Abstract: A seat cushion system that reduces the vertical impact to the seat occupant within the space and cost constraints of existing seat support structures. In one embodiment, the seat cushion employs a series of layers of varying density and lateral displacement foams with a rigid or semi-rigid material within the cushion. Each layer of foam can change in both density and lateral displacement depending on the volumetric space available. Another embodiment demonstrates how only two layers of differing densities and lateral displacement can greatly reduce the impact force from vertical thrust.

Abstract: A position adjustable headrest includes a bag-shaped outer skin member defining an inside space thereof. The outer skin member has first inwardly-bent end portions which are opposed to and in abutment with each other. The first inwardly-bent end portions define a first slit therebetween. The outer skin member has second and third slits formed therethrough which are opposed to each other and extend from longitudinally opposed ends of the first slit. A pad member made of plastic is covered by the outer skin member. The plastic is foamed and cured in the inside space so as to fill the inside space with the plastic and to press the first inwardly-bent end portions against each other, thereby closing the first slit tightly to prevent the plastic from leaking out through the first slit. Two stays project outwardly through the second and third slits respectively.

Abstract: A method of making a crowned cushion element is provided. The method includes the steps of forming a foam pan of a bottom and side walls of foam pieces, positioning foam slabs therein in which at least one of the slabs has a greater relaxed height than the side walls, and then adhering a top onto the foam slabs to form the cushion. The slabs are positioned within the foam pan in such a manner that they remain separated from one another when under normal compression by a user seated on the cushion. Also, the at least one slab having the greater relaxed height than the side walls also has a relaxed height greater than the width of the slab along a direction transverse to the elongate direction on either the face of the slab in contact with the top piece or the face in contact with the bottom piece of the cushion element.

Abstract: A fused plastisol shock absorbing pad that is encapsulated in an impermeable elastic cover formed from a blown polyester or polyether based urethane film and the method for manufacturing the same that includes the steps of forming the film cover, filling the film cover with the liquid plastisol, heating the pad to fuse the plastisol. In an application of the pad on bicycle seats, a pad assembly is provided that, in addition to the pad, includes a pad retainer constructed from stretch material, this fits over the pad and securely holds the pad on the bicycle seat.

Abstract: A seat (1), in particular for vehicles, with foamed plastic padding (4, 5), has a supporting body (7) made of an open-cell elastic foamed plastic having a first specific gravity. A flame-retardant layer (12) made of an open-cell elastic foamed plastic having a second specific gravity different from the first and/or an upholstery material (14) is provided. An intermediate layer (9) is arranged between the supporting body (7) and the flame-retardant layer (12) and/or the upholstery material (14). The intermediate layer is non-flamable, and composed of a lattice or mesh of high temperature resistant fiber or threads, and/or liquid repellent. The supporting body (7) can be foamed on to the intermediate layer (9). A process for manufacturing the seat (1) is also described.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a portion of a vehicle seat assembly utilizing a stylized forming tool and bonding a seat cover to a foam seat bun having a predetermined surface contour. The seat cover is positioned exterior side down on the stylized forming tool. A film of air impermeable material is then placed over the seat cover and a vacuum is applied between the impermeable material and the forming tool so as to draw the seat cover down into substantial conformity with style lines on the upper surface of the forming tool. The impermeable material is then removed and an adhesive coated foam seat bun is positioned and compressed against the seat cover on the forming tool. Once the seat cover and the seat bun are bonded together by the adhesive, the seat assembly is removed from the forming tool. The outer edges of the seat covers are then fastened together or to the underside of the seat bun so as to complete the assembly of the seat portion.

Abstract: An improved bicycle seat comprising a rigid shell supporting a foam layer having a pad of thermoplastic elastomer honeycomb either bonded thereto or embedded within said foam. A durable skin covers the shell, foam and padding layers. In an alternative embodiment, the foam, padding and covering skin are combined in a seat cover to be used over a standard bicycle seat.

Abstract: A lightweight seating arrangement having an envelope with an upper layer and a lower layer defining a pad-receiving, air-tight cavity. A pad is positioned within the cavity and preferrably bonded to the upper layer and lower layer. The pad folds along a fold line from a flat position to a position in which a back portion extends upwardly from the seat portion and the back portion is movable towards and away from the seat portion along the fold line. The pad may be comprised of two parts, one in the seat portion and one in the back portion, with a space therebetween to provide the fold line. Flaps extending completely across the seating arrangement are provided at the remote ends thereof and overly a portion of both the back portion and the seat portion. Tab portions are coupled to the flaps at the sides thereof and flexible straps, which are detachably coupled together, are provided on the tab portions.

Abstract: An automobile seat assembly includes a seat cushion subassembly and a seat back subassembly coupled with the seat cushion subassembly to represent a generally L-shaped configuration. A holding device is installed in the seat cushion subassembly and is deformable in response to the sitting of a seat occupant on a sitting area of the seat cushion subassembly and holds the sitting area in a deformed shape resulting from the seat occupant sitting on the sitting area. An actuating device installed in the seat cushion subassembly actuates the holding device. A detecting device detects the actual sitting position of the seat occupant on the sitting area. A control device is operable to operate the actuating device a predetermined time after the detecting device has detected the actual sitting position of the seat occupant on the sitting area.

Abstract: A boat captain's helm chair has a seat part which is movable forwardly and rearwardly relative to a support, and a backrest with a retaining member such that its forward movement is counteracted. The forward portion of the seat part is rounded relative to the remaining portion to provide a support for the user in both a sitting and semi-standing rearward leaning postural position. Side portions of the seat extend forwardly of its mid portion to prevent lateral movements of the user. A compressive distortion of the armrest is counteracted by a dense U-shaped shock absorber to prevent the distortion of the armrest from constant use.

Abstract: The cushion has a contoured base with a layer of resilient cushion foam thereover. The cushion foam is of uniform thickness over a substantial part of the base and is suitably covered. The shape is such that the buttocks of the seated person are clasped positioned rather than supported. A recess is provided under the ischia, under the trochanters, and beneath the sciatic nerves to limit the local pressure. In one configuration, these recesses may contain air bladders which are inflated by body motion against a back bladder in the cushion. In another embodiment, the various bladders may be sequentially pressurized to shift the bearing areas under the buttocks of the seated user in order to periodically lift the user for stimulating blood circulation.

Abstract: A resilient padding body which comprises an intermediate base layer and upper protruberances extending upwardly off the surface of the base layer and bottom protruberances extending downwardly off a lower surface of the base layer. The padding body includes longitudinal and lateral upper recesses which are formed between the upper protruberances. The upper protruberances have side walls which slope inwardly to form an object which is in the shape of a trancated pyramid and angled recesses. The base of the upper protruberances is essentially coplanar with the base member's upper surface. The base of each upper protruberance is separated by a slit which extends into the base member for about one half of the base member's thickness. The bottom protruberances include foundation sections which have vertical side walls. The foundation sections are spaced sufficiently to form a narrow channel between adjacent foundation section walls.

Abstract: A method of assembling a vehicle seat by bonding adhesively a trim cover assembly to a preformed foam cushion member. In the assemblage, a location board having a serrated part on its side is sewn to the trim cover assembly such that the serrated part projects from the reverse surface of cover assembly, and such assembly is turned over and placed on a lower die having a location groove which includes a vertically curved part. The location board is fitted and bent vertically along such location groove, which permits bonding of the cover assembly neatly over the uneven surface of cushion member, without slack and wrinkles, when pressing the cushion member against the cover assembly by means of an upper die.

Abstract: A method and structure for manufacture of a foam cushion article. The method of constructing the cushion article does not require the use of a conventional mold and is performed by placing a frame within the space to be filled with foam. Fabric is then disposed around the frame in a step toward the formation of a preselected geometric shape for the cushion article. Subsequently, a skeletal assembly is positioned externally against the fabric in a final step to achieve the preselected geometric shape. The method allows production of a structure which includes selected areas of fabric bonded and unbonded to foam material. The method also allows substantial degrees of freedom in generating and positioning regions of preformed cushions or of different density foam cushions and in controlling overall strength and bonding between the different cushions and the fabric.

Abstract: A process for the production of a headrest with an articulated insert, comprises casting in situ polyurethane foam (7) within an external cover in which is disposed an insert (5) having articulated legs (4) that protrude from the cover, then hollowing out, by means of heating elements (2), swinging spaces (3) for the articulated legs (4) of the insert (5) by hot fusion of the external cover (6) and of the polyurethane foam (7) at the corresponding locations (8) of the headrest (1), and simultaneously heat sealing the external cover (6) and the surface of the polyurethane foam (7) bordering the swinging spaces (3).

Abstract: A seat cushion comprising an upper foamed layer of low impact resilience having a ratio of not higher than 25% which exhibits high hysteresis loss and at least one foamed layer supporting said upper layer of higher impact resilience as well as a method for producing the same.

Abstract: A soft foam article (20) and a method for making the article are disclosed as including a permeable cover (24) of a cloth type sheet construction having an interior (26) and an exterior (28) as well as including an open cell soft polyurethane foam (30) molded in situ within the cover in direct engagement with the cover interior without permeating the cover. The soft foam article (20) is disclosed as a soft toy (22) and as seating components embodied by a seat cushion (52), a seat back (54), a headrest (56), and an armrest (58). The in situ molding of the soft polyurethane foam is achieved by the use of an aqueous gel coating (34) on the cover interior (26) so as to prevent a liquid foam mixture from permeating the cover while still permitting escape of any air within the cover and of gas generated during the foaming.

Abstract: A mobile chair is disclosed which includes a seat form 60 having an integrally-formed back portion 61 and base portion 62. The lengths of the back and base portions can be extended by the addition of extension segments 19 and 92. An alternative seat form configuration comprises two separate portions 61 and 62 interconnected by a plurality of multileveled hinges 63, to allow the angle between the back portion 61 and the base portion 62 to be varied. The extension segments are secured to the previous extension segment or to the basic portion by two segment bolts 68 which have a threaded shaft 70 and a slotted head 69 with a threaded bore 71. The bolts engage a threaded bore 67 in the base or back portions or the threaded bore 71 of the previous extension segment bolt 68. A pommel 81 is releasably connected to the base portion 62 to improve abduction.

Abstract: A wheel chair cushion and the like is disclosed which includes a cushion formed of a deformable resilient material. The cushion includes a base having a front wall and a rear wall. A plurality of individual foam springs are carried by the base having support surfaces which lie in a plane that is inclined to the base surface of said base as extending from said front wall to said rear wall. A pressure relief cut-out is formed substantially in its entirety from a mid-line of said cushion rearwardly so as to be disposed underneath the buttocks of a person sitting on the cushion to relieve pressure in that area and provide increased compressibility of the foam springs in the pressure relief area to disperse pressure and provide a resilient depression in the cushion to enhance the patient retention capability of the cushion as used in a wheel chair.

Abstract: A support structure is provided which effects a pressure equalization. It mprises an enclosure filled with a large number of loose pieces. In a special embodiment the loose pieces are surrounded by a low friction material, such as nylon fabric, and are made of a deformable material, preferably foam-material. Another embodiment provides balloon-shaped pieces. Further an outer cover surrounding the enclosure may be provided.

Abstract: In order to produce a much simpler and in particular lighter-weight wheel-chair than existing models, and to achieve at the same time optimum rigidity and safety, the surface of the seat (3), back support (1) and side-walls (5) are designed as a self-supporting monocoque construction, in self-reinforced and/or foam plastic. The base (25) carried by the wheels (17,37) also consists of self-reinforcing and/or foam plastic. The monocoque construction and base are integrally formed and have a height adjustment feature.

Abstract: A structure of a vehicle seat, wherein the seat is formed by a trim cover assembly and a foam padding covered therewith, the trim cover assembly being composed of an animal-leather surface covering layer, a wadding and a wadding cover. While the animal-leather surface covering layer is merely placed on the foam wadding without any adhesive, the wadding cover is bonded to the uneven surface of the foam padding by an adhesive, with the surface covering layer sewn with the foam wadding and wadding cover, to thereby avoid creation of wrinkles and appearing of the back skin rough creases on the outer surface of the trim cover assembly.

Abstract: A skin covered foamed plastic seat with indentations in which it is possible to obtain indentations of the desired shape at the desired location. The skin covered foamed plastic seat includes a clip for securing engagement between the sewed up portions of the skin cover and the protrusions provided on the molding surface, having a shape enabling a tight gripping of the clip on the protrusions, and having holes connecting an inner side of the clip with an outer side of the clip for allowing penetration of liquid foam resin into the inner side of the clip.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly having a molded foam cushion body and a pair of molded foam bolster bodies covered by a cover member which is bonded to the cushion body and the bolsters during molding. The cushion body foam is poured in place onto a portion of the cover member and the foam for the bolster bodies is poured in place adjacent the cushion body preferably at the same time. The bolster bodies can thus have a density differing from the foam cushion body to provide differing deflection characteristics in the bolsters than in the cushion body.

Abstract: An anatomical multilayer seat for use on a bicycle or the like. The seat comprises a formed substantially rigid shell covered by a flexible cover sheet and having a layer of soft encapsulated gel material provided between the cover shell and the seat shell. The encapsulated gel layer is constrained against any appreciable lateral movement while permitting only limited deflection of the gel during use by a lower formed foam layer provided between the shell and the cover sheet to produce a controlled graduated support for the rider. If desired, a second upper layer of a resilient material can be advantageously provided between the gel layer and the cover sheet of the seat for encapsulating the gel layer. The invention also includes a method for making the anatomical multilayer seat.

Abstract: In a seat for use in an automotive vehicle, a trim cover is bonded at least at its seat base partly only to a molded polyurethane foam functioning as a seat cushion member and is not substantially bonded at its flap and side parts to the molded polyurethane foam, so that an internal defect can be easily repaired by merely stripping off a corresponding portion of the trim cover. The trim cover may consist of a cover member only, or a filler pad may be only locally bonded to the cover member. The molded polyurethane foam may be formed by foaming and molding a polyurethane resin solution or may be supplied in the form of a slab.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a vehicle seat cover and bonding the vehicle seat cover to a foam bun utilizing a style insert. The style insert is formed by taking a breathable cloth fabric and laminating it to a sheet of foam material. The composite so formed is then cut to a desired styled insert shape and sewn to the vehicle seat cover skirt to form a seat cover assembly.The composite, which may include an air impermeable barrier sheet or the barrier sheet may be included in the composite between the foam and fabric sheets, is positioned on a forming tool having removable style inserts, with the cloth side of the composite against the insert. An impermeable film is then positioned over the foam side of the insert composite and a vacuum drawn the forming tool and the impermeable film to draw the composite down into conformity with the style lines of the tool insert. An adhesively coated foam bun is then positioned and pressed against the composite on the forming tool.

Abstract: A support cushion has a flexible, airtight casing having a support layer on one side defining a support surface for being engaged by a portion of a body to be supported. A resilient layer of foam is disposed within the casing generally coextensive with the casing support layer support surface for normally urging the casing toward an expanded condition. A fluid-filled pad is positioned within the casing adjacent the additional foam material. A valve is mounted to the casing for communicating with the interior of the casing and is operable for preventing or permitting flow of air through the valve into and out of the casing.

Abstract: An internal cushion element is constructed in the form of a box. It has a top wall, bottom wall, and side walls to define an internal cavity. A plurality of spaced vertical foam spacer slabs are positioned in the cavity extending from the front of the box to the back of the box, and from the bottom of the box to the top of the box. The strips are spaced apart in generally parallel rows. The relaxed state height of at least some of the strips is higher than that of the outside walls. Thus, the internal strips provide a crown to the cushion element. A convoluted foam patch is also provided on the outside of the cushion element.

Abstract: A support cushion has a flexible, airtight casing having a support layer on one side defining a support surface for being engaged by a portion of a body to be supported. A resilient layer of foam is disposed within the casing generally coextensive with the casing support layer support surface for normally urging the casing toward an expanded condition. A fluid-filled pad is positioned within the casing adjacent the additional foam material. A valve is mounted to the casing for communicating with the interior of the casing and is operable for preventing or permitting flow of air through the valve into and out of the casing.

Abstract: A spring-loaded seat assembly includes an upper seat and a lower seat connected by a plurality of spring members. A recess is formed on a respective outer surface of the upper and the lower seats. A number of hooks are provided on a respective inner surface of each seat for engaging both ends of the spring members so that the seats are resiliently connected together. A damping mechanism is provided between the upper and the lower seats so as to reduce the elasticity coefficient of the spring members. Therefore, the users may feel more comfortable.

Abstract: A method for making contoured covers for vehicle seats is disclosed. A cover member is attached to a foam sheet which has an adhesive layer covering the face opposite from the cover member. The adhesive layer is in turn covered with a backing material. Portions of the cover member are pressed into the foam sheet, contacting the adhesive. The adhesive bonds the cover member to the backing material forming the contours in the cover. Alternatively the adhesive layer may be omitted if a thermally sensitive backing material is used. In this case the portion of backing material pressed into contact with the cover is partially melted to bond the backing material to the cover.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a seat cushion assembly which comprises a seat frame having opposed side frame portions; a cushion pad including a major part and side parts which are arranged along both sides of the major part, the cushion pad being supported on the seat frame having the side parts thereof respectively supported on the opposed side frame portions; and an outer skin member covering each of the major and side parts of the cushion pad, wherein each side part is connected at only longitudinal both end portions thereof to the major part leaving an intermediate portion thereof separated from the major part.

Abstract: A seat for a vehicle, aircraft or the like includes a seat part and a backrest whereby the backrest is provided with an integrated headrest. In order that, on the one hand, the area of the cervical spinal column-lordosis of the respective seat user is effectively supported during the driving operation and, on the other, injuries of the cervical spinal column are at least reduced in case of an impact, a continuously changeable vacuum cushion is arranged at the backrest within the area of the headrest which is adapted to be individually matched to the cervical vertebrae column-lordosis of the respective seat user by means of an extraction pump and at least one valve.

Abstract: A chair member for promoting correct posture. The chair member may form the chair seat or back rest or it may be a portable cushion. It includes a forward support portion of relatively high density resilient material and an adjacent rear support portion of relatively low density resilient material. In the seat embodiment, differential deformation of the two regions locates an occupant's ischial tuberosity behind the forward support portion which thereby resists forward movement of the sitter from the chair. The seat is preferably inclined.

Abstract: A transportable, machine washable, collapsible, compact, lightweight seat insert for supporting a human in a sitting position. The insert includes a box shaped, flexible, resilient, padded frame including a back wall, a pair of side walls, a bottom wall, and a front wall having a pair of openings for accommodating the human's legs. The seat insert further includes a pillow adapted to be selectively disposed above and adjacent to the back wall and attached to the back wall by means of VELCRO fasteners.

Abstract: An improved vehicle seat comprising a cushion member formed of foam material is disclosed which is provided with a frame-like shape-retaining member of a wire material embedded within the cushion member. The shape-retaining member includes a buttocks support element to which a peripheral element is pivotably connected for up and down rotation with respect to the buttocks support section to provide a continuous top sitting surface for the buttocks support element and the movable peripheral support sections.

Abstract: An adapted separable fastener and method of making the same for attachment to foam objects such as seat cushions. A separable fastener member of the hook and loop-type is attached, in back-to-back relation, to a second member. The second member has upstanding elements such as loops or hooking elements which elements are ultimately surrounded and encapsulated by the foam during polymerization. The adapted fastener is thereby attached to the foam member. The elements are positioned in order to allow venting of the gaseous byproducts of polymerization. This promotes superior adhesion to the foam material and prevents delamination at the fastener-foam interface. A metal strip may be disposed within the adapted fastener so it may be magnetically held in the foam mold. A method and apparatus for adapting the fastener is also disclosed.

Abstract: A novel seat assembly is disclosed including a foam cushion assembly, a rigid shell, a cover and means for holding the components in assembled relation. The cushion assembly comprises a foam cushion, including a peripheral lip extending around the side of the cushion, and an internal rigid framework located to maintain the predetermined configuration of the lip. The shell has an edge configured to align and mate with the cushion lip. The cover overlies the front of the cushion with its free peripheral section extending between the cushion lip and the shell edge. The cushion assembly can be mounted to the shell in a variety of ways.

Abstract: A chair (10) designed for its comfort, ease of operation, and therapeutic effect. The chair (10) includes an envelope (12) having first and second portions (14, 24). The first portion (14) defines a reservoir (16) therein, and the second portion (24) has a pillar-like member (28) received within an interior (26) thereof. The interior (26) of the second portion (24) communicates with the reservoir (16) defined within the first portion (14) of the envelope (12), and the pillar-like member (28) is sufficiently long so that, when it is received within the interior (26) of the second portion (24) of the envelope (12), it will extend into the reservoir (16). The reservoir (16) is filled with a volume of fill (18) which, typically, comprises stryofoam beads (20).

Abstract: An automotive seat is disclosed which comprises a vertically movable seat cushion and a fixed seat back and which is capable of closing a spacing produced between the seat cushion and seat back when the seat cushion is lowered. In the automotive seat, an expandable and contractible resilient member is disposed in the portion of the seat cushion to which the lower end of the seat back faces and the resiliency of the resilient member is utilized to close the spacing between the seat cushion and seat back.

Abstract: An automotive seat with a heating device provided therein, in which a trim cover assembly is integrally affixed over a foam cushion member, comprises a recessed portion formed at the rear of the cushion member, a block member removably inserted in the recessed portion, and a heating device secured on the block member. With such structure, the heating device is embedded in the cushion member such that it is interposed between those recessed portion and block member. Both cushion and block members are further supported on a frame and support member provided in the seat.

Abstract: A cushion body of a seat for vehicles is disclosed which comprises a main pad portion, front and back portions foldably, integrally connected with the corresponding forward and back edges of the main pad portion, and left and right side portions foldably, integrally connected with the corresponding left and right side edges of the main pad portion. All the pad portions are made of a foam material, and the front and back portions as well as the right and left side portions have superimposing surfaces for being superimposed on the upper surface of the main pad portion when each of those portions are folded over on to the main pad. A recessed portion is formed in one of the upper surface of the main pad portion and the superimposing surfaces of those front and back portions as well as left and right side portions, or both of all the upper surface and superimposing surfaces thereof, whereby an air bag is stored in the cavity formed by the recessed portion(s).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an automotive seat in which a cushion body having a deep groove formed therein is bent at the groove so that the groove is divergently opened, and a covering member is pressed and bonded to the cushion body with a part of the covering member being inserted into the opened groove whereby a decorative groove is formed in the surface of the seat during the seat assembling process.

Abstract: A human seating apparatus comprehensively designed to provide prolonged body support from contoured specifications; constructed of rigid shaped one piece seating receptacle made of thermo formable materials and providing for a method of making the receptacle by taking an impression of the seated individual in a pellet containing bladder, making corrective changes, preparing a positive mold impression and forming a first sheet of heat moldable plastic over said positive mold and forming a second sheet of heat moldable rigid plastic over the first sheet, adhesively binding the two molded sheets together to form the seating receptacle, affixing the receptacle to a mounting ring and then to a chair stand base support.

Abstract: A method of producing an outer cushion layer for a seatback is disclosed, which comprises preparing a base cushion layer material which is of a flexible layered structure, stamping out a shaped cushion material from the base cushion layer material, the shaped cushion layer material being of a train of cushion pieces which are connected to one another through integrally connecting bridge portions, bringing mutually facing edge portions of every adjacent two of the cushion pieces into contact with each other having the integrally connecting bridge portions protruded from one side of the shaped cushion material, and stitching the protruded portions and the mutually contacting edge portions of the shaped cushion layer material. With this method, an outer cushion layer having a smoothly corrugated surface is produced.