Springs, Spiral Patents (Class 5/256)
  • Patent number: 12138392
    Abstract: Disclosed is a spring element which is suitable for use with a patient interface and in the form of an elongated body and has an axis along which the spring element is compressed. Arranged in a direction of the axis, the spring element comprises a first region and a second region, at least one characteristic of the spring element in the first region having a value which is different from a value of the at least one characteristic in the second region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2024
    Assignee: Loewenstein Medical Technology S.A.
    Inventors: Karl-Andreas Feldhahn, Arnold Frerichs, Martin Bechtel
  • Bed
    Patent number: 11896131
    Abstract: A bed according to an embodiment may include a topper, at least one firmness adjuster provided under the topper, and a bedframe configured to have an adjustable position and to support the firmness adjuster. There may be a plurality of firmness adjusters corresponding to a plurality of areas of the bed, and each firmness adjuster may include a plurality of cushions provided in a cushion case and a drive to adjust the firmness of the plurality of cushions. The drive may change a position of a first spring relative to a second spring in each of the cushions to change a perceived firmness by a user lying on top of the topper and the firmness adjusters. A dryer may be provided under the bedframe to keep the cushions and topper dry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Deukwon Lee, Minkyu Oh, Yongnam Kim, Daewoong Kim, Seongwoo An, Yanghwan No, Keunho Ju
  • Patent number: 11771230
    Abstract: An ergonomic massage chair is configured with back and bottom structures held up by a pair of legs. The various support bars and structure of the ergonomic massage chair may be comprised of, in typical implementations, metal, but plastic and other suitable structures are also possible. The back structure has perimeter support bars that form the base of the back support, and horizontal support bars extend from a left perimeter support bar to a right perimeter support bar. The bottom structure likewise has a perimeter support bar that forms the structure of the bottom. A horizontal support bar extends from a left perimeter support bar to a right perimeter support bar. Nodes are attached to the ergonomic chair, and stability balls fit inside openings created by the support bars and nodes. A cover having memory foam pillows therein encapsulates the chair to provide users with customized setups that suit them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Inventor: David Navarro
  • Patent number: 11553803
    Abstract: The invention relates to a flexible member with adjustable stiffness for lying and/or sitting furniture. This member includes one or more inner spring(s) oriented along a central axis, one or more pair(s) of outer helical springs about the central axis, and a rotating part able to rotate, about the central axis, between a blocking position and an unblocking position. Each pair of outer helical springs includes an upper outer helical spring and a lower outer helical spring, connected by a corresponding hinge, which has a pivot axis orthogonal to the central axis. In the blocking position, the rails engage the corresponding hinges of the pairs of the outer helical spring, so as to prevent radial displacement, relative to the central axis, of the corresponding hinges, while the unblocking position allows the radial displacement of each corresponding hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: TOURNADRE SA STANDARD GUM
    Inventors: Géraud Cailley, Pascal Lobry, Jacques Lobry
  • Patent number: 11311112
    Abstract: The invention relates to a supple member with adjustable stiffness for lying and/or sitting furniture. This member includes one or more adjustable helical springs and a rotary part. The rotary part includes a hub able to rotate about the central axis and one or more elastically flexible fingers. Each finger extends from a first end secured to the hub of the rotary part, over an arc of circle about the central axis, to a second end, and cooperates with a corresponding end of one or more of the adjustable helical springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: TOURNADRE SA STANDARD GUM
    Inventors: Géraud Cailley, Pascal Lobry, Jacques Lobry
  • Patent number: 11311113
    Abstract: The invention relates to a height-adjustable supple member for lying and/or sitting furniture, including one or more adjustable springs and a rotary part. Each adjustable spring is configured to change in height along a central axis under the effect of a radial stress relative to the central axis. The rotary part includes one or more rails each extending over an angular sector about the central axis, in a plane perpendicular to the central axis, from a first end to a second end more distant from the central axis than the first end. Each rail cooperates, in the radial direction relative to the central axis, with a corresponding adjustable spring among the one or more adjustable. The rotary part is able to rotate, about the central axis, so as to exert, through each rail, said radial stress on the corresponding adjustable spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: TOURNADRE SA STANDARD GUM
    Inventors: Géraud Cailley, Pascal Lobry, Jacques Lobry
  • Patent number: 11098679
    Abstract: A valve guide moves back and forth relative to a housing. A valve engages with and slides on the valve guide to open and close a sealing passage of the housing. A valve-side spring is sandwiched between the valve guide and the valve and biases the valve. The valve-side spring has an outer wire portion defining a flat surface at a distal end in an axial direction and that is orthogonal to the axial direction. A pitch between the outer wire portion and an adjacent wire portion adjacent to the outer wire portion is smaller than a pitch between regular wire portions in at least one end of the valve-side spring in the axial direction. The outer wire portion and the adjacent strand portion are in line contact with each other in a circumferential direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: HAMANAKODENSO CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kimio Uchida
  • Patent number: 10966528
    Abstract: A stool can include a base including at least three legs with each leg including a non-slip member and a spring-loaded caster. A lower helical spring may be coupled to the base. A connecting member may comprise a first end coupled to the lower helical spring, a second end opposite the first end, and a central axis that extends between the first end and the second end. An upper helical spring may be coupled to the second end of the connecting member. A rotational joint may be coupled to the upper helical spring. A seat may be coupled to the rotational joint and configured to rotate about the central axis of the connecting member. The base, lower helical spring, upper helical spring, rotational joint, and seat may share a common vertical axis with the central axis of the connecting member when at rest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Inventor: Ronald B. Johnson
  • Patent number: 10357116
    Abstract: Example embodiments include a padding system that can include a first pocket assembly, the first pocket assembly including a first pocket, where the first pocket at least partially retains a first padding component, and a second pocket assembly, the second pocket assembly including a second pocket, where the second pocket at least partially retains a second padding component, where the first pocket assembly is coupled to the second pocket assembly with a transition portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: ZEPLUS, LLC
    Inventor: Herman Franklin Fisher
  • Patent number: 10041561
    Abstract: A spring assembly includes a first coil spring and a second coil spring. The second coil spring includes a first winding portion and a second winding portion. The first winding portion includes a plurality of windings from a first winding to at least a second winding. The second winding portion is a portion except for the first winding portion. An outer diameter of each of the plurality of windings of the first winding portion is smaller than an outer diameter of each of at least one winding of the second winding portion. Each of the plurality of windings of the first winding portion includes the substantially same outer diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: EXEDY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takeshi Senoue, Masahiro Nakatani
  • Patent number: 8893388
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of making a spring core (12) for a bedding or seating product (10). The spring core (12) has coil springs (26) having unknotted end turns (72, 74) made from high tensile strength wire. In each embodiment, the end turns (72, 74) of the coil springs (26) are generally U-shaped having one arcuate leg (76) longer than the other (78), the legs (76, 78) being joined by a connector (80) having an arcuate bump (81) therein. The springs (26) are oriented in the spring core (12) such that a long leg (76) of one end turn (72) abuts a short leg (78) of the adjacent end turn (72) prior to being wrapped in helical lacing wire (32). The high tensile wire enables the coil springs (26) to be manufactured using less wire than heretofore possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventors: Guido Eigenmann, Niels S. Mossbeck, Darrell A. Richmond
  • Patent number: 8689380
    Abstract: A spring assembly including a helical coil formed from a multi-strand cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Dreamwell, Ltd.
    Inventors: Richard F. Gladney, Bernard W. Kuchel, Michael S. DeFranks
  • Patent number: 8429779
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bedding or seating product (10) having a spring core (12) comprising coil springs (26) having unknotted end turns (72, 74) made from high tensile strength wire. In each embodiment, the end turns (72, 74) of the coil springs (26) are generally U-shaped having one arcuate leg (76) longer than the other (78), the legs (76, 78) being joined by a connector (80) having an arcuate bump (81) therein. The springs (26) are oriented in the spring core (12) such that a long leg (76) of one end turn (72) abuts a short leg (78) of the adjacent end turn (72) prior to be wrapped in helical lacing wire (32). The high tensile wire enables the coil springs (26) to be manufactured using less wire than heretofore possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventors: Guido Eigenmann, Niels S. Mossbeck, Darrell A. Richmond
  • Patent number: 8429772
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bedding or seating product (10) having a spring core (12) comprising coil springs (26) having unknotted end turns (72, 74) made from high tensile strength wire. In each embodiment, the end turns (72, 74) of the coil springs (26) are generally U-shaped having one arcuate leg (76) longer than the other (78), the legs (76, 78) being joined by a connector (80) having an arcuate bump (81) therein. The springs (26) are oriented in the spring core (12) such that a long leg (76) of one end turn (72) abuts a short leg (78) of the adjacent end turn (72) prior to being wrapped in helical lacing wire (32). The high tensile wire enables the coil springs (26) to be manufactured using less wire than heretofore possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventors: Guido Eigenmann, Niels S. Mossbeck, Darrell A. Richmond
  • Patent number: 8099811
    Abstract: A spring assembly including a helical coil formed from a multi-strand cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Dreamwell, Ltd.
    Inventors: Richard F. Gladney, Bernard W. Kuchel, Michael S. DeFranks
  • Patent number: 7930777
    Abstract: A stackable wire core assembly for a bedding foundation which may be nestably stacked with numerous other such assemblies for transportation, thereby avoiding the need to compress and tie the assembly for shipping. The wire core assembly includes an upper wire grid, including a border wire and support wires extending between the ends of the border wire. Each support wire has resilient portions extending downwardly from the plane of the upper wire grid, each resilient portion having a flat bottom adapted to be secured to a wooden base frame and curved arms extending upwardly from opposed ends of the flat bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventors: Perry E. Davis, Franklin H. Rawlings, Darrell A. Richmond, Thomas W. Wells
  • Patent number: 7908693
    Abstract: A mattress innerspring having coil-in-coil springs arranged in an array. Each coil-in-coil spring an outside helical coil and an inside helical coil, wherein the outside helical coil has a greater height and diameter than the inside helical coil, each coil having a dual spring rate between that of the outside helical coil and the combined spring rates of the outside and inside helical coils. The coil-in-coil springs may be pocketed or unpocketed in a mattress innerspring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Sealy Technology LLC
    Inventor: Larry K. DeMoss
  • Patent number: 7814594
    Abstract: A one-sided mattress construction includes a spring assembly with asymmetric spring coils. Only the bottom portion of each spring coil is attached, either to adjacent spring coils or to a bottom surface of the mattress. The top portion of each spring may have a narrowing taper that permits the top to move independent of other adjacent springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Dreamwell, Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael S. DeFranks, Bernhard W. Kuchel
  • Patent number: 7805780
    Abstract: A stackable wire core assembly for a bedding foundation which may be nestably stacked with numerous other such assemblies for transportation, thereby avoiding the need to compress and tie the assembly for shipping. The wire core assembly includes an upper wire grid including a border wire and support wires extending between the ends of the border wire. Each support wire has resilient portions extending downwardly from the plane of the upper wire grid, each resilient portion having a flat bottom adapted to be secured to a wooden base frame and curved arms extending upwardly from opposed ends of the flat bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventors: Perry E. Davis, Franklin H. Rawlings, Darrell A. Richmond, Thomas W. Wells
  • Patent number: 7418753
    Abstract: A one-sided mattress construction includes a spring assembly with asymmetric spring coils. Only the bottom portion of each spring coil is attached, either to adjacent spring coils or to a bottom surface of the mattress. The top portion of each spring may have a narrowing taper that permits the top to move independent of other adjacent springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Dreamwell, Ltd
    Inventors: Bernhard W. Kuchel, Michael S. DeFranks
  • Patent number: 7404223
    Abstract: Innerspring coils for innersprings for mattresses and other reflexive support structures, have generally helical coil bodies and at least one non-helical segment or step which extends between one or both axial ends of the coil body and one or both of the coil ends. The step or steps may be linear or non-linear, and parallel to or angularly disposed with respect to a longitudinal axis of the coil body. When located proximate to a coil end, the step extends out of the plane in which the coil end lies. One or more steps may alternatively be formed intermediate to helical turns of the helical coil body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Sealy Technology LLC
    Inventors: Brian M. Manuszak, Larry K. DeMoss, James A. Beamon
  • Patent number: 7178187
    Abstract: Asymmetric spring components for mattress and other flexible support structures, in the form of helical coil springs with turns in the coil body having varying pitch angles and radii, and a single support end for use in a one sided innersprings in one-sided mattresses. The coil springs are asymmetric about an axis of the coil or a horizontal reference plane, or both, and with ends of the coil springs shaped and sized differently to accommodate different mounting and support arrangements. Asymmetric coil springs can be contained in individual pockets or strings of pockets and arranged together to form an asymmetric pocketed coil innerspring for use in a one-sided mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Sealy Technology LLC
    Inventors: Bruce G. Barman, Larry DeMoss
  • Patent number: 7168117
    Abstract: A spring assembly including a helical coil formed from a multi-strand cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Dreamwell Ltd.
    Inventors: Richard F. Gladney, Bernhard W. Kuchel
  • Patent number: 7047581
    Abstract: A mattress construction with a stranded wire spring is disclosed. The stranded wire spring can be designed with the same performance characteristic as a conventional single strand coil spring, but at a lower manufacturing and material cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Dreamwell, Ltd.
    Inventor: Richard F. Gladney
  • Patent number: 6966091
    Abstract: An innerspring assembly comprising at least two sets of coil springs. In one embodiment, a first set of coil springs has a first elevation, a second set of coil springs has a second elevation different from the first elevation, and wherein one of the first and second sets of coil springs is compressed upon initial loading of the innerspring assembly, and wherein each of the first and second sets of coil springs is compressed upon continued loading of the innerspring assembly. In another embodiment, a first set of coil springs is pre-loaded to a first compressed state and a second set of the coil springs is pre-loaded to a second compressed state that exhibits a different degree of firmness relative to the first compressed state. In yet another embodiment, a first set of the coil springs has a barrel-shaped outer profile while a second set of the coil springs has an hourglass-shaped outer profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Barber Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Barber
  • Patent number: 6944899
    Abstract: A mattress construction with a multi-strand coil spring is disclosed. The multi-strand coil spring can be designed with the same performance characteristic as a conventional solid wire coil spring, but at a lower manufacturing and material cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Dreamwell, Ltd.
    Inventor: Richard F. Gladney
  • Patent number: 6931685
    Abstract: A one-sided mattress construction includes a spring assembly with asymmetric spring coils. Only the bottom portion of each spring coil is attached, either to adjacent spring coils or to a bottom surface of the mattress. The top portion of each spring may have a narrowing taper that permits the top to move independent of other adjacent springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Dreamwell, Ltd.
    Inventors: Bernhard W. Kuchel, Michael S. DeFranks
  • Publication number: 20040158929
    Abstract: A mattress construction with a stranded wire spring is disclosed. The stranded wire spring can be designed with the same performance characteristic as a conventional single strand coil spring, but at a lower manufacturing and material cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Applicant: Dreamwell, Ltd.
    Inventor: Richard F. Gladney
  • Publication number: 20040158930
    Abstract: A mattress construction with a multi-strand coil spring is disclosed. The multi-strand coil spring can be designed with the same performance characteristic as a conventional solid wire coil spring, but at a lower manufacturing and material cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Applicant: Dreamwell, Ltd.
    Inventor: Richard F. Gladney
  • Patent number: 6668406
    Abstract: A spring unit (2) for incorporation into a bed, divan bed, mattress, or other upholstery unit comprises a first spring (4) and a second spring located (6) within said first spring (4). The first spring (4) may be a pocketted spring, or the second spring may be a pocketted spring, or both of said springs may be pocketted springs, the pockets of said pocketted springs being composed of a woven material and/or a synthetic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: A Harrison (Bedding) Limited
    Inventors: Peter Douglas Spinks, Simon Paul Spinks
  • Publication number: 20020152554
    Abstract: A spring unit (2) for incorporation into a bed, divan bed, mattress, or other upholstery unit comprises a first spring (4) and a second spring located (6) within said first spring (4). The first spring (4) may be a pocketted spring, or the second spring may be a pocketted spring, or both of said springs may be pocketted springs, the pockets of said pocketted springs being composed of a woven material and/or a synthetic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 1999
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventors: PETER DOUGLAS SPINKS, SIMON PAUL SPINKS
  • Patent number: 6324711
    Abstract: A method of making low density spring interior assemblies having rectangular arrays of spring positions, some of which are occupied by individual coil springs and some of which are empty, is provided. Preferably, the array is formed of rows of alternating springs and empty positions laced to similar rows offset from each other in a staggered arrangement so that spaces and springs alternate both transversely and longitudinally. Preferably the springs are unknotted. The assemblies are automatically formed on a system that includes at least one coil former, at least one conveyor, a transfer station or mechanism and a spring interior assembly machine. A coil former forms and loads springs individually onto a conveyor. The transfer station transfers rows of coils to the assembly machine, which laces rows of coils together in the array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventor: Thomas J. Wells
  • Patent number: 6256820
    Abstract: A bedding or seating product comprising a spring core made up of a plurality of parallel strings of springs joined to each other. Each of the strings of springs comprises a row of interconnected pocketed coil springs. The pocket of fabric surrounding each of these coil springs is divided into at least two subpockets by at least one line of attachment of opposite sides of the fabric to each other. Each of these subpockets contains one portion of the coil spring, thus resulting in a multilayered product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventors: Terry Moser, Niels S. Mossbeck, Thomas J. Wells
  • Patent number: 5713088
    Abstract: An innerspring assembly, such as for use in a mattress, comprises a plurality of coil springs defining upper and lower terminal convolutions and body portions therebetween. Adjacent coil springs are attached together at the body portions thereof with the terminal convolutions being unattached to one another, so that the terminal convolution can move independently of one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Ohio Mattress Company Licensing and Components Group
    Inventors: Robert F. Wagner, Barry William Freeman, Paul J. Langer
  • Patent number: 5699999
    Abstract: A mattress inner spring core comprising a plurality of coil springs arranged in longitudinally extending columns and transversely extending rows. Each coil spring has an identically configured upper and lower end turn between which are a plurality of central convolutions defining a spring axis. Each end turn comprises first and second offset legs connected by a linear base web. A portion of a first leg of one end turn overlaps a portion of a second leg of an adjacent end turn in an overlapping region. Helical lacing wires encircle the legs of adjacent end turns to connect rows of springs. Each helical lacing wire has multiple revolutions encircling the overlapped legs of adjacent end turns with the same number of revolutions of the lacing wire encircling the overlapped portions of the legs and at least one complete revolution encircling a non-overlapped portion of the first and second legs of the end turns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventor: Thomas J. Wells
  • Patent number: 5596777
    Abstract: A spring mattress including a plurality of helical springs formed of rattan tubes and extending between the top and the bottom of the mattress sheath, with the helical springs forming a plurality of parallel, spaced from each other rows of helical springs, and stiffening grids provided at opposite ends of the helical springs for retaining the helical springs in their predetermined positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Inventor: Michael Polus
  • Patent number: 5584083
    Abstract: A spring core for a mattress consisting of a plurality of side-by-side rows of identically configured helical coil springs each made of a single piece of wire having a central portion of a first radius defining a central spring axis and terminating at opposing ends with unknotted upper and lower end turns disposed in planes substantially perpendicular to the spring axis. The springs are connected with each other at their upper and lower turns by connecting lacing wires. The upper and lower turns are each substantially U-shaped, having a longer relatively straight leg and a shorter arcuate leg located at the free end of each end turn, the legs connected to each other by a base web. The radius of the shorter arcuate leg is substantially less than the first radius of the central portion of each coil spring. All the coil springs are oriented in the same direction, except along an edge region of the spring core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventors: Henry R. Ramsey, Wayne J. Provost, Thomas J. Wells
  • Patent number: 5509642
    Abstract: An innerspring structure for a mattress comprises a plurality of outer coils extending generally parallel with each other to collectively form top and bottom face surfaces of the innerspring structure. One or more of the outer coils has an inner coil of preferably similar shape wound within and generally coaxially with the respective outer coil. Helical lacing wire wraps adjacent end turns of the inner and outer coaxially aligned coils together to form reinforced coil units in an area of the innerspring structure to increase the firmness of an area of the mattress utilizing the invention. Helical lacing wire connects the coils of the structure together and connects the end turns of peripheral coils to a border wire surrounding the periphery of the structures at the top and bottom face surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventor: Thomas J. Wells
  • Patent number: 5332202
    Abstract: A pneumatic and load-supporting spring device for use in bedding, cushions and the like. The disclosed embodiments have tubular telescoping members that are biased apart by either an elastomer located in the overlapping region, or a helical spring located within the pneumatic cylinder formed by the tubes. A conical or dish-shaped head element with clips for securely engaging a typical wire grid found in many bedding products is also disclosed, as well as a dish-shaped head element using cooperating lobe and trough pairs to hold a grid wire therebetween to fix a spring device in place. A foot element is also disclosed for use in attaching a spring device on the base frame of a typical bedding product. The foot element can straddle and snap into a metal frame rail, or be stapled to a frame rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1994
    Assignee: The Ohio Mattress Company Licensing And Components Group
    Inventors: Robert F. Wagner, Philip J. Pisczak
  • Patent number: 5104099
    Abstract: A spring interior comprising a plurality of longitudinally extending bands of springs disposed side by side and connected together by helical lacing wires in the top and bottom faces of the bands. Each band of springs comprises a single length of wire formed into a plurality of substantially vertical coil springs interconnected by interconnecting segments of wire located alternately in the top and bottom faces of the bands. The coil springs of each row are interconnected by interconnecting segments with the adjacent coils of the same row. The interconnecting segments comprise a planar bridging portion which extend generally lengthwise of the row and arcuate end sections which extend generally transversely of the row. The arcuate end sections are planar and connect the coil springs to the bridging portions of the interconnecting segments. The arcuate end sections are of approximately the same radius as the coil springs to which the arcuate end sections are connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Assignee: Leggett & Platt, Incorporated
    Inventor: Thomas P. Long
  • Patent number: 4817924
    Abstract: The spring core for a mattress consists of several, identically formed spring coils arranged in side by side rows with each row forming a wire piece having an upper and a lower mutually aligned end spiral in a U-shape, and having opposite legs joined together by a base webb. Adjacent coil springs are joined together at their end spirals along abutting legs by helical connecting springs. To arrange the springs at tight angles in rows and columns, a length of one leg is greater than the length of another leg and all the coil springs are oriented in the same direction, except along a edge region of the spring core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1989
    Inventor: Alan Thoenen
  • Patent number: 4781360
    Abstract: A spring assembly wherein there is a rectangular border wire and there are coils disposed in spaced, parallel rows within the border wire. The coils in the rows of coils lap and are connected by helices of wire. The helices of wire connect the adjacent rows of coils, and the coils adjacent the border wire are connected thereto by a helix of wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1988
    Assignee: Webster Spring Co. Inc.
    Inventor: Henry R. Ramsey
  • Patent number: 4766624
    Abstract: A bedding mattress, including a spring assembly having top and bottom parallel surfaces, padding over the top and bottom surfaces, and an upholstered covering completely encasing said spring assembly and padding. The spring assembly comprises multiple parallel rows of coil springs, each row of which is formed from a single continuous length of wire with each row containing a plurality of coils interconnected by connector segments. The rows of coils are interconnected by helical springs extending parallel to the rows and alternately wound around endmost turns of coils in a pair of adjacent rows of coils. The connector segment which interconnects the coils of each row comprises a generally diagonally extending connector bar having parallel end portions connected at the center by an offset section, which offset section is formed by rotation of the offset section relative to the end portions of the connector bar while the end portions of the connector bar are restrained against rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1988
    Assignee: Leggett & Platt, Incorporated
    Inventors: Chester R. Yates, Marvin D. Selzer, Henry G. Mohr
  • Patent number: 4766625
    Abstract: A box spring comprises a rectangular base frame, a wire grid, and a plurality of parallel rows of coil springs supporting the grid atop the base frame. Each row of coil springs is made from a single continuous length of wire in which adjacent coils are interconnected by an interconnecting segment of the wire. Each interconnecting segment is in the form of a generally diagonally extending bar having substantially parallel end portions interconnected at the center by an offset section, which offset section is formed by rotating the offset section relative to the parallel end portions while the end portions are restrained against rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1988
    Assignee: Leggett & Platt, Incorporated
    Inventors: Chester R. Yates, Marvin D. Selzer, Henry G. Mohr
  • Patent number: 4726572
    Abstract: A spring coil has an open-ended terminal convolution which is connected to the body of the coil through a gradient arm. The gradient arm can be readily varied in length in manufacture to alter the compression and thereby the firmness of the spring coil. Offset portions are advantageously formed on terminal convolutions with a major straight part which is outwardly spaced from minor straight parts. This provides a three point engagement for the offset portion when connected to a border wire with a border wire helical spring. The offset portions of the spring coils have inside and outside shoulders adjacent their ends. The pitch of cross-helicals which join overlapped offset portions is chosen so that a cross-helical simultaneously engages the outside shoulders of one of a pair of overlapped offset portions to firmly hold the spring coil against rotation. The cross-helical preferably also catches the inside shoulders of the other overlapped portion to additionally hold that spring coil against rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1988
    Assignee: Sealy, Incorporated
    Inventors: Keith A. Flesher, Robert F. Wagner
  • Patent number: 4724557
    Abstract: A bedding foundation comprising a lower base frame, an upper wire grid and a plurality of novel spring elements interposed between the base frame and the wire grid. Each of the spring elements comprises two discrete lengths of spring wire, each of which has a center portion and two free end portions. The center portions of the discrete lengths of wire are twisted about one another to form an elongated, vertically oriented center portion of the spring element from which there extend a pair of upper spring arms and a pair of lower spring arms, the spring arms being formed by the free end portions of the two discrete lengths of spring wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1988
    Assignee: Leggett & Platt, Incorporated
    Inventors: Chester R. Yates, Tom L. Walkinshaw, III
  • Patent number: 4699362
    Abstract: A spring element for bedding and furniture which can be constructed in a simple manner but will not tend to come apart in ordinary use. The spring element includes a laterally extending pair of parallel wires and a longitudinally extending pair of parallel wires atop the laterally extending wires. The pairs of wires are welded to one another at their crossing points to form a seat for engaging the open top loop of a coil spring, and the ends of the wires are connected to a framework. Each longitudinally extending wire has a depressed portion between the crossing points extending beneath the laterally extending wires. The top loop of the spring is snapped into engagement with the pairs of wires, so that the top loop is sealed above the depressed portions of the longitudinally extending wires and beneath the laterally extending wires and so that the top of the free end portions of the top loop is biased against the bottom of one of the laterally extending wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1987
    Assignee: Leggett & Platt, Incorporated
    Inventor: Edwin G. Krakauer
  • Patent number: 4664361
    Abstract: A plurality of main springs and a plurality of intermediate support springs are arranged on a rectangular base plate. Each main spring is made of a single steel wire and consists of two coil portions and a straight rod portion connecting these two coil portions. The rod portions of the main springs are arranged at right angles, thus forming a lattice. One end of each coil portion is fastened to a frame. The other end of each coil portion is fastened to the base plate. Each coil portion is shaped like a cone, an inverted cone, a hourglass or a barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1987
    Assignee: France Bed Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Noboru Sasaki
  • Patent number: 4625349
    Abstract: A coil spring unit having a series of coil springs connected together in column and row matrix configuration, the end loops of the coil springs being open loops that terminate in free ends, i.e., the end loops of the coil springs not being closed and knotted. The coil spring assembly method comprises forming a series of coil spring rows, each row being formed from a single continuous length of spring wire. Each intermediate spring within a row has an adjacent coil spring on one side directly connected at one end of that intermediate spring, and an adjacent coil spring on the other side directly connected at the other end of that coil spring, through use of connector sections that are part of the single continuous length of spring wire used to form that row. The pre-formed rows thereafter are connected in matrix form. After the rows have been connected in matrix configuration, the connector sections are selectively cut between adjacent springs on both sides of each intermediate spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1986
    Assignee: Leggett & Platt, Incorporated
    Inventor: Larry Higgins
  • Patent number: 4619445
    Abstract: A plurality of main springs and a plurality of intermediate support springs are disposed and fixed on a rectangular base plate. Each main spring has a linear connecting rod portion and two coil spring portions such that one end of each of the two coil spring portions is coupled to a corresponding one of two ends of the first linear connecting rod portion. The main springs are disposed such that these connecting rod portions are perpendicular to each other in a matrix form. The other end of each of the coil springs is fastened to the base plate. Each intermediate support spring has a connecting rod portion and two coil spring portions. The connecting rod portion of each intermediate support spring is shorter than that of each main spring. One end of each of the coil spring portions of the intermediate support spring is coupled to a corresponding one of two ends of the connecting rod portion of the intermediate support spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1986
    Assignee: France Bed Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Noboru Sasaki