Preshaped Foam Pad Patents (Class 297/452.26)
  • Patent number: 11192480
    Abstract: The invention relates to an upholstered part of a vehicle seat (100), at least including a foam part (12-2) which, in a foaming process, forms a permanent connection to a prefabricated shaped nonwoven (12-1), wherein the prefabricated shaped nonwoven (12-1) forms a supporting structure for the foam part (12-2). It is provided that the prefabricated shaped nonwoven (12-1?) has at least one locally situated open cavity (12-11?) which at least in sections is filled with foam, so that the foam part (12-2?) has a foam-embedded supporting and reinforcing structure at least in one section (11B?) of the cavity (12-11?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: SITECH SITZTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventors: Nikolaus Meyer, Andreas Fangmann
  • Patent number: 11052794
    Abstract: A seat having a seating region including a seat portion and a backing region including a back portion utilizes pairs of wing portions which are hingedly connected to the seat portion and to the back portion adjacent the sides thereof. In addition, each of the wing portions includes a distensible envelope which can be altered in shape between a deflated condition at which the wing portion contributes to the overall width of the seating region or of the backing region and an inflated condition at which the wing portion provides a partition adjacent the corresponding side of the seat portion or of the back portion so that when the distensible envelopes of all of the wing portions are in the inflated condition, the partitions provided by the wing portions reduce the size of the seating and backing regions of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Inventor: Teddy Hunsaker
  • Patent number: 10654387
    Abstract: A vehicle component, in particular an arm rest, includes a structural part and a cladding element that at least partially surrounds the structural part. The structural part is at least partially covered by a protective device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Adient Luxembourg Holding S.àr.l.
    Inventor: Peter Volanek
  • Patent number: 10576854
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a bolster section for a seating assembly of a vehicle comprising: presenting a first metallic support element that includes a tubular portion; and overmolding the tubular portion of the first metallic support element with foam. The tubular portion of the first metallic support element is bent to a predetermined shape before overmolding the tubular portion of the first metallic support element with foam. A second layer of foam can be applied over the foam overmolded over the tubular portion of the first metallic support element. The second layer of foam can be a different type of foam than the foam overmolded over the tubular portion of the first metallic support element. A first end of the tubular portion can be flattened and an aperture formed therein, to allow the bolster section to be attached to a structural support of a seating assembly of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Marcos Silva Kondrad, Johnathan Andrew Line, Kevin Mozurkewich
  • Patent number: 10518685
    Abstract: Provided is a conveyance seat including a pelvis support member of which a state or the like is adjusted. The conveyance seat includes the pelvis support member configured to support a portion of an occupant's body where a pelvis is positioned and lumbar supports configured to move the pelvis support member. The pelvis support member includes a seat back side support portion positioned behind a back portion of the occupant, a seat cushion side support portion positioned below buttocks of the occupant, and a connection portion that connects the seat back side support portion and the seat cushion side support portion. The lumbar supports are configured to move the pelvis support member so that a position of at least one of the seat back side support portion, the seat cushion side support portion, and the connection portion is changed with respect to the portion where the pelvis is positioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: TS Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kensuke Mizoi, Naoto Yamauchi
  • Patent number: 10479247
    Abstract: A vehicle seat including: an elastic support body including a seat pad; and an adjacent member adjacent to the seat pad, wherein a gap is provided between the elastic support body and the adjacent member and extends toward an inner area of the seat in which a frame material is provided, and wherein the elastic support body has a protruding portion which protrudes between the adjacent member and the frame material and is configured to block the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yuki Miyawaki
  • Patent number: 10433645
    Abstract: Seating device (1) comprising a base plate (2) for a user to sit on and a pelvic support (3) for supporting in a vertical position the pelvis of a user sitting on said base plate (2) without supporting or immobilising said user's vertebrae, wherein said pelvic support (3) is configured for contacting said pelvis (9) at the posterior superior iliac spines (PSIS) (91) and/or at the iliac crests (92), without any contact to said user's vertebrae wherein said seating device is configured for maintaining an angle of 93° to 97° between the vertically supported pelvis (9) and the femoral bones of said user. In embodiments, the seating device includes a mechanism to encourage the user's upper body mobility, for example a convex base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Solvaseat SA
    Inventor: John St. Mary
  • Patent number: 10286824
    Abstract: A seating assembly includes a seat having a seat frame. The seat generally defines a seating surface. A seatback is pivotally coupled with the seat. A carrier is disposed on the seat frame and supports a multi-contour seating component that is adjustable to change a contour of the seating surface. A cushion assembly is disposed over the multi-contour seating component of the seat and is in communication with a climate control system. A spreader plate is disposed below the cushion assembly. The spreader plate is configured to balance load distribution across the seating surface when the multi-contour seating component is activated. The spreader plate includes flex recesses defined in forward and rearward walls of the spreader plate. Lateral flex breaks allow limited flexure of the spreader plate. An inner opening is in communication with the climate control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Boland, Jeroen Lem, Michael Medoro, Johnathan Andrew Line, S. M. Akbar Berry, Michael Kolich
  • Patent number: 10004336
    Abstract: The present invention, method and apparatus, relates to supporting normal functions of blood circulatory systems over extended periods of sitting. The invented apparatus and method help blood circulatory systems function normally, while keeping body and or sitting pose unchanged. Keeping body and or sitting pose unchanged are necessary in many circumstances involving extended periods of sitting such as driving an automobile, or sitting without being interrupted by unwanted moves from the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Inventor: Alfred Xueliang Xin
  • Patent number: 9914382
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly comprises a seat bottom comprising a frame assembly securable to a vehicle. The frame assembly comprises a frame disposed within a structural foam pad, with the frame assembly having a first attachment member. The vehicle seat assembly comprises a cushion assembly comprising a flexible foam pad supported on a wire frame assembly, with the cushion assembly having second attachment member cooperable with the first attachment member to secure the cushion assembly to the frame assembly. The vehicle seat assembly comprises a seatback secured to the seat bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Giovanni De Nichilo, Angelo Falchero
  • Patent number: 9694723
    Abstract: A seat backrest includes right and left side frame segments, a pressure receiving member disposed between the side frame segments movably in a front-back direction, and a cushion pad covering the front of the side frame segments and pressure receiving member. The pressure receiving member includes a main body part, and extending parts extending laterally from both sides of the main body part. The cushion pad includes a back receiving part covering the front of the main body part, and bank parts disposed on both sides of the back receiving part, protruding forward from both sides, and covering the front of the extending parts and side frame segments. A recess is formed at an area, facing a corresponding extending part of the extending parts, of a rear surface of each bank part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: TS TECH CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shuichi Shimizu
  • Patent number: 9573504
    Abstract: [Problem] To provide a cushion pad that reduces the bottom-hitting feeling. [Solution] In a support portion, the ratio of the hardness of a bottom surface layer including the bottom surface to the hardness of a seating layer including the seating surface is set to 1.0 to 1.1. The hardness of the seating layer is set to be identical to the hardness of the bottom surface layer or slightly smaller than the hardness of the bottom surface layer. This allows reducing the increase in reactive force by the bottom surface layer while supporting the load of the seated person by the bottom surface layer. This allows reducing the bottom-hitting feeling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: TOYO TIRE & RUBBER CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Toru Nakada
  • Patent number: 9392782
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a soft and durable carrying case for transporting one or more fishing rods (typically a 2 piece rod) and reels that affords protection as well as buoyancy if dropped in the water. The inner foam material is specially made, placed and secured into the nylon shell to aid in buoyancy and protecting the rods and reels from damage. The carrying case can also be used to transport other types if equipment that are a maximum of 43 inches in length. The present invention can be reconfigured into a seat cushion after taking out the rods and reels. Said seat cushion is designed in such a manner as to prevent pain to the tailbone. The dual usage capability of the present invention allows for the consumer to alleviate 2 problems (carrying a fishing rod and reel easily) and preventing pain to the tailbone when sitting down while fishing. Another feature of the present invention is a 3rd or 4th use whereby, the carrying case can be further reconfigured as a blanket or poncho.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Potempa
  • Patent number: 9332850
    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: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Inventor: Max Krishtul
  • Patent number: 9220359
    Abstract: An exercise mat for a person exercising on a floor surface comprises a pad having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a peripheral edge. A cutout is formed in a first portion of the peripheral edge and sized to accommodate the neck of the person. A high-friction non-slip texture or coating may be applied to either the top surface or the bottom surface of the pad, or both. The top surface may further includes a pair of raised shoulder stops. In use, with the bottom surface of the pad resting on the floor surface and with the person's shoulders supported on opposing sides of the cutout proximate the first portion of the peripheral edge, the person's neck may be positioned within the cutout to allow natural flexion curvature of the cervical spine when the person is performing a shoulder stand on the mat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Inventor: Raymond Long
  • Patent number: 9125493
    Abstract: A cushion for supporting a user relative to a support surface is provided. The cushion has material with sufficient flexibility to deform under a weight of the user and sufficient resilience to return to its original state when the weight is removed. A supporting face contacts the support surface and is characterized by a plurality of points. The supporting face is contoured such that, when the cushion is in an unloaded configuration, a first subset of the plurality of points contact the support surface and a second subset of the plurality of points do not contact the support surface. When a user then sits on the cushion so that it is in a loaded configuration, at least some of the points in the second subset are displaced under the user's weight and contact the support surface. The cushion thus both bends and compresses to distribute the weight of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Backjoy Orthotics, LLC
    Inventors: Allen Siekman, Peter C. Prust
  • 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
  • Patent number: 9028004
    Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle seat which includes a seat frame, a seat cushion receiving member stretched across the seat frame, and a seat cushion placed on the seat cushion receiving member. In the vehicle seat, the seat cushion has such dimensions as to cover the seat frame as viewed in plan, and a lower surface of the seat cushion has a raised portion in a region covering the seat frame, and the raised portion is raised so as not to contact the seat frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignees: Central Japan Railway Company, Tenryu Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukio Takahashi, Hiroki Tsunoda, Soshi Kawakami, Yuya Futamura, Masaki Yamabe
  • Patent number: 8991930
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly including at least a component of the seat assembled made of closed-cell foam and having an integral exterior surface. The component may include a backrest, headrest, seat cushion or a component thereof such as an armrest. A method of forming a seat assembly including a first seat component and a second seat component wherein at least one of the first and the second components are made of closed-cell foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Gregg Laframboise, Scott E. Dluge, Daniel J. Koester, David Thimm, Duane Potes, Jr., Sheraine Sabbagh, John Gomez, Joon Kyu Lee, Richard P. Doerer, Emery Jay Zadina, Kurt G. Lusko
  • Patent number: 8850644
    Abstract: The invention relates mold, particularly a mold for producing foam articles. In a preferred embodiment, the mold comprises a lid and a bowl releasingly engageable to define a mold cavity, the lid comprising: (i) a vent having a passageway for gas to escape from the mold cavity, and (ii) a plurality of grooves connected to the vent. The use of a plurality of grooves/slots in the mold cavity surface effectively acts as a siphon to draw gas away from the composition to be molded. The plurality of grooves/slots is connected to one or more vents which then allows for escape of the gas from the mold cavity to the exterior of the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Proprietect L.P.
    Inventors: Allan K. Cathcart, Leslie E. Clarke, Larry A. Genyn, Louie J. Meneses, Randall J. Lansue
  • Patent number: 8851569
    Abstract: A full-cover and light-weight child safety seat is disclosed, capable of improving the difficulties in manufacturing and assembling processes in conventional skills. The safety seat includes a first hard layer, a second hard layer, a body (or a cushion portion) formed by foaming expansion material and a wall formed on a peripheral zones of the body. The body is defined with an inner end surface coated with the first hard layer and an outer end surface covered by the second hard layer so that the foaming expansion material (or the body), the first hard layer and the second hard layer are snuggly and firmly formed in a composite state, thereby improving the improper conditions in conventional skills, such as carry or deliver inconvenience caused by larger thickness/volume and heavier weight for the purpose of obtaining sufficient strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventor: Chang-Hsien Ho
  • Patent number: 8770666
    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: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignees: 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
  • Patent number: 8566987
    Abstract: A seat cushion configured to promote pelvic support and alleviate pressure in the parineal, rectal, and coccyx regions. An embodiment of the seat cushion comprises a foam base having one or more reinforcing layers patterned to shape compliance in said base. Another embodiment comprises a channel shaped in relation to the ischial tuberosity allowing specific support and pressure relief for pelvic regions. Other embodiments are described and shown. The resulting seat cushion promotes posture with seating comfort and may be of specific aid to patients suffering from Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome. Embodiments are described and shown that can be manufactured inexpensively from readily available materials and customized to accommodate a specific user's need.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Inventor: Robert S. Burge
  • Patent number: 8360530
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a pad that is made of resin foam, and that forms a seat cushion or a seatback. The pad has a layered structure formed of a surface layer pad that forms a seating surface-side portion of the pad and a back layer pad that is provided on the back side of the surface layer pad. The back layer pad is higher in hardness and lower in density than the surface layer pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Keisuke Onoda, Kenji Hattori, Haruo Gotou, Osamu Fujimoto, Teiji Mabuchi
  • Patent number: 8308235
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat back and a seat base extending forward from a lower end of the seat back. The seat base is formed of a first foam member extending laterally across the seat base to absorb loads and a second foam member formed over the first member to form a seating surface of the seat base. At least one wire frame section is secured to the first foam member and extends rearwardly therefrom toward a rear of the seat base for mounting the seat base to an associated vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co.
    Inventors: Terrie Ellison, Trenton Hobbs, Derek Shane Lindsay, William J. Gross
  • Patent number: 8087726
    Abstract: A back cushion includes an enclosure portion, a buffer portion, a filler portion and a fixing portion. The enclosure portion has a first surface/layer and a second surface/layer. The buffer portion and the filler portion are placed in the internal space of the enclosure portion. The buffer portion is in contact with the first layer and the rear surface of the filler portion is in contact with the second layer. The fixing portion is connected with the second layer of the enclosure portion. The fixing portion enables the back cushion to be attached to a suitable place of a chair or a supporting member. The buffer portion allows the back of a user can be comfortably cushioned and supported and hence injuries to his back may be avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Formosa Sounding Corp.
    Inventor: Fu-Chieng Chen
  • Patent number: 7947356
    Abstract: A molded foam containing no voids and a mold for forming such a molded foam are provided. A molded foam 5 has an external corner 5a where a small rib 10 is formed and a recessed step 7 where thin plate-like ribs 11 are formed. The rib 10 has a triangular cross-sectional shape in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the recessed step 7. The rib 10 is tapered from the base to an end thereof in a direction in which the rib 10 protrudes. The ribs 11 are arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the recessed step 7.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Yutaka Hirata, Masahito Niitu
  • Patent number: 7946654
    Abstract: An air insert is designed for a proper fit into a cushion pelvic loading area that has sloped walls for positioning and properly supporting the human pelvis. The air insert may be segmented, or pre-contoured by the manufacturer, so as to be designed for a proper fit into the PLA. The seat cushion and the insert will provide comfort and support to the users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Sunrise Medical HHG Inc.
    Inventors: Vasily G. Tsuber, Thomas J. Whelan
  • Patent number: 7934774
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, the present invention provides a vehicle seat assembly comprising a cushion having an “A” surface and a “B” surface, a central portion, and two bolster areas, with each bolster area being adjacent the central portion, with the cushion having a hardness gradient between at least one of the bolster areas and the central portion of between 8% to 25%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Ashford A. Galbreath, Asad S. Ali
  • Patent number: 7918510
    Abstract: A wheelchair sit-system with a three dimensional anatomical shape, which can accomplish an equal as well as an unequal pressure/load distribution, stabilize the pelvic base and trunk, compensate sit pathology, and be individually adapted on the basis of treatment of specific sit complaints/impairments. The wheelchair sit system (i.e., a sit cushion and a backrest) is developed methodically via inventory of the three dimensional pelvis/trunk measures; design a three dimensional drawing of basic sit cushions and backrest models in three sizes (S, M and L); specification of the sit pathology of the pelvis and trunk; and modification of the designed three dimensional basic sit cushion and backrest models on the basis of sit pathology. A product development trajectory results in nine sit cushion models in three sizes (S, M and L); six backrest models in three sizes (S, M and L); one generic sit cushion, with inserts, in three sizes (S, M and L); and one generic backrest, with inserts, in three sizes (S, M and L).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Inventors: Johanna Hendrika van den Nieuwboer, Jacob de Vries
  • Patent number: 7871131
    Abstract: A panel having particular utility in a chair or other apparatus for receiving an occupant in a seated position includes an envelope of resilient material having at least one small opening for receiving a substantially rigid and U-shaped envelope support frame. The envelope support frame is inserted into the envelope through the opening and positioned inside the envelope to tension the resilient material of the envelope in one or more tension zones. A rear support frame bar is then inserted into the opening and connected to the envelope support frame. The small opening may then be sewn closed, knitted, or heat sealed. The width of each tension zone when the envelope is in its relaxed state is different than the width of each immediately adjacent tension zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Inventors: David L. Rowland, Erwin W. Rowland
  • Patent number: 7717520
    Abstract: An aircraft seat assembly configured in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention offers a light weight and comfortable seat cushioning system that also provides energy-absorption and enhanced passenger maneuverability in extreme conditions such as may be experienced in a hard landing situation. The cushioning system includes a crushable, energy-absorbing layer, a main cushioning layer, a smaller ishial insert layer which may be the same as the main cushioning material and a semi-dynamic pneumatic cell which uses a dual action breather valve to vary its inflation with changes in cabin pressure. The seat cushion may be finished with a covering of cloth or upholstery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Kelly L. Boren, Rush F. Green, Max U. Kismarton
  • Patent number: 7661764
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly comprising a cushion having an “A” surface and a “B” surface, a central portion, and two bolster areas. Each bolster area is adjacent the central portion, with 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%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Asad S. Ali, Ashford A. Galbreath
  • Patent number: 7621010
    Abstract: A dental chair overlay is used for opening a patient's airway. The dental chair overlay has a body support and a head support. The body support has a superior end and dorsal and ventral surfaces. The distance between the dorsal and ventral surfaces define a thickness of the body support. The head support is attached to the superior end of the body support. The head support has dorsal and ventral surfaces. The distance between the dorsal and ventral surfaces define a thickness of the head support. The thickness of the body support is greater than the thickness of the head support, such that the airway of a patient lying on the dental chair overlay is urged open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Inventor: Ruda R. Eltzroth
  • Patent number: 7614704
    Abstract: A wheelchair seat cushion has multi-density regions. The cushion assembly may have a region having a stiffer, higher density proximate the front of the seat cushion assembly beneath the user's thighs to assist the user in exiting the wheelchair. Alternatively, or additionally, an insert member having multi-density regions may be received in a recess in a base member. The insert members may be oriented in different orientations to position a softer, less dense region at different locations, to situate the softer, less dense region of the insert beneath a particular user's ischial tuberosities and/or coccyx.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Sunrise Medical HHG Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Whelan, James L. Christofferson
  • Patent number: 7571965
    Abstract: A molded foam pool chair (12) is provided by a continuous form (26) of pliable foam material of constant density having varying thicknesses to provide a rigid base portion (30) and an elastic seat portion (28). The rigid base portion (30) extends around and is continuous with the elastic seat portion (28). The rigid base portion (30) defines a peripheral edge (44) having a shape and has cross-sectional areas of sufficient thickness and width to prevent substantial distortion of the shape of the peripheral edge (44) between unloaded and loaded conditions. The elastic seat portion (28) has an upper surface (62), a lower surface (64) and a thickness (48) for receiving a substantial portion of the weight of a person and extending downward within water into a loaded position (68), such that the upper surface (62) of the elastic seat portion (28) when in the loaded position (68), is disposed substantially beneath an unloaded seat position (66) defined by the lower surface (64) when disposed in an unloaded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Inventor: Michael L. Perry
  • Publication number: 20090160236
    Abstract: An air insert is designed for a proper fit into a cushion pelvic loading area that has sloped walls for positioning and properly supporting the human pelvis. The air insert may be segmented, or pre-contoured by the manufacturer, so as to be designed for a proper fit into the PLA. The seat cushion and the insert will provide comfort and support to the users.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventors: Vasily G. Tsuber, Thomas J. Whelan
  • Patent number: 7506937
    Abstract: A seating element for an automobile vehicle with a cushion formed from a central portion (10) with an exterior face for supporting a user seated on the seat and at least a lateral portion (20) on the door side, the lateral portion (20) being provided with at least one insert (30) lodged in the cushion, and in which the said insert (30) has a directional elasticity resulting in a stiffness in a first direction along the transversal axis with a first value and a stiffness in a second direction perpendicular to the said exterior face for support with a second value inferior to the said first value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Faurecia Sieges d'Automibile S.A.
    Inventor: Pierre Bequet
  • Publication number: 20090066142
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an automobile vehicle passenger seat which comprises a seat body (10) molded from EPP-foam, said EPP-foam having an average density of between 30 and 60 g/l, vehicle anchorage means (21) connected to said seat body for anchoring said seat to the automobile vehicle, and a trim cover (30). Furthermore, the present invention refers to an appropriate upholstery for use in an automobile vehicle and a process for producing such an upholstery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: Kevin J. Ventura, Mari C. Milosic
  • Patent number: 7445292
    Abstract: A seat portion (4) for a seat (2), which seat portion (4) comprises at least a first part (8) which is made of a first plastics foam material of a first density, and a second part (10) which is made of a second plastics foam material of a second and different density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Inventor: Terry Glyn Moule
  • Patent number: 7395566
    Abstract: A flexible seat cushion, such as a wheelchair cushion, has an upper surface with a support contour for establishing relatively less pressure on skin adjacent to the bony prominences of the person's pelvic area and relatively more pressure on skin covering adjacent tissue masses. A support member is attached to the rear corner of the cushion. The support member has relatively less flexibility than the seat cushion. The support member is retained to a longitudinal and/or transverse side of the cushion to cause the support member to resist deformation of the support contour from contact with the pelvic area of the person when seated on the seat cushion. Connector member may be connected to the support member to extend along longitudinal and/or transverse sides of the cushion to deform and thereby adjust the support contour for better support of the pelvic area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Aspen Seating, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas R. Hetzel, Aaron D. Pierce, Steve Maurus
  • Patent number: 7373678
    Abstract: A flexible support structure of a seat cushion, such as a wheelchair cushion, has an upper surface with a support contour having relief areas for establishing relatively less pressure on skin adjacent to bony prominences of a user's pelvis and having a support area for establishing relatively more pressure on skin covering a tissue mass spaced from the bony prominences. A slit is formed in the rear corner of the support structure and an insertion member is inserted into the slit to change a position of the support area to thereby adjust the support contour for better support of the pelvic area. A cover encases the support structure to resist outward deformation of the support structure. The cover has an extension portion that expands the cover at the rear corner to increase a dimension of the cover to encase an increase dimension of the corner caused by the insertion of the insertion member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Aspen Seating, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas R. Hetzel, Joseph S. Bieganek, Steve Maurus
  • Publication number: 20080054702
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, the present invention provides a vehicle seat assembly comprising a cushion having an “A” surface and a “B” surface, a central portion, and two bolster areas, with each bolster area being adjacent the central portion, with 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%.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Asad S. Ali, Ashford A. Galbreath
  • Publication number: 20070278842
    Abstract: A seat structure includes a board that has a portion rolled up on a periphery of the board. The portion rolled up has a closed cross section with a generally polygonal cross sectional profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventors: Toshihisa Ikai, Mitsugu Udagawa, Kiyoyuki Makino
  • Patent number: 7273257
    Abstract: Mechanism for simultaneously turning up and stretching out an extension part (12,112) relative to a reference part (1,101),with a telescopic sliding profile element (10,110) connected to the reference part and to the extension part, The essentially fixed sliding profile element may be connected to said reference part via a pantograph framework The invention also relates to recliner chair constructions involving such mechanism for turning up and simultaneously stretching out a footrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: TOMOH GmbH
    Inventor: Koen De Vroe
  • Patent number: 7216388
    Abstract: A support contour of a cushion, such as a wheelchair cushion, defines relief areas at locations adjacent to skin covering the ischial tuberosities, the greater trochanters and the coccyx and sacrum of a person sitting on the support contour. Support areas of the support contour transfer force into the pelvic area adjacent to skin covering tissue masses on opposite lateral sides of the posterior buttocks and beneath the proximal thighs of the person. Greater clearance is also provided in the perineal area. Risks of pressure ulcers from pressure and shear forces on bony prominences is reduced while providing support at the broader areas without bony prominences in such a manner to encourage postural alignment. The risks of skin breakdown perineal are diminished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Aspen Seating, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph S. Bieganek, Thomas R. Hetzel
  • Patent number: 7140057
    Abstract: A flexible seat cushion, such as a wheelchair cushion, has an upper surface with a support contour for establishing relatively less pressure on skin adjacent to the bony prominences of the person's pelvic area and relatively more pressure on skin covering adjacent tissue masses. A support member is attached to the rear corner of the cushion. The support member has relatively less flexibility than the seat cushion. The support member is retained to a longitudinal and/or transverse side of the cushion to cause the support member to resist deformation of the support contour from contact with the pelvic area of the person when seated on the seat cushion. Connector member may be connected to the support member to extend along longitudinal and/or transverse sides of the cushion to deform and thereby adjust the support contour for better support of the pelvic area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Aspen Seating, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas R. Hetzel, Aaron D. Pierce, Steve Maurus
  • Patent number: 7114776
    Abstract: A lumbar support cushion consists of a seat portion and a back portion, foldably joined along a crease positioned therebetween. An opening extends in a continuous manner upward into the back portion, and downward into the seat portion. The opening may have an oval shape. In one embodiment, a support member is provided, and is positioned across the front of the back portion. The position of the support member along the back portion may be made adjustable, for example by the use of mating hook and loop material on the support member and a rear portion of the back portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Inventor: Charles M. Wiltberger
  • Patent number: 7040706
    Abstract: The present invention provides a seat that includes a seat comfort zone that peripherally encompasses a pelvic zone, a front seat zone adjacent to the front side of a seat comfort zone and a first side seat zone, second side seat zone and rear seat zone peripherally encompassing a first side, second side and rear side, respectively, of the seat comfort zone. The seat comfort zone, the pelvic zone, the first side seat zone, the second side seat zone, the front seat zone and the rear seat zone include a soft elastic material. Further, the front seat zone is less firm than the first side seat zone, the second side seat zone, the rear seat zone, the seat comfort zone and the pelvic zone. The first side seat zone, the second side seat zone and the rear seat zone are more firm than the front seat zone, the seat comfort zone and the pelvic zone. The pelvic zone is more elastic than the front seat zone, the comfort zone, the first side seat zone, the second side seat zone and the rear seat zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Phat Cushion LLC
    Inventor: Adam J. Koffler
  • Patent number: 6983991
    Abstract: A removable anatomic seat (10) comprises a support structure (22) for an anatomic seating recess (20) for a user, where the structure is rested above a piece of furniture (14) and where the recess (20) is hinged at least one end (at 24) to the structure (22), being foreseen lifting elements (30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44) to tilt the recess (20) with respect to the structure (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Inventor: Giancarlo Strona