CA1070033A - Spring construction - Google Patents

Abstract

ABSTRACT
A seat spring assembly for an upholstered furniture seat, which comprises a seat frame including a front rail and a back rail, a plurality of sinuous spring bands connected to the front and back rails and extending therebetween in substantially parallel relationship with the plurality of bands including an outermost band, and a normally straight, stiff wire span member extending longitudinally of the outermost band and substantially coextensive therewith between the front and back rails.
One end of the wire span member is fastened to one of the bands and one of the rails at a point adjacent the one rail so that the one end of the wire member cannot move long-itudinally relative to the fastening point, and the opposite end of the wire span member is fastened to one of the bands and the other of the rails at a point adjacent the other rail. A key means is disposed between the wire span member and the outermost band and fastened rigidly to both, with the span member and key means being effective to permit a controlled, limited deflection of the outer-most band under normal load.

Description

~7~03~3 FIET.D OF rl`IIE INVEN I`ION
T}lis invelltioll is in the field o:E seat spring assemblies for furniture seats and the like. It relates particular-ly to seat spring assem~lies whic]l employ SillUOUS spring bands.

BACKGROUND OE~ Tl-IF. INVENTION
It is important in springing so-Eas and loveseats, for example, that a person sitting at either end does not feel the unpleasant sensation oE "lean-ou-t" over the arm. "Lean-out" is caused by the di-fference between the strong spring suppor~t he gets underneath him on his inboard side and the virtual absence of support he gets from the absence o-f springs on his outboard side.
For over forty years, the presence of a higll degree of "lean-out" has been particularly troublesome when springing sofas, loveseats, sectionals and similar furniture with sinuous springs of any type. The problem is particularly bothersome in open-end modular styles, where there is no arm at either one encl or both ends. Many attempts have been made to combat this problem but none have been fully successful, even when going to the extreme in labor and material costs of placing two sinuous spring bands at each arm end so close together as to virtually tOUC]l each other and as far out under the arm as possible. This construction is expensive because of the additional spring required, it puts great additional strain on the furniture frame at the point of attach-ment o the additional spring, and it has the eEfec-~ of slowin~ down the subsequent upholstering process.

SU~MA~Y OF T~IE INVENTION
The present invention, Eor the first time~ fully accomplishes arm-end spring support7 even in open-end modular styles. Furthermore, this arm-end spring support is Ea-r greater ~7(~

than the spring support provi(lecl in any other part Or the spring seat. The invelltion prevents any feel of Le.ln-out while re~ui-rirlg only one sinuous spring band a-t each arm-encl, thus saving thc manufacturer the labor ancl ma~erial costs oE the two elimina-ted springs. Furthermore, this single sinuous sprin~ bancl does not need to be placed inconveniently far out under the arm structure.
The construction oE the present inven-tion permits uniEorm spacing from left to right in the seat, saving additionally that labor time required in mounting springs in a non-uni~ormly spaced arrangement.
The foregoing and other objects of the invention are realized by providing a truss or key support to the bow or arc of an installed sinuous spring band. A truss s~ructure in its simplest form comprises a span member extending between certain . .
linear segments of the endmost spring bands. This span is effect-ive to a substantial degree in preventing unwanted downward drop of the center o-f the band when a person is seated. Support under the outboard side of the seated person is thus effected. An even greater degree of support is provided with the use of a key mern-ber between the span member and the band. The key member trans-mits the downward thrust of the band to tlle span member, prevent-ing downward movement of the band for more than approximately three-quarters of an inch (3/4"). In some applications, a key member may be used separately.
Thus broadlv, -the invention conte.~..~lates a seat spring assembly for an upholstered furniture seat W~ick comprises a seat frame including a front rail and a back rail connected by side rails, a plurality of sinuous spr.ing bands ~ - 2 -,~,i~, ~ ' ' ' . . , . : .

~07~3~

connected to the front and back rails and extendirlg -there-between, and a 1cey member mounted on one sicle rail and connected to the outermost sinuous spring band adjacent the one rail with the key member being effective to limit downward travel of the outermost spring band to approximately one inch.
In a further em~odiment the invention contemplates a seat spring assembly for an upholstered furniture seat which comprises a seat frame including a front rail and a back rail connected by side rails, a plurality of sinuous spring bands connected to the front and back rails and extending therebetween in substantially parallel relationship with the side rails, with the plurality of bands including an outermost band adjacent each side rail. A truss means underlies at least one of the outermost bands between the front and back rails and is fastened at its opposite ends to one of the one outermost band and the rails, whereby the opposite ends are anchored against longitudinal movement relative to the one outermost band, and a key means is disposed substantially vertically between the truss means and the one outermost band and is effective to permit only limited downward movement of the band under load. The key means can be at least one vertically elongated member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OE TIIE DRAWINGS
___ The invention, including its constr~lction and method of operation, together with additional ob~ects and advantages thereof, is illustrated more or less diagrammatically in the drawings, in which:
FIGURF, 1 is a vertical sectional view of a seat spring assembl~ embodying features of a first form-first version of the invention, with parts removed;

- 2 a -b :

10~ 33 EIGURl. 2 is a to~p plan v:i.ew o-~ the ass~mb:ly illustrated in FIGllRE l;
FIGURE 3 is a sectional view taken alonK line 3-3 of FIGURE l;
FIGURE ~ is a perspective view of a por-tion o-f a first form-second version o:E the seat spring assembly embodying features of the present invention;
FIGURE 5 is a perspective view, similar to FIGURB 4, illustrating a portion of a first form-third version of the seat spring assembly embodying features of -the present invention;
FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of a portion of a first form-fourth version o-f seat spring assembly embodying features of the invention;
FIGURE 7 is a -vertical sec~ional view through a seat spring assembly embodying features of a second form of the present invention, with parts removed;
FI~,URE ~ is an enlarged vertical sectional view of a portion of the seat spring assembly illustrated in FIGURE 7, with parts broken away;
FIGURE 9 is a vertical sectional view similar to FIGURE 7 illustrating a third form-first version of the seat spring assembly embodying features of the invention;
FIGURE 10 is a perspective view of a portion of the seat spring assembly illustrated in FIGURE 9;
FIGURE 11 is a vertical sectional view ~hrough a third form-second version of the seat spring assembly embodying features of the invention;
: FIGURE 12 is a vertical sectional view ~hrough a fourth form of the seat spring assembly embodying features of the present invention;
FIGURE 13 is a bottom plan view taken alon~ line 13-13 of FIGURE 12;

~t97~133 FIGIIRE 14 is a ver-ticcll sec~io2lal view -through a fifth form of the seat spring assembly embodying -Eeatures of tlle invention, l~ith parts removed;
FIGURE 15 is a bottom plan view taken along line 15-15 of FI GURE 14;
FIGURE 1~ is a vertical sectional view through a sixth form of the seat spring assembly embodying ~eatures of the invention, with parts removed;
FI GURE 17 is a vertical sectional view through a seventh form of the seat spring assembly embodying Eeatures of the invention, with parts removed; a FIGURE 18 is a vertical sectional view through an eighth form of the seat spring assembly eMbodying features of the invention in a steel-rail frame, with parts removed;
FIGURE 19 is an enlarged top plan view of a ninth form of the seat spring assembly embodying features of the invention, with parts removed;
FIGURE 2~ is a sectional view taken along line 20-20 of FIGURE 19;
2n FIGURE 21 is a vertical sectional view through a tenth form of the seat spring assembly embodying features of the present invention;
FIGURE 22 is a top plan view of an eleventh Eorm of the seat spring assembly embodying features of the inven-tion; and FIGURE 23 is a vertical sectional view of the seat spring assembly of FIGURE 22.

L)33 DESCRIPTION OF Tll. I>R~T~ lD ~MBO I~IENIS
Referring llOW to the drawings, and particularly to FIGURES 1-3, a sea-t spr;ng assembly embodying -features oE a first form-:Eirst version of -the present invention is illustrated generally a~ 10. Tlle seat spring assembly 10 is, accor~lin~ to the invention, specially adapted for use adjacent the ends of so-fas or loveseats or the like to prevent "lean-out" by a seated person outwardly over the arm.
The seat spring assembly 10 includes a wood frame 11 having a vertically disposed front rail 12, a correspondi-ng back rail 13 and interconnecting side rails ~not shown). Extending between the front rail 12 and the back rail 13, parallel to the side rails are a plurality of identical sinuous spring bands 20, only one of which is shown. ~ach of the bands 20 is generally conventional in construction and includes a parallel series of generally linear wire segments 21 interconnected by a series of generally semi~circular wire segments 22 in a "sinuous" configuration.
In the seat spring assembly 10, the forwardmost linear wire segment 21a is seated in a conventional mounting clip 25 which attaches the band 20 to the front rail 12. The clip 25 includes a hook 26 in which the wire segment 21a is seated and a horizontally extended attachment section 27 which is apertured to receive a staple or the like to fasten the clip to the upper surface of the front rail 12.
In the spring assembly 10, the rearwardmost linear wire segment 21z is fastened to the back rail 13 in slightly differellt fashion. Here a clip 30 identical to the clip 25 is fastened to the back rail in the same manner. Seated in the hook 31 o-f the clip 30, however~ is a U-shaped link 32 which, in turn, has hooks 33 -formed at the free er.ds of each of i-ts two :Legs 3~. -The linear wire segment 21z is seated in the hooks 33 in the manner illustrated.

- 5 - ~-

3:3~

The spring band 20 may be convcntiollal, pre-arced sinuous which is stretchecl into an extended, all~eit still arced, relationship to be ~astened to ~he rails 12 and 13. I-t may, on the other hand, be conventional fully or partially cle-arced sinuous spring bancl. The loop size of the band might vary wldely also. Althougll the band 20 illustrated is "regular" loop sinuous, it might also be "X-L" (e~tra large) or "S-L" (super loop) sinuous. The invention also can be employed Wit]l conven-tional "zigger" configuration springs, ancl similar types.
According to the invention, a wire span member 40 spans the ~rame between the front rail 12 and the back rail 13 in this first form-first version of the invention and is fastened at its opposite ends to these rails. The wire span member 40 comprises conventional paper-covered wire which is bent downwardly at its front end, as at 41, and -fastened with the aid of staples 42 to the front surface o~ the front rail 12. The member 40 is also bent downwardly adjacent its back end, as at ~3, and fastened to the back surface of the back rail 13 with staples 44. The wire span member 40 may also be fastened with the aid of staples to the top sur~aces of the rails 12 and 13, respectively.
Referring to FIGURE 2, it will be seen that ~he front end 41 of the wire span member 40 is fastened to the rail on one side of the sinuous spring band while the back end 43 is faste~ed to the outer sur~ace o~ the back rail 13 on the other side o~ the band. The effect is to cause the wire member ~0 to pass diagonally under the sinuous spring band. The pllrpose of this construction is hereinafter discussed.
Mounted on the wire span member ~0 approximately intermediate its ends, and ~astened to the sinuous spring band 20 approximately intermediate its ends, is a '~key" member 50 formed also of paper-covered wire. The l'key" member 50 is bent irregularly in the shape illustr~ted in FIGURE 3 so as to have, when mounted in posi~ion as illustrated in FIGURES 1-3, a horizontal .~ .

.~

1~75;~33 mid-segment 51 corresponcliilg in lcngth suLlstailtially to thc transverse or width dimension oE thc sinuous spring band 20, downwardly and inwardly inclinecl side segments 52 and 53, and horizontally disposed end segments 54 and 55 in line with CaC
other and extending parallel to the wire span membe] ~0.
The micl-segment 51 is fastened -to one of the parallel wire segments 21, the segment 21m in the present illus-tration, by a conventional sleeve clamp 57. The end segment 5~ is, in turn, fastened securely to the wire span member 40 by a similar sleeve clamp 5S while the end segment 55 is fastened to the wire span member 40 by another sleeve clamp 59. At the points intermediate the span member 40 ends where the end wire segments 54 and 55 are fastened the span member is approximately centered under the band 20 in its diagonal path from side-to-side oE the band. The clamps 57, 58 and 59 are applied by a workman assembling the spring assembly 10 in a well-known manner with a conventional sleeve clamp gun.
In operation of the spring assembly 10, when a load is imposed on the single sinuous spring band 20 at one end of the sofa or loveseat, for example, and the load tends to force the band 20 downwardly, the downward thrust is communicated through the "key" member 50 to the span mernber 40. Because the span member 40 is solid wire, it cannot elongate, of course. Therefore, the amount o:E downward deflection o the spring band 20 normally does not exceed 3l4" to 1" As a result, a person who sits adjacent the end oE a sofa or loveseat, for example, does not tilt or lean outwardly over the arm by the collapse of the en~mos-t sinuous spring band.
In this first form-first version of the invention, the "key" member 50 is so bent that the load is spread on the span member 40 but not on the spring band 20. This load spreading is ~7al~33 achieved throug]l tlle longit-lclinally displaced end segments 54 and 55 of the key member 50 and their attachment -to the wire span member 40.
~ :Eirst form-second version of the seat s~ring assembly embodying features of the present invention is seen generally at 110 iIl FIGURE 4. The assembly 110 differs -from the seat spring assembly 10 hereinbe:Eore discussed only in configuration, mounting and, to some extent, the operation of the "key" member; in this assembly designated at 150. Accordingly, only the portion of the assembly 110 including ~he "key" member 150 is shown.
The "key" member 150 is mounted on the wire span member 140 approximately intermediate its ends and fastened to the sinuous spring band 120 approximately intermediate its ends. Once again, the "key" member 150 is formed of paper-covered wire. It is bent irregularly so as to have, when mounted in the position therein illustrated, a pair of horizontal end segments 151a and 151b corresponding in length substantially to the transverse or width dimension of the sinuous spring band 20, downwardly and inwardly inclined side segments 152 and 153, and a horizontally disposed mid-segment 154 in line with and extending parallel to the wire span member 140.
The end segments 151a and 151b are fastened to corres-ponding ones of the band's parallel wire segments 121, the segments 121m and 121n in the present illustration, by conventional sleeve clamps 157a and 157b. The mid-segment 154 is, in turn, fastened securely to the wire span member 140 by a similar sleeve clamp 158.
The clamps 157a, 157b and 158 are applied by workmen assemblying the spring assembly llO in a well-known manner l~ith a conventional sleeve clamp gun.

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. .

~7~33 In opera-tioll o~ -the spring assembly llO, when a load is imposed on the single sinuous spring ban(l 12n at one end of the so-fa or loveseat, for example, the load tends to force the band 120 downwardly. The downward thrust is com~unicated through the "key"
lnembcr 150 to t~le span member 140 whicl~ c~nnot elongate. As a result, a person W}10 sits adjacent the end of a sofa does not tilt or lean outwardly over the arm by the collapse o-f the endmost sinuous spring band.
In this firs~ form-second version of the invention, the l'key" member 150 is so bent that the load is spread on the spring band 120, but not on the span member 140. This is achieved through the longitudinally displaced end segments 151a and 151b of the "key" member 150 and thei~ attachment to the spring band 120, and on the elongated mid-segment 154 of the "key" member.
A first form-third version of the seat spring assembly embodying features of the invention is seen generally at 210 in FIGURE 5. The assembly 210 differs from the assemblies 10 and 110, once again, only in con-figuration, mounting and, to some extent, the operation of the 'tkey" member; in this assembly designated as 250. Again, only the portion of the assembly 210 includi~g the "key" member 250 is shown.
The "key" member 250 is mounted on the wire span member 240 approximately intermediate its ends and fastened to the sinuous spring band 220 approximately intermediate its ends. The "key" member 250 is formed of paper-covered wire. It is bent irregularly so as to have, w~en mounted in t~le posi~ioll therein illustrated, a pair of horizon~al end segments 251a and 251b extending parallel to the wire span member 240, upwardly and outwardly inclined side segments 252 and 253, a pair of horizontal intermediate segments 254a and 254b corresponding in length sub-stantially to the transverse or width dimension of the sinuous , ~ æ~

1.

spring band 220, and a horizon~ally disposecl mid-segment 256 joining the intermediate segments 254a and 254b.
The intermediate segments 254a and 254b are Eastened ~o corresponding ones oE the band 1 5 parallel wire segments 221, the segments 221m and 221n in the present illustration, by conventional sleeve clamps 258a and 258b. The end segmen-ts 251a and 251b are, in turn, fastened securely to the wire span member 240 by similar sleeve clamps 260a and 260b. This version spreads the load on both the stand 240 and on the spring band 221.
A first form-fourth version of ~he seat spring assembly embodying features of the invention is seen generally at ~10 in FIGURE 6. The assembly 310 differs from the assembly 210 immediately here and before described only in that the mid-segment 356 of the "key" member 350 extends diagonally across the width of the sinuous spring band 320 and interconnects ~he intermediate segments 354a and 354b of the "key" member, rather than along one slde of the band. The operation and effect, including load spreading of the assembly ls, for all practical purposes, identical ~o that of the assembly 210.
Referring now to FIGURES 7 and 8, a seat spring assembly embodying features of a second form of the present invention is illustrated generally at 410. Like those hereinbefore discussed, the seat spring assembly 410 is specially adapted for use adjacent the ends of sofas or loveseats or the like to prevent "lean~out".
The seat spring assembly 410 is, insofar as its wood framè ~11 and the mounting of its sinuous spring band 420 is concerned, substantially identical to the construction described in relation to the first forms of the present invention. Accord-ingly, corresponding reference nu~erals are used to iden~ify corresponding components, with the further addition of 100 digits ~ ~7 ~ ~ 3 -to distinguish the assemblies. ~:or e~ample, the flont rail o~
the seat spring assembly 410 is identiried by the re-Çerence numeral 412, while the back rail is 413.
In -the seat spring assembly 4lO a a wire span member 440 substantially spalls the frame bet~een the front rail 412 and the back rail 413 but, in this case, it is ~astened at its opposite ends to the penultimate linear segments 421b and 421y, respectively, rather than to the frame rails. The wire span member 440 again comprises conventional paper-covered wire, however. The span member ~40 is bent in one sideways direction at its front end, as at 441, and fastened with the aid of a sleeve clamp 443 to the linear wire segment 421b. The member 440 is also bent sidewardly, albeit in the opposite direction, adjacent its back end, as at 443, and fastened to the penultimate linear wire segment 421y with a sleeve clamp 444. Alternatively, the ends of the span 440 could be stapled to the rails dîrectly, as hereinbefore described, of course.
Once again, the wire span member 440 is moun-ted so that it passes diagonally under the sinuous spring band. The purpose of this construction is hereinafter discussed.
Formed upwardly in the wire span member 440 approxi-mately intermediate its ends and seated against the sinuous spring band 420 approximately intermediate its ends, is a "key"
segment 450 ~ormed from the paper-covered wire of the span member.
The "key" segment 450 is bent irregularly so as to have two substantially vertical side segments 452 and 453 topped by a "saddle-like" mid-segment 451.
The saddle-like mid-segment 451 seats against an ; intermediate linear wire segment 421m to support the band 420 from the truss span member 440. Immediately adjacent the horizontal stretch of the span member 440, the vertical side segments 452 and 453 are tightly fastened together hy a sleeve clamp 455 in a conventional manner.

~:D7~33 In operatioll of thc spr:ing asselllbly 410, l~hell a load is imposed on the single sinuous spring band 420 at one end of the sofa or loveseat, for example, the loacl tends to force the band 420 cLownwarclly. The span member 440 prevents any subs-tantial downward deElection. ~s a result, "lean-out" of t]le seated person over the arm of the seat is prevented.
In this second form-first version of the invention, the "key" element 450 is arranged so that the load is actually not spread out on either the span member 440 or the spring band 420. Nevertheless, an excellent result is achieved in sinuous spring band support.
A third form-first version of the spring assembly embodying features of the invention is seen generally at 510 in FIGURES 9 and 10. The assembly 510 differs from the assembly 410 only in the configuration, mounting and, to some extent, effect of the "key" segment or member; in this assembly designated as 550.
The "key" member 550 is, unlike the "key" segment 450, a separate element. It comprises a segment of paper-covered wire having an upper end segment 551 extending parallel to and underneath a linear wire segment 521m o~ the spring band 520. An intermediate leg segment 552 extends substantially vertically down to the wire span member 540. Extending horizontally in parallel relationship to the wire span member 540 is an elongated lower end segment 553 of the "key" member 550.
The upper end segment 551 is fastened to the parallel wire segment 521m by a conventional sleeve clamp 557. The lower end segment 5S3 is, in turn, fastened to the wire span member 540 by a similar sleeve clamp 558. At the point intermediate the span member 540 ends where the end wire segments 551 and 553 are fastened to the span member and the band 520 it is approximately centered under the band in its diagonal path from side-~o-side of -the band.

~C~ 3 3 Like the "key" element ~50 in t]le SeCOll-l fOrlll-:E:irS t version of tlle invention, the key element 550 does not spread the load Oll ei~her -the span member 540 or tlle spring bancl 520.
Nevertheless, the most desiral)le support results o~ the invention are achieved.
A thircl Eorm-second version of the seat spring assembly embodying features o-f the invention is seen generally at 610 in FIGURES 11. Once again, the assembly 610 differs from the assembly 510 only in ~he con~iguration, mounting and, to some extent, effect o-f two "key" members 650 rather than one.
The "key" members 650 are each identical to the "key"
member 550. They are mounted in opposed relationship and fastened to linear wire segments 621m and 621n adjacent each other. The load is thus spread both on the span member 640 and the band 620. A somewhat mechanically stronger support results, albeit somewhat more expensive also, of course.
~ 11 versions of forms one, two and three may, of course, alternatively be installed with the span clipped to the spring near either or both ends instead of being stapled to the rails. In that case, the spans would constitute a floating full-truss rather than a fixed or anchored full-truss. This is often mechanically convenient when using gang-bored rails rather than top-clipped rails. ~-Furthermore, all versions of forms one, two and three may be alterna-tively installed Wit}lOUt the "key" member herein-before described. This produces an anc]lored ~when stapled -to the rails) or floating (when clipped near to the spring ends) semi-~russ While not as fully ef~ective as with tlle "~ey" member present, "lean-out" is still greatly reduced.

A four~ Form of the seat spring asselllbly ~Inho~ly~ g features of the present invention is seen generally a-t 71.0 in FIGURES 12 and 13. The assembly 710, similar -to those previously discussed, includes a ~ood frame 711, having a vertically dis-posed front rail 712 9 a corresponding ~ack ra:il 7:L3, and inter-connecting side rails. ~ plurality of identical sinuous spring bands 720 extend between the ~ront rail 712 and the back rail 713, but only the two bands 7201 and 7202 immecliately adjacent one end o~ a so~a, for example, are shown. The bands 7201 and 7202 illustrated are generally conventional in constructi.on and include parallel series of generally linear wire segments 721 interconnected by series of generally semi-circular wire segments 722 in "sinuous" configuration. The normal uniform spacing between the bands 7201 and 7202 along the length o.E the sofa is 4 to 4 1/2 inches.
In the seat spring assembly 710, the end sinuous spring band 7201 has its forwardmost linear wire segment `721al seated in a con~entional mounting clip 7251 which attaches the band 7201 to the front rail 712. The rearwardmost linear wire segment 721Zl is fastened.to the back rail 713 with a clip 730 and a U-shaped link 7321 having hooks formed at the free ends :
of each of its two legs in the manner illustrated.
The sinuous spring band 7202 extends parallel to the band 7201 and is spaced 4 to 4 1/2 inches therefrom, as has been pointed out. It is attached to the rails 712 and 713 i:n a manner iden~ical to ~he attachment o-f the sinuous band 7201 previously discussed. Accordingly, corresponding reference numerals are used on corresponding components with a sub-2 rather than a sub-l.
According to the invention, a pair of wire span members 740 and 741 are each fastened at their opposite ends to :
both the spring bands 7201 and 7202. The wire span member 740 .: 14 -~07l~33 comprises conven-tional pal~er-covered wire ~hicll is bent: si(lewclys at its -front end, as at 7~2, and fastened to the third-from-the-end linear segment 721bl with a conventional sleeve clamp 7~5 and to the corresponding linear segmellt 72lb2 of tlle band 7202 with a sleeve clamp 746. The span member 7~0 is aLso bent sidewardly in the same direction at its back end, as at 747, and -fastened to the third-from-the-end linear segments 721Xl and 721X2 by identical sleeve clamps 748 and 74~.
The wire span member 7~1 is also conventional paper-covered wire. It is shorter than the span member 74~. asillustrated, and its opposite ends 751 and 752 are bent sideways in the opposi~e direction. The side~ardly bent front end 751 is fastened to corresponding linear wire segments 721el and 721e2 spaced ninth-from-the-front-end linear segments with sleeve clamps 753 and 754, respectively. The back end 752 is, in turn, fastened to the linear segments 721rl and 721r2, eighth--from-the-rear line~r segments by sleeve clamps 757 and 758, respectively.
The resul~ant wire span 740 and 741 arrangement is to tie the two bands 7201 and 7202 from o~posite directions adjacent their ends and again at points approximately 1/3 the length of the entire band inboard from the opposite ends. This double, floating, semi-truss construction, as it is called, is effective to prevent substantial deflection o-f the ou~board band 7201 under load. Although not quite as effective as the full truss versions of this invention; i.e., those which include "key"
members, it greatly minimizes "lean-out". Ihis ~ersion can also be clipped to the single outer spring band at each arm end~ of course.
A fifth forJn of the seat spring assembly embodying features of the invention is seen generally at 810 in FIGURES
14 and 15. The assembly 810 is substantially identical " ~L07C~133 to the assembly 710 except for the construction ancl arrangement of its two ~ire span members 8~0 an~l 8~ ccorcl;ngly, whe-re components corresponding to those of the sprin~ assembly 710 are involved, corresponding reference numerals in an 800-series rather than the 700-series are used.
The wire span member 840 includes a section 842 w~ich spans the distances between linear wire segments 821bl and 821b2 at the front end o~ the spring assembly 810, ancl linear wire segments 821yl and 821y2 at the back end thereof. The span member 840 is bent sideways at its front end, as at 843 and Eastened to the wire segments 821bl and 821b2 with sleeve clamps 8~4 and 845, respectively. It is bent sideways at its back end, as at 846~ and fastened to the wire segments 821yl and 821y2 with sleeve clamps 847 and 848, respectively.
Opposite the span section 842, on the other side of both bands 8211 and 8212, another span section 850 extends from the transversely disposed end section 846. This span section 850 is inclined upwardly at a slight angle from the horizontal and terminates just short of the ninth-from-the-front linear wire segment. Here it is fastened to the span member 841 in a manner i hereinafter discussed by the sleeve clamp 851.
The wire span member 841 includes a section 852 which spans the distance between the linear wire segments 821el and 821e2 toward the front end of the bands, and 821rl and 821r2 which are seventh-from-the-back-end of the bands 8201 and 8202, respectively. The span member 841 is bent sideways at its front end, as at 853, and fastened to tlle wire segments 821Cl and 821e2 with sleeve clamps 854 and 855, respectively. It is bent sideways at its back end, as at 856, and fastened to the wire segments 821rl and 821r2 with sleeve clamps 857 and 858g respectively.
:

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- 16 - ;

Opposi~e the span segment 852, on the other side of both bands ~201 and ~202, another span segment 860 extends from the end of the sideways extending back segment 856. T}lis span segment S60 is inclined downwardly at a sligllt angle to the horizolltal and terminates just short oE tlle linear wire segment 821bl .
The Eree end of the span segment 860 is fastened to the wire span member 840 adjacent the front end of the spring l~ands with a sleeve clamp 861. The aforementioned free end of the section 850 is fastened to the span segment 852 of the span member 841 with the aforementioned sleeve clamp 851.
This construction is, once again, a double, floating, semi-truss construction. It is effective to prevent substantial deflection of the outboard bands 8201 under load. Although not quite as effective as the full-truss versions of this invention, once again it greatly minimizes lean-out. This version can also be applied to only the single spring band at each end, of course.
A sixth ~orm of the seat spring assembly embodying features o the invention is seen generally at 910 in FIGURl~ 16.
20 This form of the invention is a floating arced undertruss.
Here, the span member 940 is anchored to the band 920 at both ends and also tied to the band at at least one point along its length. Although the span member 940 is shown anchored under-truss, so to speak, it may also be anchored over the truss, according to the invention.
As seen in FI~UR 16, the span member 940 as illustrated is tied at three points in addition to the e7lds, rather than the one point in addition to the end which is required.
The wire span member 940 is fastened to the band on one side of 30 the band at a semi circular segment 922m midway along the length :~ :

~70~33 of the band by a short sleeve clainp 942. I-t is fastened in a similar fashion to semi-circular segments ~22d ancl 922p approxi mately 5" in from each end of the band. This tied span member construction tends to subs-tantially restrict deflection o:E the band ~20 and thus is e:Efective, to a substantial degree, to prevent the "lean-out" which has hereinbefore been discussed at length.
This sixth rorm of the seat spring assembly embodying features of the invention, seen at 910 in FI~URE 16, may aLso be construc-ted with the span member 940 stapled at both ends to the rails. Where such a modification is effected, the cons-tr~lction becomes an anchored truss. Once again, the truss could actually be mounted either over or under the spring band 920.
A se~enth form of the seat spring assembly embodying Eeatures of the invention is seen generally at 1010 in FIGURE
17. The assembly 1010 is broadly similar to the assembly 910 immediately hereinbefore discussed, except that its span member 1040 is fastened at its opposite ends to the inner surface of the front rail, as at 1041, and to the inner surface of the back rail, as at 1042. The points of attachment in each case are one to three inches below the upper surface of the corresponding rail, so it will be seen that the span member 1040 is actually longer than the arced length of the sinuous spring 1020 to which it is also attached. This produces what is known as a stressed semi-truss construction. Since the span member 1040 will not actually fit into the same length as the band 1020 when normally extended, it is stressed into what approximates an arc to follow generally the path of the band. As in the sixth form of the in~ention, the span is attached to the spring at at least one point between the ends of the spring band ~two attachment points 1050 and 1051 are -illustrated).

~ - . . .

~L07~33 An eighth form o~ the seat spring ~ssembly embodying features oE the invention is secn generally at IllO in ~:IGUR~ 18.
The assembly 1110 is substantially identical to the assembly lO
first discussed in this application, differing only ;n th~t it lncludes a steel angle iron or channel frame 1111 ra-the-r than a wood frame.
The steel frame 1111 includes ang:Le members 1112 forming the ~ron-t rail and 1113 forming the back rail. The sinuous spring band 1120 is stretched between clips 1130 and 1131 which are formed upwardly out oE the horizontal flan~es 1146 and 1147 respectively of the front and back rails 1112 and 1113.
A wire span member 1140 spans the frame between the steel front rail 1112 and back rail 1113 and is bent back upon itself, as at 1141 in the front and 1142 in the back. through apertures 1144 and 1145, respectively, in the horizontal flanges 1146 and 1147 of the rails 1112 and 1113. The apertures 114 and 1145 remain when the clips 1130 and 1131 are formed, of course.
Alternatively, the span can be bare wire, molded at each end. In either case, the wire span member 1140 mounts a "key" member 1150 in a manner identical to the assembly lO
hereinbefore discussed. The "key" member 1150 is ~astened to a linear segment llZlm of the sinuous spring band 1120 by conventional sleeve clamp 1157. Any of the "key" members heretofore described can be installed.
The operation of the spring assembly 1110 is virtually identical to that of the spring assembly 10. Accord-ingly, it is not discussed in any detail here except to point out again that it resists downward deflection of the spring band 1120 to an extent normally not exceeding three quarters inches to one inch ~3/4" to 1").

.

33~

Referrill~ no~ to FIGURIS ~ arld 20, a nin-tll Form oF
the seat spring assembly embodying Eeatures of the invention is seen general:Ly a-t 1210. The seat spring assembly 1210 applies particularly to Eu-rniture having steel rail frames ancl it is in this context that the invention is illustrated. ~lowe~rer, as will hereinafter be discussed furtller, it is also applicahle to furniture having wood frames.
The seat spring assembly 1210 includes a steel frame ha~ing side rails 1214~ only one of which is shown. The rail 1214 is seen to be a horizontal steel flange having a pair of longitudinally aligned anchor housings 1215 formed upwardly from the flange at a distance of approximately 1" apart. The housings 1215 are designed to receive and seat an offset "key" member 1250 according to the invention.
The offset "key" member 1250 is an irregularly formed elongated piece of paper-covered wire. Its outermost or -free end segments 1251 are longitudinally aligned and are seated in the housings 1215 with the "key" member in operational position :
on the rail 1214, as illustrated. The "key" member also includes horizontal base segments 1256 extending inwardly from the end segments 1251 and upwardly angled (in slightly different attitudes)~
column segments 1257. The column segments 1257 are joined together by a horizontal beam segment 1258.
., .
The horizontal beam segment 1258 is offset inwardly of the rail 1214, as illustrated. This configuration places the beam segment 1258 immediately under a linear segment 1221m of the outermost sinuous spring band 1220 in the furniture frame. In this position, it is fastened to the band segment 1221m with a conventional clamp 1260.
The seat spring assembly 1210 resists downward cleflection o-f the outermost spring band 1220 to an extent normally :~ . - . .. : .. . . - ., . . . - . .............. . .
. , . . . ,: . . . . , . . - . ~ . :

()33 not e~ceeding one halE inch (1/2"). T}le "key" meml~er 1250 can be easily mo~mted l)y pressing its end se~mellt~ 1251 -toward and past each other until their free ends can be inserted into the opposed openings of the housings 1215. This must be done with the base segments 1256 raised up off the sur-face o:E the cllannel 121~. The segments 1251 are then permitted to spring outwardly into seated relationship in their respective housillgs 1215 and the "key" member 1250 pivoted down into the position shown in FIGURES 19 and 20 ~ith the segments 1256 resting on the surface of the rail 1214. In this position, a locking dimple 1260 formed upwardly from the steel rail 1214 is disposed between the segments 1256 and prevents their being drawn together while the `~
"key" member is in th;s attitude. As such, the "key" member is locked in on the rail. If the "key" member 1250 is to be used on a wood rall, it can be stapled to the top of the wood rail in a conventional manner.
Referring now to FIGURE 21~ a tenth form of the seat spring assembly embodying features of the invention is i]lustra-ted generally at 1310. The seat spring assembly 1310 includes a wood ~ront rail 1312 and a wood back rail 1313, each gang-bored to seat anchor links 1332 corresponding to ~he anchor links 32 hereinbefore discussed and illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2.
The anchor links 1332 have their free end clips 1333 oriented upwardly and the opposite ends of a conventional sinuous spring band 1320 are seated in these clips, as illustrated.
According to the invention, a single span member 13~0 formed of paper-covered wire spans the rails 1312, 1313 above the sinuous spring band 1320, and is securely stapled to the rails at 13~1 adjacent its opposite ends. The span member 1340 is fastened to a transverse linear segment 1321m of the spring band 1320 intermediate its ends by a conventional sleeve clamp 1360.

Thi.s -tenth form of -the scat spring ~Lsscmbly .131.0 :is a sin~le "travel-limiting truss". It is o-f value where there is mechanical interference :Erom the st~lf:Eing or pull rail of a ~urniture frame, or where one or bo-th rails are gang-bored.
It supports the band 1320 by limiting travel so tha-t the spring can only deflect downwardly below the level of the upper surface on the rails for a distance "x". It is thus effective to prevent substanti.al deflection of the outboard spring bands 1320 under load.
Re~erring now to FIGURE 22, an eleventh form o:E the seat spring assembly embodying features o-f the invention ls illustrated generally at 1410. The seat spring assemb;y is, - -in broad terms 9 similar to the tenth form discussed immediately above. It includes a wood front rail 1412 and a wood back rail 1413~ each gang-bored to seat anchor links 1432 corresponding to the anchor links 32 hereinbefore discussed. The anchor links 1432 have their ~ree end clips 1433 oriented upwardly and the opposite ends of a c~nventional sinuous spring band 1420 are seated in these clips.
Accordin~ to the invention, a pair of span members 1440 ~ormed of paper-covered wire span the rail 1412, 1~13 on opposite sides of the band and are securely stapled to the rails at 1441 adjacent opposite ends. Each of the span members 1440 is astened to semicircular segments 1~22 of the band 1420 by con-ventional clamps 1460 at two points, approxima~ely 1/3 of the band length from each rail. As a result, i.t will be seen that the band extends from its attachmend to the anchor links 1432 upwardly to its clamp 1460 attachments to the spans 1440 and then arcs above these spans. Referring to FIGURE 23, the arc extends to a heig~t "x" above the band. Thi.s distance "x" is less than the distance "y" from the span downwardly to the band's anchor link '7~ 33 connections. Wit}l -the clistance "x" less than tl~e clistance "y", the spring band 1420 can deflect downwardly only by the dis-tance "x" .
The purpose of this cons-truction is the same as that of the single "travel-limiting -truss". This collstruction is, in ef-fect, a double "travel-limiting truss". It also effectively prevents substantial deflection of the outboard spring bands 1420 in a seat frame under load.
While several embodiments described herein are at present considered to be preferred, it is understood that various modifications and improvements may be made therein, and i~ is intended to cover in -the appended claims all such modifications and improvements as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (14)

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. A seat spring assembly for an upholstered furniture seat, comprising:
a. a seat frame including a front rail and a back rail connected by side rails, b. a plurality of sinuous spring bands connected to said front and back rails and extending therebetween in sub-stantially parallel relationship with said side rails, c. said plurality of bands including an outermost band adjacent each side rail, d. truss means underlying at least one of said outermost bands between said front and back rails and fastened at its opposite ends to one of said one outermost band and said rails whereby said opposite ends are anchored against longitudinal movement relative to said one outermost band, and e. key means disposed substantially vertically between said truss means and said one outermost band and effective to permit only limited downward movement of the band under load, said key means comprising at least one vertically elongated member.

2. The seat spring assembly of Claim 1 further characterized in that:
a. said truss means and said key means cooperative to limit downward movement of the band to approximately one inch.

3. The seat spring assembly of Claim 1 further characterized in that:
a. said truss means comprise a wire member which passes diagonally under said one outermost band as it extends long-itudinally of the band between its fastened opposite ends, b. said key means being fastened to said wire member at approximately its midpoint.

4. The seat spring assembly of Claim 3 further characterized in that:
a. both said truss means wire member and said key means comprise paper covered wore.

5. The seat spring assembly of Claim 1 further characterized in that:
a. said truss means is fastened to said front rail and said back rail at its opposite ends.

6. The seat spring assembly of Claim 5 further characterized in that:
a. said front rail and said back rail are fabricated of steel angle members with vertical flanges and horizontal flanges, b. said horizontal flanges extending inwardly from said vertical flanges, c. said truss means comprising a wire member anchored at its opposite ends to the horizontal flange of each of said front and back rail.

7. The seat spring assembly of Claim 1 further characterized in that:
a. said truss means is fastened to said one outermost band at its opposite ends.

8. The seat spring assembly of Claim 1 further characterized in that:
a. said key means comprises an irregularly shaped piece of paper covered wire, b. said piece of paper covered wire having opposite free ends clamped to said truss means and a transverse segment intermediate its ends clamped to said one outermost spring band.

9. The seat spring assembly of Claim 1 further characterized in that:
a. said key means comprises an irregularly shaped piece of paper covered wire, b. said piece of paper covered wire having opposite free ends clamped to said one outermost spring band and an intermediate segment clamped to said truss means.

10. The seat spring assembly of Claim 3 further characterized in that:
a. said key means comprises a segment of said truss means formed upwardly and engaging said one outermost spring band.

11. The seat spring assembly of Claim 1 further characterized in that:
a. said key means comprises at least two pieces of paper covered wire, b. each of said paper covered wire pieces being fastened adjacent one end to said one outermost spring band and adjacent the other end to said truss means.

12. A seat spring assembly for an upholstered furniture seat, comprising:
a. a seat frame including a front rail and a back rail connected by side rails, b. a plurality of sinuous spring bands connected to said front and back rails and extending therebetween, c. said bands being substantially evenly spaced across the width of said frame and including outermost bands and corresponding bands immediately adjacent each of said outermost bands, d. truss means connected to at least one of said outer-most bands and also connected to the sinuous spring band immediately adjacent said one outermost sinuous spring band, e. said truss means comprising two wire members, f. each of said wire members being anchored to both said outermost sinuous spring band and said adjacent spring band, and g. a key member mounted on one side rail and connected to one of the outermost bands and effective to limit downward movement of the band under load.

13. A seat spring assembly for an upholstered furniture seat, comprising:
a. a seat frame including a front rail and a back rail connected by side rails, b. a plurality of sinuous spring bands connected to said front and back rails and extending therebetween in sub-stantially parallel relationship with said side rails, c. said plurality of bands including an outermost band adjacent each side rail, d. truss means extending longitudinally of at least one of said outermost bands between said front and back rails and fastened at its opposite ends to one of said one outermost band and said rails whereby said opposite ends are anchored against longitudinal movement relative to said one outermost band, e. said truss means engaging and being fastened to said one outermost band intermediate its ends and effective to permit only limited downward movement of the band under load, and f. a key member mounted on one side rail and connected to one of the outermost bands and effective to limit downward movement of the band under load.

14 . The seat spring assembly of Claim 13 further characterized in that:

a. said truss means is fastened to said front and back rails above said one outermost band and extends above said band between said front and back rail.