US3184227A

US3184227A - Seat spring arrangement

Info

Publication number: US3184227A
Application number: US350100A
Authority: US
Inventors: Sr Charles S Viall
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1964-03-06
Filing date: 1964-03-06
Publication date: 1965-05-18
Anticipated expiration: 1982-05-18

Description

May 18, 1965 c. s. VIALL, SR

SEAT SPRING ARRANGEMENT Original Filed July 28, 1961 s She ets-Sheet 1 FIG. I

ma 9 "a a Plum uu INVHVTOR.

CHARLES S. VIALL,SR.

FIG. 2

ATTORNEY May 18, 1965 c. s. VIALL, SR 3,184,227

SEAT SPRING ARRANGEMENT Original Filed July 28, 1961 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

CHARLES S. VIALL, SR.

ATTORNEY May 18, 1965 c. s. VIALL, SR 3,184,227

SEAT SPRING ARRANGEMENT Original Filed July 28, 1961 3 Shets-Sheet 3 FIG. IO

FIG. ll

INVENTOR.

CHARLES S. VIALL, SR.

ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,184,227 SEAT SPRING NGEMENT Charles S. Viall, Sr., 11313 Charisey Drive, Whittier, Calif. Continuation of application Ser. No. 127,619, July 28, 1961. This application Mar. 6, 1964, Ser. No.

11 Claims. (Cl. 267-188) This application is a continuation of my copending application Serial No. 127,619, filed July 28, 1961, for Seat Spring Arrangement, and now abandoned.

This invention pertains to an arrangement for supporting the seat cushion of a chair, sofa or the like.

This spring support arrangement provides a design of the same general type as illustrated in Patents 2,437,119 and 2,485,650. However, in these prior units difiiculty has been encountered due to stress concentration in the lower leg of the rear spring, resulting in premature crystallization and failure of this part. This invention overcomes such limitation by the use of a pivotal connection at the bottom portion of the leg for the rear spring. Also, the present invention can be constructed to balance twisting forces on the spring coils, giving greater strength to the coil and increased lateral stability to the seat platform. In addition, this invention provides an improved attachment for the upper spring leg, giving it a rigid connection to the support frame by means of a single clamping member. This invention also permits a platform type cushion support to be utilized in seats intended for more than one person. Previously it had been necessary to supply a separate platform for each seat cushion, and the unit was not adaptable for seating between these units. The design of the applicants invention not only permits seating at random in any location along a multiple seat unit, but also simplifies the construction by necessitating only a single platform for the unit.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a spring seat construction of greater comfort than conventional designs.

Another object of this invention is to provide a cushion support unit of simplified low cost yet durable construction.

A further object of this invention is to provide a cushion support unit that provides a platform having lateral stability, a spring of durability and high strength, and which results in valuable clearance for frame bracing elements.

An additional object of this invention is to provide a spring support arrangement in which stress concentrations are reduced and a longer life is achieved.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a spring seat support of a platform type usable with sofas, love seats or the like which are longer than a chair intended for single occupancy.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide an improved clamping arrangement for springs to a cushion support platform.

An additional object of this invention is to provide a spring support arrangement in which different spring rates are obtained for front and rear springs manufactured from the same gauge wire.

These and other objects will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawing in which:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view, partially in section of a cushion support unit of this invention applied to a chair frame;

FIG. 2 is a transverse sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken along the same plane as FIG. 2 illustrating the detailed construction of the attachment of the lower leg of the rear spring;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view of the spring connection of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken along the plane of FIG. 2 illustrating the connection of the upper spring leg to the cushion support frame;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 2 of a modified form of the invention employing only rear springs;

FIG. 7 is a plan view similar to FIG. 1 but showing the invention as used for a multiple seat cushion unit;

FIG. 8 is a transverse sectional View taken along line 88 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of one of the transverse rail units used in the design of FIGS. 7 and 8;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary plan view of a spring unit arranged to reduce the lateral bending moment on the spring coil, and also employing a single clamp for securing the upper end of the spring coil;

FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the arrangement of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective view of the clamp of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a top plan view of a modification in which two springs and an interconnecting element are integrally constructed; and

FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of the design of FIG. 13.

With particular reference to FIGS. 1 through 5 of the drawing, the spring support unit 1 of this invention is shown in conjunction with the framework 2 of a chair or the like. This framework, which normally is constructed of wood, includes a front rail 3, a back rail 4, and a rear spring support rail 5 adjacent the back rail. These rails are held in a spaced parallel relationship by side rails 6 and 7 that interconnect their ends.

A rectangular metal platform 8 is supported on the framework by means of front

coil spring units

9 and 10 and rear coil spring units 11 and 12. These may be helical torsion springs with their axes substantially parallel to the front and rear framework rails. The platform 8 may simply consist of heavy gauge wire suitably bent to define a rectangular contour, with the ends of the wires joined together by means of a ferrule 14. The platform 8 serves to support the seat cushion, and accordingly there may be attached to its webbing, springs or the like (not shown).

The front

coil spring units

9 and 10 may be substantially identical to the rear spring units 11 and 12. However, it generally is preferred to provide a different spring rate for the springs at the front from those at the rear of the device, with the stiffer spring located at the rear of the cushion support. One method of accomplishing this is by making the front and rear spring units of different materials. Alternatively, the turns of the

front units

9 and 10 may be made of larger diameter than those of the rear spring coils. This is advantageous in that it allows the same materials to be used for all of the spring units, thereby simplifying production.

The spring coil units making up the spring pairs may be identical except that they are of opposite hand configuration. As seen in FIG. 2, the rear unit 11 includes an upper leg 16 inclining upwardly from coil 17 to the lower edge of the side portion 18 of platform 8. The upper leg of the spring unit 11 continues through a short span 19 adjacent the side element 18, and then extends around the corner of the platform with its end portion 28 beneath the rear rail 21 of the platform 8. Two clamping brackets 23 receive the segments of the platform and the portions 19 and 20 of the upper leg of the spring, securing the spring to the platform. These brackets are somewhat in the shape of a figure 8 and may be spot dric'a'l portion 28. I

welded to the frame 8. This, plus the angular. arrange ment of the portions 19 and 20 of the spring leg, provides a rigid connection between the upper portion of the spring unit and the platform 8.

The lower portion of the coil 17 inclines downvva'rdly and to the rear, terminating in an'e'nd section 26 projecting inwardly substantiallyat right angles to the: downwardly inclined portion 25. The leg 26 is secured to the support rail 5 by means of a bracket 27.- The latter unit'in'cludes a cylindrical portion 28 positioned immediately forward of the rail 5 and from whichproj'ectsfla n L-shaped base portion 29;' The upper part of the b'ase'2'9 lie's on top of rail '5, while t-heend'of this element contacts "the rear verticalffac'e of the rail 5. Nails 30 -"Secure the base 29 to the rail 5. 1Leg' 26is'received within a bushing 31, which may be of nylon, carriedby the cylin The resulting construction is particularly advantageous in connecting the spring c'oil unit to the framework of the chair. The cylindrical portion 28 of the'support' mem: ber 27 for the bottom leg of thecoil allows 'the portio'n 28 to pivot relative .to the support as the sprihgis flexed. This free pivotal movement assures that significant bending forces are not imposed upon the lower leg oft he "rea r spring, but are absorbed instead in the coil portion of it. This greatly increases the life of the spring "element by avoiding fatigue failure in the lower leg-portion ofthe coil nnit. In the past ifha s be'en the practieeto provide a rigid connection at the bottom of the spnng coil. As a result, there has been a crystallization of the material in the lower leg of the coil in such prior designs after a period of use. This tendency is entirely avoided in "the present invention by the use of the pivotal connection for the angular portion 26 of the lower leg of the spring coil uni-t. a

The support element is advantageous additionally by reason of the L-shaped configuration of the portion 29 extending from the cylindrical section 28. Byth'e use of such an angular elemeht, the support may be firmly secured to the rail 5 by means of n'ailswithou't danger of the nails pulling free. The-horizontally located :nail will encounter .pr i'ma'rily shear forces which it can readily absorb. "This anchors the support member so thatthereis -notendencyffor it to be pried'upwardly as dow'nward forces-are imposed on the outer cylindricalp'orti'on 28.

The

front coil units

9 and 10 may be secured Zmthe base 8 and to the framework of the chair substantially in the "same manner as for the rear units. Thus, as seen in 2, the front unit 9 includes an upper "leg 32 extending to the side'portion 18 of the platform 8 and havi-ng an extension 33 beneath the forward portion 34 of the 'base. A pair of clamps 23 securesthe upperleg in place to fo'rm :a rigid connection with the platform.

Lower leg 37- inclines -downwardlyffrom coil 38 and has an angular-1y projecting portion 39 received in the cylindrical portion 28 of another support member 27. in this mariner "the lower leg of the front coil unit 9 is freely pivotal relative to the framework of the 'chair. Again, therefore, theadvanta-ge of the rotatable lower leg 7 is achieved and fatiguefailures are avoided.

The invention as illustrated in FIG. '6 isjsubstantially the same asin the previously described embodiment with "the exception that the frontfspring units 9 and 10 a're' 'o'm'itted. In placeof this, a front support rail '44 is added,

locatedabove the front rail 3 'of'the chair frame. A pair of brackets 27 pivotally receives thefron't element 21 of t-he seat platform andconnec'ts. also to the 'rail.44. The "necessary resilience for 'theseat eushi'onisprovided by the a 'c withjthe design of. FIGS.

7, 8 and'9, the invention is adapted to usefwith sofais',';lo've seats, or other units where'm'ul'tiple seating is desired; This is accomplished by jmeansof a'siiigle pmrerm rrame 4' 46, which again may be of substantially rectangular construction. and of adequate length to provide'the seating capacity required] Front and rear spring coils 47 and 48 are provided at either end of the frame 46 and may be .5 i substantially identical tothe corresponding coil units pre- 7 viously described. The coil units 49 and 59 that are positioned intermediate 'theends' of the framework also may be'basically the same as in thejpreviously described embodiment. There may be additional sets of intermediate coil units 49 and 50, depending on the length'of the seating arrangement produced, p r i Transverse'meinber "51 to which "the upper legs 52 and 53 ofthe intermediate coils attach includes a curved cent-ral portion 5 at'theen'ds of which are 'sho'rt-sthaightsegments 55 and 56. 'The latter -portionsare substantially in the pla-neof the cushion platform 46', at right angles to the front and

rear rods

57 and 58 of this frame. From the segments 5S and 56 the" memberfisl inclines downwardly for lengths 59 and ilgand its endsl and 62 are 20 *ben-t at'-substantially rig-htangles to the plane of the cen- .tra-l 'portion 54. As aresult of this arrangement, the ends 51 and '62 of 'rn'ember 5 1 may be attached tothe front and rear members 57 and '58 of the platform frame 46 by means of clamp elements-23. The short straight segments 5 SE-and '56 allow-attachments of the upper legs -52'and 53 of the coil 'units to the transverse memberrby means of similar clamps; By being positioned above the'ends 61 and '62, :the :portions F'S-and 56' allow the upper spring legs to contact the under surface of the transverse mom- 3() b'ejr, and in the same plane engage under surfaces of the front and rear rails of the seat platform at their angled ends, This :permits'the use of spring units in the intermediate portion of the support structure that are the same as those positioned at the ends. 7

Of importancein the design of the transverse members 51 is the downwardlyxinclined portion 54 which constitutes the major length of theunit intermediate the front and rear rails of the {seat platform. The downwardlyconvex contour of this part of the transverse member providesa clearance so that it 'is' possible to position aseat I cushion on theupper surface ofthe platform and to oc- 'cupy -the cushion at any point without causing theunder surface ofthe cushion to contact a transverse member. The downward flexing of the cushion and its support will not result in engagement wi-th' the transverse member 51 due to the clearance resulting from the bowed portion 54. In the past it has been necessary to provide separate cushion support units for each :part of a unit intended for multiple occupancy. Also,'it has been impossible to sit with comfort on any part intermediate. the support unit dueto the inability of the=cushion to flex in view of the transverse members of the separate support units. With the present design, however, there is a saving in time and materials during construction of the multiple cushion thereon; 3 I 7 a An important variation in the design of the coil spring is illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11. This construction has several, advantages, producingstron-ger and more efiicient springs, as well asstabilizing the platform. It also positionsthecoils further. inside the frame to provide clearance forframe-bracing members which may be needed .to increase the strength of the frame. It differs from the previously describedspring units. principally inithe tar.- .rangement of the ends .of the legs extending from-the coils, which .now are positioned to beparallel and point inwardlyfin opposite directions. v V

The coil unit 63 includesan upper leg 64 and a'lower leg -65.-Thelatter element project's laterally toward the .4framestructure-fromthe end of the coil gwhich'is adjacent the side rail167 of the. platform for. the seat'cushion. Tlie seat. platform used. with this coil arrangement may'be either the ty'pedevi'sed for a single cushion, such as that iin-FIGS.1-and-2, or for multiple-seating as'in the lve'rsioh v7 5 end. or are coilfisl'whichisremote from the 'side rail '67.

55 unit, and it is possible to sit'with comfort at any location The upper leg 64 projects from the coil in the same general direction as the lower leg 65, and upwardly to the seat platform rail 66, which is at right angles to the rail 67 to form a corner of the seat platform. The end of the upper leg 64 fits beneath the side rail 66 and is directed inwardly with respect to the coil, parallel to its axis. The distal portion 68 of the upper leg 64 extends around the corner defined by the junction of the

rails

66 and 67. Hence, the end portion of the leg 64 is directed first axially inwardly with respect to the coil 63, extending from the end at which the leg 64 is located toward the opposite end. The distal portion 68 of the coil then fits around the corner between the

rails

66 and 67, being therefore substantially L-shaped and terminating beneath the rail 67. The end of the leg 64 is secured to the

rails

66 and 67 by means of a clamp 71.

The bottom leg 65 of the coil unit 63 terminates in an end portion 69, which is at right angles to the remainder of the leg 65, and extends inwardly with respect to the coil. A clamp 70 pivotally secures the end 69 of the bottom leg 65 to the frame structure. This will be to either the front or rear rail of the frame, depending upon which is adjacent the coil unit 63. In the usual instance there are four of the coils 63, located at the four corners of the frame structure. Alternatively, there may be only two of the spring units 63 located at the rear of the unit in a manner generally similar to the embodiment of FIG. 6.

Thus, the end of the leg 64 extends inwardly with respect to the coil in one direction, while the end of the leg 65 extends inwardly in the opposite direction, so that the end legs of the coil in effect cross at their distal portions. This coil design offers the significant improvement of rendering the seat platform much more stable than the previously described embodiments. By extending the end legs in opposite directions, inwardly with respect to the coil of the spring, the springs become much more resistant to lateral forces. Side sway of the platform is prevalent with designs that do not incorporate this feature. However, in the arrangement of FIGS. and 11, such undesirable lateral instability is eliminated. Hence, the seat becomes much more comfortable, as well as being supported on a spring of greater strength and durability.

As a result of the construction of FIGS. 10 and 11, forces tending to twist the coil are balanced and there is an absence of distortion of the coil as the spring is flexed. There are no large, unsupported twisting moments imposed upon the coil. As a result, the coil is stronger, better maintains its shape, operates more efficiently, and has an increased life.

Another advantage realized from the construction of FIGS. 10 and 11 is that the coils become positioned further from the corners of the frame than in the previous embodiments. By extending the end legs in opposite directions and inwardly with respect to the coil, the coil then becomes spaced an appreciable distance from the side frame member adjacent the side rail 67. Otherwise, if constructed as shown in FIG. 1, the coil would be quite close to this frame element, as are the

coils

9, 10, 11 and 12 with respect to the members 6 and 7. This added lateral spacing gives an advantageous clearance for corner blocks, rocker blocks and other frame-bracing members which frequently must be incorporated in the frame construction.

As the coil 63 is dimensioned, the bottom leg 65 is longer than the top leg 64 of the coil. When this is true for the rear coil units, it causes the cushion platform to move in a more nearly vertical direction than otherwise is the case, eliminating any tendency for it to shift laterally. This proportioning may be used to advantage for any of the rear coils of this invention.

Also shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, as well as in the per- 7 spective view of FIG. 12, is a clamp member 71 for securing the upper spring leg to the frame. This accomplishes the attachment by a single member having

end sections

72 and 73 that receive both the seat platform frame and the spring leg. The end portions are formed to define

partial cylinders

74 and 75, and 76 and 77. The two cylindrical segments in each set join each other, and the lower portions include splits 78 and 79 to permit assembly and clamping. The pairs of downwardly extending tabs 75a and 77a on the lower partial cylinder sections may be tack welded togehter when the clamps are installed. The two end portions are rigidly interconnected by an intermediate strap 80. This single-piece clamp merely is contracted around both the rail of the platform and the spring leg at both its ends to form the necessary attachment. This securely holds the spring leg without permitting movement of it and without requiring the clamping member to be spot welded to the platform as in the previously described embodiment. Thus, a more trouble-free connection is achieved and assembly time is reduced.

Single unit construction also may be used for the front and rear springs and interconnecting transverse piece. This may be seen in FIGS. 13 and 14 where front and

rear springs

81 and 82 are integral with interconnecting element 83. This transverse portion may be bowed downwardly to provide a clearance for downward movement of a seat cushion similarly to that afforded by member 51. The

upper legs

84 and 85 of the two springs extend laterally at

segments

86 and 87 which join the opposite ends of element 83.

Portions

86 and 87 are adapted to engage the underside of the front and rear portions of the platform to which they are clamped in the usual manner. Preferably, they are substantially parallel to the axes of the spring coils (which are parallel to each other) and extend from one end toward the other. The

lower legs

88 and 89 include

end segments

90 and 91 which are for attachment to the frame of the seating unit. These end portions also are parallel to the coil axes, each projecting inwardly from 'one end of the coil toward the other for balancing the twisting forces on the coil.

The resulting construction allows one simple part to replace the three

separate pieces

49, 50 and 51. Only two clamps are needed in connecting the upper portion to the platform. This means a saving in both materials and assembly time, and provides a reliable maintenance-free structure. While intended primarily for use intermediate the ends of a multiple cushion unit, it also may be employed to advantage at the end portions as well. By omitting the straight end segments 55 and 56 of member 51, transverse element 83 provides a clearance beneath a seat cushion for the full depth of the platform, which could not be accomplished where the portions 55 and 56 are present.

The foregoing detailed description is to be clearly understood as given by way of illustration and example only, the spirit and scope of this invention being limited solely by the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A seat cushion support comprising a platform means adapted to support seat cushion means,

a fixed structure,

and spring means interconnecting said platform means and said fixed structure,

said spring means including at least two spring units for supporting said platform means with respect to said fixed structure, each of said units including a helical coil portion, an upper leg and a lower leg,

said upper leg extending laterally from one end of said helical coil portion to a position adjacent said platform means and including a portion extending from said position inwardly with respect to the axis of said coil,

said lower leg extending laterally from the opposite end of said coil means to a position adjacent said fixed structure and including a portion extending from said position inwardly with respect to the axis ofsaid coil, 7

said portions of said upper and lowertlegs said spring units being constructed of a substantially identical material a with the helical coil portions of said spring units adjacent said front portion 'being of larger diameter than that of the helical coil portions adjacent said rear portion of said platform means. 3. A device as recited in claim 2 in which said lower legs of saidg spring'units adjacent said rear portion of said platform means are longer than the upper legs of said spring units adjacent said rear 1 portion. 4. A device as recited in claim 1 in which said platform means is a substantially rectangular wire frame unit, said spring Unitsincluding at least two frontand two rear coils,

the upper leg of each of said coils being adjacent the under surface of said -wire frame and disposed at a corner thereof, 7 a 7/ said upper leg having a distal end projecting laterally from said inwardly extending portion toward said coils to provide said upper leg with a substantially L-shaped distal portion, 1

said means rigidly connecting said upper leg to said [7. A cushion-supporting device compris ng platform means including means to clamp said L-shaped distal portions beneath the corners of said wire frame. a t r 5. A device as recited in claim 1 in which said means pivotallyconnectingsaid inwardly extending portions of said lower legs to said fixed structure includes i a substantially cylindrical element'for each of said lower legs, V V and a bushing within'each of said cylindrical elements, I

said inwardly extending portions of said lower legs being rotatably received within. said bushings. V 6. A cushion-supporting device comprising .7 a platform adaptedto support seat cushion. means, a framework, V a and means resiliently connecting said platform to said framework,

said platform including a front and a rear' elongated member, 7 j a a t j and spaced side 'rnembers interconnecting said elongated members,

said framework including spaced front and rear rails," j V said resilient means including at least one spring 7 'unit adjacent the rear elongated member of said' platform at eitherside thereof, 7 a a r 8' 7 each of said spring units including a helical coil,

said helical coils having their axes substantially parallel to said front and rear elongated .members, I an upper leg extending laterally from said coil to the under surface of said platform,

said upper leg having an inwardly extending 1 portion substantially parallel to the adjacent rear elongated member of said platform and directedinwardly with respect to the axis of said coil, T

said inwardly extending portion having f an angled end extending around the corner of said platform to the adjacent side member of said platform, means rigidly connecting said upper leg to. said platform,

'a lower leg extending laterally from said coil to said and cylindrical receptacle means pivotally connecting said ends of said lower legs to said rail,

said ends of said lower legs being axially aligned with said cylindrical receptacles.

' a platform adapted to support acushion,v

said platform including'a substantially rectangular element having front and rear elements interconnected by a duality of side elements,

and a spring unit at each corner of said frame interconnecting said frame and said platform, each spring unit including a helical coil having its axis substantially parallel to said front and rear rails,

a lower leg extending laterally from said coil at the end thereof juxtapositional the side rail at the corner where said coil is located to the adjacent one of said front and rear rails,

vsaid lower leg having a distal end'extending inwardly with respect to said coil and'substantially parallel to the axis thereof,-

and an upper leg extending laterally in the same general direction as said lower leg from the opposite end of said coil to the adjacent one of said front and rear platform *elements, A

said upper leg having a distal end including a portion extending inwardly with respect to said coil and substantially parallel to the axis/thereof, said distalends thereby being substantially parallel and extending in opposite directions, '7 f a" bearing for each of said ends of said lower legs carriedby said front and rear rails, and a clamp rigidly connecting said distal ends of saidupperlegs to said-rectangular element. I a i i 8. A device as. recited in olaimjin which 7 said 'distal'ends of said upper legs engage the lower surfaceof said rectangularwire element, a V said'distal ends including outer portions extending at right angles to said inwardly extending portion of said upper leg and beneath the adjacent side element of said rectangular element, said clamp securing each of said distal ends of said upper legs to said adjacent side element,

and to the adjacent one of said front and rear elements of said rectangular element. 9. A device as recited in claim 7 in which said clamp for connecting said distal ends of said upper legs to said rectangular element includes receptacle opposite end portions for receiving and gripping said element and spring leg one above the other,

said end portions being disposed at right angles to each other, said clamp further having a rigid intermediate portion interconnecting said end portions and maintaining said portions in said angular relationship with each other. 10. A cushion-supporting device comprising a structural framework, a platform adapted to support cushion means, and means resiliently connecting said platform to said framework,

said last mentioned means including spring units at the ends of said platform and at least one spring unit intermediate the ends of said platform,

said intermediate spring unit including a duality of coil means disposed one at either end thereof,

each of said coil means including a helical torsion spring having a lower leg connected to said framework, an upper leg connected to said platform,

and an elongated element interconnecting said upper legs and integral therewith, said upper and lower legs each including an end portion in spaced parallelism with the axis of its spring and extending inwardly from one end of the spring toward the other. 11. A device as recited in claim 10 in which portions of said elongated element between said upper legs are below the ends of said upper legs.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,034,109 3/36 Marshall 267-108 2,437,119 3/48 Overby et al 267108 2,871,923 2/59 Stubnitz et al 267-108 FOREIGN PATENTS 109,050 1 l/ 39 Australia.

ARTHUR L. LA POINT, Primary Examiner.

Claims

1. A SEAT CUSHION SUPPORT COMPRISING A PLATFORM MEANS ADAPTED TOO SUPPORT SEAT CUSHION MEANS, A FIXED STRUCTURE, AND SPRING MEANS INTERCONNECTING SAID PLATFORM MEANS AND SAID FIXED STRUCTURE, SAID SPRING MEANS INCLUDING AT LEAST TWO SPRING UNITS FOR SUPPORTING SAID PLATFORM MEANS WITH RESPECT TO SAID FIXED STRUCTURE, EACH OF SAID UNITS INCLUDING A HELICAL COIL PORTION, AN UPPER LEG AND A LOWER LEG, SAID UPPER LEG EXTENDING LATERALLY FROM ONE END OF SAID HELICAL COIL PORTION TO A PORTION ADJACENT SAID PLATFORM MEANS AND INCLUDING A PORTION EXTENDING FROM SAID POSITION INWARDLY WITH RESPECT TO THE AXIS OF SAID COIL, SAID LOWER LEG EXTENDING LATERALLY FROM THE OPPOSITE END OF SAID COIL MEANS TO A POSITION ADJACENT SAID FIXED STRUCTURE AND INCLUDING A PORTION EXTENDING FROM SAID POSITION INWARDLY WITH RESPECT TO SAID AXIS OF SAID COIL, SAID PORTIONS OF SAID UPPER AND LOWER LEGS BEING SUBSTANTIALLY PARALLEL, AND EXTENDING IN OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS, MEANS RIGIDLY CONNECTING SAID PORTION OF SAID UPPER LEG TO SAID FRAME AND MEANS PIVOTALLY CONNECTING SAID INWARDLY EXTENDING PORTION OF SAID LOWER LEG TO SAID FIXED STRUCTURE.