Method Patents (Class 29/91.1)
  • Patent number: 11712836
    Abstract: An automated wrapping system for wrapping a substrate with a material includes a support and a nest mounted to the support that is configured to position the material between an outer portion of the substrate and the nest. The automated wrapping system also includes a material folding assembly positioned adjacent to the nest configured for movement between a rest position and an actuated position, wherein the movement of the material folding system to the actuated position engages and folds the free end portion of the material over the edge of the substrate and onto a part of the inner portion of the substrate while retaining the material against the edge of the substrate. An actuator connected to the material folding assembly moves the material folding assembly between the rest position and the actuated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Ascent Auto Interior, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald Brian Smith, James Edmond Hajdo, Conner Luke Booth, Steven Scott Fileccia
  • Patent number: 10988061
    Abstract: A seat cushion, for a seat assembly, includes a seat cushion frame formed of a resin material. The seat cushion frame includes a base wall, a pair of side walls, and a front wall. The base wall includes a pair of side edges and a front edge that extends between the pair of side edges. The pair of side walls extend outward from the pair of side edges of the base wall. The front wall extends outwardly from the front edge of the base wall. The front wall configured to provide an anti-submarining feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Shelby L. Brown, Yi-Ru C. Sosnowski, John Salvia, Vikas Bhatia, Gregory T. Donovan, Patrick J. Edgar
  • Patent number: 10155130
    Abstract: A seating device for increasing use of a user's core muscles includes an adjustable air-filled bladder having generally flat top and bottom surfaces, and a significantly stiffer but resilient foam cover that fits over and matingly engages to the bladder. The cover is contoured, having both a central groove or recess that partially receives and accommodate male genitalia, and a raised ridge toward the front of the device to help keep the user properly positioned on the cover. The fluid-filled bladder is astable or wobbly, requiring the user to use his core muscles to maintain an upright, seated position, while the cover provides a comfortable contoured seat. The device can be used with an exercise device in which the user sits on the device, including on an abdominal exercise device, thus increasing both the abdomen strengthening action of the exercise as well as providing increased comfort for the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: Thane IP Limited
    Inventor: Jelenko Piksa
  • Patent number: 9901178
    Abstract: Disclosed are seating made from pressure vessels, such as cylindrical propane tanks with hemispherical ends, as well as methods for making this kind of seating. The methods involve cutting sections of the reclaimed tanks and placing those sections on a jig that establishes defined, ergonomic positions for seat and back portions of the furniture, and welding appropriate ends or supports to the sections to form the piece of furniture. The pieces of furniture are made without bending, rolling, or otherwise changing the shape of the cut sections from the pressure vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Inventor: Colin Selig
  • Patent number: 9839301
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for manufacturing a mattress generally includes an automated foam layer placement apparatus for accurately securing one or more foam layers onto an innercore unit and bucket assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: DREAMWELL, LTD.
    Inventors: Vinit V. Subhedar, Gregory Fowler, Francis Jan
  • Patent number: 9038252
    Abstract: A method of making a vehicle seat assembly comprising providing a cushion having an “A” surface, a “B” surface, a central portion, and two bolster areas, with each bolster area being adjacent the central portion, the cushion having a plurality of intrusions extending from the “A” surface towards the “B” surface to form a hardness gradient between at least one of the bolster areas and the central portion of between 8% to 25%, securing the cushion to a frame, and covering cushion with a trim member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Asad S. Ali, Ashford A. Galbreath
  • Publication number: 20150108802
    Abstract: A reversible orthopedic seat cushion can include a right leg support channel, a left leg support channel, a rear cutout, and a front contoured protuberance, which can allow a person sitting in the cushion to experience reduced pressure on the persons coccyx, while having support and guidance to the position of the legs. The seat cushion can also be used in a reversed position. The features of the cushion may promote a healthy sitting posture, and proper spine alignment, and may reduce or prevent back pain. Also disclosed is a method for configuring a support contour of a cushion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventor: Max Krishtul
  • Publication number: 20150101127
    Abstract: A cover for providing the appearance of multiple segments in an underlying core structure having a slit extending around the periphery of the core structure is provided. The cover comprises a top panel configured to cover an upper surface of the core structure, a bottom panel configured to cover a lower surface of the core structure, a border connecting the top panel with the bottom panel and configured to cover the sidewalls of the core structure, and a tucking element coupled with the border and configured to be received in the slit of the core structure. The portion of the border between the tucking element and the top panel appears to be a first segment of the core structure and the portion of the border between the tucking element and the bottom panel appears to be a second segment of the core structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventor: David K. Winton
  • Patent number: 9004604
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and seating product that include a seat deck assembly with a tensioned fabric decking are described. The seat deck assembly includes one or a pair of frame rails attached along opposite edges of the decking. The decking includes an elastomeric textile. The decking or a first of the frame rails is attached to a first side of the frame. The second of the frame rails is placed in a rigid fixture. A force is applied by an actuator to the frame to move the second side of the frame toward the second frame rail and to stretch the elastomeric fabric. The second frame rail is couple to the second side of the frame and the assembled frame is removed from the fixture. Cushions, padding or an upholstered covering can complete embodiments of the seating product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventors: Jeremy Bogard, Mark Mazza, Bernard R. Simon, Larry I. Bullard
  • Patent number: 8998309
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a vehicle seat assembly comprising a frame, a flexible foam cushion supported on the frame, the cushion having an outer surface comprising a major surface portion and a colored minor surface portion, a trim material secured over the cushion to cover the major portion of the surface, the colored minor portion of the outer surface being uncovered by the trim material, and the major surface portion of the cushion having a first permeability of 5 to 30 ml/cm2/min. and the colored minor surface portion having a second permeability of at least 80% of the first permeability and the colored minor portion comprising a plurality of dried flexible in-mold colored coating disposed on discrete surface areas of the cushion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Ashford A. Galbreath, Asad S. Ali
  • Patent number: 8998316
    Abstract: An improved seating system that includes a blow molded seat back assembly that is fabricated to include a seat back comprising a double walled design having a foreword (14) and a rearward (16) wall wherein there is at least one or more sections comprising a single wall (213). Further, the blow molded seat back may include an integrated reinforcement structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Styron Europe GmbH
    Inventors: Padraig J. Naughton, Ashishkumar S. Lokhande, Gulub N. Malunjkar
  • Publication number: 20150091341
    Abstract: A device suitable for sitting or reclining, the device including a base portion having upper and lower surfaces and at least one depression which extends into at least the upper surface of the base thereof; and a body portion having at least one surface region adapted to be received within the depression of the base; wherein the diameter of the body is greater than the diameter of the depression, such that the body projects beyond at least the upper surface of the base, such that the body is supported by the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventor: BUCKLEY William James
  • Publication number: 20150089746
    Abstract: A mattress includes a mattress body having a top substrate and a bottom substrate separated by a resilient layer having a mattress thickness to resiliently conform to a body of a person. The mattress includes an aperture formed in the top substrate and the resilient layer mattress that is oriented proximate to an upper torso portion of the body of the person. The mattress includes an insert that is shaped to be received in the aperture and has an upwardly open recess to receive an upper portion of the body of the person. An upwardly open recess can be formed directly in the top resilient layer of the mattress body oriented proximate to an upper torso portion of the body of the person.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventor: Scott J. Breier
  • Publication number: 20150082550
    Abstract: A mattress structure for providing different degrees of relief or support to various body parts of a user or in accordance with different body lengths of the users. The mattress structure includes a principal axis and two or more relief units, distributed in different positions along the principal axis. At least one relief unit provides a degree of relief different from that of another relief unit, to define a relief layer that provides different degrees of relief corresponding to various parts of the body. The relief layer is dividable into two or more relief zones and these zones are divided according to the body parts of the user. The relief units in a relief zone are inter-changeable or re-arrangeable according to needs of the user for accommodating users of different body heights and different lengths of various body parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: Glorious Master Limited
    Inventor: Cheung Wing Hui
  • Patent number: 8955182
    Abstract: A mattress (22) having a foam core (8) completely extends to the perimeter edges of the mattress wherein side walls (15) of the foam core are compressed inward and held in place using a preferably non-woven strip of fabric (21) or similar non-elastic or non-stretchable material that is wrapped around the side walls of the foam core. A method of wrapping the foam core allows corners (5) of the foam core to be formed under the inward pressure of the non-woven fabric, thereby creating a strong perimeter for the mattress that prevents outward pressure against the sidewalls created by the downward pressure of an individual lying on the mattress from flattening of the mattress by providing more upward pushback against the individual. An optional layer of micro-coil springs (2a) may be located within the foam core to provide more buoyancy and springiness in the mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Inventors: Stephen J. Schiller, Lucien Sammartano
  • Publication number: 20150033522
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a corresponding device for filling at least one seat cushion of a seat with, and emptying same of, a fluid, in which, during a filling or emptying operation, depending on a switching state of an actuating member designed for filling or emptying the at least one seat cushion, a first pressure value determined upstream of a throttle point through which the fluid flows, and a second pressure value determined downstream of the throttle point, are detected, and, depending on the first pressure value and the second pressure value, an estimated value of a mass of fluid supplied to or removed from the at least one seat cushion is determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: Conti Temic Microelectronic GMBH
    Inventors: Michael Beuschel, Martin Ebel, Stefan Bauer, Mehmet Cini
  • Publication number: 20150013068
    Abstract: A comforter comprising at least a top and a bottom outer shell fabric panels joined together about their peripheral edges and interiorly to form at least a first portion filled with a first filling material comprising down or a down-like material, and a second portion filled with a second filling material comprising a non-down or non-down-like material, where the first portion and the second portion are segregated. In various embodiments, the first portion comprises a central area of the comforter and the second portion comprises a peripheral area of the comforter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventor: Marvin Werthaiser
  • Publication number: 20150000042
    Abstract: A pillow relies on a shell containing two types of fill material, one comparatively smaller, granular, and characterized by a comparatively larger spring constant, and another comparatively larger, more chunky in shape, and characterized by a comparatively smaller spring constant. Below a threshold level of force (or pressure, which is force per unit area) the larger, softer, second fill material resists flow of the smaller, harder, stiffer fill material. However, upon application of a force (or pressure) above some threshold, the mixture of the two fill materials will flow to conform the pillow to the shape of a user. The pillow will then substantially stabilize in that shape in the absence of forces above the threshold level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventor: Bret Randall
  • Publication number: 20140375105
    Abstract: There is provided a method of manufacturing a vehicle seat configured by covering a seat cover on a sitting surface side of a seat frame via a seat pad and by covering a non-sitting surface side of the seat frame with a carpet, the vehicle seat including an end fixing part having a groove into which both ends of the seat cover and the carpet are to be inserted and fixed. The method includes fixing, to the end of the seat cover, an insertion member having stiffness, which can be inserted and fixed in the groove integrally with the seat cover, arranging the carpet such that the end thereof covers an entrance of the groove, and inserting the insertion member into the groove to thus push and fix the end of the carpet in the groove while the end of the carpet abuts on the insertion member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Akiyoshi OKUGAWA, Kazuya SUZUKI
  • Patent number: 8910362
    Abstract: A process is described for converting the spring components and the cushioning and covering materials derived from discarded mattresses and foundations into materials suitable for the manufacture of rebuilt units which comply with given governmental regulatory requirements. A preliminary optional step in the process comprises heating the discarded mattress at 230° F. to ensure that the components produced by deconstruction may be safely reused and recycled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Inventor: Simon Zysman
  • Patent number: 8881356
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a sitting orthosis, which is provided with a contact surface where the user of the sitting orthosis makes contact with the sitting orthosis, from a representation of the contact surface of the sitting orthosis. The method comprises of manufacturing a shell part on the basis of the representation of the contact surface by machining processable material under the control of the representation of the contact surface of the sitting orthosis; and arranging a covering layer on the thus obtained shell part. The invention also relates to a sitting orthosis. The sitting orthosis comprises a contact surface where the user of the sitting orthosis makes contact with the sitting orthosis, wherein the sitting orthosis is assembled from a shell part of a material processable by machining and wherein at least the contact surface is provided with a covering layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Perteon Seats B.V.
    Inventors: Kamiel Reinier Zale Geenen, Bernard Jan Kamp, Simon Alexander Verheul, Jeroen Gerard Theodor Jans
  • Publication number: 20140325762
    Abstract: Provided is a pillow to support the head and neck of a user. The pillow includes an inflatable bladder assembly, a sheet, a fill material and a pillow casing. The inflatable bladder assembly includes an inflatable bladder. The sheet has a pocket securing the inflatable bladder. The fill material has a fold defining a first panel and a second panel of the fill material. The sheet is disposed in the fill material such that the sheet spans the first panel and the second panel and the inflatable bladder is disposed about the fold. The pillow casing secures the fill material, the sheet and the bladder, wherein the first panel and the second panel provide a friction surface to the sheet that secure the sheet and the inflatable bladder secured in the pocket within the fill material in a friction fitting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventor: Allan Berg
  • Publication number: 20140310880
    Abstract: A therapeutic mattress assembly comprising a mattress having a substrate assembly that includes a plurality of cylinders positioned side by side over the length of the mattress. Each cylinder is configured as a low air loss system to allow air to flow into the cylinder from a source and out of the cylinder through small holes located on the top of each cylinder. An overlay assembly provides a foam cushion that provides a supporting surface above the substrate assembly for the patient. A calf lift bladder operates to effectively raise or lower the patient's feet to prevent pressure related injuries. A lateral rotation assembly selectively raises and lowers a selected half of the mattress to turn patients in a lateral direction. A bolster inflates in response to the lateral rotation assembly to secure the patient within the mattress.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventors: Charles C. Wyatt, Ricky J. Fontaine
  • Patent number: 8844105
    Abstract: Furniture, such as a chair, and method of assembly thereof includes the steps of configuring an upholstery fabric outer covering and a flap having one or more open sides, the flap affixable on one side to the outer covering. A number of foam blocks are configured in shapes, which, taken together, conform to the shape of the furniture to be assembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Jeffco Fibres, Inc.
    Inventor: John LaRoche
  • Publication number: 20140283303
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed towards a pillow with a removable core that includes a plurality of cut foam pieces of various or similar shapes/sizes. The pillow may include an outer shell case and an inner shell case (i.e., the removable core). The outer shell case may be made of a plurality of layers, including a backing layer positioned between an external layer and an internal layer. The backing layer may comprise a foam material. And the internal layer and the inner shell case may comprise an open mesh material. The inner shell case may be removably inserted into the outer shell case. A plurality of foam pieces may be disposed inside the inner shell case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventor: Scott Karl Rochlin
  • Publication number: 20140259426
    Abstract: Portable cushions include first and second portions that may be folded relative to one another between a folded state in which the cushion may be carried by a user and an unfolded state in which the cushion may be used to cushion the body of a person or another object. Each of the first and second portions of the cushion includes deformable wall members that are located and configured to define voids therebetween, such that the deformable wall members may be displaced into adjacent voids upon deformation of the deformable wall members during cushioning. Methods of manufacturing such portable cushions include the formation of such first and second portions of a cushion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: EdiZONE, LLC
    Inventor: Tony M. Pearce
  • Publication number: 20140272266
    Abstract: Multi layered covering material for upholstery solves above referenced technical problem by combining two materials: one which is friendly to skin or to touch, and prone to stretching or other types of shape change under environmental influence, and one which is not—so friendly material can perform function of being friendly, and the other material provides support so friendly material would not change its shape even if, for example, wet. This patent application also covers process for making multi covering material for elements making furniture more comfortable comprising upholstery, cushions, blankets, and similar elements, said multi layered covering material comprising steps of aligning outer layer (1) comprised of at least one user friendly material prone to change shape under environmental influence, preferably moisture over inner layer (2) comprised of material essentially resistant to shape change under environmental influence, and connecting said layers together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: BOXMARK LEATHER d.o.o
    Inventor: Nino Svilar
  • Publication number: 20140250648
    Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide molded urethane foam pads and vehicle seats that can contribute to the reduction of environmental load and have appropriate impact resilience and hardness and excellent durability with good balance, and also have high comfort.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicants: Mitsui Chemicals, Inc., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuto USAKA, Koichi SANO, Hideaki OTSUKA, Hiroyuki UTSUMI, Takashi INOH, Yoshiyuki MURATA, Tsuguyoshi SAKAI
  • Publication number: 20140237786
    Abstract: A method includes selecting an arrangement of foam springs, the arrangement that matches user-selected firmness requirements; attaching foam springs to a foam panel in a removable, replaceable manner; and inserting the foam springs and the foam panel into a containment facility. A mattress includes foam springs; a foam panel to which an arrangement of the foam springs is attached in a removable, replaceable manner; a containment facility within which the foam springs and the foam panel are disposed; and a side rail with indentations within which sides of at least some of the foam springs are disposed. The mattress may also include a fabric webbing, attached to the containment facility, within which some of the foam springs are disposed in a removable, replaceable manner; and an attachment device attaching together at least two of the foam springs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: ASCION, LLC
    Inventor: Martin B. Rawls-Meehan
  • Publication number: 20140230153
    Abstract: A cellular cushion includes a base, a plurality of hollow cells, and support material. The base includes at least a first layer and a second layer. The plurality of hollow cells are coupled to, and extend outward from, only one of the first layer and the second layer. Each of the plurality of cells extends from a root defined at only one of the first layer and the second layer outwardly to an outer end. The plurality of cells are coupled together in flow communication via a plurality of channels extending between the cells. The support material is inserted within at least one of the hollow cells. The second layer coupled to the first layer such that the support material is between an inner surface of said at least one of the hollow cells and the second layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: STAR CUSHION PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: Janice Geraldine Fraser
  • Patent number: 8802218
    Abstract: An insulating product utilizing pillars and arches to increase loft without increasing the thickness of the padding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Inventor: Yick Lap Li
  • Patent number: 8794708
    Abstract: The invention relates to the upholstery of a seat element for a motor vehicle and to the method of creating it, in which method a foam support block is produced to fit a frame element; a cover element is created by cold-forming a foam sprayed onto a polypropylene substrate and attached on the reverse side of a textile material in the form of a skin or synthetic material to define the visible shape of the seat element; and the cover element is attached to the support block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Faurecia Sieges d'Autmobile
    Inventors: Nicolas Besnard, Régis Couedro, Fabrice Etienne, Etienne Poulet
  • Publication number: 20140208521
    Abstract: A mattress includes top and bottom foam layers. A bottom surface of the top foam layer and a top surface of the bottom foam layer include protrusions and recessions. The protrusions of the top surface of the bottom foam layer protrude into the recessions of the bottom surface of the top foam layer, and the protrusions of the bottom surface of the top foam layer protrude into the recessions of the top surface of the bottom foam layer. The most protruded surfaces of the protrusions of the bottom surface of the top foam layer are separated from corresponding surfaces of the recessions of the top surface of the bottom foam layer by a channel, but there is no channel between most protruded surfaces of the protrusions of the top surface of the bottom foam layer and corresponding surfaces of the recessions of the bottom surface of the top foam layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: KINGSDOWN, INC.
    Inventor: John Farnham
  • Patent number: 8777319
    Abstract: An assembly system permitting separate construction and transport of subcomponents for seating furniture items. The disassembled subcomponents allow for more efficient transportation by eliminating the dead space created by transporting irregularly shaped assembled furniture items. The assembly system includes a seat box having a rectangular frame defining an accessible internal cavity covered by an upper support surface. The assembly system also comprises a back rest having a seat box interface surface and at least arm rest interface surface. The back rest also defines an internal cavity accessible through closable opening for internal access to the arm rest interface surfaces. The assembly system also includes mounting an interface surface to the arm rest for securing the arm rest to the arm rest interface surface of the back rest and the rectangular frame of the seat box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Ashley Furniture Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy A. Brandtner, Peter J. Fynboh, Christopher Jon Lejcher
  • Publication number: 20140130322
    Abstract: Modular ready to assembly furniture consists of components when assembled will embody a chair, sofa, loveseat or sofa sectional. These modular components include arm component and back component. The arm component having a bolt, consisting of a large round head protruding from the inside p of the arm. The back component having a keyhole slot along the side consisting of a internal tapered ramp. The head of the bolt fits through this keyhole slot. Thus the hea the bolt slides up the tapered ramp. This action pulls together both components. Wher fully seated the arm component and back component is held together at a precise and matching location. The new unique feature is the upper connection of the preferred embodiment that connects the arm and back. It is completely hidden after assembly and adjust for variances in materials and manufacturing. This special adjustable connector allows for quick self tightening engagement and precision alignment of the back and arms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventor: Roger Allen Helton
  • Publication number: 20140062162
    Abstract: A trim cover assembly of extremely soft property comprises a surface cover element, a wadding cover, and a thick foam wadding sandwiched therebetween, wherein the thick foam wadding has a compressed thin end surface region sewn with the surface cover element and wadding cover. Sewing method for forming such trim cover assembly involves: pressing and collapsing an end surface of the thick foam wadding in downwardly slantwise direction to provide a compressed thin area, thereby allowing direct access thereto of a conventional sewing machine; operating the sewing machine to sew the compressed thin area with the surface cover element, thereby producing a sewn trim cover having a compressed thin end region therein; and thereafter sewing the wadding cover with such sewn trim cover in correspondence with the compressed thin end region. As such, a trim cover assembly having the thick foam wadding is easily formed by the conventional sewing machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi TABATA
  • Publication number: 20140026328
    Abstract: A pocket spring core for a bedding or seating cushion comprises an array of pocket springs. The array of pocket springs comprises fully active springs (10) respectively enclosed in an associated pocket (35) of fabric. Each fully active spring (10) respectively has a central spiral portion (20) with at least one turn and defining a spring axis (13), an unknotted first end turn (21) defining a first end of the fully active spring (10), and an unknotted second end turn (22) defining an opposing second end of the fully active spring (10). Each fully active spring (10) has a rest shape in which the first end turn (21) and the second end turn (22) have a finite pitch angle, so that the first end turn (21) and the second end turn (22) contribute to a spring force of the fully active spring (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventors: Morten Jorgensen, Niels Albaek
  • Publication number: 20130326819
    Abstract: A layered cushion that may be fully disassembled for easy cleaning is disclosed herein. The sleep system is durable and fire retardant. The layered cushion may include a foam layer, a layer of void cells, and a cover. The foam permits fluids to move freely there through and contours to a user's body to maximize comfort and reduce interface pressure. The reticulated foam layer resists compression set and thermosetting. The layer of void cells also permits fluids to move freely there through and provide additional support to the user's body. The individual void cells of the void cell layer are perforated to allow the transmission of fluids there through. The cover couples the other layers together to form the layered cushion and prevents the layers from deteriorating. The cover is removable to permit cleaning each of the layers independently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: Ethan Thomas Wyman, Daniel Antonio Feighery, Eric William Sugano, Peter Foley, Thomas Manney, Collin Metzer, Gerald Michael Buchen, John Marcell Danis
  • Publication number: 20130312196
    Abstract: A pillow system set comprises a curved, U-shaped main pillow. The main pillow is both flexible and firm to permit it to wrap around a user while nursing an infant. A separate companion pillow is included in the pillow system set. In one embodiment the companion pillow is round or circular. The companion pillow may be used in 1 of 2 ways: 1) to place within a user's hip, when seated, under the main pillow, to prop up one side of the main pillow when wrapped around a user's waist during feeding, and 2) as a toy for an infant. Some embodiments of the companion pillow may contain a rattle enclosed within an interior compartment of the pillow. An additional piece to the pillow system set is a flat, rectangular fabric or protective towel to serve dual-use: 1) to act as a protectant to the main pillow, preventing soils from penetrating the main pillow, and 2) as a burp cloth to lay over a user's shoulder while burping an infant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventor: Danielle Alicia Jenkins
  • Patent number: 8590126
    Abstract: An aircraft passenger seat configured in accordance with an embodiment of the invention utilizes composite materials to achieve significant weight savings relative to conventional seat designs. The seat includes one or more lightweight composite support legs, a lightweight composite seat pan, and a lightweight composite seat back structure. The support legs are coupled to the seat pan, which is in turn coupled to the seat back structure. The support legs utilize composite frame elements that are formed as continuous compression molded composite extrusions. The seat pan includes composite fore and aft cross beams that are also formed as continuous compression molded composite extrusions. The aft cross beam includes a rear flange that serves as a flexible “hinge” for the seat back structure. The seat can leverage producible and relatively inexpensive composite manufacturing techniques such that the seat can be economically produced for use as an economy class seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Max U. Kismarton, James A. Fullerton
  • Patent number: 8584333
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a vehicle seat cushion assembly includes providing a first material to define an outer seating surface. A second material is sewn to the first material using first and second sewing lines disposed generally parallel to each other. A wadding material is disposed between the first and second materials and between the first and second sewing lines, and additional wadding material is disposed between the first and second materials adjacent to and not between the first and second sewing lines. The first and second materials are further sewn together using two additional sewing lines respectively disposed adjacent edges of the additional wadding material opposite the first and second sewing lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: José Marquès, Jean-Marie Chartrain
  • Publication number: 20130300167
    Abstract: A center-foldable seat back has a seat back upper part that can be tilted forward relative to a seat back lower part. A trim cover is provided, sewn along the entire periphery at the mutual contact position of an upper and lower cover, the pulled-in state is modulated by cloth pieces, thereby preventing wrinkles. The seat back is provided with the trim cover in which one cloth piece one side edge of which is sewn to the ends of the lower and upper cover is provided at least in the central portion on the inside of the trim cover, the cloth piece is extended inward, the other side edge thereof is sewn to a fastener, the central portion on the back side is extended inward and sewn to the fastener, and the central portion on the inside of the trim cover is sewn to open and close by one fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventors: Mutsumi Tanaka, Katsuhiko Shinozaki, Fumitaka Tsuji
  • Publication number: 20130298322
    Abstract: A padded seat cover for use on a toilet seat which encourages users with sensory integration issues, Autism or ADHD to remain on the toilet. The padded seat cover has a textured top layer, a bottom layer, and a middle layer disposed between the top and bottom layer. The top, bottom, and middle layers completely and securely cover the toilet seat when a user sits on the padded seat cover, preventing contact of the user's skin with a toilet seat. The top layer has a textured surface formed by cavities and the cavities provide even heat distribution across the padded seat cover. The bottom layer has a gripping member for removably connecting the padded seat cover to a toilet seat. The middle layer provides cushioning making the padded seat cover more comfortable for the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventor: Ivette Sarkar
  • Patent number: 8579347
    Abstract: A vehicle interior component including decorative stitching along a stitch path includes a seam spacer located between a component substrate and an overlying decorative covering. At least a portion of the seam spacer lies along the stitch path and supports the decorative covering therealong, where the covering may include a reduced thickness portion due to the decorative stitching. The seam spacer can have any number of configurations to prevent visual defects along the stitch path and/or to cause the appearance of simulated seams to be more realistic. The seam spacer may be attached to the covering at the same time the decorative stitching is sewn through the covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Faurecia Interior Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: William Filipp
  • Publication number: 20130269107
    Abstract: The disclosure sets forth and describes a bedding apparatus that is adapted for use in combination with a mattress; the disclosure also sets forth and describes a method of providing a bedding apparatus adapted for use in combination with a mattress. The apparatus includes a fitted sheet with a blanket attached to the fitted sheet. The blanket bears zipper teeth configured to mate with and removably connect the blanket to the fitted sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventor: Deborah J. Fiene
  • Publication number: 20130263380
    Abstract: Interlocking foam encasement components to form mattress encasements, and related mattress encasements, mattress assemblies, and methods are disclosed. A mattress encasement is formed by two interlocking foam encasement components engaged with each other. Each interlocking foam encasement component includes a foam base member with two foam side-support members provided in parallel or substantially parallel arrangement on opposite sides of the foam base member. To form the mattress encasement, first side-support members of a first interlocking foam encasement component are interlocked orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to second side-support members of a second interlocking foam encasement component to form a foam side-support perimeter for the mattress encasement. The foam side-support perimeter provides an interior area to receive and encase a mattress innerspring or mattress core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventors: Julian Thomas Young, Christopher Dean Page, Ivan Sobran, Mark Stearley
  • Publication number: 20130232689
    Abstract: Box spring assemblies employing foam cushioning grids, and related components, mattress assemblies, and methods are disclosed. Foam cushioning grids are comprised of a plurality of foam grid members that are interconnected to form the foam cushioning grid. By interconnecting the foam grid members, a plurality of voids may be disposed between the interconnecting foam grid members as part of the foam cushioning grid. In this manner, as a non-limiting example, the foam cushioning grid can be disposed on a wire grid, such as in box springs, to provide cushioning support for the wire grid, as one non-limiting example. A load placed on the wire grid will be cushioned by the foam cushioning grid disposed therebetween. Further, as a non-limiting example, voids in the foam cushioning grid allow air to easily flow between the interconnected foam grid members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventor: Julian Thomas Young
  • Patent number: 8523157
    Abstract: An inspection device includes a base to receive an electronic device, a supporting member, a first adjustment member, a second adjustment member, and an inspecting member installed on the second adjustment member. The supporting member includes a horizontal plate movable relative to the base, a guideway fixed on the horizontal plate, and a guiding block movably mounted on the guideway. The first adjustment member includes a fixing plate fixed on the guiding block, and an adjusting plate rotatably attached to the fixing plate, and movable and rotatable relative to the base. The second adjustment member is fixed on the adjusting plate. Movement and rotation of the adjusting plate relative to the base allow movement and rotation of the second adjustment member relative to the base to allow movement and rotation of the inspecting member relative to the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Po-Yu Lin, Chiu-Yi Wu, Chao-Chien Lee
  • Publication number: 20130205555
    Abstract: A method and system that allows a user to create patterns for removable furniture covers employs a data input device to trace a piece of furniture. The data input device is traced over predetermined areas of the furniture known to those in the art of furniture cover design. The data input device transfers the trace data to a processor that renders an image of the traced portion of the piece of furniture. The processor permits the user to print off, or output to a cutter, appropriately shaped working patterns to cover the predetermined areas, and to assemble a removable furniture cover or slipcover for the piece of furniture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventor: Regina George
  • Patent number: 8505997
    Abstract: A center console (20) includes a first panel (32) having a first upper surface (76) and a first padded portion (28). The first padded portion (28) includes a first outer cover (54). The first outer cover (54) is mounted to the first panel (32) such that a first cavity (56) is formed by at least a portion of the outer cover (54) and at least a portion of the upper surface (76). The first padded portion (28) also includes first padding (56) located, in the first cavity (56).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Jason M. Hipshier, David J. McCarthy, Scott W. Kaufmann, Gregory N. Brncick, Brian R. Dexter