US3680918A

US3680918A - Air cushion and seat frame

Info

Publication number: US3680918A
Application number: US83846A
Authority: US
Inventors: Donald L Briggs
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1970-10-26
Filing date: 1970-10-26
Publication date: 1972-08-01
Anticipated expiration: 1989-08-01

Abstract

The specification discloses seat structures comprising a lightweight frame having a generally horizontal seat portion and a somewhat vertical back portion. The frame is preferably formed from metal tubing to have an inherent resiliency or springaction. Attached to the seat and back portions of the frame are inflatable cushion members formed from air impervious sheet material, such as plastic, rubberized fabric or the like. Preferably, the cushions have individual sections which are separately inflatable whereby the contour and firmness of any seat can be varied. In one embodiment, the seat and back portions of the frame have U-shaped tubular portions and the inflatable cushions have pocket-like recesses adapted to receive the Ushaped portions. In a second embodiment, the frame is formed from sheet metal, or molded from plastic and provided with a plurality of openings. The cushions include outwardly extending, resilient or deformable members spaced to correspond to openings in the frame. The members are sized slightly larger than the openings so that the cushions can be attached to the frame by deforming the members and forcing them into or through the openings.

Description

United States Patent Briggs [451 Aug. 1,1972

[54] AIR CUSHION AND SEAT FRAME [72] Inventor: Donald L. Briggs, RD. 2, Beloit,

Ohio 44609 [22] Filed: Oct. 26, 1970 [21] Appl. No.: 83,846

[52] U.S. Cl ..297/456, 3/348, 297/DIG. 3 [51] Int. Cl. ..A47c 27/08, A470 27/18, B60n 1/06 [58] Field of Search ..297/D1G. 3, 218, 219, 229,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,865,436 12/1958 Thorne ..297/218 3,567,278 3/1971 Barecki et a1 ..297/218 3,111,344 11/1963 l-loven et a1 ..297/466 X 3,515,430 6/1970 Nelson ..297/219 X FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 753,936 8/1956 Great Britain ..297/456 Primary Examiner-Casmir A. Nunberg Attorney-Fay, Sharpe and Mulholland [5 7] ABSTRACT The specification discloses seat structures comprising a lightweight frame having a generally horizontal seat portion and a somewhat vertical back portion. The frame is preferably formed from metal tubing to have an inherent resiliency or spring-action. Attached to the seat and back portions of the frame are inflatable cushion members formed from air impervious sheet material, such as plastic, rubberized fabric or the like. Preferably, the cushions have individual sections which are separately inflatable whereby the contour and firmness of any seat can be varied. In one embodiment, the seat and back portions of the frame have U- shaped tubular portions and the inflatable cushions have pocket-like recesses adapted to receive the U- shaped portions. In a second embodiment, the frame is formed from sheet metal, or molded from plastic and provided with a plurality of openings. The cushions include outwardly extending, resilient or deformable members spaced to correspond to openings in the frame. The members are sized slightly larger than the openings so that the cushions can be attached to the frame by deforming the members and forcing them into or through the openings.

v5 Claims, 21 Drawing Figures PATENTEDAUB I I972 SHEET 1 BF 5 R 06 m m5 V my. 0 M M 0 A 7'TORWEYS I PATENTEDAUG 1 1922 SHEET 3 OF 5 INVENTOR. DONALD L. BR/GGS m 5W 5 MM ATTORNEYS PATENTEDAus nan 3.680.918

SHEEI s 0F 5 INVENTOR. DONALD L. BRIGGS A TTOR/VEYS PATENTEDAU: 1 I972 3.680.918

SHEET 5 [IF 5 INVENTOR. DONALD L. QR/66$ BY. 7 J {WM 31:. E E. El

I ATTORNEYS AIR CUSHION AND SEAT FRAME The present invention is directed toward the seat art and, more particularly, to an improved inflatable seat construction.

The invention is especially suited for constructing vehicle seats and will be described with particular reference thereto; however, it will be apparent that the invention is capable of broader application and could be used for construction of many types of seats or chairs for a variety of uses.

Vehicle seats currently in use generally comprise a rigid, metal frame carrying coil springs or the like and covered with suitable padding and fabric. Normally, the seats can be adjusted only a limited amount, if at all.

The general complexity of the typical vehicle seats make their cost relatively high both in terms of material cost and labor cost. Further, because of their lack of adjustability from the standpoint of position and firmness, the seats must be designed for the average individual. Consequently, for most individuals, the seats are never as comfortable as desirable.

The present invention overcomes the above problems and provides a seat construction which is extremely simple and lightweight. Further, seats constructed in accordance with the invention can be made individually adjustable for firmness and position. Also, when the seats incorporate certain aspects of the invention, contour and firmness of selected portions of the seats can be selectively varied to suit the needs of the individual users In accordance with the invention, the seats comprise a lightweight frame having a generally horizontal seat portion and a somewhat vertical back portion. The frame is preferably, but not necessarily, formed from metal tubing to have an inherent resiliency or springaction. Attached to the seat and back portionsof the frame are inflatable cushion members formed from air impervious sheet material, such as plastic, rubberized fabric or the like. Preferably, the cushions have individual sections which are separately inflatable whereby the contour and firmness of any seat can be varied.

In accordance with a more limited aspect of the invention, the seat and back portions of the frame have U-shaped portions and the inflatable cushions have pocket-like recesses adapted to receive the U-shaped portions. With this arrangement, the cushions can be simply slipped on and off the frame.

In accordance with another somewhat limited aspect of the invention, the frame is formed from sheet metal, or molded from plastic and provided with a plurality of openings. The cushions include outwardly extending, resilient or deformable members spaced to correspond to openings in the frame. The members are sized slightly larger than the openings so that the cushions can be attached to the frame by deforming the members and forcing them into or through the openings.

- A primary object of the invention is the provision of a seat structure which is both simple in construction and light in weight.

A further object is the provision of an inflatable seat construction arranged so that the contour and firmness can be easily varied.

Yet another object of the invention is the provision of an improved seat assembly which uses inflatable cushions over light tubular or formed frames.

A further object is the provision of a seat of the type described wherein the cushions can be readily disconnected from the frame.

The above and other objects and advantages will become apparent from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is an exploded pictorial view of a portion of a seat formed in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded pictorial view showing the entire frame of the FIG. 1 embodiment and the back cushion of the seat;

FIG. 3 is a detailed pictorial view showing the pivotal interconnection of the seat frame of the FIG. 1 embodiment;

FIG. 4 shows in exploded pictorial view a modified seat cushion and frame formed in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 4A illustrates in pictorial view a frame modification which can be used in the FIGS. 1 through 4 embodiments;

FIG. 5 is a modified hinge for connecting the seat and back portions of a frame which can be used in the invention;

FIG. 6 shows an exploded pictorial view of a base or seat portion of a bench-type vehicle seat embodying features of the invention;

FIG. 7 shows the back cushion and the entire seat frame of the embodiment of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 shows in detail the method of mounting a back portion of a seat formed in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 9 shows a modified form of inflatable seat cushion which can be used in the subject invention;

FIG. 10 is a cross-section through a seat cushion formed in accordance with the FIG. 9 embodiment illustrating the manner in which it is received on an associated frame;

FIG. 11 is a cross-section taken through a seat cushion formed in accordance with further embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 12 is a pictorial view of a modified seat frame which can be used in carrying out the invention;

FIG. 13 is a pictorial view showing the frame of the FIG. 12 embodiment and the back seat cushion and illustrating the manner in which it is connected to the frame;

FIG. 14 illustrates the seat portion of the FIG. 12 embodiment and the cushion arrangement preferably used therewith;

FIG. 15 illustrates how upholstery or covers can be fitted to seats formed in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 16 is a pictorial view of the bottom of a cushion illustrating an additional manner in which the cushions can be attached to the frame;

FIG. 17 shows in pictorial view a fourth embodiment of a seat formed in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 18 shows in exploded pictorial view how cushions can be attached to the frame of the FIG. 17 embodiment;

FIG. 19 is'a view showing how the back cushion can be attached to the vertical portion of the frame of the FIG. 17 embodiment; and,

FIG. 20 is a detailed showing of the manner in which upholstery or seat coverings can be applied to the cushions of the FIG. 17 embodiment.

Referring more particularly now to FIGS. 1 through 3, the overall arrangement of this embodiment of the invention can be seen as including tubular frame assembly l comprised of a base or seat portion 12 and a generally vertically extending back portion 14. The frame assembly can take a variety of specific forms as will become apparent from discussion of the other embodiments of the invention; however, in the FIGS. 1 though 3 embodiments, the frame assembly 10 is formed from relatively lightweight metal tubing which serves to give an inherent resiliency to the frame. In particular, as best shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the base portion 12 of the frame assembly 10 comprises a single section of tubing 16 formed so as to provide a pair of generally U-shaped outwardly and horizontally extending

sections

18 and 20 formed continuously with a pair of

base members

22 and 24. The

members

22, 24 are reinforced where they join the horizontally extending

U-shaped portions

18 and 20 by metal bracket plates 26 and 28.which are welded or otherwise connected to the sides.

Plates

26 and 28 also provide a hinge connection for the back porfion of the seat in the manner which will subsequently be described.

As can be appreciated, by forming the base of the seat from metal tube in the manner described, the seat base has a natural resiliency or spring-like action. It should be apparent that the springiness of the unit can be varied by changing the arrangement of the corner braces or using different sizes or wall thicknesses of tubing. An additional feature of the tubular frame is that it can be connected with the vehicle's heating and air conditioning system for heating or cooling the frame.

Preferably, the back portion 14 of the seat frame 10 is formed in generally the same manner as the seat. As can best be seen in FIG. 2, the back 14 is formed from metal tube and comprises a pair of vertically extending

U-shaped portions

30 and 32 interconnected by a short bight portion 34. The inner-legs of the

U-shaped portions

30, 32 have upwardly extending

sections

36 and 38 respectively. These portions are arranged so as to provide a head cushion supporting section.

According to one feature of the invention, the cushion members for the seat portion and the generally vertical back portion are formed-as air inflatable bags which can be received over the frames. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the cushion for the. horizontal portion of the seat assembly comprises an inflatable cushion member 40 formed from any air impervious type of flexible sheet material such as plastic, rubberized fabric, or the like. It should be appreciated that the particular type of material used for forming the inflatable cushions is not of particular importance. Additionally, as will become-apparent hereafter, the cushion can be formed from material having a desired surface characteristic or it can be formed from plain, clear sheet plastic and covered with any type of cover. In particular, as shown in FIG. 1, the lower seat cushion 40 is formed as a sealed bag with a pair of inwardly extending pockets or recesses 42 and 44 spaced and sized so as to receive the

U-shaped portions

18 and 20 of the base frame 16. The

recesses

42, 44 are formed from the same material as the remaining portion of the cushion and are air-tight. This allows the frarnel6 to merely slide into the recesses and no additional sealing means are required between the cushion and the frame. Further, means in the form of an adjustable air valve 46 are provided to fill the cushion to a desired degree of inflation. Further, the surface of the seat can be provided with individual air cells each individually inflatable so as to assure a desired contour. l

The cushion for the back portion of the seat is formed in generally the same manner as the seat cushion. Note that as shown in FIG. 2, the back cushion 48 is provided with a pair of inwardly extending

recesses

50, 52 sized to receive the

U-shaped portions

30, 32 respectively, of the back frame 14. In the FIG. 2 embodiment, the back cushion is provided withan integral head rest portion 54 which can be separately inflatable or connected in air flow relationship with the interior of the main portion of the cushion 48. The

sections

36, 38 of the back frame 14 extend upwardly into corresponding recesses or containers positioned within the head rest portion 54. A valve 58 is provided for deflating the back cushion to the desired degree.

It can be appreciated that the back frame 14 and the base frame 12 can be rigidly interconnected or mounted for relative movement and adjustment. FIG. 3 shows the preferred pivotal interconnection between the back frame 14 and the base frame 12. Note that pin members 35 extend through the lower ends of the outside legs of the back frame 14 and through the reinforcing

plates

26, 28. Additionally, a stop block member 37 is welded to the outer face of one or both of the reinforcing

plates

26, 28. Obviously, the stop block 37 can be made adjustable if desired.

FIG. 4 shows a modification of the manner inwhich the base cushion is connected to the frame. Note that in the FIG. 4 embodiment, the base frame 60 is formed with one central U-shaped portion 62 and two outer, tightly bent

U-shaped portions

64 and 66. In this embodiment, the seat cushion 68 is formed generally in the manner described with reference to the seat cushion 40 of the FIG. 1 embodiment but has only one recess or opening 70 adapted to receive the U-shaped portions 62 of the base 60. The two outer tightly

bent portions

64, 66 of frame 60 are merely received in inwardly extending

recesses

72 and 74 which are formed in the lower face of the cushion. In all other particulars, the cushion 68 is identical to the cushion 40 of the FIG. 1 embodiment.

As is apparent, the cushions can be affixed to the frames in any convenient manner such as through the use of straps, releasable snaps or the like.

FIG. 4A shows a manner in which the seat frames can be made more rigid if desired. Note that the basic tubular frame is provided with sleeve portions or members which are slipped over the ends of the formed tubes and welded or affixed thereto. These members make the frame somewhat more rigid and can be provided with removable connections if desired.

FIGS. 5 through 7 show how the invention can be embodied in a bench-type seat structure. In this embodiment, the base frame 90 (shown in FIG. 6) is formed substantially identical to the base frame 12 of the FIGS. 1 through 4 embodiments. The primary difference is that the center portion of the frame is provided with an additional U-shaped section and a central support bracket 92. The support brackets 92 are shown as metal angles or the like welded to the underside of the frame forming tubes and extending downwardly therefrom. The back portion of the frame 94 is also similar to the back portion of frame of the FIG. 1 through 4 embodiments. Additionally, however, the frame has a plurality of intermediate U-shaped sections to support the back cushion entirely along its length. Note that the back cushion 96 is formed in the same manner as the cushions described in the FIG. 1 through 4 embodiments but, in this embodiment, the back can be rigidly connected to the base 90 as shown in FIG. 7. For example, a pair of pins 95 connect through the frame to interlock the two sections. Additionally, however, the sections can be pivotally interconnected in any convenient manner if desired.

An alternate approach is shown in FIG. 8. In FIG. 8, the back portion of the frame is rigidly mounted in the floor of the vehicle and is entirely independent of the base portion. As shown in FIG. 8, the ends of the frame 98 are received in openings formed in the vehicle floor. The frame can be welded in the openings or removably affixed therein.

As previously mentioned, the cushions can be formed from many types of material. Additionally, their internal structure can be varied to change their outer contour or to give them added strength against bulging when a particularly firm seat is desired and the internal pressure must be substantially increased. FIG. 9 shows a cushion which can be used in the FIGS. 1 through 4 embodiments or the FIGS. 6 and 7 embodiments. Note that the cushions shown in FIG. 9 and identified with the numeral 100 are somewhat of a three ply structure including upper and lower outer faces 102 and 104 and an intermediate partition member 106. The inner-member 106 is connected at spaced longitudinal points by webs 108 which extend from the member 106 to facing surfaces of the outer shell. Openings 110 are formed through the inner member 106 and the spacing members 108 to allow free flow of air through the interior of the cushion. Independent recess forming members, not illustrated in FIG. 9, connect from the outer frame receiving openings 112 to seal the interior while permitting mounting of the cushion on an associated frame.

FIGS. 12 through 14 illustrate a third embodiment of the invention which utilizes a different frame arrangement. In this embodiment, the frame is formed, for example, from stamped steel or plastic molded into the configuration shown. Note that the base portion 120 of the frame is provided with a generally rectangular bottom supporting a generally horizontal top having indents or recesses 122 stamped or molded therein. The back portion of the frame 124 is similarly formed as a molding or stamping and has similarly shaped recesses 126. Preferably, the back is pivotally connected to the base in any convenient manner such as through the use of pivot pins 128 passing through generally horizontally extending extensions 129 formed on the lower edge of the back.

The inflatable cushions are connected to the back and seat portions (124 and respectively) in any convenient manner but preferably, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. Referring to FIG. 13, it will be seen that the cushion 130 is provided with a foldable extension which connects to the upper end portion of the cushion and can be folded over the back frame 124. The foldable portion 132 can be formed from any desired material and has tabs 134 along its free edge. The tabs 134 are provided with small openings 136. The openings 136 are sized so as to receive resilient fingers or tabs 138 carried along the lower edge of the cushion 130. As can be appreciated, by positioning the cushion against the seat back 124 and folding the back portion 132 downwardly, the outwardly extending fingers or tabs 138 can be passed through the openings 136 to connect the cushion to the frame. The tabs 138 preferably are resilient or deformable and have a cross-section slightly greater than the cross-section of the openings 136. Thus, they are resiliently held in the openings. Additionally, the back of the cushion 130 is molded with outwardly extending portions 140 shaped to conform to the recesses 126 formed in the back. This prevents undesired movement of the cushion on the back while making cushion installation and removal relatively simple.

Similarly, as shown in FIG. 14, the seat cushion is provided with a molded back or base 152 having outwardly extending portions 154 adapted to be engaged with the molded end recesses 122 of the base 120. These serve to prevent movement of the cushion relative to the seat frame. Further, clip portions 156 extend from the back edge of the base 152 for engagement over the rear edge of the frame base 120.

In the FIGS. 12 through 14 embodiments, it should be appreciated that the inflatable portion of the seat cushions can be formed as shown in any of the preceding embodiments. Additionally, the cushions can be subdivided internally in different manners to allow any desired contour to be achieved.

As shown in FIG. 15, the seat cushions can be provided with removable fabric covers or the like. This allows the inflatable portion of the cushions to be formed from a desired material without regard to whether it has the proper color or surface texture. Note that a fabric cover can be slipped over the cushions and zipped in position such as illustrated.

Alternately, the cushions can be snapped over the cushion in the manner shown in FIG. 16. Note that FIG. 16 illustrates an inflatable cushion having a somewhat rigid bottom wall 160 provided with snaps 162. The cover is similarly provided with snaps located so as to allow it to be snapped to the inflatable cushion.

Although not specifically mentioned, it should be appreciated that any of the seat frames thus far described can be provided with additional adjusting means such as guide tracks and the like. Further, the particular seat shape and configuration can vary widely without departing from the scope of the invention.

FIG. 17 shows a further embodiment of the invention utilizing a formed or molded seat frame of the general type illustrated in FIGS. 12 through 14. Specifically, the base frame has a generally rectangular bottom housing 172 and a curved or dished top member 174. The back frame 176 is simply a dish-shaped molded or stamped metal frame part.

As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, both the

frame portions

174 and 176 are provided with a plurality of openings 180. The openings 180 provide means for attaching the inflatable cushions to the assembly. Note that as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the

cushions

182 and 184 are provided with outwardly extending connecting members 186 which preferably are resilient and have an enlarged outer end of a size slightly larger than the openings 180. Preferably, the portions 186 are molded directly to the bottom of the cushions. Altemately, there can be a separate member attached to the cushions in any convenient manner. To install the cushions in the FIGS. 18 and 19 arrangement, the outwardly extending portions 186 are deformed so that they may pass through the openings 180. After being passed through the openings, they can be permitted to expand into their original shape to prevent them from being withdrawn through the openings.

In addition to allowing the cushions to be attached to the frames, the portions 186 also allow a cover of fabric or the like to be put over the cushions. As illustrated in FIG. 20, the cushions can be covered by a fabric covering 190 having flaps or tabs 192 provided with openings 194 located so as to correspond to the locations of the, portions 186.

It should be understood that the particular shape of the resilient members 186 is not of importance and they could have any desired crosssection.

Referring again to the embodiments of FIGS. 1 through 11, it should be noted thatalthough a tubular frame structure is not absolutely necessary, it is preferred for many reasons. First, the tubular frame arrangement provides an inherent resiliency or springiness not present in the FIGS. 12 through 20 embodiments. Additionally, the tubular portions of the seat frames can be connected with outside air or the output from the vehicle heater or air-conditioner to either cool or heat the seat. Additionally, its simplicity makes it a simple forming matter and does not require any special stamping or molding equipment.

With all seat embodiments thus far described, it is apparent that various types of trim strips and the like can be applied to the cushions, the frame, or the covers. Further, with inflatable seat cushions of the type utilized in the subject invention, the cover members are not particularly critical as to size. For example, when the cover 190 has been applied to the cushions as shown in the FIG. 20, inflation of the cushion will cause the cover 190 to be tightly stretched to conform to the cushion. Further, if desired, the cushions can have several internal chambers with separate air supply valves. This allows separate sections of the cushions to be inflated to different levels for contour and resilienreading and understanding of the specification and it is my intention to include all such modifications and alterations as part of my invention insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims.

at is claimed is: seat structure comprising:

a generally horizontal base frame; a generally vertical back frame extending upwardly from said base frame; said base frame and said back frame being interconnected and formed from v resilient metal tubing, the tubing forming said base frame and said seat frame being bent generally bent to provide at least one generally U-shaped central portion and separately inflatable air cushion members covering said base frame and said back frame and connected thereto: said air cushion members each including a pocket which extends inwardly from the outer surface and is surrounded by in-flatable portions of said cushion; and, said U-shaped portions of said base frame and said back frame are received in said pockets.

2. The seat structure as defined in claim 1 wherein said air cushion members each include a valve means whereby said cushion members can be inflated to a desired pressure by a user.

3. The seat structure as set forth in Claim 1 wherein said back cushion and said seat cushion are individually inflatable wherein the pressure can be independently adjusted.

4. A seat structure comprising;

a generally horizontal base frame:

a generally vertical back frame extending upwardly from said base frame; said back frame and said base frame each including. a multiplicity of openings extending therethrough, separate, inflatable air cushion members for connection to said base frame and said back frame, each of said cushion members including integral resilient connecting members extending outwardly therefrom and positioned to correspond to the openings in said base frame and said back frame, said connecting members having head portions slightly larger than said openings but deformable to pass through said openings and retain said cushions on said base frame and said back frame.

5. The seat structure as defined in Claim 4 wherein said base frame and said back frame are formed of molded plastic having said openings extending therethrough.

Claims

1. A seat structure comprising: a generally horizontal base frame; a generally vertical back frame extending upwardly from said base frame; said base frame and said back frame being interconnected and formed from resilient metal tubing, the tubing forming said base frame and said seat frame being bent generally bent to provide at least one generally U-shaped central portion and separately inflatable air cushion members covering said base frame and said back frame and connected thereto: said air cushion members each including a pocket which extends inwardly from the outer surface and is surrounded by in-flatable portions of said cushion; and, said U-shaped portions of said base frame and said back frame are received in said pockets.

3. The seat structure as set forth in Claim 1 wherein said back cushion and said seat cushion are indivi-dually inflatable wherein the pressure can be independently adjusted.

4. A seat structure comprising; a generally horizontal base frame: a generally vertical back frame extending upwardly from said base frame; said back frame and said base frame each including a multiplicity of openings extending therethrough, separate, inflatable air cushion members for connection to said base frame and said back frame, each of said cushion members including integral resilient connecting members extending outwardly therefrom and positioned to correspond to the openings in said base frame and said back frame, said connecting members having head portions slightly larger than said openings but deformable to pass through said openings and retain said cushions on said base frame and said back frame.