‑87(2020) is a standardized laboratory test method for evaluating the raising (self‑rising/automatic lifting) action of seat mechanisms used in places of assembly such as auditoria and theatres.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers only the test procedure for the seat‑raising mechanism (setup, operation and reporting). It explicitly does not address loads placed on the seat or other unrelated safety concerns. Units are given in inch‑pound.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Seating manufacturers, product designers/engineers, test laboratories, quality control personnel, specifiers and venue purchasers use the standard to verify and compare the performance of self‑rising seat mechanisms.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The designation is shown in force as F851‑87(2020), indicating the original 1987 standard was reapproved/confirmed for use in the 2020 cycle; it is listed as active in commercial standards listings. Users should confirm the most current status with ASTM International before relying on it for compliance decisions.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of the ASTM F‑series of standards managed by Committee F15 (subcommittee F15.23 for seating mechanisms) and appears alongside other furniture and seating test methods and specifications in the ASTM Book of Standards.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Self‑rising seat, automatic lifting, seat mechanism test, auditorium seating, ASTM F851, seating performance.