Noncoil Spring Element Patents (Class 5/719)
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Patent number: 9167919Abstract: A cover for a mattress includes a lateral panel for extending across the lateral surface of the mattress and a top panel for covering the top surface of the mattress. The top panel includes a breathable inner liner made of a non-woven material, a breathable outer shell covering the inner liner, and a silk floss fill retained between the inner liner and the outer shell. A mattress also includes the inner liner, outer shell and silk floss fill. A cover having an adjustment feature which includes a channel, an elongate elastic strip extending therein, a first connector and plurality of complementary second connectors disposed along the strip.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2010Date of Patent: October 27, 2015Assignee: SMARTSILK CORPORATION INC.Inventors: Harry Walker, Yair Altman
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Patent number: 9003584Abstract: An aspect of the present invention relates to a method and system of receiving information of a user's support facility comfort requirements; using a software application to determine a proper support facility firmness configuration to match the user's requirement; selecting foam springs with the proper user required firmness as determined by the software application; and configuring the selected foam springs within the support facility to match the user's firmness requirements.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2012Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Inventors: Martin B. Rawls-Meehan, Teng-An Chang
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Patent number: 8932692Abstract: Cushions include a plurality of pockets formed from a support material and a deformable member comprising a deformable polymer material disposed in each pocket of the plurality of pockets. The support material may comprise at least one of a fabric and a film. Each of the deformable members may be configured as a column having a column axis. Methods of forming cushions include forming a plurality of deformable members, forming a plurality of pockets from a support material, and disposing each of the deformable members of the plurality of deformable members in each of the pockets of the plurality of pockets. The deformable members may be configured so that each of the deformable members is isolated from the other deformable members by the support material.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2010Date of Patent: January 13, 2015Assignee: Edizone, LLCInventor: Tony M. Pearce
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Patent number: 8746662Abstract: A foam spring for use in pillows, cushions, mattresses or the like, the foam spring having a tubular resilient body-made of foam with holes extending inwardly from an outside surface to an inside surface, wherein the tubular body-comprises at least one tubular foam layer and at least one reinforcing layer applied to said foam layer over at least a part of the axial length of the spring.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2007Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Elisna S.A.R.L.Inventor: Willy Poppe
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Patent number: 8726438Abstract: The invention provides a corrugated mattress and method for making. The mattress comprises an corrugated foam core, a middle cushioning layer and outer cover layer. The corrugated foam core includes an upper substrate, a lower substrate and a fluted middle substrate the flutes fixed to the upper and lower substrates providing three-dimensional support for the user. The middle cushioning layer may comprise a second corrugated foam product, a cotton batting layer, densified polyester or foam including polyurethane, polyester, polypropylene or polylactic acid and the like. The outer cover layer may comprise cotton or laminated foam comprising, polyurethane, polyethylene, polyester, polypropylene, polylactic acid and the like, the laminate comprising a film independently selected from polyurethane, polyethylene, polyester, polypropylene or polylactic acid and the like. In various embodiments the polymers are food grade polymers such that the mattress is non-toxic.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2011Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: BJ2, LLCInventor: Jason Cik
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Patent number: 8607391Abstract: Pillow or mattress having a comfort layer (5) which is made of natural or synthetic latex, polyurethane foam or another elastic material. The comfort layer 5 is provided with interrupted incisions (6) through the layer 5, along mainly parallel lines 7, and the layer (5) forms at least a part of a jacket around a core (2) of the pillow or mattress that is stretched in a lateral direction (P) which is mainly transverse to the direction of the above-mentioned lines (7) in order to open the incisions (6) so as to form passages (8) through the comfort layer (5).Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2006Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Inventor: Willy Poppe
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Publication number: 20130263380Abstract: Interlocking foam encasement components to form mattress encasements, and related mattress encasements, mattress assemblies, and methods are disclosed. A mattress encasement is formed by two interlocking foam encasement components engaged with each other. Each interlocking foam encasement component includes a foam base member with two foam side-support members provided in parallel or substantially parallel arrangement on opposite sides of the foam base member. To form the mattress encasement, first side-support members of a first interlocking foam encasement component are interlocked orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to second side-support members of a second interlocking foam encasement component to form a foam side-support perimeter for the mattress encasement. The foam side-support perimeter provides an interior area to receive and encase a mattress innerspring or mattress core.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2013Publication date: October 10, 2013Inventors: Julian Thomas Young, Christopher Dean Page, Ivan Sobran, Mark Stearley
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Publication number: 20120198632Abstract: An aspect of the present invention relates to a method and system of receiving information of a user's support facility comfort requirements; using a software application to determine a proper support facility firmness configuration to match the user's requirement; selecting foam springs with the proper user required firmness as determined by the software application; and configuring the selected foam springs within the support facility to match the user's firmness requirements.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2012Publication date: August 9, 2012Inventor: Martin B. Rawls-Meehan
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Patent number: 8185988Abstract: Various embodiments of this invention disclose a mattress with two cover layers that enclose a spring grid array core wherein the springs are mounted back to back on a single grid support. The spring array is surrounded by a frame layer and is divisible into separate recumbence areas by supportive flanges.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2008Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: Somnium, Inc.Inventor: Rainer Wieland
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Patent number: 8181296Abstract: An aspect of the present invention relates to a method and system of receiving information of a user's support facility comfort requirements; using a software application to determine a proper support facility firmness configuration to match the user's requirement; selecting foam springs with the proper user required firmness as determined by the software application; and configuring the selected foam springs within the support facility to match the user's firmness requirements.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2011Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Inventor: Martin B Rawls-Meehan
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Patent number: 8141251Abstract: Method for manufacturing a filling material, characterised in that it consists at least in providing cylindrical foam springs (14) between two support layers (2,9) and in fixing them to the latter, for example by gluing the crosscut ends (15) to the support layers (2,9), after which the thus obtained double-coated layer (16) is cut, through the support layers (2,9), in two single-coated layers which each mainly consist of a single support layer (2, 9) with shorter foam springs (14) connected thereto.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2007Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: Imhold, Naamloze VennootschapInventor: Willy Poppe
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Patent number: 8099812Abstract: A spring element unit for a padding element, especially a mattress, comprises a plurality of spring elements. The spring element consists of an open-cell polyurethane flexible foam material and comprises at least one recess. Such a spring element unit is used in a padding element, especially a mattress, which comprises a base body for receiving the spring element unit. Such a spring element unit prevents a build-up of heat and humidity between the body and the supporting padding element.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2010Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: Metzeler Schaum GmbHInventors: Maik Steppat, Barbara Puhane, Volker Maidhof, Andreas Bauer, Manfred Hohenhorst
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Patent number: 8028363Abstract: An aspect of the present invention relates to a method and system of receiving information of a user's support facility comfort requirements; using a software application to determine a proper support facility firmness configuration to match the user's requirement; selecting foam springs with the proper user required firmness as determined by the software application; and configuring the selected foam springs within the support facility to match the user's firmness requirements.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2010Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Inventor: Martin B. Rawls-Meehan
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Patent number: 8020230Abstract: An aspect of the present invention relates to a method and system of receiving information of a user's support facility comfort requirements; using a software application to determine a proper support facility firmness configuration to match the user's requirement; selecting foam springs with the proper user required firmness as determined by the software application; and configuring the selected foam springs within the support facility to match the user's firmness requirements.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2007Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Inventor: Martin B Rawls-Meehan
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Publication number: 20110179580Abstract: The invention is a grid section for a mattress core, wherein springs are mounted back to back on the grid section and wherein the grid section is attached to other grid sections in a two dimensional array to create an interconnected grid array. The grid section is cross shaped with four arms. Each arm has either a male or female tip. The male and female tips of the grid sections fit together to form the mattress grid array.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2011Publication date: July 28, 2011Inventor: Rainer Wieland
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Patent number: 7954189Abstract: An aspect of the present invention relates to a method and system of receiving information of a user's support facility comfort requirements; using a software application to determine a proper support facility firmness configuration to match the user's requirement; selecting foam springs with the proper user required firmness as determined by the software application; and configuring the selected foam springs within the support facility to match the user's firmness requirements.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2007Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Inventor: Martin B Rawls-Meehan
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Patent number: 7930783Abstract: An aspect of the present invention relates to a method and system of receiving information of a user's support facility comfort requirements; using a software application to determine a proper support facility firmness configuration to match the user's requirement; selecting foam springs with the proper user required firmness as determined by the software application; and configuring the selected foam springs within the support facility to match the user's firmness requirements.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2007Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Inventor: Martin B Rawls-Meehan
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Patent number: 7865989Abstract: A spring element unit for a padding element, especially a mattress, comprises a plurality of spring elements. The spring element consists of an open-cell polyurethane flexible foam material and comprises at least one recess. Such a spring element unit is used in a padding element, especially a mattress, which comprises a base body for receiving the spring element unit. Such a spring element unit prevents a build-up of heat and humidity between the body and the supporting padding element.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2007Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: Metzeler Schaum GmbHInventors: Maik Steppat, Barbara Puhane, Manfred Hohenhorst, Volker Maidhof, Andreas Bauer
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Patent number: 7860723Abstract: An aspect of the present invention relates to a method and system of receiving information of a user's support facility comfort requirements; using a software application to determine a proper support facility firmness configuration to match the user's requirement; selecting foam springs with the proper user required firmness as determined by the software application; and configuring the selected foam springs within the support facility to match the user's firmness requirements.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2007Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Inventor: Martin B Rawls-Meehan
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Patent number: 7854031Abstract: An aspect of the present invention relates to a method and system of receiving information of a user's support facility comfort requirements; using a software application to determine a proper support facility firmness configuration to match the user's requirement; selecting foam springs with the proper user required firmness as determined by the software application; and configuring the selected foam springs within the support facility to match the user's firmness requirements.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2007Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Inventor: Martin B Rawls-Meehan
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Patent number: 7849546Abstract: Various embodiments of this invention disclose an internal spring array of a mattress wherein the springs are mounted back to back on a membrane, and a simplified method for making an internal spring array of a mattress. The springs of the array have support plates connected to a base section via a spring arm.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2008Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: Somnium, Inc.Inventor: Rainer Wieland
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Patent number: 7841031Abstract: An aspect of the present invention relates to a method and system of receiving information of a user's support facility comfort requirements; using a software application to determine a proper support facility firmness configuration to match the user's requirement; selecting foam springs with the proper user required firmness as determined by the software application; and configuring the selected foam springs within the support facility to match the user's firmness requirements.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2007Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Assignee: Hsiu Chen LiaoInventor: Martin B Rawls-Meehan
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Publication number: 20100170038Abstract: A quiet, non-binding collapsible spring mechanism for resiliently supporting a mattress includes a system of collapsible, sinuous springs, each having hooked ends for silencing the mechanism during use or collapse, as well as central offset portions for enabling the sinuous springs to compress to a greater extent than heretofore. Both rigid and yieldable support structures connect the spring mechanism to an item of furniture.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2010Publication date: July 8, 2010Applicant: ITEM DEVELOPMENT INC.Inventor: John MILLER
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Patent number: 7685663Abstract: An aspect of the present invention relates to a method and system of receiving information of a user's support facility comfort requirements; using a software application to determine a proper support facility firmness configuration to match the user's requirement; selecting foam springs with the proper user required firmness as determined by the software application; and configuring the selected foam springs within the support facility to match the user's firmness requirements.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2007Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Inventor: Martin B Rawls-Meehan
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Patent number: 7624462Abstract: By providing an elongated profile which incorporates a plurality of indentations formed therein, a load bearing/cushioning/supporting element is realized. By employing this construction, the element accommodates large strain under force, and shows good resiliency and repeated recovery. The element can be produced from a continuous extrusion process with immediate manipulation to re-shape the extrusion profile, or secondary thermal forming process which follows the extrusion process, or blow molding process, or injection molding process.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2006Date of Patent: December 1, 2009Assignee: Nomaco, Inc.Inventors: Bangshu Cao, Eduardo Lauer, Michael W. Allman
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Patent number: 7574760Abstract: A cushion comprises a first surface made of flexible high polymer resin; a second surface made of flexible high polymer resin, in at least partially coextensive relation to the first surface to define a cavity therebetween, the coextensive relation defining opposing corresponding portions of the first and second surfaces; a plurality of support members comprising inwardly directed indentations in both of the first and second surfaces extending into the cavity, a plurality of the indentations in each of the first and second surfaces having a square shape and an outwardly facing recess, a plurality of the indentations in the first surface abutting the indentations in the second surface; a layer of viscoelastic foam substantially overlying the first surface; and, a fabric enclosure surrounding the first surface, the second surface and the foam layer.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2006Date of Patent: August 18, 2009Assignee: Skydex Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Peter Foley, Gerald Michael (Mike) Buchen, Adam Lyons, Timothy Patrick Pepe
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Publication number: 20090133195Abstract: A description is given of a mattress with at least one elastic basic body. The basic body has at least one channel in which at least one resilient rake can be arranged. The resilient rake includes an elongate, elastic crosspiece which is capable of torsion. A multiplicity of resilient arms are fastened on the crosspiece, each being arranged essentially transversely to the crosspiece.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2006Publication date: May 28, 2009Inventor: Manfred Elzenbeck
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Patent number: 7520011Abstract: A support pin matrix features a number of support pins densely two dimensionally arrayed and individually springily suspended such that a patient's body or body portions may be bedded directly on the support pins. The pins are preferably pressurized by a fluid pressure system for highly balanced contact pressure irrespective the individual pins' load deflection. A control system may provide a pin retraction wave of the support pins. A body resting surface accessing device may be moved across the support pin matrix and beneath a bedded patient in conjunction with the pin retraction wave. The resting surface accessing device may be configured for cleaning, drying, inspecting, irradiating, and/or massaging the body resting surface and/or for maintaining the body support pin matrix. A body carrying net may be retracted and raised in between the body support pins to lift the patient off the support pin matrix.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2007Date of Patent: April 21, 2009Inventor: Janusz Liberkowski
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Publication number: 20080209644Abstract: Various embodiments of this invention disclose a mattress with an internal spring array, and the springs of the internal spring array are mounted back to back on a membrane. The mattress also has two cover layers and a frame layer that enclose the internal spring array. The springs of the spring array have support plates connected to a base section via a spring arm.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2008Publication date: September 4, 2008Inventor: Rainer Wieland
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Publication number: 20080189867Abstract: Various embodiments of this invention disclose a mattress with two cover layers that enclose a spring grid array core wherein the springs are mounted back to back on a single grid support. The spring array is surrounded by a frame layer and is divisible into separate recumbence areas by supportive flanges.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2008Publication date: August 14, 2008Inventor: Rainer Wieland
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Publication number: 20080189868Abstract: Various embodiments of this invention disclose an internal spring array of a mattress wherein the springs are mounted back to back on a membrane, and a simplified method for making an internal spring array of a mattress. The springs of the array have support plates connected to a base section via a spring arm.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2008Publication date: August 14, 2008Inventor: Rainer Wieland
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Patent number: 7360263Abstract: A support module for use in a bedding foundation to support a support surface above a bedding foundation base, the support module being of an independent wire form configured to define a top portion, a bottom portion, and four predominantly straight support legs, wherein the support legs are skewed with respect to each other, such that each respective support leg is not parallel to any of the other support legs. The top of each support leg is bent to be oriented into a common first plane to form the top portion, which may be connected to a wire grid assembly to form a nestable bedding foundation.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2006Date of Patent: April 22, 2008Assignee: Hickory Springs Manufacturing CompanyInventor: Kevin N. McCraw
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Patent number: 7356859Abstract: A support module for use in a bedding foundation to support a support surface above a bedding foundation base, the support module being of an independent wire form configured to define a top portion, a bottom portion, and four predominantly straight support legs, wherein the support legs are skewed with respect to each other, such that each respective support leg is not parallel to any of the other support legs. The top of each support leg is bent to be oriented into a common first plane to form the top portion, which may be connected to a wire grid assembly to form a nestable bedding foundation.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2006Date of Patent: April 15, 2008Assignee: Hickory Springs Manufacturing CompanyInventor: Kevin N. McCraw
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Patent number: 7210181Abstract: An improved spring construction for mattresses, box springs, furniture and other applications is provided. The application of such springs in mattresses, box springs, furniture and other applications is also provided. In one aspect of the invention, the spring construction is a spring including a series of spring segments, each having a flattened, irregular configuration where the spring varies in compression strength and deflection from a top portion thereof to a bottom portion thereof.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2004Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Atlanta Attachment CompanyInventor: Elvin C. Price
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Patent number: 7120956Abstract: A combination mattress includes a plurality of independent barrels each having two resting faces and an outer peripheral face extending between the two resting faces. Each independent barrel has a recess extended through the two resting faces. The independent barrels are combined together with the outer peripheral faces abutting mutually.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2005Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Inventor: Hsiu-Chen Liao
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Patent number: 7069610Abstract: A therapeutic mattress, inside which are arranged with plurality of sensors which are disposed on the lifting-and-supporting assemblies, and a control system is used to control the lifting-and-supporting assemblies and the sensors, through rise and fall of the lifting-and-supporting assemblies, the therapeutic mattress can be adjusted to support different body parts of the patient. The control system and the sensors can cooperate with each other to provide a precise function of weight-measurement and body-position sensing, and the sensors will cooperate with lifting-and-supporting assemblies to adjust the supporting point of the therapeutic mattress to the patient, thus preventing bedsores.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2005Date of Patent: July 4, 2006Inventor: Chang-Wei Chai
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Patent number: 7000277Abstract: A spring mattress that uses a multiplicity of elastic springs, spatially distributed according to a predetermined pattern, with highly variable configurations, obtained by shaping through cutting and pouring operations on a starting slab of foam material of a proper thickness. The resulting configuration that is adopted determines incoming portions in the spring elements that affect one or more of its sides, with variable magnitudes and depths, and outcropping portions from one or more of its sides, with a thickness and projection range that are also variable. The springs that make up the mattress are integrated on their lower end to the remaining continuous laminar portion of the original slab, and in a second alternate version, can be joined on their other end to a continuous laminar slab to which they are bonded by means of adhesion or similar operation.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2004Date of Patent: February 21, 2006Assignee: Torres Espic, S.L.Inventor: Manuel Torres Cervera
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Patent number: 6986182Abstract: A bedding or seating product comprises a pocketed spring assembly having a plurality of parallel strings of springs joined to each other. Each of said strings of springs comprises a row of interconnected pockets, each of the pockets containing at least one spring encased in a fabric pocket. An inflatable member is sandwiched between a lower scrim sheet and some strings of springs. When inflated, the inflatable member preloads select areas of the product.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2004Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Inventor: Niels S. Mossbeck
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Patent number: 6948205Abstract: The present invention relates to a mattress (10), for use as a bed, which mattress comprises substantially resilient material such as a foam rubber, spring devices (4) such as coil springs being provided in the mattress, in order to distribute the pressure exerted upon the mattress. The mattress according to the invention is characterised in that the mattress comprises at least two layers (1,2) placed one on top of the other, blind holes (3) for the accommodation of the spring devices (4) being made in at least one of said two layers, which blind holes connect to the boundary face between the two layers.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2002Date of Patent: September 27, 2005Assignee: Beter Bed Holding N.V.Inventors: Cornelus Johannes Van Der Wurf, Irene Clementine Mirjam Best
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Patent number: 6866340Abstract: A chair and standing device includes a mechanism for allowing movement in an individual's hips and lower back while seated in a chair or standing in one's workstation, by letting the pelvis glide unabated through an apparatus made up of a series of balls, round springs or magnets built into a two pad chair seat cushion. Two pads under the respective ilia of the person preferably move in a forward & rearward glide pitch, roll, yaw and opposing medial glide enhanced by a ΒΌ? to ?? raised platform in the center of the apparatus. The chair allows the pelvis to move in a gliding motion that mimics walking while the person is seated or standing, thus reducing the structurally caused lower back pain and stiffness so commonly associated with long periods of standing or sitting.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2000Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Inventor: Richard C. Robertshaw
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Patent number: 6826791Abstract: A spring element for supporting a seat cushion or mattress includes a base body adapted to be attached to a foundation member. The base body includes a plurality of spring arms. Attached to the base body is a support body which includes at least two support arms. The support body is rotatable relative to the base body about an axis to displace the support arms between a supporting position to limit the deflection of the spring arms, and a non-supporting position to exert no influence on the spring arms. Therefore, the flexibility of the spring element can be adjusted by rotation of the support body.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2003Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Assignee: FROLI Kunststoffwerk Heinrich Fromme OHGInventor: Heinrich Fromme
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Publication number: 20040231057Abstract: A mattress comprises a support plate having a plurality of mounting holes, a plurality of independent spring assemblies individually mounted to the support plate, and a cover enclosing the support plate and the plurality of spring assemblies. Each of the spring assemblies includes a tubular mounting member fixed to the support plate preferably by snap-fit through a mounting hole in the support plate, a sliding cap axially movable relative to the mounting member, and a spring acting between the mounting member and the sliding cap, wherein the spring is axially compressible when the sliding cap is forced in an axial direction toward the support plate. A spacer of chosen length can be provided to set preload on the spring. In a “flippable” embodiment, the mounting member includes a mid-portion snap-fitted to the support plate and upper and lower portions each having a sliding cap associated therewith, wherein the spring acts between the two sliding caps.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2004Publication date: November 25, 2004Inventor: Jeffrey M. Sabin
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Patent number: 6813791Abstract: A bedding or seating product comprising a pocketed spring assembly made up of a plurality of parallel strings of springs joined to each other. Each of the strings of springs comprises a plurality of interconnected pocketed coil springs. The product has multiple sections of differing firmness attributable in part to differing heights of the pockets of the strings of springs. Filler is placed above the lower sections of the pocketed spring assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2003Date of Patent: November 9, 2004Assignee: L&P Property Management CompanyInventors: Niels S. Mossbeck, Thomas J. Wells
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Publication number: 20040123384Abstract: A spring element for supporting a seat cushion or mattress includes a base body adapted to be attached to a foundation member. The base body includes a plurality of spring arms. Attached to the base body is a support body which includes at least two support arms. The support body is rotatable relative to the base body about an axis to displace the support arms between a supporting position to limit the deflection of the spring arms, and a non-supporting position to exert no influence on the spring arms. Therefore, the flexibility of the spring element can be adjusted by rotation of the support body.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2003Publication date: July 1, 2004Applicant: FROLI Kunststoffwerk Heinrich Fromme OHGInventor: Heinrich Fromme
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Patent number: 6742202Abstract: A support system has an array of telescoping columns that are each extended by a means such as a spring. The ends of the extended columns define a plane of support for a body resting on the array of columns. The columns move perpendicular to the plane of support, and independently, in response to the weight of a body resting upon them. The means for keeping the columns extended may be passive or active, and the columns may be moved independently by actuators connected to them. The columns may be assembled into modules, which can in turn be assembled into support systems of arbitrary size and shape.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2002Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Inventor: B. Thomas Jones
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Patent number: 6721981Abstract: A body support apparatus, for example, a bed, includes a support surface defined by support members. Each support member is mounted for movement in a direction substantially normal to the support surface. Support members are so arranged that movement of any one of the support members in a direction substantially normal to the support surface and beyond a threshold distance relative to an adjacent support member causes movement in substantially the same direction of said adjacent support member. No movement of a support member is caused by the movement of an adjacent support member when the distance of relative movement is below the threshold distance. The support members are resiliently urged towards an unloaded position, by tension springs.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2001Date of Patent: April 20, 2004Inventors: Colin Jack Greenhalgh, Marlene Claire Greenhalgh
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Patent number: 6704960Abstract: A support device (10) includes a plurality of interconnected support units (12) arranged in a matrix. Each support unit (12) includes a plurality of support elements (16) configured to deform laterally outwardly when the support unit (12) is subjected to a compressive load in a load direction (54). A pre-compression is induced in the support units (12) by laterally pre-tensioning the support units (12) by means of springs (25) connected to a peripheral frame. Hence, when a support unit (12) is subjected to a compressive load in the load direction (54) it expands laterally which serves to relieve, at least partially, the pre-tension in the support units (12) connected thereto which then extend in the load direction under the influence of the springs (24).Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2001Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Inventor: George D. Lumgair
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Patent number: 6647574Abstract: A coupled waveband (14, 21) suspension for bed underframes, seating, upholstery, and mattresses consists of several sinusoidal wavebands (14, 21) which run parallel and/or transversely to the longitudinal axis. Support elements (12, 35) are rigidly or moveably fixed to or ride on the crests or maxima of the wavebands (14, 21). The troughs or minima are supported by slide or roll bearing elements (17) affixed to the frame. A strong interactive coupling is achieved between the support elements (12, 35) causing a positive stroke of the less pressure-loaded segments and the appropriate support elements by the simultaneous lowering of the pressure-loaded waveband segments. The wavebands (14, 21) are manufactured out of higher quality, elastically flexible sold plastic or foam material, or of spring steel band or wire, duralumin, or out of formed laminated wood.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2002Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Assignee: L&P Property Management CompanyInventor: Erhard Weber
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Patent number: 6578213Abstract: A nestably stackable assembly for use in a bedding foundation. The assembly has a rectangular border wire with parallel sides and ends. Transversely spaced, parallel and longitudinally extending support wires are connected at their ends to the border wire ends. The support wires are formed so as to be generally corrugated along their lengths with peaks and valleys. The peaks are flattened at their tops, and the flattened tops are generally coplanar with a plane defined by the border wire. The valleys are vertically displaced beneath and intermediate of the flattened tops. Longitudinally spaced and transversely extending, upper connector wires are connected to the sides of border wires, and the upper connector wires are connected along their lengths to the flattened tops of the peaks of the support wires. The valleys have flattened bottoms, and adjacent pairs of the flattened bottoms of the valley are interconnected by resilient connectors.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2001Date of Patent: June 17, 2003Assignee: L&P Property Management CompanyInventor: Upton Dabney
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Publication number: 20030019043Abstract: A method of making a foam encased innerspring mattress and an innerspring mattress made according to the method. The method includes the steps of assembling the sides and bottom of a foam housing, positioning an innerspring unit in the housing, securing a foam layer to the top of the housing, and sealing the innerspring unit therein. A quilted covering is applied over the completed assembly. According to the method, a foam encased innerspring mattress can be made in any desired firmness, and any desired size or shape, including standard bedding sizes and shapes.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2001Publication date: January 30, 2003Inventors: Steve Bryant, Ross Olinski, Robert O'Connell