Super-conforming seating system

• US 4,114,214 A
• Filed: 06/21/1976
• Issued: 09/19/1978
• Est. Priority Date: 06/21/1976
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Robert Vonheck
• Original Assignee: Robert Vonheck
• Inventors: VonHeck, Robert
• Primary Examiner(s): Nunberg, Casmir A.
• Application Number:
  US05/698,719
• Time in Patent Office: 820 Days
• Field of Search: 297/284, 297/458-460, 297/DIG. 1, 297/DIG. 3, 5/361, 5/345, 5/365, 5/367-370, 5/91, 161/160
• 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 7/029 of non-adjustable shape adapted to a user contour or ergonomic seating positions
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 5/913 with suction means

Abstract

An improved variable contour cushion operating system comprising an imperforate flexible casement containing myriad amounts of tiny spherical plastic micro-bearings which displace in response to an occupants body weight during an equalized atmospheric-pressure mode of use, but respond enmasse to an induced low-pressure air differential condition by fixing to an instant position through virtue of said micro-bearings deforming temporarily into inter-joining polyhedrons; wherein said casement in this new disclosure is additionally subjected to a "floative"-mode of operation involving positive air-pressure greater than former ambient-atmosphere, thus achieving an enhanced cradling effect in the "contour"-mode for greater comfort & security to the occupant.

Claims

1. Cushioning of the variable-contour body-molding type comprising a resilient imperforate casement containing a myraid quantity of deformable micro-bearings, as characterized in the following improved conditions of operation

(A.) floative-mode, an expansive state created by selective means inducing a positive fluidic pressure-differential serving to bouyantly counterpoise occupant thereupon, enhancing subsequent conformability by eliminating excessive micro-bearing frictional resistance to an otherwise propensity toward flowing to points of least bodily resistance, preparing an advanced state of conformability heretofore unknown;

(B.) neutral-mode, a semi-formable state created by selective means inducing ambient fluidic pressure to neutralize either differential effect, wherein a substantially spherical micro-bearing shape is represent but achieving a retarded rolling propensity due to friction impossed by weight of occupant thereupon, thereby exhibiting mild compliance as an interim mode of operation;

(C.) conform-mode, a compressive state created by selective means inducing a negative fluidic pressure-differential serving to impose a substantially polyhedral micro-bearing shape, resulting in high frictional interlocking of micro-bearing surfaces which en masse resist further cushion surface change, hence, fixing an instant body mold of the occupant.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said means essentially comprises a valve having an outlet in fluid communication to within said casement, and an inlet in fluid communication with an appropriate fluid-pressure source, said source employing adjustable fluid-pressure biasing means by which to induce the desired degree of selected positive or negative fluid-pressure relative to an ambient pressure norm.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said fluidic-pressure source comprises a reversible flow Rotary-vane or equivalent type fluid pump, obviating complexity of reversing pump inlet/outlet ports, as is the customary means;

whereby cushion compliance may be adjusted merely by nature of directional pumping action only, not by cause of juxtaposition switching of inlet/outlet ports; and

, natural blow-by action of the inactive(relaxed) said pump vanes, further obviates need for a by-pass valve during the optional casement bleed-down sequence of operation.

4. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein selective means comprises a valve having an outlet in fluid communication within said casement, and a fluid pressure inlet which may be descretely biased between any of specified fluidic sources:

(A.) a positive-pressure as measured relative to ambient casement atmosphere...

(B.) a neutral-pressure as measured relative to ambient casement atmosphere...

(C.) a negative-pressure as measured relative to ambient casement atmosphere.

5. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein negation of either said florative or conform operational-modes may be expediently employed to obviate excessive pumping action, by biasing the fluidic inlet in communication within said casement, directly into fluid communication with the ambient atmosphere;

with resulting rapid bleed-down action.

6. Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said Rotary-vane pump is power driven via electric-motor, and reversibly controled, stopped &

started, via use of a double-pole/double-throw/normally-open to center electrical switch;

serving to electrically reverse polarity excitation of said driving-motor in selective manner.

7. Apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said pump driving-motor is automatically timed to a limited duration of predetermined energizing action, by means of an electrical amperage-current flow measuring type of sensor device in form of an essentially standard automotive circuit-breaker;

said sensor being preset to a given resistance and connected in-line with one of series-circuit conductors, so as to monitor and effect an appropriate, open-circuit, to thus notify user that full mode energizing has been attained.

8. Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said valve is an essentially standard 2-way/normally-closed selonoid actuated type.

9. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said micro-bearings are a closed-celled plastic type, such as expanded-polystyrene/EPS.

10. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each said characterized mode selection is held in check within said casement once so energized, by valving-off fluid-communication to any of said fluidic pressure sources;

thereby negating need for continuous fluidic attachment to said pressure sources, resulting in conservation of pumping energy, and ultimate portability in the Conform-mode of operation.