VARIABLE CONTOUR CUSHION

• US 3,608,961 A
• Filed: 09/04/1969
• Issued: 09/28/1971
• Est. Priority Date: 09/04/1969
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Robert Von Heck
• Original Assignee: Robert Von Heck
• Inventors: Von Heck, Robert
• Primary Examiner(s): Mitchell, James C.
• Application Number:
  US04/855,144
• Time in Patent Office: 754 Days
• Field of Search: 297/458-460,284,DIG.1,DIG.3 5/361R
• US Class Current: 297/284.1
• CPC Class Codes: A47C 27/086 with fluid-like particles, e.g. filled with beads
• CPC Class Codes: A47C 31/126 for chairs
• CPC Class Codes: A47C 4/54 Inflatable chairs connection of valves to inflatable elastic bodies B60C29/00
• CPC Class Codes: A47C 7/02 Seat parts adaptation of seats to mounting in tubular chairs A47C5/06; such parts not restricted to chairs A47C23/00; removable upholstered units or cushions A47C27/00
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 297/03 Pneumatic

Abstract

A cushion comprising a plurality of plastic beadlike material sealed within a pliant covering and including means whereby a user may selectively alter ambient air pressure differential and cushion contour and neutralize body pressure fatigue points for maximum comfort.

Claims

1. A cushion comprising:

a resilient cover forming a cavity;

a plurality of deformable beads in said cavity, each of said beads being characterized as having a substantially spherical shape in its relaxed condition and capable of assuming a multifacet shape when subjected to a compressive force; and

means for selectively applying a compressive force to said beads.

2. Cushion according to claim 1 wherein said last-named means comprises a switch having an inlet in fluid communication with said cavity, a first outlet in fluid communication with the atmosphere, and a second outlet in fluid communication with a source of reduced pressure, and selection means having a first position prOviding fluid communication between said inlet and said first outlet and having a second position providing fluid communication between said inlet and said second outlet.

3. Cushion according to claim 2 wherein said switch further includes bias means for biasing said selection means into its second position.

4. Cushion according to claim 2 wherein said beads are closed-cell polystyrene beads.

5. Cushion according to claim 1 wherein said beads are closed-cell polystyrene beads.

6. Cushion according to claim 1 wherein said beads are coated with a lubricant.

7. A seat comprising:

a plurality of cushions, each cushion having a cover forming a cavity, a plurality of foam plastic beads in said cavity, each of said beads being characterized as having a substantially spherical shape in its relaxed condition and capable of assuming a multifacet shape when subjected to a compressive force; and

means for selectively applying a compressive force to said beads.

8. Seat according to claim 7 wherein said last-named means comprises a switch having an inlet in fluid communication with said cavity, a first outlet in fluid communication with the atmosphere, and a second outlet in fluid communication with a source of reduced pressure, and selection means having a first position providing fluid communication between said inlet and said first outlet and having a second position providing fluid communication between said inlet and said second outlet.

9. Seat according to claim 8 wherein said switch further includes a bias means for biasing said selection means into its second position.

10. Seat according to claim 8 wherein said beads are closed-cell polystyrene beads.

11. Seat according to claim 7 wherein said beads are closed-cell polystyrene beads.

12. Seat according to claim 7 wherein said beads are coated with a lubricant.