GB2590944A - Improvements to seats - Google Patents

Improvements to seats Download PDF

Info

Publication number
GB2590944A
GB2590944A GB2000231.7A GB202000231A GB2590944A GB 2590944 A GB2590944 A GB 2590944A GB 202000231 A GB202000231 A GB 202000231A GB 2590944 A GB2590944 A GB 2590944A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
seat
side wall
edge region
item
seat cushion
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
GB2000231.7A
Other versions
GB202000231D0 (en
Inventor
Holmes Alan
Holmes Matthew
Holmes Darren
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Spillsafe Ltd
Original Assignee
Spillsafe Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Spillsafe Ltd filed Critical Spillsafe Ltd
Priority to GB2000231.7A priority Critical patent/GB2590944A/en
Publication of GB202000231D0 publication Critical patent/GB202000231D0/en
Publication of GB2590944A publication Critical patent/GB2590944A/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C7/00—Parts, details, or accessories of chairs or stools
    • A47C7/02—Seat parts
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
    • A61G5/00—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs
    • A61G5/10—Parts, details or accessories
    • A61G5/1043—Cushions specially adapted for wheelchairs
    • A61G5/1045—Cushions specially adapted for wheelchairs for the seat portion
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C7/00—Parts, details, or accessories of chairs or stools
    • A47C7/62—Accessories for chairs
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C7/00—Parts, details, or accessories of chairs or stools
    • A47C7/62—Accessories for chairs
    • A47C7/622—Receptacles, e.g. cup holders, storage containers
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
    • A61G2203/00—General characteristics of devices
    • A61G2203/70—General characteristics of devices with special adaptations, e.g. for safety or comfort

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Chair Legs, Seat Parts, And Backrests (AREA)

Abstract

An apparatus 100 comprising a base portion 102 having a front edge region 104, rear edge region 106 and side regions 108/110. A side wall portion 112/114 extending upward from each side region. A rear wall portion 116 extending upwardly from the rear edge region which provides a continuous wall along the side and rear of the apparatus. A flange portion 118/120 extending outwards from an upper edge region of each side wall portion. The apparatus may comprise an open front region. The flange portions may have a plurality of spaced apart holes 122. The base, side, rear and flange portions may be integrally formed. An item of furniture including said apparatus is also provided.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS TO SEATS
The present invention relates to improvements to seats and in particular, but not exclusively, to a seat or chair including apparatus for containing solids and liquids unintentionally deposited on the seat, such as accidental spillages of drinks and food or uncontrollable release of bodily fluids.
A conventional armchair typically includes a wooden or metal frame defining a seat portion supported on four legs, a back portion and a pair of opposed arm portions.
The frame is typically covered with a fabric material and the back and arm portions are generally provided with foam padding or the like for comfort and support. A removable seat bolster or seat cushion is typically located on the covered seat portion of the armchair.
Whilst the seat cushion is removable, it is particularly difficult to thoroughly clean the seat, and particularly the covered frame, such as after a liquid has been spilled on and soaked through the seat cushion. Once inside the seat, bacteria can grow, the fabric cover and/or underlying frame can begin to rot or rust, and strong odours may develop, particularly when the liquid is urine. Where the volume of spilled liquid is relatively significant, the liquid can seep through the seat and on to the floor, e.g. carpet, resulting in the floor also having to be cleaned or even replaced. It is often impossible to clean the seat properly after an accident or spillage and the seat may have to be discarded after a relatively short period of use. These problems are particularly common in hospitals or care homes for the elderly or incapacitated.
It is known to provide an opening between the seat cushion and the underside of each arm of the seat to provide a so-called 'hygiene gap' but these gaps only serve to allow liquids and debris to flow or fall off the seat and on to the floor which in turn needs cleaning, i.e. they do not contain the spilled liquid or debris.
It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a seat that is configured to prevent a spilled liquid or the like from contaminating a floor surface on which the seat is located.
It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a seat including a container for containing a volume of spilled liquid or the like and which provides a barrier at least around a lower region of the seat cushion to prevent the liquid or the like transferring to other parts of the seat and/or the floor.
It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a seat that is hygienic to use and easy to clean and maintain and which therefore has a relatively long service life.
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus for receiving a seat cushion, comprising: a base portion having a front edge region, a rear edge region and side edge regions; a side wall portion extending upwardly from each side edge region; a rear wall portion extending upwardly from the rear edge region to provide a continuous wall along the sides and rear of the apparatus; and a flange portion extending outwardly from an upper edge region of each side wall portion.
Optionally, the apparatus comprises an open front end region defining the front edge region for receiving a seat cushion.
Optionally, the side wall portions and rear wall portion are oriented substantially perpendicularly to the base portion.
Optionally, the side wall portions are oriented substantially perpendicularly to the rear wall portion.
Optionally, the flange portions are oriented substantially perpendicularly to each respective side wall portion.
Optionally, each flange portion includes a plurality of spaced apart holes along its length.
Optionally, the base portion, side wall portions, rear wall portion and flange portions are integrally formed.
Optionally, the apparatus comprises a waterproof plastics material.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of furniture comprising apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention.
Optionally, the item of furniture is a seat.
Optionally, each flange portion of the apparatus is attached to a respective armrest portion of the seat.
Optionally, each flange portion is attached to an underside of the respective armrest portion.
Optionally, the base portion of the apparatus is angled downwardly towards a backrest portion of the seat.
Optionally, the seat comprises a seat cushion located above the apparatus.
Optionally, the seat cushion is located between the side wall portions such that the side wall portions extend at least partially up the sides of the seat cushion.
Optionally, the seat cushion is located on the base portion of the apparatus.
Description of the Drawings
Certain embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference 30 to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 illustrates apparatus for mounting in a seat according to certain embodiments of the present invention; and Figure 2 illustrates a seat frame including the apparatus of Figure 1.
Detailed Description
As illustrated in Figure 1, apparatus 100 according to certain embodiments of the present invention includes a base portion 102 having a front edge region 104, a rear edge region 106 and side edge regions 108,110. The base region 102 is substantially square but may be rectangular, circular, oval, elliptical, or the like to accommodate a correspondingly shaped seat cushion, and/or locate in or on a correspondingly shaped seat support portion of a seat frame, as described further below. A side wall portion 112,114 extends upwardly from each side edge region 108,110 and a rear wall portion 116 extends upwardly from the rear edge region 106 to provide a continuous wall along the sides and rear of the apparatus. The side wall portions and rear wall portion are oriented substantially perpendicularly to the base portion, and the side wall portions are oriented substantially perpendicularly to the rear wall portion. The side wall portions are substantially parallel with each other. A flange portion 118,120 extends outwardly and substantially perpendicularly from an upper edge region of each side wall portion 112,114. Each flange portion 118,120 includes a plurality of spaced apart holes 122 along its length.
The apparatus 100 is aptly formed from a plastics material which is waterproof. For some applications, the apparatus may be formed from another suitable material such as a treated/coated wood, fibreglass, or paper-based material, or the like. Aptly, the material is also fire retardant, anti-bacterial, chemical resistant, non-toxic, anti-static, recyclable, and durable. Aptly, the apparatus is formed from a treated unplasticised polyvinyl chloride (UPVC) or polypropylene (PP), or the like. The side wall portions 112,114 and flange portions 118,120 are aptly thermally formed by bending, and the rear wall portion 116 is aptly chemically welded to the rear edge region 106 of the base portion 102 and side wall portions 112,114. Alternatively, the side wall portions and rear wall portion may be angled slightly outwardly to allow the apparatus to be a one-piece component formed by injection moulding or the like. Aptly, the base portion 102 may be substantially parallel with the flange portions 118,120 or alternatively the base portion may be angled with respect to the flange portions such that the rear edge region 106 of the base portion is lower than the front edge region 104 to thereby urge liquid entering the apparatus in use to run down the base portion towards the rear wall portion 116 to be efficiently contained by the apparatus until being cleaned. The base portion 102 as illustrated is substantially flat. Alternatively, the base portion may include one or more recesses or troughs to contain liquid entering the apparatus in use and space the same from a seat cushion to prevent the cushion being located and soaked in the contained liquid before the apparatus is emptied and cleaned. Aptly, the base portion, side and rear wall portions and flange portions may have the same thickness, such as around 3-10mm. Alternatively, at least the rear wall portion may be thicker than the base portion, side wall portions and flange portions to provide additional strength and stiffness across the rear of the apparatus. For example, the base portion, side wall portions and flange portions may have a thickness of around 3mm and the rear wall portion may have a thickness of around 5-20mm, and aptly around 18mm.
As illustrated in Figure 2, a seat 200 according to certain embodiments of the present invention includes a frame 202 having a seat support portion 204 supported above the floor by four legs 206 each located at a respective corner of the seat support portion. The seat support portion 204 is rectangular but may be square, oval, circular or the like to accommodate and support a correspondingly shaped seat bolster or cushion. The seat cushion, padding and upholstery have been removed from the seat for ease of illustration and description. The frame 202 further includes a backrest portion 208 and a pair of armrest portions 210. Each armrest portion 210 includes a cross brace 212 extending between two upright members 214,216.
The apparatus 100 is located on the seat frame 202 such that the lower surface of the base portion 102 rests on the seat support portion 204 of the frame. The flange portions 118,120 of the apparatus are attached to the underside of a respective one of the armrest cross braces 212 by screws or the like located in each hole 122 of the flange portions 118,120. The armrest cross braces 212 are angled downwardly towards the rear of the frame such that the base portion of the apparatus 100 is also angled downwardly when attached to the seat frame. Alternatively, for example, the flange portions may slide into respective slots located on the inside or underside surface of the armrests. The rear wall portion 116 of the apparatus is located under/behind a further cross brace 218 extending across the backrest portion 208 of the frame 202. The rear wall portion 116 may also have a flange portion which attached to the underside of the rear cross brace 218 or other part of the backrest portion 208. The seat frame 202 is then provided with padding or the like before being upholstered with a desired fabric material, leaving the apparatus 100 exposed.
A correspondingly shaped seat cushion (not shown) is located on the base portion 102 and between the side wall portions 112,114 of the apparatus 100 such that at least the side wall portions 112,114 extend at least partially up the sides of the seat cushion. The seat cushion engages with the optional rear cross brace 218 of the seat frame or with the rear wall portion 116 of the apparatus. Desirably the apparatus is not visible when a seat cushion is located therein. The open end of the apparatus defining the front edge region thereof allows the seat cushion to be slidably located into the apparatus like a cassette and easily removed therefrom for cleaning and/or replacement.
Aptly, the apparatus may include a plurality of support portions extending upwardly from the base portion to support a seat cushion and space the same from the base portion.
If liquid or the like is spilled or deposited on the seat cushion in use, it may soak through the cushion and drip into the apparatus and/or run along the upper surface of the seat cushion and down the sides/rear thereof and into the apparatus. If the base portion is angled rearwardly, either by a mounting angle of the flange portions (if the base portions and flange portions are substantially parallel) or by a configuration/shape of the apparatus itself (the base portion being angled with respect to the flange portions), the liquid is urged towards the rear wall portion which allows further liquid to enter the apparatus and be retained therein, whilst also minimising the risk of liquid spilling from the apparatus via the front edge region thereof. Desirably, the flange portions allow the apparatus to be securely attached to the seat frame whilst also providing a 'waterfall' effect which prevents liquid running down the outside of the apparatus and on to the seat frame and floor.
Certain embodiments of the present invention therefore provide apparatus to prevent a liquid or the like from contaminating a seat and/or a floor surface on which the seat is located. Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a seat including a container for capturing and containing a volume of spilled liquid or the like and which provides a barrier at least around a lower region of the seat cushion to prevent the liquid or the like transferring to other parts of the seat and/or the floor. Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a seat that is hygienic to use and easy to clean and maintain and which therefore has a relatively long service life. Whilst a seat or chair has been used to describe and illustrate certain embodiments of the present invention, the same could be configured for use under the seat cushions of a sofa, vehicle seat, or the like, or under the mattress of a bed.

Claims (16)

  1. Claims 1. Apparatus for receiving a seat cushion, comprising: a base portion having a front edge region, a rear edge region and side edge regions; a side wall portion extending upwardly from each side edge region; a rear wall portion extending upwardly from the rear edge region to provide a continuous wall along the sides and rear of the apparatus; and a flange portion extending outwardly from an upper edge region of each side wall portion.
  2. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, comprising an open front end region defining the front edge region for receiving a seat cushion.
  3. 3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the side wall portions and rear wall portion are oriented substantially perpendicularly to the base portion.
  4. 4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the side wall portions are oriented substantially perpendicularly to the rear wall portion. 20
  5. 5. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the flange portions are oriented substantially perpendicularly to each respective side wall portion.
  6. 6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein each flange portion includes a plurality of spaced apart holes along its length.
  7. 7. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the base portion, side wall portions, rear wall portion and flange portions are integrally formed.
  8. 8. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, comprising a waterproof plastics material.
  9. 9. An item of furniture comprising apparatus according to any preceding claim.
  10. 10. The item of furniture according to claim 9, wherein the item is a seat.
  11. 11.
  12. 12.
  13. 13.
  14. 14.
  15. 15.
  16. 16.The item of furniture according to claim 10, wherein each flange portion of the apparatus is attached to a respective armrest portion of the seat.The item of furniture according to claim 11, wherein each flange portion is attached to an underside of the respective armrest portion.The item of furniture according to any of claims 10 to 12, wherein the base portion of the apparatus is angled downwardly towards a backrest portion of the seat.The item of furniture according to any of claims 10 to 13, comprising a seat cushion located above the apparatus.The item of furniture according to claim 14, wherein the seat cushion is located between the side wall portions such that the side wall portions extend at least partially up the sides of the seat cushion.The item of furniture according to claim 15, wherein the seat cushion is located on the base portion of the apparatus.
GB2000231.7A 2020-01-08 2020-01-08 Improvements to seats Pending GB2590944A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB2000231.7A GB2590944A (en) 2020-01-08 2020-01-08 Improvements to seats

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB2000231.7A GB2590944A (en) 2020-01-08 2020-01-08 Improvements to seats

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB202000231D0 GB202000231D0 (en) 2020-02-19
GB2590944A true GB2590944A (en) 2021-07-14

Family

ID=69527979

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB2000231.7A Pending GB2590944A (en) 2020-01-08 2020-01-08 Improvements to seats

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2590944A (en)

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS54155288A (en) * 1978-05-30 1979-12-07 Nhk Spring Co Ltd Plastics sheet flame * and its manufacture
US4752293A (en) * 1984-09-11 1988-06-21 Smith Albert H Barrier cushion for incontinent patients and urine collection system comprising the same
EP1425992A1 (en) * 2002-12-06 2004-06-09 Geoffrey Gordon Hilliard Seat cushion
DE202016107344U1 (en) * 2016-12-23 2017-01-17 Prisma D GmbH Module of a sitting or lying furniture

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS54155288A (en) * 1978-05-30 1979-12-07 Nhk Spring Co Ltd Plastics sheet flame * and its manufacture
US4752293A (en) * 1984-09-11 1988-06-21 Smith Albert H Barrier cushion for incontinent patients and urine collection system comprising the same
EP1425992A1 (en) * 2002-12-06 2004-06-09 Geoffrey Gordon Hilliard Seat cushion
DE202016107344U1 (en) * 2016-12-23 2017-01-17 Prisma D GmbH Module of a sitting or lying furniture

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB202000231D0 (en) 2020-02-19

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CA2315672C (en) Feeding seat
US6676210B1 (en) Washable highchair slipcover
CA1201051A (en) Patient chair
US5125121A (en) Cushion protection system for the incontinent
US20160309910A1 (en) Child support device
US20070220665A1 (en) Child's toilet training chair
US10631662B2 (en) Child seat
US20140259338A1 (en) Child's Potty Ring
US20120146371A1 (en) Aesthetic Toilet Chair Commode Covering
GB2590944A (en) Improvements to seats
US20170143135A1 (en) Infant Support Having Tray with Repositionable Insert
US5068927A (en) Replacement seat for sanitary chairs
US20090038983A1 (en) Combination wall shelf and serving tray
CA2239804C (en) Seating and kneeling appliance
US5007681A (en) Fluid-resistant, upholstered furniture seat adapted to aid housekeeping
AU2021202097A1 (en) Injection Moulded Unupholstered Plastic Chair
US6704948B2 (en) Self-supporting disposable waste container
JP5357397B2 (en) Portable toilets and waste receptacles used for them
US5343573A (en) Integrally molded stackable commode chair
US20180344109A1 (en) Portable toilet seat cover
WO2010119042A2 (en) Commode
JP2002165669A (en) Furniture
JP6933922B2 (en) Portable toilet
JP3085510U (en) Bucket receiver for chair-type toilet and chair-type toilet with the same
EP0166740A1 (en) Care system for incontinent persons and the like