WO2007067997A1 - Agencement de coussin à répartition du poids - Google Patents

Agencement de coussin à répartition du poids Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2007067997A1
WO2007067997A1 PCT/US2006/061831 US2006061831W WO2007067997A1 WO 2007067997 A1 WO2007067997 A1 WO 2007067997A1 US 2006061831 W US2006061831 W US 2006061831W WO 2007067997 A1 WO2007067997 A1 WO 2007067997A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
level
beams
axles
coupled
weight distributing
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2006/061831
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Thomas Weltner
Brett Schleicher
Original Assignee
Patientpatents, Inc.
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 Patientpatents, Inc. filed Critical Patientpatents, Inc.
Publication of WO2007067997A1 publication Critical patent/WO2007067997A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C23/00—Spring mattresses with rigid frame or forming part of the bedstead, e.g. box springs; Divan bases; Slatted bed bases
    • A47C23/002—Spring mattresses with rigid frame or forming part of the bedstead, e.g. box springs; Divan bases; Slatted bed bases with separate resilient support elements, e.g. elastomeric springs arranged in a two-dimensional matrix pattern
    • 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
    • A47C7/14—Seat parts of adjustable shape; elastically mounted ; adaptable to a user contour or ergonomic seating positions
    • A47C7/144—Seat parts of adjustable shape; elastically mounted ; adaptable to a user contour or ergonomic seating positions with array of movable supports
    • 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
    • A47C7/024—Seat parts with double seats
    • 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
    • A47C7/025—Springs not otherwise provided for in A47C7/22 - A47C7/35
    • A47C7/027—Springs not otherwise provided for in A47C7/22 - A47C7/35 with elastomeric springs
    • 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
    • A47C7/36—Support for the head or the back
    • A47C7/40—Support for the head or the back for the back
    • A47C7/405—Support for the head or the back for the back with double backrests

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to support cushions, and more specifically to a weight distributing mechanical arrangement for incorporation into seats, backs of chairs and mattresses.
  • Bed sores develop when the blood supply to the skin is cut off for more than two to three hours. A bed sore can become deep, extending into the muscle and even to the bone. Once a bed sore develops, it is often very slow to heal. Bed sores can occur when a person is bedridden, unconscious, are unable to sense pain, immobilized or confined to a wheel chair.
  • a weight distributing cushion arrangement is provided.
  • This exemplary apparatus comprises a base frame having a multitude of base level axles installed on its top surface.
  • a plurality of first level beams is pivotally coupled to the plurality of base level axles.
  • Each of the first level beams includes a pair of first level axles disposed at each longitudinal end.
  • a plurality of second level beams are pivotally coupled to the first level axles as with the first level beams, each of the second level beams includes second level axles disposed at each longitudinal end.
  • a plurality of third level beams is pivotally coupled to the second level axles.
  • each of the third has a plurality of pads affixed to the plurality of third level beams.
  • a plurality of fourth level beams is pivotally coupled to the plurality of third level beams.
  • the plurality of pads is affixed to the fourth level beams.
  • a generally resilient covering is provided which encompasses the components comprising the weight distributing cushion arrangement, ha another exemplary embodiment, a vertically aligned handle is fixedly attached to a side of the base frame.
  • at least a portion of the axles include a rotational stop which prevents the pivotally coupled beams from rotating more than required for a particular application from a position generally in parallel to the base frame.
  • the pivotal coupling comprises a snap-coupled arrangement.
  • the snap-coupling arrangements comprises a laterally aligned omegoid aperture disposed about a longitudinal midpoint of each of the first, second and at least the third level beams such that the omegoid aperture forms a cincture about the axles associated with each superjacent progressive level.
  • the plurality of pads and the plurality of first, second third level and at least the third level beams are configured to generally distribute an imposed load uniformly about the base frame.
  • each of the axles includes a travel stop disposed at the ends of the first, second, third and/or fourth level beams.
  • Figure 1 depicts a generalized perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a weight distributing cushion.
  • Figure 2 - depicts a perspective cut-away view of an exemplary embodiment of a weight distributing mechanism, which may be incorporated into a weight distributing cushion.
  • Figure 3 - depicts a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a weight distributing mechanism.
  • Figure 3A depicts an exemplary exploded view of an embodiment of weight distributing mechanism.
  • Figure 3B depicts an exemplary perspective view of a top level subunit.
  • Figure 3 C— depicts an exemplary side view of a pad.
  • Figure 3D depicts an exemplary perspective of a plurality of top level subunits.
  • Figure 3E - depicts an exemplary top perspective view of a completed array.
  • Figure 3F depicts an exemplary underside perspective of a completed array.
  • Figure 4 depicts an exemplary rear view of a weight distributing cushion arrangement.
  • Figure 5 depicts an exemplary side view of a weight distributing cushion arrangement.
  • Figure 6 - depicts another exemplary embodiment of a plurality weight distributing cushions arranged in a mattress configuration.
  • the invention provides a mechanical arrangement for a weight distributing chair cushion and/or seat back arrangement either removable or affixed to a base frame.
  • a perspective view of a weight distributing cushion is depicted.
  • the cushion includes a resilient covering 2, for example polymeric cover having a fabric backing.
  • the cushion may be dimensioned to fit into various seating or mattress arrangements, for example; -wheelchairs, office chairs, motor vehicle seats, aircraft seats and any other chair arrangement, including seat backs and beds in which a person 400 ( Figure 4) may remain in a seated position for extended periods of time.
  • the shape, contour and dimensions of the cushion are not critical and may be altered to fit almost any seat or seat back arrangement.
  • FIG 2 a cut away view of a typical portion of a weight distributing cushion mechanism is shown.
  • the portion of the weight distributing mechanism 300 includes a plurality upward facing pads 3 - 33.
  • the pads 3 - 33 are coupled to a -weight distributing series of beams arranged in a general H-pattern such that a weight or force applied to one or more of the pads 3 - 33 is distributed by fulcrum action among the beams incorporated into the weight distributing mechanism 300.
  • the weight distributing mechanism 300 is comprised of uniform groupings of pads 3 - 33 and beams called arrays 300.
  • each array comprises 16 pads coupled to a series of interrelating beams.
  • array arrangements are possible without deviating from the various inventive embodiments disclosed herein.
  • the first array 300 is shown having 16 separate pads 3 - 33.
  • Three additional arrays 305, 310, 315 comprising duplicate sets of components are also depicted. For simplicity, only the components shown in the right front array 300 will be described.
  • the additional arrays 305, 310 and 315 are essentially identical to the right front array 300.
  • other non-square base frame 100 arrangements are envisioned which could require fewer than four arrays 300 - 315; for example, a triangular base frame used in a seat back or greater than four arrays, for example, a rectangular base frame used in a mattress ( Figure 6.)
  • FIG. 3A an exploded view of an exemplary portion of the weight distributing mechanism and base frame 100 is depicted.
  • the base frame 100 is provided with a plurality of base axles 110a -d.
  • the base axles 110a-d are comprised of horizontally oriented cylindrical elements affixed at about each corner of the base frame 100 and arc typically uniformly aligned along a common axis. Alignment variations of the base axles HOa- d may be necessary for non-uniform base frame 100 arrangements.
  • Each of the base axes 110a-d may be elevated above the plane of the base frame 100 by a plurality of columns 105a-d to allow for pivoting.
  • a handle 350 is provided to allow a disabled individual to comfortably reposition his or herself upon the weight distributing cushion arrangement.
  • the handle 350 may be attached to the bottom or side of the base frame 100 by a bracket (not shown.) Additional handles may be provided to suit a particular application.
  • a first level beam 115 is pivotally coupled to a base axle 110a using a compressive snap-coupling arrangement 120.
  • the compressive snap-coupling arrangement 120 comprises a first laterally aligned omega shaped aperture 120 disposed approximately at a longitudinal midpoint of the first level beam 115.
  • the first aperture 120 is dimensioned to circumferentially fit around the cylindrical portion of the base axle 110a, such that each, first level beam 115 is aligned generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the base axle 110a.
  • the bottommost portion of the first aperture 120 forms a compressive fit or cincture around the cylindrical portion of the base axle 110a which allows the first level beam 115 to circumferentially rotate about the longitudinal axis of the base axle 110a while restraining the first level beam 115 from mechanically separating from the base axle 110a.
  • the first level beam 115 includes a first set of longitudinally aligned axle members 125a, 125b disposed at either end of the first level beam 115.
  • Each axle member 125a, 1251) may include a rotational stop 123a, 123b, to prevent a compressively coupled second level beam 130 from exceeding a rotational limit, for example 30° from a perpendicular centerline.
  • the amount of rotational freedom may be varied by widening the gap in the snap-couple arrangement and/or varying the width of the rotational stop.
  • the first level beam 115 comprises an elongated structure which acts as part of the weight distributing lever mechanism.
  • the first level beam 115 may include an upwardly bowed or saddle structure longitudinally incorporated into its top surface and medial to the axle members 125a, 125b. This upwardly bowed or saddle section provides greater strength to the first level beam 115.
  • the second level beam 130 is coupled to one of the axle members 125a using a second compressive snap-couple arrangement 140.
  • This second compressive snap-couple arrangement 140 (e.g., cincture) is analogous in most respects to the first snap-couple arrangement 120 with minor dimensional variations of the omega shaped aperture 140 to compressively fit the axle 125a of the first level beam 115. Variations may be necessary to scale the first and second level beams 130, 115 to a particular supporting implementation.
  • the second level beam 130 includes a second set of longitudinally aligned axle members 135a, 135b disposed at either end of the second level beam 130. Each axle member 135a, 135b may include also include rotational stops (not visible) to prevent a compressively coupled third level beam 150 from exceeding a rotational limit.
  • the second level beam 130 comprises another elongated structure which further acts as part of the weight distributing lever mechanism.
  • the second level beam 130 may include the upwardly bowed or saddle structure longitudinally incorporated into its top surface and medial to its axle members 135a, 135b. This upwardly bowed or saddle section provides greater strength to the second level beam 130.
  • the second level beam 130 when snap-coupled 140 to the axle 125a of the first level beam 115 is aligned generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the first level beam 115 and approximately in parallel with the base axle HOa.
  • This generally cross coupling arrangement allows the first and second level beams 115, 130 to move with about two degrees of freedom.
  • the third level beam 150 is snap-coupled to the second level axle 135a using the compressive snap-couple arrangement 160 as described above.
  • the compressive snap-couple arrangement 160 is dimensioned to circumferentially fit around the cylindrical portion of the second level axle 135a, such that each third level beam 150 is aligned generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the second level beam 130, in parallel with the first level beam 115, and generally perpendicular to the base axle HOa.
  • the third level beam 150 comprises another elongated structure which further acts as part of the weight distributing lever mechanism.
  • the third level beam 150 may include the upwardly bowed or saddle structure longitudinally incorporated into its top surface and medial to its axle members 155a, 155b. This upwardly bowed or saddle section provides greater strength to the second level beam 130.
  • a fourth level beam 170 includes a pair of apertures 180a, 180b disposed at about either end of the fourth level beam 170 and another second compressive snap- couple arrangement 175 which snap-couples to the axle member 155a associated with the third level beam 150.
  • the pair of apertures 180a, 180b is disposed vertically downward into both ends of the fourth level beam 170 and provides a receptacle to receive and securely maintain a projection 13a generally projecting perpendicularly downward from a pad 13.
  • the fourth level beam 170 comprises yet another elongated structure which further acts as part of the weight distributing lever mechanism. This additional cross coupling arrangement allows the first, second, third and fourth level beams to move with four degrees of freedom. In an exemplary embodiment, additional degrees of freedom are provided by the pivoting of the projection 13a associated with the pad 13 maintained within the aperture 180a.
  • the fourth level beam 170 is eliminated and the third level beam 150 receives the pair of apertures 180a, 180b in place of the axle members 155a, 155b.
  • travel stops 132, 142, 152 are provided on the ends of each pair of axles 125a, 125b, 135a, 135b, 155a, 155b to maintain the snap-couplings 120, 140, 160, 175 on their associated axles.
  • FIG. 3B a first completed subunit of an array is depicted in which a pair of pads 3, 11 are coupled to a fourth level beam 170a and a second pair of pads 5, 13 are pivotally coupled to another fourth level beam 170b.
  • the fourth level beams 170a, 170b are shown snap-coupled to a third level beam 150a.
  • a typical pad 13 is shown as an essentially rounded button having a slightly convex top profile.
  • the pad 13 is intended to be constructed from resilient or otherwise conformable materials such as synthetic rubber, neoprene, and like polymeric materials so as to provide additional degrees of freedom which locally conforms to a person's anatomy pressing against the top surface of the pad 13.
  • the projection 13a may be shaped into a ball to form a ball and socket joint with the aperture 180a. In another exemplary embodiment, the projection 13a may be shaped into an arrowhead or bulge which is retained within the aperture 180a by expansion forces exerted by the resilient material when compressed into the aperture 180a.
  • the base frame 100, first, second, third and fourth level beams 115, 130, 150, 170 may be constructed by an injection molding process using a high strength thermoplastic polymeric material such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acetyl based resins or any suitable polymeric materials.
  • a high strength thermoplastic polymeric material such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acetyl based resins or any suitable polymeric materials.
  • PVC polyvinyl chloride
  • acetyl based resins any suitable polymeric materials.
  • the base frame 100, first, second, third and fourth level beams 115, 130, 150, 170 may be constructed of metals and metal alloys suitable to the particular implementation. For example, die- cast or extruded aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, alloys thereof, etc., may be used to construct the various inventive embodiments where polymeric materials may be unsuitable for a particular application.
  • FIG. 3D four completed subunits of an array are depicted and ready to be pivotally coupled by way of the snap-couple arrangements associated with each of the third level beams 150a-d described above to the second level beams 130a, 130b.
  • the array is completed by snap-coupling the two second level beams 130a, 130b to the axles 125a, 125b of the first level beam 115 ( Figure 3E.)
  • FIG. 3F an exemplary underside perspective of a completed array is depicted.
  • the completed array is snap-coupled to the base frame 100 by pressing the snap-couple arrangement 120 onto one of the base axles 110 until the void space pivotally encompasses the axle.
  • four completed arrays may be provided for installation of in a support cushion arrangement. While the progressive level beams 115a, 130a, 150a, 170a are depicted in progressively shorter lengths, there is no such requirement.
  • FIG. 4 a rear view of an exemplary embodiment arranged as a chair 428 is depicted.
  • the variable geometry provided by the weight distributing mechanism allows for three or more degrees of freedom.
  • a first set of pads 41, 49, 57, 65 associated with a first array 405c is shown snap-coupled to the base frame 100 along with a second set of pads 73, 81, 89, 97 associated with a second array 405d snap-coupled to the base frame 100.
  • the first and second arrays cooperatively align to the contour of the buttocks of a person 400 seated on a cushion including the weight distributing mechanism.
  • FIG. 5 a side view of an exemplary embodiment arranged as a chair 428 is depicted.
  • This exemplary embodiment illustrates the three or more degrees of freedom provided by the weight and force distributing mechanism of this embodiment having both a resilient fabric covered seat 421 and seat back 522 typically found as part of a chair 428 configuration.
  • a first set of pads 41, 39, 37, 35 associated with a first array is shown rotationally coupled 505c to the base frame 500 in conjunction with a second set of pads 33, 25, 17, 9 associated with a second array rotationally coupled 505a to the base frame 100.
  • the first and second arrays cooperatively align to the contour of a buttock and a leg of a person 400 seated on a cushion.
  • a seat back 522 in which a third set of pads 131, 133, 135, 137 is shown rotationally coupled 505e to a second base frame 500a so as to cooperatively align to the contour of a back of the person 400.
  • FIG. 6 an exemplary embodiment arranged as a mattress 600 superjacent to a box spring 640 is depicted.
  • the variable geometry provided by the weight distributing mechanisms 610, 620, 630 allows for three or more degree of freedom to support and distribute the weight of the person 400 lying prone on the mattress 600.
  • the number and size and positioning of the weight distributing mechanisms 610, 620, 630 within the mattress 600 may be varied to accommodate a particular situation without exceeding the scope.

Landscapes

  • Mattresses And Other Support Structures For Chairs And Beds (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention se rapporte à un agencement de coussin à répartition du poids, qui possède une pluralité de barres alignées de manière à répartir par coopération une charge appliquée sur une face du coussin entre les éléments barres adjacents et un cadre de base. Dans un mode de réalisation exemplaire, le mécanisme de répartition du poids comprend : une pluralité de barres de premier niveau, qui sont couplées par pression à un cadre de base et sont alignées dans un premier axe ; une pluralité de barres de deuxième niveau, qui sont couplées par pression à la pluralité de barres de premier niveau et sont alignées dans un deuxième axe, perpendiculaire au premier axe ; une pluralité de barres de troisième niveau, qui sont couplées par pression à la pluralité de barres de deuxième niveau et sont alignées dans un troisième axe, parallèle au premier axe ; et une pluralité de plaquettes, qui sont couplées à la pluralité de barres de niveau supérieur. L'agencement de coussin à répartition du poids selon l'invention peut être intégré à une chaise, un matelas, un siège et/ou un dossier de siège, et/ou se présenter sous la forme d'un coussin amovible.
PCT/US2006/061831 2005-12-09 2006-12-11 Agencement de coussin à répartition du poids WO2007067997A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US74879805P 2005-12-09 2005-12-09
US60/748,798 2005-12-09
US82607006P 2006-09-18 2006-09-18
US60/826,070 2006-09-18

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2007067997A1 true WO2007067997A1 (fr) 2007-06-14

Family

ID=38123234

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2006/061831 WO2007067997A1 (fr) 2005-12-09 2006-12-11 Agencement de coussin à répartition du poids

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2007067997A1 (fr)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8419133B2 (en) 2007-01-29 2013-04-16 Herman Miller, Inc. Seating structure with independently adjustable back
US10820705B2 (en) 2016-09-29 2020-11-03 Steelcase Inc. Compliant seating structure
US11324323B2 (en) 2019-09-18 2022-05-10 Steelcase Inc. Body support member with lattice structure
US11812870B2 (en) 2021-02-10 2023-11-14 Steelcase Inc. Body support structure

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5558398A (en) * 1993-11-08 1996-09-24 Santos; James P. Self-adjusting seating system
US6018832A (en) * 1996-07-31 2000-02-01 Graebe; Robert H. Wraparound orthotic base composite adjustable cushion using same and method of measuring fit of the adjusted cushion to the user's shape
US6425153B1 (en) * 1998-01-21 2002-07-30 James B. Reswick Support cushion

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5558398A (en) * 1993-11-08 1996-09-24 Santos; James P. Self-adjusting seating system
US6018832A (en) * 1996-07-31 2000-02-01 Graebe; Robert H. Wraparound orthotic base composite adjustable cushion using same and method of measuring fit of the adjusted cushion to the user's shape
US6425153B1 (en) * 1998-01-21 2002-07-30 James B. Reswick Support cushion

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8419133B2 (en) 2007-01-29 2013-04-16 Herman Miller, Inc. Seating structure with independently adjustable back
US10820705B2 (en) 2016-09-29 2020-11-03 Steelcase Inc. Compliant seating structure
US11324322B2 (en) 2016-09-29 2022-05-10 Steelcase Inc. Compliant seating structure
US11771227B2 (en) 2016-09-29 2023-10-03 Steelcase Inc. Compliant seating structure
US11324323B2 (en) 2019-09-18 2022-05-10 Steelcase Inc. Body support member with lattice structure
US11974676B2 (en) 2019-09-18 2024-05-07 Steelcase Inc. Body support member with lattice structure
US11812870B2 (en) 2021-02-10 2023-11-14 Steelcase Inc. Body support structure

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US5288127A (en) Rocking seat
US6079782A (en) Seat construction which corrects the pelvis so that it influences a proper alignment of the human body
EP2739183B1 (fr) Ensembles et procédés de sièges ergonomiques
US4565409A (en) Body support apparatus
JP4442876B2 (ja) 車両用シート
US6425153B1 (en) Support cushion
US5577801A (en) Active dynamic seat
US20050104428A1 (en) Sacral support member for seating
JP2011507654A (ja) 回動可能な座席
WO1995034234A1 (fr) Siege equipe d'une articulation biomecanique
US6059370A (en) Wheelchair seat back pelvic support system
US4489982A (en) Pelvic support method and means
EP3731696B1 (fr) Appareil d'assise à conception ergonomique
US20110031790A1 (en) Selective Stabilization Seatback Support Assembly
WO2007067997A1 (fr) Agencement de coussin à répartition du poids
KR102098904B1 (ko) 자세 교정용 의자
KR101690054B1 (ko) 유동좌판식 요추의자
US6033025A (en) Notched support pads for cushioning wheelchair seatback
US20050023872A1 (en) Modular seat cushion with interlocking human support and base portions and method of creating and using a seat cushion
JP2004290605A (ja) 車両用シートの背凭シート
Vollowitz Furniture prescription for the conservative management of low-back pain
CN212698226U (zh) 分布式脊柱减震椅
KR200423526Y1 (ko) 장애인용 휠체어
EP4008219A1 (fr) Dispositif de soutien dorsal
JPH05115341A (ja) 座 具

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 06846543

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1