Nonspiral Springs Only Patents (Class 5/247)
  • Patent number: 4891853
    Abstract: A non-coil spring is disclosed for use in a box spring assembly. The spring is a limited deflection spring having a lower portion for mounting to the frame of the box spring assembly, an upper attaching platform portion for attaching to a wire mattress support deck and an intermediate portion for resiliently supporting the upper attaching platfor spaced from the lower mounting portion. The intermediate portion inclues a pair of collapsible column sections having middle torsion bars which are connected to upper torsion bars in the attaching platform and lower torsion bars in the mounting portion by connecting bars which each diverge away from an end of the middle torsion bars in the column sections. During loading, these middle torsion bars in the column sections move toward each other until they engage in a cross bucking fashion to limit further deflection of the spring. At full deflection the platform is a predetermined spaced distance above the engaged middle torsion bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1990
    Assignee: Hoover Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Upton R. Dabney
  • Patent number: 4862532
    Abstract: A box spring assembly includes a base frame, a top wire grid and a plurality of sinous wire springs interconnecting the top wire grid and the base frame. The sinuous wire springs each comprises a sinuous wire strip formed into an inverted U-shaped configuration with the closed end of each U-shaped spring attached to the top wire grid by a snap-fit connection and the free ends at the bottom of the U-shaped spring being attached to the base frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Assignee: Leggett & Platt, Incorporated
    Inventors: Thomas J. Wells, Angelo Serafini, Sidney A. Hiatt, Henry Zapletal
  • Patent number: 4862531
    Abstract: A box spring assembly includes a base frame, a top wire grid and a plurality of formed wire springs interconnecting the top wire grid and the base frame. The formed wire springs each comprises a wire strip formed into an inverted U-shaped configuration with the closed end of each U-shaped spring attached to the top wire grid by a snap-fit connection and the free ends at the bottom of the U-shaped spring being attached to the base frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Assignee: Leggett & Platt, Incorporated
    Inventor: Thomas J. Wells
  • Patent number: 4861002
    Abstract: In a box spring assembly having a frame, including a frame rail member with horizontally spaced generally upright side walls. The frame rail has a plurality of aligned horizontal slots through the upright side walls and arranged in aligned pairs. Wire spring modules having U-shaped mounting feet extending through the aligned slots are mounted on the rail. A mounting foot has a pair of spaced apart leg portions joined together by a connecting portion spring urging the leg portions apart. Each leg portion has a pair of spaced bearing sections for engaging the ends of pairs of slots in the side walls of the frame rail, and an outwardly convex retaining portion between the bearing sections for coacting with the side walls to retain the foot in the pair of slots in the frame rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Assignee: Hoover Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Upton R. Dabney
  • Patent number: 4853991
    Abstract: A box spring assembly includes a base frame, a top wire grid and a plurality of sinuous wire spring strips interconnecting the top wire grid and the base frame. The sinuous wire spring strips each comprises six substantially vertical legs and three spaced, substantially flat, horizontal platform sections with the flat platform sections of each spring being attached to the top wire grid and the bottom ends of each leg being attached to the base frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1989
    Assignee: Leggett & Platt, Incorporated
    Inventor: Chester R. Yates
  • Patent number: 4815717
    Abstract: A seat spring assembly for upholstered furniture incorporates an inverted torque arm adjacent the back rail of the furniture frame. The torque arm is formed upwardly out of the body of a sinuous spring band which descends from its crown closer to the front rail, in a continuous curve, to lower end of the torque arm at a point below the level of the top of the back rail. The torque arm is connected, from its upper end to the back rail, by translatory means which include a generally horizontal link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1989
    Assignee: Morley Furniture Spring Corporation
    Inventor: Lawton H. Crosby
  • Patent number: 4813656
    Abstract: A grid frame for a spring assembly comprising a border wire transversely and longitudinally-crossing line wires, and spring wires disposed between adjacent line wires either transversely of the frame or longitudinally thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1989
    Assignee: Webster Spring Co. Inc.
    Inventor: Henry R. Ramsey
  • Patent number: 4809958
    Abstract: A foundation unit having a top bearing grid structure secured to a bottom substructure by intermediate support elements. The grid structure comprises a series of spaced longitudinal and transverse spring elements, each spring element being formed to permit elastic elongation thereof. Elastic elongation is accomplished by a series of V-shaped segments in each of the spring elements, the segments being located at the intersections of the spring elements and being joined by a clip. The support elements comprise wire elements which are L-shaped and which are composed of two planar portions connected at right angles to one another. The wire elements are located in transverse rows with the orientation of the wire elements in each row being opposite to the orientation of the wire elements in the adjacent row so that loads applied to the foundation unit are balanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1989
    Assignee: Steadley Company
    Inventor: Martin Schulz, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4796872
    Abstract: A bent wire spring module provided with spirally-formed attaching elements at its upper end for interengagement with the border wires of a grid frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1989
    Assignee: Webster Spring Co. Inc.
    Inventor: Robert C. Hagemeister
  • Patent number: 4790038
    Abstract: A bedding or seating spring product comprising a spring assembly having multiple rows of coil springs wherein each row of coil springs is made from a single continuous length of wire and wherein each row contains a plurality of coils interconnected by interconnecting segments, alternate ones of which are disposed in the top and bottom planes of the spring assembly. The interconnecting segments are generally planar and include U-shaped portions having parallel legs and a connecting web. Adjacent rows of coils are connected by securement of the web of a U-shaped portion of each interconnecting segment of one row of coils to a pair of spaced portions of interconnecting segments of an adjacent row.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1988
    Assignee: Leggett & Platt, Incorporated
    Inventor: Minoru Ikeda
  • Patent number: 4779293
    Abstract: A box spring assembly in which the mattress support deck is formed by a plurality of components all of which are formed from spring wire to thereby achieve a support deck of increased strength and improved durability. In addition, the components are structurally interrelated and clipped together so as to restrain relative movement of the components to thereby achieve a box spring assembly of improved stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1988
    Assignee: Hoover Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Upton R. Dabney, John P. Kitchen
  • Patent number: 4779292
    Abstract: A box spring assembly which includes a frame having cross rails, a mattress supporting platform located above the frame and a plurality of spring members mounted on the cross rails in a supporting relation with the platform. Each of the rails has at least a portion of a generally inverted U-shape with a pair of spaced upright webs of predetermined thickness, the webs having pairs of aligned slots each of which has an elongated central section of predetermined width in a vertical direction and end bearing sections of substantially C-shape and reduced width relative to the predetermined width. The bearing sections are of increased thickness relative to the predetermined thickness of the webs, at least some of the springs having mounting foot portions shaped to extend through an aligned pair of slots in the rails so that they rotatably engage the bearing sections at opposite ends of the slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1988
    Assignee: Hoover Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Upton R. Dabney
  • Patent number: 4778157
    Abstract: A spring module for disposition between a base frame and a grid frame of a spring assembly embodying upper and lower attaching elements for attachment to, respectively, the grid frame and the base frame and spaced, parallel, vertically-disposed, yieldable legs, each leg embodying a vertically-disposed loop of wire and upwardly and downwardly, oppositely-inclined, V-shaped lengths of wire extending from the loop to, respectively, the upper and lower attaching elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1988
    Assignee: Webster Spring Co. Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth H. Thomas
  • Patent number: 4776572
    Abstract: A box spring 10 for supporting a load includes a horizontally extending frame 12 which defines a load supporting area, a plurality of formed wire springs 14 mounted on the frame 12 for providing symmetrical resilient support under the load, and a grid 16 spaced above and in parallel relationship with the frame 12. Each spring 14 is defined by an integral wire having a horizontally extending section 32 with first and second ends 34, 36 and a fishmouth section 54, 56 associated with each end. Each fishmouth section 54, 56 includes a V-shaped portion with a torsion bar 58, 68. The V-shaped portion of the fishmouth section 54 adjacent the first end 34 of the horizontally extending section 32 faces oppositely from the V-shaped portion of the fishmouth section 56 adjacent the second end 36. Spacer segments 41, 47 are located on opposing sides of the horizontal section 32 to provide stability to the spring 14 under load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1988
    Inventors: Zygmunt M. Surletta, David R. Bombard
  • Patent number: 4771995
    Abstract: A collapsible bedding foundation comprises a rectangular base frame and a rectangular wire grid. The wire grid is hingedly supported upon the frame for movement between a collapsed position and an erect position. The hinged connection between the wire grid and the base frame is achieved by a plurality of transverse spaced, parallel planar support elements pivotally connected to the base frame and the wire grid. The foundation is supported in an erect position solely by a pair of longitudinally extending, parallel planar support elements pivotally connected to the longitudinal edge of the wire grid and, when the foundation is erect, fixedly secured to the base frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1988
    Assignee: Leggett & Platt, Incorporated
    Inventors: Thomas J. Wells, Angelo Serafini
  • Patent number: 4770397
    Abstract: A wire support member for a foundation unit. The support member is composed of a continuous, planar wire element, comprising parallel upper and lower attachment segments and a sinuous central segment extending between the upper and lower segments. The central segment is composed of a series of C-shaped curved portions. A series of the support members can be used in rows to form a foundation unit, and the members can be located perpendicular to one another at the corners of a foundation unit in order to form a corner support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1988
    Assignee: Steadley Company
    Inventor: Martin Schulz, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4760616
    Abstract: A box spring assembly includes a base frame, a top wire grid and a plurality of sinuous wire springs interconnecting the top wire grid and the base frame. The sinuous wire springs each comprise a sinuous wire strip formed into an inverted U-shaped configuration with the closed end of each U-shaped spring attached to the top wire grid and the free ends at the top of the U-shaped spring attached to the base frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1988
    Assignee: Leggett & Platt, Incorporated
    Inventors: Sidney A. Hiatt, Henry Zapletal
  • Patent number: 4739977
    Abstract: An improved spring unit for a box spring assembly in which a grid assembly is supported above a frame by a plurality of such spring units. The spring units provide self-limited deflection to prevent them from taking a permanent set after being overloaded. Each unit has two separate legs which support the spring assembly grid assembly to reduce point loadings on the grid assembly. The top portion of the spring spreads out forces over a large area on the grid to further reduce point loading. The configuration of the spring units enables them to be stacked densely without interlacing or twisting. The spring units include a center base bar, a pair of torsion bars extending perpendicularly therefrom, a center torsion bar which is connected to the upper and lower portions of the spring by connecting bars, and a top portion having a torsion bar and a pair of bar members extending in the same horizontal plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1988
    Assignee: Hoover Universal, Inc.
    Inventor: Upton R. Dabney
  • Patent number: 4736933
    Abstract: A spring module for use in a spring assembly embodying a base frame and a grid frame comprising upper and lower attaching elements for connecting the module to the base frame and grid frame and a plurality of lower and upper symmetrically-disposed, yieldable legs connecting the lower and upper attaching elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1988
    Assignee: Webster Spring Co. Inc.
    Inventor: Robert C. Hagemeister
  • Patent number: 4736932
    Abstract: A spring (10) includes a tube (12) having an elliptical cross section, with the greater axial dimension (22) extending laterally and the lesser axial dimension (24) extending vertically. A plurality of cuts (20) in the form of slots passing through most of a wall of the tube (12) extend perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis (16) extending along the tube (12). An uncut portion (26) of the tube wall extends along the tube (12) for bonding or fastening the tube to a suitable base, such as a bottom (28) of a seat cushion (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1988
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Leonard A. Haslim
  • Patent number: 4730358
    Abstract: A box spring assembly includes a base frame, a top wire grid and a plurality of sinuous wire springs interconnecting the top wire grid and the base frame. The sinuous wire springs each comprise a sinuous wire strip formed into a U-shaped configuration with the bottom of each U-shaped spring attached to the base frame and the free ends at the top of the U-shaped spring attached to the wire grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1988
    Assignee: Leggett & Platt, Incorporated
    Inventor: Henry Zapletal
  • Patent number: 4730357
    Abstract: A bedding mattress support foundation comprises a base frame, a plurality of formed wire springs mounted upon the base frame, and a wire grid mounted atop the formed wire springs. Each formed wire spring comprises a generally S-shaped horizontal load supporting portion and a pair of vertically extending yieldable end portions extending downwardly from opposite ends of the load supporting portion. Two parallel wires of the wire grid are secured to curvilinear portions of the S-shaped horizontal load supporting portion of each spring and three other parallel wires extending perpendicular to the first two parallel wires and rest atop but are unsecured to the S-shaped horizontal load supporting portion of each spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1988
    Assignee: Leggett & Platt, Incorporated
    Inventor: Thomas J. Wells
  • Patent number: 4729550
    Abstract: A bent wire spring module wherein there are upper and lower attaching elements for attachment, respectively, to a grid frame and base frame and vertically-disposed, spaced, parallel legs connecting the upper and lower attaching elements, each leg comprising an arcuate length of wire embodying diverging legs and upper and lower straight lengths of wire integrally connected at one end to the ends of the legs of the arcuate length of wire and at their opposite ends to the upper and lower attaching elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1988
    Assignee: Webster Spring Co. Inc.
    Inventor: Robert C. Hagemeister
  • Patent number: 4721290
    Abstract: A bent wire soring unit for disposition between a base frame and grid frame disposed in spaced, parallel relation to each other includes a lower attaching element for attachment to the base frame and an upper attaching element for attachment to the grid frame. The lower and upper attaching elements are disposed in spaced, parallel planes and transversely-spaced, substantially perpendicular supports connect the lower and upper attaching elements such as to permit the upper and lower attaching elements to move relative to each other in response to pressure applied perpendicularly to the upper attaching elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1988
    Assignee: Webster Spring Co. Inc.
    Inventor: Robert C. Hagemeister
  • Patent number: 4704752
    Abstract: A box spring assembly having modular spring elements distributed in an array beneath rectangular pockets of a wire grid top. The elements include a single piece of wire formed into a head configured to support and be contained within selected pockets of the wire grid top, a base formed of the two ends of the wire to attach to a lower base frame, and a pair of compressible arms formed into a pattern of bars and bends which give firm elastic support with economy of wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1987
    Assignee: Leggett & Platt, Incorporated
    Inventors: Chester R. Yates, Maurice M. Bruner
  • Patent number: 4703527
    Abstract: A bedding unit such as a box spring has springs with lower portions mounted on the frame of the unit, upper portions connected to the wire grid of the unit, and midportions which are collapsible to support the grid resiliently on the frame. The upper portion of a corner spring includes a vertically uncompressible loop which contacts the frame when the midportion is collapsed, thereby limiting the deflection of the spring. The loop also prevents the filler material fo the unit from collapsing inwardly. The main springs of the unit have upper portions which have hooks for engaging the grid wires of the unit. These hooks are located at opposite ends of the wire which forms the spring. The upper portions have transverse bars which are connected to the hooks by connecting sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1987
    Inventor: Ned W. Mizelle
  • Patent number: 4685162
    Abstract: A box spring for supporting a bedding mattress. The box spring includes a rectangular base frame, a plurality of modular spring elements mounted atop the base frame, and a wire grid mounted atop the modular spring elements. Each of the modular spring elements comprises a horizontal straight center section terminating in horizontal plane curved end sections, at least some of the curved end sections having single revolution coil springs extending vertically downwardly therefrom. The modular spring elements are arranged in parallel rows, said adjacent spring elements of each row having aligned straight center sections and overlapping curved sections. The overlapping curved center sections of adjacent modular spring elements are connected by transverse wires of the grip top, which transverse wires have generally U-shaped bights or hooks from therein received over the overlapping curved sections and crimped shut to secure adjacent modular spring elements of multiple rows of modular spring elements to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1987
    Assignee: Leggett & Platt, Incorporated
    Inventors: Larry Higgins, Thomas J. Wells
  • Patent number: 4685659
    Abstract: A bent wire spring unit for interposition between a grid frame and base frame comprising upper and lower attaching elements and intervening spaced, parallel, oppositely-facing supports comprising vertical lengths of wire and at the upper and lower ends of the vertical lengths of wire, V-shaped lengths of wire, the legs of which are connected, respectively, to the vertical lengths of wire and to the attaching elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1987
    Assignee: Webster Spring Co. Inc.
    Inventor: Robert C. Hagemeister
  • Patent number: 4684111
    Abstract: A spring module for use in a spring assembly embodying a base frame and a grid frame comprising lower and upper attaching elements for connecting the module to the base frame and grid frame and a plurality of lower and upper symmetrically-disposed, legs yieldable in bending connecting the lower and upper attaching elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1987
    Assignee: Webster Spring Co. Inc.
    Inventor: Robert C. Hagemeister
  • Patent number: 4675927
    Abstract: A bedding unit spring has an upper portion attached to a grid, a lower portion attached to a frame, and a vertically collapsible midportion which connects the upper portion to the lower portion. The upper portion of a spring may have two transverse bars at its ends, a third transverse bar at its center, and a center bar formed of two sections which are on opposite sides of the third transverse bar. The center bar sections are directed toward the midportions of the end transverse bars. A deflection limiter member is attached to the spring to limit the collapsing movement of the spring and to increase the effective stiffness of the spring. It is formed of a wire which has an abutment portion and two connector bar portions. The connector bar portions extend at different inclination angles from the abutment portion to the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1987
    Inventor: Ned W. Mizelle
  • Patent number: 4666136
    Abstract: A bent wire spring unit for interposition between a grid frame and base frame comprising upper and lower attaching elements and intervening spaced, parallel, oppositely-facing supports yieldably connecting the top and bottom attaching elements, said supports comprising first legs inclined upwardly in opposite directions from the bottom attaching elements at a predetermined angle, second legs inclined downwardly in opposite directions from the top attaching element at a sharper angle than the angle of inclination of the first legs relative to the bottom attaching element and spaced, parallel third legs connected at their upper and lower ends to the distal ends of the downwardly and upwardly-facing first and second legs, said third legs being concavely bent intermediate their ends in directions toward each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1987
    Assignee: Webster Spring Co. Inc.
    Inventor: Robert C. Hagemeister
  • Patent number: 4657231
    Abstract: A furniture spring assembly (10,10',10") provides support for a torsion bar spring (16) between spaced frame members (12,14). An elongated support (44) of the spring assembly extends from a fishmouth torsion bar (22) at a frame mounted end (18) of the spring (16) to a foot (42) at the other spring end (38) and then for connection to the other frame member (14). Each of three preferred embodiments of the elongated support preferably includes a helical spring (71) that provides the connection thereof to the frame member (14). One embodiment of the support (44) includes an elongated metal strip (72) having a first end (74) hooked to the fishmouth torsion bar (22) and having a second end (76) including an attachment flange (80) and an attachment loop (82) that are secured to the foot (42) of the second spring end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1987
    Assignee: Lear Siegler, Inc.
    Inventor: Zygmunt M. Surletta
  • Patent number: 4641835
    Abstract: An elastic cushion formed of a elastic cushion tube and a supporting frame. The cushion tube is slit axially to create a pair of slit edges which are elastically expanded to create a cushion tube of C-shaped cross section. The slit edges of the cushion tube are retained in a pair of spaced-apart axial grooves formed in the frame member so that the cushion tube will elastically deform when loaded in a region generally opposite the expanded slit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1987
    Assignee: GMI Engineering & Management Institute
    Inventor: Robert J. Christenson
  • Patent number: 4628555
    Abstract: An innerspring mattress comprising a plurality of wire or flat spiral springs which have securement ends secured to the mattress frame and support ends supporting an elastic material surface on which the springs are designed and positioned such that a respective work axis of spring force of the springs describe an angle relative to a perpendicular of the frame, said angle being greater than 0.degree..
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1986
    Inventor: Peter Forster
  • Patent number: 4607827
    Abstract: An improved seat which is mounted on forward and rearward pairs of brackets in a vehicle. The seat includes a spring frame having an arrangement of seat springs supporting a seat cushion including a cushion spring extending between opposite ends of the spring frame. A pair of forward and rearward connecting members, which are spaced apart, interconnect the forward and rearward brackets. A pair of forward springs connect the front portion of the spring frame and a rear portion of the cushion springs to the forward connecting member. The forward springs are pivotably connected to the forward connecting member. A pair of rearward springs connect the rear portion of the spring frame and the rearward connecting member. The spring frame is divided into a forward arrangement of seat springs and a rearward arrangement of seat springs. The cushion springs extend along opposite sides of the upper portion of the seat springs and connect the front and rear portions of the spring frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1986
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenichi Kazaoka, Hiroshi Okazaki
  • Patent number: 4595181
    Abstract: Bent wire spring units for use in combination with a rectangular base frame embodying longitudinally-spaced, parallel, transverse support bars and a grid frame embodying a rectangular border wire and longitudinally and transversely-extending grid wires connected at their ends to the border wire and to each other at their crossings, each bent wire spring unit comprising upper and lower attaching elements connected to each other by integral lengths of wire resistant to bending and torsion. The bent wire spring units are transversely symmetrical from side to side and asymmetrical from front to back and are positioned transversely and longitudinally of the base frame and grid frame with their front sides on adjacent support bars facing and with their lower and upper ends attached, respectively, to the support bars of the base frame and the transverse wires of the grid frame. If there are an odd number of support bars, the spring units are alternately positioned in oppositely-facing directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1986
    Assignee: Webster Spring Co. Inc.
    Inventor: Robert C. Hagemeister
  • Patent number: 4586700
    Abstract: A furniture seat base which employs a series of front and/or back torsioned sinuous spring bands. Predetermined patterns of torsioned bands produce an interaction which generate spring dynamics designed to produce a seat unit which may be sat upon from the front, back, sides, or corners with excellent comfort characteristics. The bands are selectively supported adjacent the rails to obviate objectionable "lean-out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1986
    Assignee: Morley Furniture Spring Corporation
    Inventor: Lawton H. Crosby
  • Patent number: 4577841
    Abstract: A spring assembly comprising a base frame and a grid frame held in spaced, parallel relation by transversely and longitudinally-spaced spring units, some of which are bent wire spring units and others of which are coil spring units, each bent wire spring unit being yieldable in bending and torsion to pressure applied to their upper ends, and symmetrical with respect to its vertical axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1986
    Assignee: Webster Spring Co. Inc.
    Inventor: Robert C. Hagemeister
  • Patent number: 4559654
    Abstract: A bedding unit utilizes formed wire springs for supporting a wire grid on a frame. A spring has an upper portion which has two transverse bars, a longitudinal center bar located between and spaced from the transverse bars, and connecting sections which connect the opposite ends of the center bar to the ends of the transverse bars. Under compression, the upper portion of the spring or a grid wire attached thereto contacts a torsion bar in the spring. Some embodiments have a continuous and uninterrupted lower portion and an upper portion with two sections which terminate in the ends of the spring wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1985
    Inventor: Ned W. Mizelle
  • Patent number: 4555097
    Abstract: A core spring assembly combines the use of rows and/or columns of round coil springs with rows and/or columns of rectangular torsion bar coil springs, all interconnected in a top plane by a welded wire grid so as to create a spring core assembly for a bedding mattress or box spring. In one preferred form, the rectangular torsion bar coil springs are located about the periphery of the spring assembly while in another embodiment the rectangular torsion bar coil springs are all located in the center one-third of the spring assembly so as to increase the firmness of that center section of the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1985
    Assignee: Leggett & Platt, Incorporated
    Inventor: Sidney A. Hiatt
  • Patent number: 4541133
    Abstract: A sofa bed has a stationary framework and a foldable bed frame connected to and foldable into the framework, the foldable frame having an outer section connected to and pivotal relative to a body section, the outer section overlying the body section in the folded position of the frame to form a seat. The outer section has a plurality of individual seat support elements extending thereacross transversely to the sofa back. The individual elements are spaced apart in a direction parallel to that axis, and each of the individual elements is downwardly deflectable independently of the others when a person sits on said seat. A spring edge is mounted on and extends above a front rail of the stationary framework to form the front supporting edge of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1985
    Assignee: Sealy of Maryland and Virginia, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernard Reiss, Irl E. Ward
  • Patent number: 4510635
    Abstract: A box spring assembly has an array of vertical springs attached to a horizontal foundation and supporting a deck or platform for receiving a bedding load, i.e. a mattress and its occupant(s). The assembly has a plurality of deck elements each formed from a single length of wire with an elongate central section terminating in curved sections extending at least in some elements into spring legs. The deck elements are arranged in parallel lengthwise rows with adjacent elements of each row having aligned central sections. Adjacent curved sections are secured to each other and to adjacent rows by transverse helical connecting elements. The central sections of the spring elements and the transverse helical connecting elements together form the deck for receiving the bedding load. This deck is supported by the spring legs which are secured at their lower ends to the foundation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1985
    Assignee: Silentnight Holdings PLC
    Inventor: Arnold Woffendin
  • Patent number: 4475724
    Abstract: A wire spring assembly adaptable for use in a mattress for a sleeper sofa or roll-away bed in which individual wire spring units are secured to each other and arranged in rows that extend transversely of the assembly. Each spring unit has a pair of end portions, a plurality of torsion bars and one or more connecting bars extending between the torsion bars. The end portions are adaptable to be attached to the corresponding end portions of adjacent spring units in the same row. The assembly further includes a plurality of flexible wire members extending longitudinally of the assembly substantially the length thereof, which are secured to the end portions of some of the spring units to position the rows while allowing the mattress to be folded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 9, 1984
    Assignee: Hoover Universal, Inc.
    Inventor: William L. Hancock
  • Patent number: 4470584
    Abstract: A box spring assembly which includes a generally rectangular frame, a welded wire grid disposed above and aligned with the frame, a plurality of upwardly extending limited deflection wire springs which are mounted at their lower ends on the frame and at their upper ends are secured to the welded wire grid, and corner springs which are yieldable and are supported on the corners of the frame so as to support the corners of the grid. Each of the limited deflection springs is formed at its upper end with an attaching portion that is readily secured to the grid by conventional clips and includes wire sections which provide additional spaced supports for the grid. Improved cross rails in the frame support the springs and improved corner springs support the corners of the grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1984
    Assignee: Hoover Universal, Inc.
    Inventor: Ned W. Mizelle
  • Patent number: 4452438
    Abstract: A box spring assembly which includes a generally rectangular frame, a welded wire grid disposed above and aligned with the frame, a plurality of upwardly extending limited deflection wire springs which are mounted at their lower ends on the frame and at their upper ends are secured to the welded wire grid, and improved corner springs which are yieldable and are supported on the corners of the frame so as to support the corners of the grid. Each of the corner springs is a limited deflection spring formed at its upper end with an attaching portion that is readily secured to the grid by a conventional clip and including upright columns which will yield under load and which will also engage the frame to limit deflection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1984
    Assignee: Hoover Universal, Inc.
    Inventors: William L. Hancock, Wilbur C. Bewley, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4398705
    Abstract: A box spring assembly which includes a generally rectangular frame, a welded wire grid disposed above and aligned with the frame, a plurality of upwardly extending limited deflection wire springs which are mounted at their lower ends on the frame and at their upper ends are interlocked with the welded wire grid, and corner springs which are yieldable and are supported on the corners of the frame so as to support the corners of the grid. Each of the limited deflection springs is formed at its upper end with an attaching portion that is connected to the grid merely by moving it from an initial assembly position to an interlocked position, without the requirement of any notches in the grid. This structure enables assembly of the grid and the springs without the requirement for the usual attaching clips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1983
    Assignee: Hoover Universal, Inc.
    Inventor: Ned W. Mizelle
  • Patent number: 4377279
    Abstract: A foundation unit which, when assembled, can be collapsed for compact storage and shipping and later can be elevated to a fully expanded state. The foundation unit includes a rectangular, grid wire top bearing structure, a rigid bottom substructure such as a wooden frame, and a series of spaced, parallel rows of substantially flat support members extending between the top bearing structure and the bottom substructure. The support members are hingedly secured to the top bearing structure and bottom substructure to permit reduction of the foundation unit to the collapsed state with the rows of support members lying essentially prone. In the elevated state, the foundation unit includes stabilizers which are oppositely reactive and which prevent relative longitudinal translation between the top and bottom of the foundation unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1983
    Assignee: Steadley Company
    Inventors: Martin Schulz, Jr., James E. Bane
  • Patent number: 4371152
    Abstract: A box spring assembly which includes a generally rectangular frame and a plurality of wire springs mounted on the frame and connected to each other so as to yieldably resist downwardly directed bedding loads. Each of the springs has an elongated body portion arranged above the frame and downwardly extending end portions, each of the end portions having a lower column section consisting of a straight length of spring wire and an upper section consisting of a plurality of substantially horizontal torsion bars and a plurality of angularly arranged connecting bars connected to and extending between the torsion bars so that in response to a downwardly directed bedding load, the upper section will yieldably collapse to accommodate the load and impart a feeling of soft support to the bedding user. The straight wire column is inclined inwardly so that it can bend slightly and cause a twisting of the torsion bar on which it is mounted. This action imparts a feeling of firm support to the bedding user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1980
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1983
    Assignee: Hoover Universal, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Kitchen, Jack C. Mandusky
  • Patent number: 4339834
    Abstract: A box spring assembly which includes a generally rectangular frame, a plurality of upwardly extending wire springs mounted on the frame, and a wire grid supported on the upper ends of the springs so that the grid and springs cooperate to yieldably resist downwardly directed bedding loads. Each of the springs is formed at its upper end with an attaching portion that is structured so that it can be connected to the grid merely by moving it from an initial position to an interlocked position. This structure enables assembly of the grid and the springs without the requirement for the usual attaching clips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1982
    Assignee: Hoover Universal, Inc.
    Inventor: Ned W. Mizelle
  • Patent number: 4253208
    Abstract: A box spring assembly which includes a generally rectangular frame and a wire spring assemblage mounted on the top side of the frame; the assemblage including a large number of straight wires arranged criss-cross fashion and arcuate springs that support and connect the straight wires at some of the points of intersection. A basic wire grid is formed with downwardly extending hook portions that snap over some of the spring wires to secure the grid to the assemblage so as to bridge the spaces between the straight wires. The "spring back" capability of the spring wires allows them to spring into the hook portions so as to retain the grid in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1981
    Assignee: Hoover Universal, Inc.
    Inventors: William L. Hancock, John P. Kitchen, Ned W. Mizelle