Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
  • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
  • B60N2/64—Back-rests or cushions
  • B60N2/66—Lumbar supports
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
  • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
  • B60N2/24—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles
  • B60N2/42—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles the seat constructed to protect the occupant from the effect of abnormal g-forces, e.g. crash or safety seats
  • B60N2/4249—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles the seat constructed to protect the occupant from the effect of abnormal g-forces, e.g. crash or safety seats fixed structures, i.e. where neither the seat nor a part thereof are displaced during a crash
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
  • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
  • B60N2/64—Back-rests or cushions
  • B60N2/643—Back-rests or cushions shape of the back-rests
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
  • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
  • B60N2/64—Back-rests or cushions
  • B60N2/646—Back-rests or cushions shape of the cushion
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
  • F16F—SPRINGS; SHOCK-ABSORBERS; MEANS FOR DAMPING VIBRATION
  • F16F1/00—Springs
  • F16F1/36—Springs made of rubber or other material having high internal friction, e.g. thermoplastic elastomers
  • F16F1/371—Springs made of rubber or other material having high internal friction, e.g. thermoplastic elastomers characterised by inserts or auxiliary extension or exterior elements, e.g. for rigidification
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
  • F16F—SPRINGS; SHOCK-ABSORBERS; MEANS FOR DAMPING VIBRATION
  • F16F3/00—Spring units consisting of several springs, e.g. for obtaining a desired spring characteristic
  • F16F3/08—Spring units consisting of several springs, e.g. for obtaining a desired spring characteristic with springs made of a material having high internal friction, e.g. rubber
  • F16F3/087—Units comprising several springs made of plastics or the like material
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
  • F16F—SPRINGS; SHOCK-ABSORBERS; MEANS FOR DAMPING VIBRATION
  • F16F9/00—Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium
  • F16F9/02—Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium using gas only or vacuum
  • F16F9/04—Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium using gas only or vacuum in a chamber with a flexible wall
  • F16F9/0472—Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium using gas only or vacuum in a chamber with a flexible wall characterised by comprising a damping device

Definitions

• the present invention generally relates to a material comprising an arrangement of resiliently deformable elements intended to absorb and/or distribute impacts and/or applied pressure.
• the elements may, for example be arranged to form a material for use in applications where the absorption or distribution of pressure is required, for example as seating for humans.
• the present invention may use biomechanical enhancement to facilitate disposition of humans in optimized seating postures, relative to ischial tuberosities, combined with orthogonal support elements, which optionally function as a high performance vehicle seating enhancement, among other things.
• the present invention does all of this while addressing and ameliorating deep vein thrombosis ("DVT").
• a material comprising an arrangement of resiliently deformable elements wherein the material comprises at least one outer element with a hollow interior and at least one insert element, wherein the insert element is arranged inside the hollow interior of the outer element.
• an insert element within a outer element provides for impact absorption and distributed pressure support, as will be described more fully herein after.
• the outer and insert elements act substantially independently to provide shock absorption against lateral forces.
• the elements are silicon elements.
• Silicon is a material with many advantages.
• silicon has elasticity, shape memory properties, is relatively light and strong and is relatively chemically inert. Indeed, silicon is particularly advantageous as it has 100% shape memory properties.
• the elements may be rubber, polyester resin or the like.
• at least one of the or each inner and/or outer elements could be described as 'elastomeric', i.e. they are resiliently deformable in the sense that they exhibit shape memory characteristics and may also stretch elastically if held under tension.
• the elements are elongate elements. This allows for energy (in particular transverse impacts) to be readily dissipated along the length of the elements.
• a plurality of outer and insert elements are arranged to form a sheet of material. This is advantageous as it allows a resilient surface to be formed. Such a surface will be suitable for absorbing transverse shocks.
• the insert element may itself be hollow or it may be solid. It will be appreciated that, assuming the material is the same, a hollow element will deform more readily than a solid element. Therefore, if high impact absorption is required, a hollow insert element may be preferred. If however a relatively hard material is required, a solid insert element may be preferred. [0013] In a preferred embodiment, the clearance between outer element and the insert element may be predetermined according to the application in which the material is intended to be used. Providing different clearances will provide the material with different responses to impact and/or to pressure.
• the outer elements will be sealed, such that the or each insert element lies within an airtight chamber.
• the trapped air provides a third shock absorption means (i.e. in addition to the first and second shock absorption means provided by the outer and insert elements respectively).
• the outer elements may be sealed with silicon, glue, against a surface, with a clamping means, clips or other sealing means.
• the durometer of the outer element and/or the insert element may be predetermined according to the application in which the material is intended to be used. It will be appreciated that the 'durometer' of an elastomeric substance is a measure of its hardness or resistance to deformation.
• the outer elements comprise a series of hollow tubes (which may have circular or non- circular cross sections) which are glued, encased or otherwise fixed together such that they are substantially parallel.
• the material may be formed by weaving the elements such that they cross one another.
• the elements may be braided to form the material. This may allow the forces of impact to be distributed in different directions across the material.
• the elements may be braided/interwoven with other materials, for example fibers, lengths of fabric or the like.
• the outer elements comprise cells formed within a resiliently deformable (e.g. an elastomeric) material.
• the cells may comprise a single layer or multiple layers in a honeycomb-like structure.
• the outer elements are arranged substantially adjacent to one another and, for example, parallel, but are not fixed together.
• a surface is formed which is capable of absorbing impact but is not a single unitary sheet-like surface. This allows the elements to react with greater independence than if the outer elements are fixed together.
• the shape of the outer element and/or the insert element may be predetermined according to the application in which the material is intended to be used.
• the shape of the elements will effect the response of a material to impact and may also effect the surface provided by the material.
• a substantially flat surface may be required so cylindrical elements may not be appropriate.
• the outer elements and/or the insert elements may have different physical properties across the material. This allows areas with differing responses to impact and/or pressure to be formed within same sheet of material.
• the different physical properties may comprise durometer, dimensions, shapes, tension, or the like.
• the outer and/or inner elements may have a variety of shapes and in particular a variety of cross-sections. These may be geometric cross sectional shapes, for example, circular, triangular, diamond, or other regular or non-regular polyhedrons. The shape will effect the way in which forces are distributed.
• the material is arranged to be inlaid into or laid on top of another structure or surface. This allows that material to act as padding.
• the material may be arranged within a frame, possibly under tension, which may be variable tension.
• the insert and outer elements are tensioned together as a single unit (particularly if the outer element is sealed).
• the insert and outer elements may be tensioned separately.
• the material may be formed into a strap or the like, i.e. a material which is intended to be under tension in use.
• the material is arranged to provide a support means in a seating apparatus.
• the support means may be arranged in an A-shape (or chevron shape) intended to support the ischial tuberosities of a person seated on the seating apparatus.
• the material may comprise (and/or be incorporated within) at least one of the following: protective clothing, protective headwear, padding for crash barriers or the like, tension straps (such as rucksack shoulder straps, seat belts, etc), knee pads, gum shields, padding for sport or sportswear, matting, or the like.
• the material is placed within a cover or coating.
• this may be a cotton or other fabric cover. This may be advantageous as it may be easier to applying fastenings or the like to such a cover or coating than to the material itself.
• the material may be more comfortable for a user if it is encased in a cover. For example, if the material is intended to provide padding around a goal post, Velcro ® tabs or the like could be applied to the cover to keep the material in place. If the material is intended to form a rucksack strap, cushion or the like, a fabric cover may provide a more tactile feel to the user.
• the material comprises a seating tool for use in a seating apparatus.
• the material can be used to provide an anatomically corrected seating element set including improved and enhanced seating tools in an improved type of seating apparatus.
• anatomically corrected seating element set including improved and enhanced seating tools in an improved type of seating apparatus.
• Processes for disposing a user there upon and posture ameliorating tools and subcomponent products are likewise taught.
• Silicon extension elements add substantial benefits and are heretofore undisclosed within the context of the instant field of art.
• a venous blood flow enhancing ischial tuberosity support system having at least two primary material densities, an A-configured structure geometry for alignment of the ischial tuberosities in a desired position under the lumbar spine, which increases cross-sectional areas of a user's veins proximal to the groin, the improvement comprising, in combination; at least a supplemental silicon member having individuated and recoverable memory disposed at, at least one location in the system.
• a seating apparatus for preventing muscle fatigue and cushioning the spine to increase lordosis in the lumbar spine
• a wedge-shaped cushion having a top and a bottom, whereby the top is substantially planar parallel to a surface upon which the seating apparatus stands, and a bottom which houses two projecting members each in the geometric configuration of a ray whose vertex is at a back portion of the seating apparatus which abuts a user's back when seated for improving venous outflow from the lower extremities in the sitting position by decreasing venous obstruction at the femoral vein levels, whereby the relative position and placement of the two projecting members is determined by capturing a distance measurement for a user, the improvement further comprising disposing a plurality of silicon tubes and rods at critical locations within the seating apparatus.
• a process for enhancing a seating construction which comprises, in combination, providing a plurality of silicon elements to be incorporated into the same, and bolstering desired aspects of the seating construction by attaching said plurality of elements to said seating construction.
• FIG. 1 is a schematic of a prior art seating construction in cross-section;
• FIG. 2 is an embodiment of an enhanced seating product according to embodiments of the present disclosure;
• FIG. 3 is a detailed aspect of an exploded view according to teachings of embodiments of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 4 shows improved seating tool or an element filled with materials described, according to embodiments of the present invention
• FIG. 5 shows embodiments according to the present invention
• FIG. 6 shows embodiments according to the present invention
• FIG. 7 shows embodiments according to the present invention
• FIG. 8 shows embodiments according to the present invention
• FIGs. 9 to 1 1 schematically depict a material comprising silicon elements according to various embodiments of the present invention.
• the present inventor has developed improved load bearing materials and mechanisms, and ways to enhance seating systems that already provide unprecedented support for users. Energy absorption and compatibility with enhanced seating approaches likewise supports unique approaches as detailed herein and claimed below. Similarly offered for consideration are related seating improvements in an effort to mitigate a leading global symptom or disability driving disease state-back pain. This is a long-term set of issues that most developed and developing countries have been compelled to deal with as individuals are incented to move from upright posture to a work-based sitting routine, for at least part-if not most-of their working days. Similarly, driving, flying and advanced leisure activities requiring better support from seating systems.
• a thigh cuff was placed and inflated to 60 mm Hg in order to occlude venous outflow.
• the system was allowed to stabilize for 2 minutes 30 seconds, and the cuff released rapidly.
• the resultant spike in velocity was measured using the ultrasound machine's internal measuring device, and the highest point was recorded as outflow velocity. Testing was repeated for both limbs in the three different seats. Calculations were done by measuring the difference in outflow velocity in omniseconds in the Lotus (control) seat and in both the red and yellow NuBax modified seat. In order to standardize the samples, a percent change in outflow velocity for each sample was calculated by formula 1 :
• Venous air plethysmography was performed by inflating the calf plethysmographic cuff to the volume prescribed by the equipment manufacturer, and the thigh cuff was inflated to 60 mm Hg in order to occlude venous outflow. The system was allowed to stabilize for 2 minutes 30 seconds, and the cuff deflated rapidly. A strip chart recorder captured the change in volume of the calf in response to the cuff release, and from this tracing maximum venous outflow could be determined. Outflow fractions were calculated from the strip chart tracings.
• the outflow fraction was considered to be the decrease in volume over the first 0.5 seconds after cuff release, divided by the total volume, and was calculated as per Nicolaides and Sumner with the only modification being a 0.5 sec interval. To again standardize the values, percent change in outflow fraction for each sample was calculated by the formula 2:
• Outflow fraction testing revealed an outflow fraction of 49.9 for the Lotus seat and 51.1 for the NuBax seat.
• the mean percent change in OF for each limb was 4.99, as calculated by the above formula. Median percent change was found to be 3.45.
• Table 2 summarizes the results, and adds the standard deviations:
• the design of the NuBax seat ostensively improved posture and comfort during prolonged seating.
• the design of the cushion places the ischial tuberosities in the correct position underneath the lumbar spine so that the pelvis and spine are properly aligned. This alignment distributes the weight more evenly and allows for more comfortable sitting.
• the effect on venous blood flow appears to be an improvement in outflow from the legs.
• This improved outflow combined with the other beneficial effects of the improved sitting position have been used to create an improved driving experience in the Lotus Elise®, a high performance sports car that requires alertness and quick motions of the extremities to maneuver.
• the Lotus seat has an almost supine tilt to it, making venous outflow almost horizontal. Because of this, any improvement in venous flow characteristics was considered significant, as more upright seating would create larger changes.
• Chronic venous insufficiency has components of both venous reflux and obstruction.
• venous outflow obstruction component of venous insufficiency
• Pregnancy and other causes of extrinsic venous compression can be considered examples of where isolated outflow obstruction, where outflow fraction can be quantified.
• outflow fraction using plethysmographic techniques has been measured in venous insufficiency, and appears inaccurate in the presence of reflux.
• Arm/foot venous pressure differential and reactive hyperemia induced foot venous pressure increase appear to correlate with the degree of venous obstruction even when reflux is present, but the test is invasive and requires the ability to maneuver the limb, making it impractical in this situation.
• the current study makes use of the specific strengths of the air plethysmograph in addressing isolated venous obstruction, making it the ideal tool for study. This particular situation appeared to be unique in that the presence of obstruction must be qualified as well as quantified using a noninvasive technique.
• CSF-1 188 (A/B Formulation-GEL) from Nusil, Inc. (Carpenteria, CA) is extruded/caulked/painted onto seats, according to embodiments of the present invention, to increase the ability of the instant system to be modified for various applications. In this way, those challenged can use the instant system to remain functional and comfortable while seated.
• the ProBax ® brand of seating technology has been incorporated into leading lines of cars, including the 2006 Lotus MV Elise® and Exige® models. Marked postural position improvements in occupants of the ProBax ® brand of seating technology have been noted. Medical professionals have validated both the spinal maintenance aspects and the increased blood full obtained with the teachings of the present disclosure. See, for example U.S. Letters patents Application Numbers 11/149,806 and 1 1/263,415 expressly incorporated herein by reference, as are U.S. Letters Patent Nos.: 6,447,058 and 7,720,376.
• FIG. 1 an example of the prior art seating is shown. Those in the industry have pointed out a strong need for cockpit space and economic efficiencies with involved materials.
• Conventional seat 101 is shown in this view of the prior art.
• the present invention optionally uses extruded rods, hoses and variable density silicone elements to provide a firmness that many seats benefit from, and, for example, high performance vehicles need.
• each rod and hose-like element absorbs differential energy valves to provide optimal seating for anyone using the seats, from air-line passengers to race-car drivers, inter alia.
• a user seated in the prior art seat 101 of FIG. 1 slumps into an uncomfortable posture and the user's head has nothing to prevent, inhibit or otherwise defend against back and forth movements, in attempts to achieve a helpful seating position.
• the same is true of user's body, which is pushed into abutting contact with upper portion 103 of conventional seat 101 , or even worse, uncomfortably shifted into a challenged posture wedged between lower portion of conventional seat 105 and upper portion 103.
• Using new variable density silicone elements overcomes this allowing for blood flow and those benefits associated with the same.
• the ProBax ® brand of seating technology is manifested in the schematic and exemplary seat 102, which illustrates the working of aspects of the processes and products of embodiments of the present invention. It is noted that any user disposed upon seat 102 has a different set of angles relative to both the back support/upper portion of seat 107 and lower portion of seat 104. This is due to the unique configuration of the instant disclosure and to the fact that inherent support elements and no pre-existing lumbar mechanism work to make the user misaligned as in FIG. 1.
• the blood testing regimen was conducted by application of Bernouilli's Equation to specific measurements of blood pressure and velocity through the femoral vein in the leg, enabling a calculation of an individual's blood flow from one seat to another.
• FIG. 3 and to FIG. 4 embodiments of the present invention are shown as incorporated into seats for automobiles and airplanes.
• the location of the extension members 1 15 and 117 will urge a user's ischial tuberosities to be aligned, when combined with upper extension member 113, such that a desired lordotic posture (see FIG. 2) is maintained.
• FIG. 4 shows a detailed view of a fundiform element 1 11 , which is dimensionally varied relative to the weight of a user to achieve optimal landing of the ischial tuberosities of the user.
• a typical user sitting on fundiform element 1 11 having an overall length of at least about 950 millimeters (mm), with a width of at least about 75 mm and a widest point of approximately 295 mm. For an average user this means that at least about 370 mm is an extension length for upper extension portion 113.
• Extension member 115 and 117 maybe optionally reduced, or one eliminated, depending on user need.
• using silicon rods are related supplemental seating tools changes these values, as will be known to those skilled in the art.
• angle theta is at least about 20 degrees, or from at least about 20 to 27 degrees in an average seat, and may vary from approximately one to thirty degrees based upon variations in weight and size of the user.
• web-like support works with the instant system.
• the extension members 1 15 and 117 are typically three to four inches in width (at least about 1 inches to 30 being possible) and the depth of these elements of between % of an inch and 10 inches, with ⁇ A of an inch to 1 inch being average.
• chevrons are further comprised of silicon rods and related seating tools according to the teachings of the present invention.
• the tubular silicone components comprise tools for improving tensile strength and thickness, and firmness enhancements.
• FIG. 5 - FIG. 8 the improved design is seen with a silicon sheet 222 (e.g. FIG. 5) being re-placed by a solid string insert as in FIG. 6 at 308.
• Area 38 is effective to maintain a pelvis tilt angle, and spine channel 22 extends to at least about 4 inches. 4 x 1 " tubes can replace sheet 222, allowing muscle structures on either side of the spine to be in separate yet continuous movement with any known vehicle.
• zone 38 (308 in seat) pushes, or maintains pelvic tilt at the angle around the superior crest of the pelvis instead of total weight bearing being on the ischial tuberosities.
• Such improvements allow for load bearing without compromise of desired postures which the NuBax brand of seating systems offer for consideration.
• FIG. 7A and 7B show alternate seats, by the process and products, each silicon tubular component separately recovers its full memory for pelvis and ischial tuberosities, those skilled understand that for such a new design, an area that bulges would actually push or keep pelvis tilted at angle around the superior crest of the pelvis instead of total weight bearing on the ischial tuberosities.
• the hollow tube can easily be made into the tensile strength enduring bundles deemed necessary for energy absorption.
• the tube solid piece can then be made specifically to address the thickness/firmness needed per specific seating need. See also, U.S. Letters Patent Number 7,270,376, expressly incorporated herein by reference for details of customization of seats for uses and applications.
• variable stiffness is impacted by enhanced seating tools, for example in the spinal channel where the existing silicon "sheet” is placed would be replaced with the silicon hose tubes with a solid string insert depending upon the nature of absorption.
• a first production extends the width size of the spine channel to 4 inches, as shown at FIG. 7B.
• each tube works separately and recovers its full memory as it is compressed the same effect works on the pelvis as well as the ischial tuberosities.
• tube and rod size varies, and depends on application being addressed. Likewise, these tools are readily incorporated with existing and later developed seats. (See FIG. 2-8).
• silicon tubes 51 range from at least about 1 inch in outside diameter, with an inside diameter of 3 A of an inch and rod 55 can be ⁇ A inch outside diameter with % inch inside diameter.
• the choice of size may depend on the application in which the material is to be incorporated (for example, a child's seat may benefit from being constructed of a smaller dimensioned series of elements than an adult's seat) or the properties required of the material.
• FIG. 9 shows a section of material incorporating hollow outer silicon tubular elements 51 containing solid silicon tubular insert elements 55.
• the outer elements 51 are glued or otherwise bonded together to form a substantially planar layer or sheet of material.
• a body impacting with the material will first cause the outer silicon elements 51 to deform, flexing inwards until the inside diameter of the outer tubular element 51 contacts the solid tubular insert element 55 inside.
• This solid element 55 will then flex (in embodiments where the ends of the elements 51 , 55 are held taut, this will cause the solid element 55 to stretch slightly) until it contacts the outer element 51 on the other side.
• the solid tubular insert element 55 could then deform elastically and/or both the outer 51 (the tension under which the material is held), and the insert element 55 could be caused to stretch.
• the resilience of the material acts to cushion the impact and/or support a body applying pressure thereto in a number of ways.
• the 'shape memory' properties of the outer element 51 will act to return the outer element 51 to its original shape.
• the solid insert element 55 has been caused to deform (such that it assumes a substantially oval, rather than circular cross section)
• its 'shape memory' properties will act to return the solid insert element 55 to its original shape.
• any stretching of the elements 51 , 55 will provide an elastic restoring force. If the outer elements 51 are sealed, the trapped air will also act to cushion an impact.
• FIG. 10 likewise shown are details of solid tubular insert elements 61 within a silicon cell like structure, wherein the cells have a triangular cross section 59 and provide the outer elements.
• the solid elements are tubular, in other embodiments the insert elements could be triangular, could themselves be hollow, and could be of varying sizes, diameters and silicon elasticity depending on the need for energy absorption/deflection.
• the triangle design shown in FIG. 10 provides a substantially surface, which may be advantageous in some embodiments.
• FIG 1 1 details of tubular members and various tools incorporating the same effectively used with the instant system or in other applications, are shown.
• the material 63 incorporates diamond-shaped cells 65, in conjunction with solid rod insert elements 67 and with triangular cells 59 as shown in FIG. 10. This also allows a flat surface to be formed and the diamond shaped cells 65 will (all other variables being equal) provide a greater damping force to transverse impacts than the triangular cells 59.
• All of the embodiments described in FIGs 9 to 1 1 are flexible so could be formed or fitted to various shapes, can be readily incorporated or retrofitted into awkward spaces and the like.
• the seat illustrated herein comprises a cushion
• the material need not be disposed within a cushion and could instead be placed or stretched in a frame or the like to provide the seat.
• the seat (or other application) could for example comprise sections of material according to the invention and sections of another material, for example nylon webbing or the like.
• the illustrated seat could comprise one area of material according to the present invention of a first durometer defining the chevron pattern and/or back support and a second area of material according to the present invention of a second durometer, thus providing the two primary material densities described above. This use of two primary material densities, which could of course be achieved by varying other properties rather than the durometer, could of course also be used in the applications.

Landscapes

• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
• Transportation (AREA)
• Mattresses And Other Support Structures For Chairs And Beds (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=38596841

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (3)

Families Citing this family (6)

Family Cites Families (19)

• 2007
  • 2007-09-05 EP EP07789393A patent/EP2063726A1/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 2007-09-05 WO PCT/GB2007/050523 patent/WO2008029182A1/en active Application Filing
  • 2007-09-05 US US11/850,294 patent/US20080079299A1/en not_active Abandoned

Non-Patent Citations (1)

Also Published As

Similar Documents

Legal Events