Abstract: An air-pressure applying assembly for a seat, having an occupant holding portion, for selectively applying a desired pressure to the body of a seat occupant. This assembly includes an air-bag assembly, an air-pressure source, an inlet-conduit assembly, an exhaust valve assembly, and a control assembly. The air-bag assembly is removably mountable to the seat occupant holding portion. The inlet-conduit assembly is in fluid communication at one end to the air-pressure source and at another to the air-bag assembly. The exhaust valve assembly is in fluid communication at one end to the inlet conduit assembly and has an air-outlet at the other end. A control assembly is linked to the air pressure source and to the exhaust valve assembly.

Abstract: A portable pneumatic orthopedic body support device for selectively supporting body and torso areas of a user being seated atop a chair or seat. The device includes individual inflatable independent body and torso supports or chambers for legs, lumbar, shoulder blade and neck areas. These supports are independently inflatable and loosely connected together in spaced relationship preferably held thusly by a flexible air conduit assembly or harness. The device, wheel fully deflated includes a waist strap and flexible panels to enclose the supports and air pump/selector valve carryable around the waist as a fanny pack. A combination air pump and selector valve is also provided for selective delivery of compressed air through the conduit assembly to each of the inflatable supports separately and independently for maximum comfort, shape and size.

Abstract: A ventilated support structure for a vehicle, such as a bicycle, comprises a seat surface supported on a rigid or semi-rigid frame. The seat surface having a slot extending along the top surface of the support structure. The slot has at least one opening disposed therein. The support structure further comprises an air intake component positioned at the anterior of the support structure. The air intake component may be oriented at least partly in a direction of forward travel of the vehicle. A channel communicates the air intake component with the at least one opening in the slot so that air enters through the slot via the air intake component.

Abstract: An adaptive seat and backrest cushion, divided into a seat cushion and a backrest cushion of essentially the same construction. A number of webs are introduced between an upper skin and a lower skin of an airtight shell by welding or gluing. The first webs are of simple construction, the second webs are of double construction each with a cavity between the webs. The space within the shell is filled with compressed air at a pressure p1, the cavities can be pressurised as required with compressed air at a pressure of p2, where p2>p1. The thickness as well as the softness of the seat or backrest cushion can thus be altered.

Abstract: A ball chair with a retaining device has a seat (10), a spherical cushion (20) and two retaining pieces. The spherical cushion (20) rests on the seat (10). The two retaining pieces are selective retaining rods or retaining walls and are respectively attached to a rear end and a front end of the seat (10). Thus, the spherical cushion (20) is held between the two retaining pieces and firmly secured on the seat (10) to keep the spherical cushion (20) from falling off the ball chair.

Abstract: An inflatable lifting cushion for an articulated chair including a five-sided polygon capable that is longitudinally aligned on the seat and back of the chair. The cushion includes triangular side walls and at least one interior plenum having an air inlet port enabling air to enter and exit the plenum. A system for transferring a patient is provided including an articulated chair having a back and seat that are arranged to cooperate with one another for movement between an upright position and a reclining position. An inflatable lifting cushion is longitudinally positioned upon the back and the seat of the articulated chair. The inflatable lifting cushion comprises a five-sided polygon including triangular side walls and at least one interior plenum having an air inlet port enabling air to enter and exit the plenum.

Abstract: A furniture assembly includes a flexible outer envelope, an inner envelope, and a rigid inner frame. The outer envelope includes an upper receiving chamber, an upper access opening in communication with the upper receiving chamber, a lower receiving chamber, and a lower access opening in communication with the lower receiving chamber. The inner envelope is disposed in the upper receiving chamber, and is filled with a cushioning material. The rigid inner frame is disposed in the lower receiving chamber.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, an inflatable furniture structure is provided. The inflatable furniture structure may include, for example, at least one inflatable compartment and a least one storage compartment having a transparent surface.

Abstract: A mounting system for an air supply and control system used in an article of furniture is disclosed. The mounting system is especially suited for applications where the seat back has a hollow portion to contain the control system. The mounting system incorporates vinyl pouches attached to a plastic member that is attached to the seat back with elastic straps. Each vinyl pouch is suited for holding an air control assembly that can include an air pump, motor, and fluidic control device.

Abstract: A multi-layer cushion having a shaped base on which is positioned a resilient, cushioning layer. The shaped base is constructed from a supportive foam and has front and lateral bolsters. The cushioning layer is an inflatable air cell cushion having a flexible base and an array of individual air cells arranged in rows across the flexible base. Rows of cells around the perimeter of the air cell cushion are configured to provide comfortable transition areas between the bolsters and the air cell cushion. The cushion includes a cover that has a lower compartment for the foam base and an upper compartment for the air cell layer. The cover functions to keep the air cell layer in place on the foam layer.

Abstract: A multiple position air mattress system for achieving various support positions includes a first mattress, a second mattress, and a bellows unit attached to the second mattress. The bellows unit is extendable for either elevating the second mattress or providing a support for an individual. A pump unit is adapted to be fluidly connected to and for providing pressurized air to the first mattress, the second mattress and the bellows unit. The multiple position air mattress can assume a prone bed position with the mattresses longitudinally adjacent each other and the bellows unit deflated, a recessed lounge position with the mattresses longitudinally adjacent each other and the bellows unit inflated and atop the second mattress, an adjustable lounge position with the mattresses longitudinally adjacent each other and the bellows unit inflated under the second mattress, and a chair position with the first mattress under the second mattress, and the mattresses and bellows unit inflated.

Abstract: A seating means formed by a plurality of support units, each one with two kinds of separate chambers connected by free flow ducts; a main chamber filled with liquid, and empty and larger capacity secondary chamber(s). Each support unit corresponds to a specific contact area of the human body. Only main chambers come into contact with the body of the user, receiving the user's weight pushing through the free flow ducts, towards their respective secondary chambers, a volume of liquid equal to the volume displaced by the weight received and wherein an individual control of pressure and flotation is established due to the shape and position of secondary chambers and the density of the liquid contained. The support units are outfitted with independent filling and drainage valves as well as temperature control and leakage control devices.

Abstract: A saddle, specifically designed for bicycles, comprises a framework (2) to be coupled to a supporting element and a padding element (3), thereon a user will seat, the saddle being characterized in that it comprises a cushion element (4), including at least a fluid-filled deformable vessel.

Abstract: Padding for seats, in particular vehicle seats, has a padded body predetermining the contour of the padded surface, which can be changed. In order to adjust the padded surface contour to support the body of a seated person in an individual and orthopaedically correct manner, avoiding hardening of the padded surface which has an adverse effect on the seat comfort, the padded body is composed, at least in subregions, of a plurality of individual padded segments which are arranged next to one another and can be displaced relative to one another in the direction of the normal of the padded surface. Adjusting elements can displace the padded elements individually.

Abstract: A low profile sensor assembly for use in a vehicle occupant sensing system that comprises a base, an upper slide member, and at least one intermediate guide member. Also disclosed is a low profile sensor assembly for use in a vehicle occupant sensing system that comprises a base with an outer step and a receptacle, and the low profile sensor assembly also comprises an upper slide member with a lower flange and a retainer. The outer step is adapted to accept the lower flange, and the receptacle is adapted to accept the retainer. The intermediate guide member, the outer step, and the receptacle each allow the respective upper slide member to move further toward the base. Thus, when the low profile sensor assembly is incorporated into a vehicle seat assembly, the low profile sensor assembly is less likely to detrimentally affect the comfort level of the vehicle seat assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant sensing system that includes a sensor assembly. The sensor assembly has a housing that includes a base and an upper slide member. The upper slide member is moveable toward and away from the base. A sensor is operatively fixed relative to at least one of the upper slide member and the base and is operable to detect movement of the upper slide member toward and away from the base. Additionally, the vehicle occupant sensing system includes a variable biasing member adapted to bias the upper slide member away from the base with a force that is non-linearly related to movement of the upper slide member toward and away from the base. The vehicle occupant sensing system of the present invention may be employed in a vehicle seat assembly to detect a condition of the vehicle seat assembly.

Abstract: A ball chair with a securing device has a seat (10) with a backrest (14), a ball-shaped cushion (20), a guard rod (30) holding the ball-shaped cushion (20) with the backrest (14), multiple strengthening blocks (40) attached under the seat (10), and multiple legs attached to the seat (10) by the multiple strengthening blocks (40). Each strengthening block (40) is non-hollow to provide an anti-crack efficiency to joints connected to the legs. Additionally, a cone-shaped post is clamped between one strengthening block (40) and one corresponding leg to adjust a total height of the ball chair.

Abstract: A child seat includes a seat body having a seat portion, a rear portion, and left and right side panels; airbags to be inflated at sides of a head of a child; and hollow cushions disposed along inner surfaces of the side panels. When an automobile equipped with the child seat collides, the airbags are inflated at the sides of the head of the child, so that an impact applied to the head is absorbed. Furthermore, the cushions absorb a large impact from sides in a side collision and the like. The cushions are preferably disposed below regions where the airbags are inflated. The cushions receive a part of the child other than the head to absorb the impact.

Abstract: A ball chair with a retaining device has a seat (10), a spherical cushion (20) and two retaining pieces. The spherical cushion (20) rests on the seat (10). The two retaining pieces are selective retaining rods or retaining walls and are respectively attached to a rear end and a front end of the seat (10). Thus, the spherical cushion (20) is held between the two retaining pieces and firmly secured on the seat (10) to keep the spherical cushion (20) from falling off the ball chair.

Abstract: A seating means formed by a plurality of support units, each one with two kinds of separate chambers connected by free flow ducts; a main chamber filled with liquid, and empty and larger capacity secondary chamber(s). Each support unit corresponds to a specific contact area of the human body. Only main chambers come into contact with the body of the user, receiving the user's weight pushing through the free flow ducts, towards their respective secondary chambers, a volume of liquid equal to the volume displaced by the weight received and wherein an individual control of pressure and flotation is established due to the shape and position of secondary chambers and the density of the liquid contained. The support units are outfitted with independent filling and drainage valves as well as temperature control and leakage control devices.

Abstract: The pad structure for a baby stroller mainly is composed of a piece of lining cloth and a plurality of soft pads; wherein the lining cloth has a plurality of inner receiving pockets, the soft pads include a backrest pad and a seat pad to be received respectively in the inner receiving pockets of the lining cloth, the backrest pad and the seat pad form respectively at least an airway, the airways respectively have air faucets for aeration, the backrest pad and the seat pad thereby have appropriate elasticity. The airways are provided at suitable locations thereon with hot pressed points for avoiding raising of the central areas of the airways byoverlarge length of the airways to thereby keep flatness and tidiness of the airways after aeration.

Abstract: An inflatable bladder supports the body of a person and relieves pressure on a portion of the body not engaging the bladder. The bladder has at least one rear chamber adapted to receive and maintain a first charge of fluid. At least one front chamber supports the legs of the person and has two support legs. The support legs are spaced apart from each other to form a channel between the support legs. The channel is sized and shaped for placement beneath a portion of the body to relieve pressure on the portion. The front chamber is adapted to receive and maintain a second charge of fluid separately from the rear chamber.

Abstract: A self inflating pneumatic seat cushion, especially for automobile seats, has foam filled bladders and bolsters. A pneumatic pumping chamber intakes air through an inlet and distributes air to the cushion bladders and bolsters through outlet tubes. The motion of a seat occupant against the pneumatic pumping chamber bladder operates to let air in through the inlet and distribute it through the outlet tubes. A collapsible seat has an exhaust valve for compressing the bladders in a stowed position. The exhaust valve may have an adjustable pressure release.

Abstract: A convertible inflatable furnishing is disclosed. The furnishing can form a chair shape that can be converted into a supportive shape for massage and stretching by deflating and securing the backrest inside the furnishing. The chair is also capable of being rocked, reclined, and packed into itself.

Abstract: A vehicle seat cushion and assembly including a support, a polyurethane foam base on the support, an inflatable air cell cushion on the base and an elastic cover. The inflatable air cell cushion includes individual inflation zones each comprised of individual interconnected inflation cells. The zones are normally isolated from each other. A center zone having a preset inflation pressure is positioned under the ischial area of the driver. Front, back and side bolster zones provide front-to-back and side-to-side support. The individual air cells of the center zone are interconnected by a airflow path having a flow pattern and diameter that restricts air flow among the cells to enhance the vibration and shock absorption characteristics of the zone.

Abstract: A vehicle seat has a back-rest (1) and a squab (2), a transverse beam (3) provided at the front of the squab is provided with a chamber (13), at least part of one wall being constituted by a plastically deformable metal sheet (12). The chamber is associated with a gas generator adapted to inflate the chamber (13) with an associated plastic deformation of the sheet. The inflated chamber minimizes the risk of an occupant of the seat “submarining” beneath a safety belt.

Abstract: A seat cushion includes two hollow bodies, an inner hollow body of generally a round shape and an outer hollow body surrounding the inner hollow body and of generally a toroid or donut-like shape. The inner hollow body has a gas inlet and a liquid inlet, whereas the outer hollow body has a gas inlet. When filled with a gas, generally air, the outer hollow body forms a firm boundary around the seat cushion to provide a sitter with better sitting stability. When filled with a gas and a liquid, generally air and water, the inner hollow body has free spaces therein for generating liquid surface wave motion and thus is capable of providing a massage effect.

Abstract: A ball chair with a securing device has a seat (10), a ball-shaped cushion (20) and a guard rod (30). The ball-shaped cushion (20) rests on the seat (10). The seat (10) has a backrest (13) attached to a rear end of the seat (10), and the guard rod (30) is erected at a front end of the seat (10). Thus, the ball-shaped cushion (20) is firmly secured on the seat (10) to avoid danger of a user falling when sitting on the ball chair.

Abstract: Disclosed is a seat cushion assembly, whose cushioning effect can be maintained even when a user sits on the seat cushion assembly for a long time, thereby providing the user with more improved comfort and overcoming the problems of the conventional seat cushion such as trouble in the circulation of blood. The seat cushion assembly includes a coat member and a porous cushioning member. The coat member includes a first cushion coat and a second cushion overlapped on each other. A first space is formed in the first cushion coat, and a second space is formed in the second cushion coat. The first space is filled with a predetermined quantity of air which provides elasticity for the first cushion coat, and a plurality of pores are formed through the second cushion coat. The porous cushioning member is contained in the second space, and is made from elastic and flexible material, thereby providing elasticity for the seat cushion assembly.

Abstract: An inflatable lumbar support arrangement includes a pump unit for selectively inflating a bladder whereby the bladder is located in the lumbar region of the backrest. The pump unit is connected to the bladder and includes a pump and a release valve. The pump unit further includes a single actuator handle which projects sidewardly from below the seat and is movable vertically in opposite directions. The actuator handle operatively cooperates with both the pump and the release valve which are thereby operated by movement of the actuator handle in the opposite directions. As such, the pump is operated to inflate the bladder by repetitive movement of the actuator handle in one direction, while the release valve is opened by movement of the actuator handle in the opposite direction.

Abstract: An article of furniture includes a support having a support surface. A plurality of air bladders are positioned relative to the support surface, each air bladder having expandable foam therein. At least one fluid line fluidly couples the air bladders together. A single valve is fluidly coupled with the at least one fluid line. A contoured cushion has an inner contoured portion generally conforming to said plurality of air bladders. The plurality of air bladders are mounted between the support surface and the contoured cushion.

Abstract: A resilient cushion includes a base sheet and a cover sheet sealed to the base sheet along spaced apart strips to form a matrix of sac like areas therebetween. A gel fills each of the sac like areas and a plurality of openings through the base and cover sheets along the strips are provided for enabling the passage of a fluid therethrough. The resilient cushion may include sac like areas disposed on both sides of a base layer and the use of gels of different resiliency may be utilized to provide a tailoring of overall cushioning resiliency.

Abstract: The present invention uses air, among other things, to provide cushioning on a seat in order to cushion the genital-perineal area, the medial aspect of the upper leg area, and the buttocks area of a user. In addition, the present invention relates to seat cushion devices that are essentially self-inflating, and capable of deflation by the user. Furthermore, the present invention relates to seat cushion devices in which the user may vary the amount of air that the device contains for cushioning purposes. The present invention comprises a deformable cushion surrounded by an airtight chamber. In addition, the airtight chamber has a release valve mounted though it, which serves to either allow or prevent air flow to or from the deformable cushion. In order to decrease the amount of air that is used for cushioning, the user compresses the deformable cushion, thereby forcing air out of the deformable cushion through the release valve.

Abstract: A portable aircraft cushion that may be selectively used by passengers seated in standard aircraft seats to provide greater back, head, and neck support so that the passengers may sleep easier. In the preferred embodiment, the cushion comprises a lower body support section made of a plurality of transversely aligned, interconnected air chambers which are filled with air using a supplied pump or the aircraft air ventilation system. When inflated, the top air chambers in the body support section are positioned approximately level with the top edge of the seat when fully reclined. Located above the body support section is an inflatable head and neck support section that extends above the top edge of the seat when inflated to support the user's head and neck. In the preferred embodiment, the head and neck section comprises two lateral support chambers separated by non-inflating webbing material.

Abstract: The inflatable cushion, pyramidal in shape, with a protective back flap, disclosed herein is relatively soft, conformable, and easy to transport. It is remarkable in its ability to facilitate sitting on a sloping surface by providing an enhanced measure of security, stability and comfort.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel seating device (1) with an elastic support element (2), at least one support leg (3) and a seat element (4), wherein the support element (2) has a substantially toroidal support body (9) standing on the ground. One great advantage provided by the novel seating device is that upward and downward movements can be slightly dampened thereby substantially alleviating the load on the back. Slight circular movements can also be effected which have an especially prophylactic effect against possible back injuries.

Abstract: A multi-layer cushion having a shaped base on which is positioned a resilient, cushioning layer. The shaped base is constructed from a supportive foam and has front and lateral bolsters. The cushioning layer is an inflatable air cell cushion having a flexible base and an array of individual air cells arranged in rows across the flexible base. Rows of cells around the perimeter of the air cell cushion are configured to provide comfortable transition areas between the bolsters and the air cell cushion. The cushion includes a cover that has a lower compartment for the foam base and an upper compartment for the air cell layer. The cover functions to keep the air cell layer in place on the foam layer.

Abstract: A ventilated support structure for a vehicle, such as a bicycle, comprising an upper side having a seat surface which is supported on a rigid or semi-rigid frame on which is anchored elastically flexible padding there between. The support structure may further comprise an aperture in an anterior portion of the frame. The aperture may be oriented at least partly in a direction of forward travel of the vehicle. An air distribution channel is connected to the aperture and is also connected to a plurality of air discharge openings to ventilate the seat surface.

Abstract: An improved vehicle seat assembly for mounting on the frame of a vehicle driver's seat including a polymer support plate attached to the frame, a polyurethane foam base on the support, an inflatable air cell cushion on the base and an elastic cover. The inflatable air cell cushion includes individual inflation zones each comprised of individual interconnected inflation cells. The zones are normally isolated from each other. A center zone having a preset inflation pressure is positioned under the ischial area of the driver. Front, back and side bolster zones provide front-to-back and side-to-side support. The individual air cells of the center zone are interconnected by a serpentine airflow path of reduced area to enhance the vibration and shock absorption characteristics of the zone.

Abstract: An ergonomic seating unit is disclosed for promoting active and dynamic sitting and eliminating fatigue resulting from extended sitting. The seating unit comprises a substantially egg-shaped, or ball-shaped, fluid filled, deformable balloon forming a flexible, mobile seat which conforms to the shape of a user when sat upon, and a main frame for loosely containing the flexible balloon being freely removable from the main frame when the seating unit is unoccupied and being movably wedged in place by the main frame when the seat is occupied.

Abstract: A safety seat for children including a seat surface portion (10) is made in an air cushion structure expanding due to an injection of air. A back rest reclining portion (20) connected to the seat surface portion (10) is formed in a vest shape so as to fix the child the safety seat. An air cushion (23) is mounted to the back rest reclining portion (20). It is possible to fold up the seat surface portion (10) and the back rest reclining portion (20) by taking the air out. In spite of the flexible structure, which can be easily transferred and stored, it is possible to allow a child to sit at a high position and prevent a cooped-up feeling.

Abstract: An article of furniture includes a support having a support surface. A plurality of air bladders are positioned relative to the support surface, each air bladder having expandable foam therein. At least one fluid line fluidly couples the air bladders together. A single valve is fluidly coupled with the at least one fluid line. A contoured cushion has an inner contoured portion generally conforming to said plurality of air bladders. The plurality of air bladders are mounted between the support surface and the contoured cushion.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, an inflatable furniture structure is provided. The inflatable furniture structure may include, for example, at least one inflatable compartment and a least one storage compartment having a transparent surface.

Abstract: An air and sonic massaging apparatus for providing an improved massaging effect with opposing lower air nodes beneath the upper air nodes in order to provide the user with greater displacement when patterned inflation and deflation of the device occurs. The apparatus includes an air device and a sonic device which is located underneath the air device. The air and sonic massaging apparatus inhibits turning forces and sideway motions, and keeps the motion more linear and at a higher consistent force. The apparatus has separate air flow circuits that provide alternating or conjoined patterns of inflation and deflation on a single device. The sonic device includes a sonic transducer that creates acoustic waves generated by a rigid transmission plate through movement by the translation of significant solid mass. The sonic device provides high magnitudes of acoustic energy to the directly coupled air device or directly coupled to the user's body air cavity.

Abstract: A conforming air and foam support device for providing support to a body or a body part of an individual, where the conforming shape of the support device suspends the foam in order to cradle the body or the body part of the individual sitting or resting on the support device. The support device has an air bladder structure with at least one central opening and at least two foam slab members being slightly longer and wider than the air bladder structure. The air bladder structure is sandwiched between the at least two slab members, where the two foam slab members are bonded to the air bladder structure in the deflated condition as well to each other at the central opening to form the conforming air and foam support device. Once the air bladder structure is inflated, the upper foam slab member forms at least one concave surface while the lower foam slab member forms at least one convex surface at the central portions in order to cradle the body or the body part of an individual.

Abstract: A breathable cushion includes a base sheet having a circumference in a matrix of openings therethrough along with a cover sheet having a matrix of openings aligned with the base sheet openings and sealed to the base sheet along the base sheet circumference. A gel is disposed between the base and cover sheets with the gel being continuous between the base sheet and the cover sheet openings. The cover sheet is sealed to the base sheet or on each of the base sheet openings for forming a matrix of pockets with each pocket surrounding a sheet opening.

Abstract: A vehicle seat arrangement having a plurality of air cells therein for supporting a user including a plurality of air cells (100) with expandable chambers comprising a fixed array; a controller (110) for connecting said plurality of air cells and a fluid supply system that includes fittings for cutting off one or more of the air cells from the controller to conform the fixed array of air cells to one of a plurality of vehicle types (100, 112, 118).

Abstract: A chair for a female in labor that includes a frame, and a ball for providing a seat for the female in labor. The frame includes a base, a back support member, and a horizontal moving assembly for movably adjusting the back support member horizontally relative to the base. The base includes a rim portion, a plate, and a pair of feet. The back support member includes a pair of feet, a pair of legs that have a pair of lower portions and a pair of upper portions, a transverse member, a plate with a throughslot, a back support assembly, and a vertical moving assembly for movably adjusting the back support assembly vertically relative to the upper portions of the pair of legs thereof. The back support assembly includes a cushion. The horizontal-moving assembly includes a pair of sleeves, and a pair of pins. The vertical moving assembly includes a threaded shaft, a pair of pins, and an internally threaded pin.

Abstract: An improved vehicle seat assembly for mounting on the frame of a vehicle driver's seat including a polymer support plate attached to the frame, a polyurethane foam base on the support, an inflatable air cell cushion on the base and an elastic cover. The inflatable air cell cushion includes individual inflation zones each comprised of individual interconnected inflation cells. The zones are normally isolated from each other. A center zone having a preset inflation pressure is positioned under the ischial area of the driver. Front, back and side bolster zones provide front-to-back and side-to-side support. The individual air cells of the center zone are interconnected by a serpentine airflow path of reduced area to enhance the vibration and shock absorption characteristics of the zone.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to a seating system and more particularly to seat cushion assemblies having a rearward depression and cushioning insert tailored to fit under the skeletal structure of the user. In particular, the assembly preferably includes an inflatable air insert which is made of a series of pleated air cells where the insert generally has the same outline as the depression. The insert can be inflated during use using a one-handed pump.