EP1750554B1 - Pneumatic structure - Google Patents

Pneumatic structure Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1750554B1
EP1750554B1 EP05737519A EP05737519A EP1750554B1 EP 1750554 B1 EP1750554 B1 EP 1750554B1 EP 05737519 A EP05737519 A EP 05737519A EP 05737519 A EP05737519 A EP 05737519A EP 1750554 B1 EP1750554 B1 EP 1750554B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cells
casing
layers
pneumatic structure
pneumatic
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1750554A1 (en
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Res Kammer
Laszlo Kerekes
Fritz Fuchs
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Prospective Concepts AG
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Prospective Concepts AG
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C4/00—Foldable, collapsible or dismountable chairs
    • A47C4/54—Inflatable chairs

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a pneumatic structure, for example for use as a seat, lying and Lehnkissen according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • Pneumatic seat and back cushions are known per se. They usually consist of a large number of juxtaposed communicating air hoses, which can be aerated and vented via a common valve, and are therefore similar in construction and shape of the known air mattress. A certain adaptation possibility is to bring individual hoses to different air pressures or to use different hose diameters, whereby shape and softness can be varied to a limited extent. For practical use, such cushions are additionally provided with a textile coating. However, the basic structure of the hoses remains visible - and essential for a pillow - also noticeable.
  • An example of a pneumatic seat cushion is in WO 94/07396 see also revealed FR. 2542589 ,
  • the object of the present invention is to provide a pneumatic structure, in particular for sitting, lying and
  • Lehnkissen which allows a good formability to meet high demands in the field of seating comfort, compared to conventional foam cushion can bring a significant weight savings and can be combined well with rigid structures.
  • the structure should not be stiff or even hard, despite the great freedom in the design options of their form, as usually happens when using many form giving webs inevitably.
  • Fig. 1a is a schematic representation of a first embodiment of an inventive pneumatic structure 1 in cross section.
  • the pneumatic structure in contrast to single-layer structures, as are commonly used in air mattresses and pneumatic seat cushions, consists of at least two layers 3 of series-structured gas-filled cells 2.
  • the cells 2 are, for example, tubular.
  • the structure 1 is made of a flexible gas-tight membrane 5.
  • This membrane 5 is preferably made of a suitable plastic film.
  • the cells 2 can be produced, for example, by welding or bonding elastic PU films.
  • the cells are 2 are connected over part of their circumference with the adjacent cells 2 and thus form parts of transverse webs 7 and longitudinal webs 8.
  • These webs 7,8 are formed, for example, by welding together or gluing the adjacent membranes 5 or by adjacent cells 2 in the region of the webs 8 share a single common membrane 5.
  • a not lying on the edge of a layer 3 cell 2 in the interior of the structure 1 thus has at least three adjacent cells 2, namely the two neighboring cells 2 the same layer 3 to the left and right, and one or more adjacent cells 2 a top and / or underlying layer 3 '.
  • Communicating cells 2, which are under the same pressure - meant here as well as in the following an overpressure with respect to the atmospheric pressure - form one or more networks 12 of cells 2 and each have at least one valve 4, which for pressurizing the individual cell 2 or a composite 12 of cells 2 is used with a pressurized gas.
  • each cell 2 meets each other along a longitudinally extending line 6.
  • the welded or mutually divided membranes 5 of the cells 2 form the shape-stabilizing webs 7, 8, namely a plurality of transverse webs 7 oriented vertically in the figure, and a longitudinal web 8 oriented horizontally in the figure.
  • Fig. 1b shows the first embodiment in longitudinal section A-A '.
  • the cells 2 are not individually welded at their two ends, but each layer 3 is gas-tightly connected over its entire width with a the edge 3 final boundary membrane 9, said edge membrane 9 may well be formed by a part of the membrane 5.
  • the multilayered body, formed by the layers 3 of cells 2 is in turn surrounded by an all-enclosing envelope 10, consisting of a flexible elastic membrane.
  • an all-enclosing envelope 10 consisting of a flexible elastic membrane.
  • the contact line 11 will always be a contact surface.
  • the contact line 11 preferably runs essentially along the longitudinal axis of symmetry of this contact surface. If the sheath 10 is additionally prestressed, this leads to a smooth surface of the pneumatic structure 1, without the tube-like cells 2 emerging underneath as beads.
  • the combination of several layers 3, 3 'of cells 2, allows a much better shape control of the pneumatic structure 1, as if the structure 1 has over its entire height continuous cells 2.
  • the voltage in the membrane 5 of the cells 2 is reduced with the same pressurization. This allows a smooth uniform surface by means of the pretensioned sheath 10 which is selectively or along the contact line 11 with the cells 2 and shape of the pneumatic structure 1.
  • the structure 1 is softened by a plurality of smaller cells 2 than when only a few larger cells 2 are present.
  • the bias of the shell 10 can be achieved by the distance 11-11 'between two lines of contact 11 is selected so that it is, for example, 1-20% less in the pressureless state than in the pressurized state. In other words, when the cells 2 are pressurized between the contact lines 11, 11 ', the envelope 10 is stretched and stretched.
  • the structure 1 allows, for example when used as a seat or lying cushion great dimensional accuracy and formability at the same time high comfort and great softness. This means that the structure 1 does not have to be inflated brute-hard, in order to take their desired form and comply.
  • Fig. 2 is shown as a second embodiment, a three-layer pneumatic structure 1 schematically in cross section. It is according to the invention to combine three or more layers 3 of cells 2.
  • the cells 2 of a sheet 3 are interconnected by channels or openings in the common transverse and longitudinal webs 7, 8 and have the same pressure.
  • Fig. 3 shows a third embodiment with again three layers 3 of cells 2, but the layer 3 'does not extend over the entire width of the structure 1.
  • this structure 1 has the same gas pressure in all cells 2.
  • a single valve 4 is sufficient to pressurize the cells 2 communicating with each other.
  • Fig. 4 shows a fourth embodiment. This is a variant of the first embodiment.
  • the transverse webs 7 of the first layer 3 are not directly connected to the transverse webs 7 of the second layer 3 '.
  • a cell 2, which does not lie on the edge of a layer 3, adjoins at least four cells 2, namely two cells 2 of the same layer 3 and at least two cells 2 of an adjacent layer 3.
  • Fig. 5 shows a fifth embodiment of an inventive pneumatic structure 1, which has three different pressure regimes with the pressures p1, p2, p3.
  • the composites 12 communicating cells 2 with the same pressure are connected to each other by means of openings or channels 13 in the transverse webs 7 and longitudinal webs 8.
  • For pressurizing the composites 12 means are present, such as compressors, pressure sensors, electronic control, valves, pressure lines. Such agents are known in the art and are therefore not explained in detail.
  • the Fig. 6a, b show a sixth embodiment.
  • the schematic cross section in Fig. 6a shows the gas-tight sealed cells 2 of this example.
  • Each individual cell 2 has at least one separate valve 4 and can be pressurized independently of other cells 2.
  • the longitudinal section BB 'in Fig. 6b clearly discloses that the transverse webs 7 in this embodiment at the ends of the tubular cells 2 leave no opening.
  • the edge membrane 9 closes each cell 2 individually, and thus no gas exchange between the cells 2 within a layer 3 is possible.
  • Fig. 7 shows a seventh embodiment with irregular asymmetric arrangement and size of the cells 2.
  • the expert can produce pneumatic structures of different shape and hardness.
  • Fig. 8 an eighth embodiment is shown.
  • the sheath 10, the membrane 5, the transverse webs 7 and longitudinal webs 8 are provided with fluid muscles 14 in some places.
  • the Fig. 8 14 exemplifies possible arrangements, combinations and placements of such shortenable fluid muscles 14.
  • the fluid muscles 14 are linear actuators which shorten the webs 7, 8 or more generally the membrane 5 of the cells 2 as well as the shell 10 at any point and thus change the shape of the structure 1 can.
  • the fluid muscle 14 consists, for example, of tubular, fluid-tight chambers, which are integrated into the membrane 5 or sheath 10 to be shortened.
  • Fluid muscles 14 of this type and the means necessary for their operation, such as lines, compressors and controls are known per se to those skilled in the art. It is therefore not discussed in detail.
  • the cell 2 ' is limited as an example of double-walled webs 7,8.
  • a multi-layer structure of the webs 7,8 - for example, by gluing or welding of the membrane 5 - can be realized in all the above embodiments.
  • the chamber of the fluid muscle 14 is itself formed by a membrane piece fixed in a fluid-tight manner at its edges to the web 7, 8 and by a part of the web 7, 8 itself.

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  • Mattresses And Other Support Structures For Chairs And Beds (AREA)
  • Invalid Beds And Related Equipment (AREA)
  • Paper (AREA)
  • Diaphragms For Electromechanical Transducers (AREA)

Abstract

A pneumatic structure for sitting, lying and reclining cushions including a plurality of cells disposed together in rows and frictionally interconnected at a plurality of sides along a transversal web thereby forming a layer, the layer being charged with compressed gas through at least one valve and made from a membrane of flexible, gas-tight material. The structure displays a plurality of frictionally interconnected layers, the layers being interconnected such that a longitudinal web separating the layers is present. A casing made from flexible, elastic material is present and envelops the plurality of layers. The casing is frictionally connected partly or across a full length of a contact line to at least one cell.

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft eine pneumatische Struktur beispielsweise zur Verwendung als Sitz-, Liege- und Lehnkissen nach dem Oberbegriff des Patentanspruches 1. Pneumatische Sitz- und Lehnkissen sind an sich bekannt. Sie bestehen in der Regel aus einer Vielzahl nebeneinander gereihter kommunizierender Luftschläuche, welche über ein gemeinsames Ventil be- und entlüftet werden können, und gleichen damit in Aufbau und Form der bekannten Luftmatratze. Eine gewisse Adaptionsmöglichkeit besteht darin, einzelne Schläuche auf unterschiedliche Luftdrucke zu bringen oder unterschiedliche Schlauchdurchmesser zu verwenden, wodurch Form und Weichheit in beschränktem Umfang variiert werden können. Für den praktischen Einsatz werden solche Kissen zusätzlich mit einem textilen Überzug versehen. Die Grundstruktur der Schläuche bleibt jedoch sichtbar - und für ein Kissen wesentlich - auch spürbar. Ein Beispiel für ein pneumatisches Sitzkissen ist in WO 94/07396 offenbart siehe auch FR. 2542589 .The present invention relates to a pneumatic structure, for example for use as a seat, lying and Lehnkissen according to the preamble of claim 1. Pneumatic seat and back cushions are known per se. They usually consist of a large number of juxtaposed communicating air hoses, which can be aerated and vented via a common valve, and are therefore similar in construction and shape of the known air mattress. A certain adaptation possibility is to bring individual hoses to different air pressures or to use different hose diameters, whereby shape and softness can be varied to a limited extent. For practical use, such cushions are additionally provided with a textile coating. However, the basic structure of the hoses remains visible - and essential for a pillow - also noticeable. An example of a pneumatic seat cushion is in WO 94/07396 see also revealed FR. 2542589 ,

Die Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung ist die Schaffung einer pneumatischen Struktur insbesondere für Sitz-, Liege- undThe object of the present invention is to provide a pneumatic structure, in particular for sitting, lying and

Lehnkissen, welche eine gute Formbarkeit ermöglicht, hohen Ansprüchen im Bereiche des Sitzkomforts zu genügen vermag, gegenüber konventionellen Schaumstoffkissen eine spürbare Gewichtsersparnis bringen kann und die gut mit rigiden Strukturen kombiniert werden kann. Insbesondere soll die Struktur trotz grosser Freiheit in den Gestaltungsmöglichkeiten ihrer Form nicht steif oder gar hart werden, wie dies bei Verwendung vieler Form gebender Stege in der Regel zwangsläufig geschieht.Lehnkissen, which allows a good formability to meet high demands in the field of seating comfort, compared to conventional foam cushion can bring a significant weight savings and can be combined well with rigid structures. In particular, the structure should not be stiff or even hard, despite the great freedom in the design options of their form, as usually happens when using many form giving webs inevitably.

Die Lösung der Aufgabe ist wiedergegeben im Patentanspruch 1 hinsichtlich der wesentlichen Merkmale, in den weiteren Patentansprüchen hinsichtlich weiterer vorteilhafter Merkmale. Anhand der beigefügten Zeichnung wird die Erfindung näher erläutert.The solution of the problem is reflected in claim 1 with respect to the essential features in the further claims with respect to further advantageous features. Reference to the accompanying drawings, the invention is explained in detail.

Es zeigen

Fig. 1a, b
schematische Darstellung eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels im Quer- und Längsschnitt,
Fig. 2
schematische Darstellung eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels im Querschnitt,
Fig. 3
schematische Darstellung eines dritten Ausführungsbeispiels im Querschnitt,
Fig. 4
schematische Darstellung eines vierten Ausführungsbeispiels im Querschnitt,
Fig. 5
schematische Darstellung eines fünften Ausführungsbeispiels im Querschnitt,
Fig. 6a,b
schematische Darstellung eines sechsten Ausführungsbeispiels im Quer- und Längsschnitt,
Fig. 7
schematische Darstellung eines siebten Ausführungsbeispiels im Querschnitt,
Fig. 8
schematische Darstellung eines achten Ausführungsbeispiels im Querschnitt.
Show it
Fig. 1a, b
schematic representation of a first embodiment in transverse and longitudinal section,
Fig. 2
schematic representation of a second embodiment in cross section,
Fig. 3
schematic representation of a third embodiment in cross section,
Fig. 4
schematic representation of a fourth embodiment in cross section,
Fig. 5
schematic representation of a fifth embodiment in cross section,
Fig. 6a, b
schematic representation of a sixth embodiment in transverse and longitudinal section,
Fig. 7
schematic representation of a seventh embodiment in cross section,
Fig. 8
schematic representation of an eighth embodiment in cross section.

Fig. 1a ist eine schematische Darstellung eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemässen pneumatischen Struktur 1 im Querschnitt. Die pneumatische Struktur 1 besteht im Gegensatz zu einlagigen Strukturen, wie sie üblicherweise in Luftmatratzen und pneumatischen Sitzkissen Verwendung finden, aus mindestens zwei Lagen 3 in Reihe gegliederter gasgefüllter Zellen 2. Die Zellen 2 sind beispielsweise schlauchförmig. Die Struktur 1 ist aus einer flexiblen gasdichten Membran 5 gefertigt. Diese Membran 5 besteht vorzugsweise aus einer geeigneten Kunststoff-Folie. Die Zellen 2 können beispielsweise durch Verschweissen oder Verkleben elastischer PU-Folien hergestellt werden. Die Zellen 2 sind über einen Teil ihres Umfanges mit den benachbarten Zellen 2 verbunden und bilden so Teile von Querstegen 7 und Längsstegen 8. Diese Stege 7,8 werden beispielsweise gebildet durch Zusammenschweissen oder Zusammenkleben der aneinander grenzenden Membranen 5 oder indem sich benachbarte Zellen 2 im Bereich der Stege 7,8 eine einzelne gemeinsame Membran 5 teilen. Eine nicht am Rande einer Lage 3 liegende Zelle 2 im Innern der Struktur 1 hat somit mindestens drei benachbarte Zellen 2, nämlich die beiden nachbarlichen Zellen 2 derselben Lage 3 zur Linken und Rechten, sowie eine oder mehrere benachbarte Zellen 2 einer oben- und/oder untenliegenden Lage 3'. Kommunizierende Zellen 2, welche unter gleichem Druck stehen - gemeint ist hier wie auch im Folgenden ein Überdruck bezüglich des atmosphärischen Umgebungsdruckes - bilden einen oder mehrere Verbünde 12 von Zellen 2 und weisen je mindestens ein Ventil 4 auf, welches zur Beaufschlagung der einzelnen Zelle 2 oder eines Verbundes 12 von Zellen 2 mit einem Druckgas dient. Im ersten Ausführungsbeispiel treffen jeweils vier Zellen 2 entlang einer in Längsrichtung verlaufenden Linie 6 aufeinander. Die verschweissten oder miteinander geteilten Membranen 5 der Zellen 2 bilden die formstabilisierenden Stege 7,8, nämlich mehrere in der Figur vertikal ausgerichtete Querstege 7, und einen in der Figur horizontal ausgerichteten Längssteg 8. Fig. 1a is a schematic representation of a first embodiment of an inventive pneumatic structure 1 in cross section. The pneumatic structure 1, in contrast to single-layer structures, as are commonly used in air mattresses and pneumatic seat cushions, consists of at least two layers 3 of series-structured gas-filled cells 2. The cells 2 are, for example, tubular. The structure 1 is made of a flexible gas-tight membrane 5. This membrane 5 is preferably made of a suitable plastic film. The cells 2 can be produced, for example, by welding or bonding elastic PU films. The cells are 2 are connected over part of their circumference with the adjacent cells 2 and thus form parts of transverse webs 7 and longitudinal webs 8. These webs 7,8 are formed, for example, by welding together or gluing the adjacent membranes 5 or by adjacent cells 2 in the region of the webs 8 share a single common membrane 5. A not lying on the edge of a layer 3 cell 2 in the interior of the structure 1 thus has at least three adjacent cells 2, namely the two neighboring cells 2 the same layer 3 to the left and right, and one or more adjacent cells 2 a top and / or underlying layer 3 '. Communicating cells 2, which are under the same pressure - meant here as well as in the following an overpressure with respect to the atmospheric pressure - form one or more networks 12 of cells 2 and each have at least one valve 4, which for pressurizing the individual cell 2 or a composite 12 of cells 2 is used with a pressurized gas. In the first embodiment, four cells 2 meet each other along a longitudinally extending line 6. The welded or mutually divided membranes 5 of the cells 2 form the shape-stabilizing webs 7, 8, namely a plurality of transverse webs 7 oriented vertically in the figure, and a longitudinal web 8 oriented horizontally in the figure.

Fig. 1b zeigt das erste Ausführungsbeispiel im Längsschnitt A-A'. Die Zellen 2 sind an ihren beiden Enden nicht einzeln verschweisst, sondern jede Lage 3 ist über ihre ganze Breite mit einer die Lage 3 abschliessenden Randmembran 9 gasdicht verbunden, wobei diese Randmembran 9 durchaus auch durch einen Teil der Membran 5 gebildet werden kann. Durch die so entstehenden Öffnungen an den Enden der Zellen 2 ist ein Druckausgleich zwischen den Zellen 2 über die gesamte Lage 3 möglich. Der mehrlagige Körper, gebildet durch die Lagen 3 von Zellen 2, ist wiederum von einer alles umschliessenden Hülle 10, bestehend aus einer flexiblen elastischen Membran, umgeben. Dabei können die in Längsrichtung der Struktur 1 verlaufenden Berührungslinien 11 der nach Aussen gewölbten Zellen 2 mit der Hülle 10 über ihre volle Länge oder teilweise kraftschlüssig verbunden, beispielsweise verschweisst oder verklebt sein. Tatsächlich wird die Berührungslinie 11 immer eine Berührungsfläche sein. Die Berührungslinie 11 verläuft vorzugsweise im Wesentlichen entlang der Längssymmetrieachse dieser Berührungsfläche. Wird die Hülle 10 zusätzlich vorgespannt, führt dies zu einer glatten Oberfläche der pneumatischen Struktur 1, ohne dass sich darunter die schlauchartigen Zellen 2 als Wülste abzeichnen. Die Kombination mehrerer Lagen 3, 3' von Zellen 2, ermöglicht eine wesentlich bessere Formkontrolle der pneumatischen Struktur 1, als wenn die Struktur 1 über ihre ganze Höhe durchgehende Zellen 2 aufweist. Durch die Verkleinerung der Radien der Zellen 2 verringert sich bei gleicher Druckbeaufschlagung die Spannung in der Membran 5 der Zellen 2. Dies ermöglicht mittels der vorgespannten und entlang der Berührungslinie 11 punktuell oder über die volle Länge mit den Zellen 2 verbundenen Hülle 10 eine glatte gleichmässige Oberfläche und Form der pneumatischen Struktur 1. Die Struktur 1 wird durch mehrere kleinere Zellen 2 weicher, als wenn nur wenige grössere Zellen 2 vorhanden sind. Die Vorspannung der Hülle 10 kann erreicht werden, indem die Distanz 11-11' zwischen zwei Berührungslinien 11 so gewählt wird, dass sie im drucklosen Zustand beispielsweise 1-20 % kleiner ist als im druckbeaufschlagten Zustand. Die Hülle 10 wird mit anderen Worten bei Druckbeaufschlagung der Zellen 2 zwischen den Berührungslinien 11,11' gespannt und gedehnt. Die Struktur 1 ermöglicht beispielsweise bei Anwendung als Sitz- oder Liegekissen grosse Formtreue und Formbarkeit bei gleichzeitig hohem Komfort und grosser Weichheit. Das heisst die Struktur 1 muss nicht bretthart aufgeblasen werden, um ihre gewünschte Form einzunehmen und einzuhalten. Fig. 1b shows the first embodiment in longitudinal section A-A '. The cells 2 are not individually welded at their two ends, but each layer 3 is gas-tightly connected over its entire width with a the edge 3 final boundary membrane 9, said edge membrane 9 may well be formed by a part of the membrane 5. Through the resulting openings at the ends of the cells 2, a pressure equalization between the cells 2 over the entire layer 3 is possible. The multilayered body, formed by the layers 3 of cells 2, is in turn surrounded by an all-enclosing envelope 10, consisting of a flexible elastic membrane. In this case, extending in the longitudinal direction of the structure 1 contact lines 11 of the outwardly curved cells 2 with the shell 10 over its full length or partially non-positively connected, for example, be welded or glued. In fact, the contact line 11 will always be a contact surface. The contact line 11 preferably runs essentially along the longitudinal axis of symmetry of this contact surface. If the sheath 10 is additionally prestressed, this leads to a smooth surface of the pneumatic structure 1, without the tube-like cells 2 emerging underneath as beads. The combination of several layers 3, 3 'of cells 2, allows a much better shape control of the pneumatic structure 1, as if the structure 1 has over its entire height continuous cells 2. By reducing the radii of the cells 2, the voltage in the membrane 5 of the cells 2 is reduced with the same pressurization. This allows a smooth uniform surface by means of the pretensioned sheath 10 which is selectively or along the contact line 11 with the cells 2 and shape of the pneumatic structure 1. The structure 1 is softened by a plurality of smaller cells 2 than when only a few larger cells 2 are present. The bias of the shell 10 can be achieved by the distance 11-11 'between two lines of contact 11 is selected so that it is, for example, 1-20% less in the pressureless state than in the pressurized state. In other words, when the cells 2 are pressurized between the contact lines 11, 11 ', the envelope 10 is stretched and stretched. The structure 1 allows, for example when used as a seat or lying cushion great dimensional accuracy and formability at the same time high comfort and great softness. This means that the structure 1 does not have to be inflated brute-hard, in order to take their desired form and comply.

In Fig. 2 ist als zweites Ausführungsbeispiel eine dreilagige pneumatische Struktur 1 schematisch im Querschnitt dargestellt. Es ist erfindungsgemäss, drei oder mehr Lagen 3 von Zellen 2 zu kombinieren. In diesem Beispiel sind, wie in den vorangehenden, die Zellen 2 einer Lage 3 untereinander durch Kanäle oder Öffnungen in den gemeinsamen Quer- und Längsstegen 7,8 verbunden und weisen denselben Druck auf.In Fig. 2 is shown as a second embodiment, a three-layer pneumatic structure 1 schematically in cross section. It is according to the invention to combine three or more layers 3 of cells 2. In this example, as in the foregoing, the cells 2 of a sheet 3 are interconnected by channels or openings in the common transverse and longitudinal webs 7, 8 and have the same pressure.

Fig. 3 zeigt ein drittes Ausführungsbeispiel mit erneut drei Lagen 3 von Zellen 2, wobei jedoch die Lage 3' sich nicht über die ganze Breite der Struktur 1 erstreckt. Ausserdem weist diese Struktur 1 in allen Zellen 2 denselben Gasdruck auf. Ein einziges Ventil 4 genügt zur Beaufschlagung der miteinander kommunizierenden Zellen 2 mit Druckgas. Fig. 3 shows a third embodiment with again three layers 3 of cells 2, but the layer 3 'does not extend over the entire width of the structure 1. In addition, this structure 1 has the same gas pressure in all cells 2. A single valve 4 is sufficient to pressurize the cells 2 communicating with each other.

Fig. 4 zeigt ein viertes Ausführungsbeispiel. Dabei handelt es sich um eine Variante des ersten Ausführungsbeispiels. Die Querstege 7 der ersten Lage 3 sind nicht direkt mit den Querstegen 7 der zweiten Lage 3' verbunden. Eine Zelle 2, welche nicht am Rand einer Lage 3 liegt, grenzt an mindestens vier Zellen 2 an, nämlich an zwei Zellen 2 derselben Lage 3 und an mindestens zwei Zellen 2 einer angrenzenden Lage 3. Fig. 4 shows a fourth embodiment. This is a variant of the first embodiment. The transverse webs 7 of the first layer 3 are not directly connected to the transverse webs 7 of the second layer 3 '. A cell 2, which does not lie on the edge of a layer 3, adjoins at least four cells 2, namely two cells 2 of the same layer 3 and at least two cells 2 of an adjacent layer 3.

Fig. 5 zeigt ein fünftes Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemässen pneumatischen Struktur 1, welche drei verschiedene Druckregimes mit den Drucken p1, p2, p3 aufweist. Die Verbünde 12 kommunizierender Zellen 2 mit demselben Druck sind mittels Öffnungen oder Kanälen 13 in den Querstegen 7 und Längsstegen 8 miteinander verbunden. Fig. 5 shows a fifth embodiment of an inventive pneumatic structure 1, which has three different pressure regimes with the pressures p1, p2, p3. The composites 12 communicating cells 2 with the same pressure are connected to each other by means of openings or channels 13 in the transverse webs 7 and longitudinal webs 8.

Zur Druckbeaufschlagung der Verbünde 12 sind Mittel vorhanden, wie beispielsweise Kompressoren, Drucksensoren, elektronische Steuerung, Ventile, Druckleitungen. Solche Mittel sind dem Fachmann bekannt und werden daher nicht näher erläutert.For pressurizing the composites 12 means are present, such as compressors, pressure sensors, electronic control, valves, pressure lines. Such agents are known in the art and are therefore not explained in detail.

Die Fig. 6a,b zeigen ein sechstes Ausführungsbeispiel.The Fig. 6a, b show a sixth embodiment.

Der schematische Querschnitt in Fig. 6a zeigt die gasdicht gegeneinander abgeschlossenen Zellen 2 dieses Beispiels. Jede einzelne Zelle 2 verfügt über mindestens ein separates Ventil 4 und kann unabhängig von anderen Zellen 2 mit Druck beaufschlagt werden. Der Längsschnitt B-B' in Fig. 6b offenbart deutlich, dass die Querstege 7 in diesem Ausführungsbeispiel an den Enden der schlauchförmigen Zellen 2 keine Öffnung frei lassen. Die Randmembran 9 schliesst jede Zelle 2 einzeln ab, und es ist somit kein Gasaustausch zwischen den Zellen 2 innerhalb einer Lage 3 möglich.The schematic cross section in Fig. 6a shows the gas-tight sealed cells 2 of this example. Each individual cell 2 has at least one separate valve 4 and can be pressurized independently of other cells 2. The longitudinal section BB 'in Fig. 6b clearly discloses that the transverse webs 7 in this embodiment at the ends of the tubular cells 2 leave no opening. The edge membrane 9 closes each cell 2 individually, and thus no gas exchange between the cells 2 within a layer 3 is possible.

Fig. 7 zeigt ein siebtes Ausführungsbeispiel mit unregelmässiger asymmetrischer Anordnung und Grösse der Zellen 2. Mit Variation von Form, Grösse, Anordnung und Anzahl der Zellen 2 kann der Fachmann pneumatische Strukturen unterschiedlichster Form und Härte herstellen. Fig. 7 shows a seventh embodiment with irregular asymmetric arrangement and size of the cells 2. With variation of shape, size, arrangement and number of cells 2 The expert can produce pneumatic structures of different shape and hardness.

In Fig. 8 ist ein achtes Ausführungsbeispiel dargestellt. Die Hülle 10, die Membran 5, die Querstege 7 und Längsstege 8 sind an einigen Stellen mit Fluidmuskeln 14 versehen. Die Fig. 8 zeigt beispielhaft mögliche Anordnungen, Kombinationen und Platzierungen solcher verkürzbarer Fluidmuskeln 14. Die Fluidmuskeln 14 sind lineare Aktoren, welche die Stege 7,8 oder allgemeiner die Membran 5 der Zellen 2 sowie die Hülle 10 an irgendeiner Stelle verkürzen und so die Form der Struktur 1 verändern können. Der Fluidmuskel 14 besteht beispielsweise aus schlauchförmigen, fluiddichten Kammern, welche in die zu verkürzende Membran 5 oder Hülle 10 integriert werden. Bei Beaufschlagung dieser Kammern mit einem Fluid - beispielsweise mit Druckluft - welches unter einem grösseren Druck steht als die umgebenden Zellen 2, nehmen die Kammern im Querschnitt eine im Wesentlichen runde Form an. Fluidmuskeln 14 dieser Art und die für ihren Betrieb notwendigen Mittel wie Leitungen, Kompressoren und Steuerungen sind dem Fachmann an sich bekannt. Es wird daher nicht näher darauf eingegangen.In Fig. 8 an eighth embodiment is shown. The sheath 10, the membrane 5, the transverse webs 7 and longitudinal webs 8 are provided with fluid muscles 14 in some places. The Fig. 8 14 exemplifies possible arrangements, combinations and placements of such shortenable fluid muscles 14. The fluid muscles 14 are linear actuators which shorten the webs 7, 8 or more generally the membrane 5 of the cells 2 as well as the shell 10 at any point and thus change the shape of the structure 1 can. The fluid muscle 14 consists, for example, of tubular, fluid-tight chambers, which are integrated into the membrane 5 or sheath 10 to be shortened. Upon exposure of these chambers with a fluid - for example, with compressed air - which is under a greater pressure than the surrounding cells 2, take the chambers in cross section to a substantially round shape. Fluid muscles 14 of this type and the means necessary for their operation, such as lines, compressors and controls are known per se to those skilled in the art. It is therefore not discussed in detail.

Die Zelle 2' ist als Beispiel von doppelwandigen Stegen 7,8 begrenzt. Ein mehrschichtiger Aufbau der Stege 7,8 - beispielsweise durch Verkleben oder Verschweissen der Membran 5 - kann bei allen obengenannten Ausführungsbeispielen realisiert werden. Bei den restlichen Stegen 7,8 wird die Kammer des Fluidmuskels 14 durch ein an seinen Rändern mit dem Steg 7,8 fluiddicht befestigtes Membranstück und durch einen Teil des Steges 7,8 selbst gebildet.The cell 2 'is limited as an example of double-walled webs 7,8. A multi-layer structure of the webs 7,8 - for example, by gluing or welding of the membrane 5 - can be realized in all the above embodiments. In the remaining webs 7, 8, the chamber of the fluid muscle 14 is itself formed by a membrane piece fixed in a fluid-tight manner at its edges to the web 7, 8 and by a part of the web 7, 8 itself.

Es ist im Erfindungsgedanken enthalten, dass die verschiedenen Merkmale der obengenannten Ausführungsbeispiele beliebig miteinander kombiniert werden können, um zu weiteren erfindungsgemässen Ausführungsbeispielen zu gelangen.It is included in the idea of the invention that the various features of the abovementioned exemplary embodiments can be combined as desired with one another in order to arrive at further exemplary embodiments according to the invention.

Claims (12)

  1. A pneumatic structure (1), in particular for sitting, lying and reclining cushions, comprising a plurality of cells (2) disposed together in rows, frictionally interconnected at the sides along a transversal web (7), thereby forming a layer (3), charged with compressed gas through at least one valve (4), made from a membrane (5) of flexible, gas-tight material, characterised in that
    - the structure (1) displays a plurality of frictionally interconnected layers (3),
    - the layers (3) are interconnected such that a longitudinal web (8) separating the layers (3) is present,
    - a casing (1) made from flexible, elastic material is present and envelops the layers (3) and this casing (10) is frictionally connected partly or across the full length of a contact line (11) to at least one cell (2).
  2. The pneumatic structure (1) according to patent claim 1, characterised in that the cells (2) and the casing (10) are produced by gluing and/or heat-sealing plastic film.
  3. The pneumatic structure (1) according to patent claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the transversal webs (7) of the layers (3) each meet in pairs on the same line (6) on the longitudinal web (8) and thereby form a transversal web (3) that passes through the entire structure (1).
  4. The pneumatic structure (1) according to one of the patent claims 1 to 3, characterised in that at least one layer (3) does not extend over the entire width and/or length of the structure (1).
  5. The pneumatic structure (1) according to one of the patent claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the structure (1) comprises at least two groups (12) of communicating cells (2), wherein these groups (12) can be charged with different pressures.
  6. The pneumatic structure (1) according to one of the patent claims 1 to 5, characterised in that two edge membranes (9) create a gas-tight seal at the ends of at least two cells (2), wherein the transversal webs (7) of the cells (2) connected by the edge membranes (9) are not connected to the edge membranes (9) and consequently there is an opening for pressure equalisation between the connected cells (2).
  7. The pneumatic structure (1) according to one of the patent claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the pressure equalisation between connected cells (2) of the same pressure is made possible by means of openings or ducts (13) in transversal webs (7) and/or longitudinal webs (8).
  8. The pneumatic structure (1) according to one of the patent claims 1 to 7, characterised in that each cell (2) adjacent to the casing (10) is frictionally connected to the casing (10) either partly or along the full length of the contact line (11).
  9. The pneumatic structure (1) according to one of the patent claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the size of the casing (10) is selected such that when the structure (1) is pressurised it is stretched more than the membrane (5), wherein the peripheral length of the casing (10) is smaller when it is not stretched than the peripheral length of the pressurised layers (3) without the casing (10).
  10. The pneumatic structure (1) according to one of the patent claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the gap 11-11' between two adjacent contact lines 11 is shorter when the structure (1) is not pressurised, and the casing (10) is not therefore stretched, than the gap 11-11' between the contact lines (11) on the cells (2) when the structure (1) is pressurised without the casing (10).
  11. The pneumatic structure (1) according to one of the patent claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the membrane (5) and/or the casing (10) have at least one fluid muscle (14) and that means of operating fluid muscles (14) are present.
  12. The pneumatic structure (1) according to one of the patent claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the membrane (5) is made from elastic material.
EP05737519A 2004-06-04 2005-05-19 Pneumatic structure Not-in-force EP1750554B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CH9622004 2004-06-04
PCT/CH2005/000282 WO2005117659A1 (en) 2004-06-04 2005-05-19 Pneumatic structure

Publications (2)

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EP1750554A1 EP1750554A1 (en) 2007-02-14
EP1750554B1 true EP1750554B1 (en) 2008-03-19

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EP05737519A Not-in-force EP1750554B1 (en) 2004-06-04 2005-05-19 Pneumatic structure

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US (1) US20070256245A1 (en)
EP (1) EP1750554B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE389341T1 (en)
DE (1) DE502005003341D1 (en)
WO (1) WO2005117659A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7475440B2 (en) 2001-07-10 2009-01-13 Chaffee Robert B Inflatable device forming mattresses and cushions
US7025576B2 (en) 2001-03-30 2006-04-11 Chaffee Robert B Pump with axial conduit
DE60229797D1 (en) * 2001-07-10 2008-12-18 Robert B Chaffee Configurable inflatable support device
MXPA04010867A (en) 2002-05-03 2005-02-14 B Chaffee Robert Self-sealing valve with electromechanical device for actuating the valve.
WO2005117657A1 (en) * 2004-06-04 2005-12-15 Prospective Concepts Ag Pneumatic cushion for sitting, leaning or lying upon
US7334279B2 (en) * 2005-11-09 2008-02-26 Oprandi Arthur V Mattress pad
GB201017183D0 (en) * 2010-10-12 2010-11-24 Katan Joseph M Body support platform
US20190184883A1 (en) * 2017-12-19 2019-06-20 Jing Zhong Leg Rest Device

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2542589B1 (en) * 1982-12-20 1986-04-18 Dejoux Andre FLEXIBLE STRUCTURES COMPRISING MULTIPLE INFLATED VOLUMES AT DIFFERENT PRESSURES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF FURNITURE ELEMENTS
GB9220498D0 (en) 1992-09-29 1992-11-11 Pegasus Airwave Ltd Cushion

Also Published As

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WO2005117659A1 (en) 2005-12-15
DE502005003341D1 (en) 2008-04-30
ATE389341T1 (en) 2008-04-15
US20070256245A1 (en) 2007-11-08
EP1750554A1 (en) 2007-02-14

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