CA2010366C - Inflated seat - Google Patents
Inflated seatInfo
- Publication number
- CA2010366C CA2010366C CA 2010366 CA2010366A CA2010366C CA 2010366 C CA2010366 C CA 2010366C CA 2010366 CA2010366 CA 2010366 CA 2010366 A CA2010366 A CA 2010366A CA 2010366 C CA2010366 C CA 2010366C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- envelope
- cushions
- pressure
- seat
- gas pressure
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
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- Mattresses And Other Support Structures For Chairs And Beds (AREA)
Abstract
A seat made of a plurality of adjacently positioned cushions is characterized by each cushions having an envelope made of a gas-tight elastic material. Each envelope has a predetermined shape under a maximum gas pressure causing no elastic extension of the material. The envelope contains a reduced internal gas pressure slightly less than the maximum gas pressure to allow the sagging of the predetermined shape. The reduced gas pressure is sufficient to prevent opposite walls of the seat to collapse one against the other upon external pressure of a portion of a human body. The material forming the envelope of the cushion has an elasticity sufficient to stretch and to conform to the contour of said portion of the human body.
Description
TITLE:
Inflated Seat BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
Field of the invention:
The invention is directed to a seat having ergonomic character-istics. The seat uses a plurality of inflated cushions adjacently disposed on a substantially rigid surface. The cushions are characterized by a very low internal gas pressure which provides them with a flabby or flaccid appearance when no outside pressure is exerted on them. However, when an external pressure such as the back or the thighs of a person is applied on them, the envelope of the cushion trapping the gas has a t~ndency to mold and wrap around the back or thighs and still remain with a relatively low internal pressure.
The size and the internal pressure of each cushion is selected according to the desired tension in its elastic envelope when the latter is sollicited by an external pressure. The larger the cushion, the greater its change in volume. However, the external pressure exerted must never create a collapsing sufficient to allow opposite walls of the envelope to come in contact with each other.
The shape of the cushion is also selected according to part of the body which is supported. The shape and the weight of such part need to be taken in consideration.
Under external pressure, the elasticity of the material consti-tuting the envelope is affected by the intrinsic properties of the material and by its thickness. In fact, the envelope of the same cushion may have an uneven thickness to modify the elasticity over defined paths or areas. A reinforced pattern of increased thickness may be used to provide a desired shape to the normally flabby cushions with or without external pressures.
The envelope is made of a layer of natural rubber or elastomer such as the one made by Dupont Co.
under the Trademark ALCRYN. Its flabby shape may also be reinforced or hidden by a layer of polyurethane foam.
Considering that the external pressure on each cushion of the seat varies from one person to another, the internal pressure of each cushion is individually pre-adjusted or adjusted by a set of valves which can be controlled by a set of buttons adjacent the seat.
Prior art:
U.S. Patent N 2,627,302, to Forsyth discloses a pneumatic seat cushion made of elongated inflated resilient elements held together by a plurality of superposed layers of fabric. Each inflated element rests on a rigid longitudinal bar which projects inside the normal periphery of the element when the latter is under load. Each element is provided with an air valve for varying the inner air pressure. The pressure is stated to be of an amount less than one pound per s~uare inch which is a pressure above atmospheric pressure. Such deduction is obvious from figure 3 because the inflated elements 10 maintain their circular cross-section. The same applies to U.S. patent N 2,672,183.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
According to the present invention, there is provided a seat made of adjacently positioned cushions, adapted to support and laterally mold a r surface of a portion of a human body, each cushion having an envelope made of a gas-tight, elastic and flexible material, and the envelope having the possibility of having a predetermined shape when filled with a maximum internal gas pressure which is just below the pressure causing elastic extension of the material, and including two oppositely facing walls. The envelope contains a reduced internal gas pressure slightly less than the maximum gas pressure, to allow a sagging of the envelope from the predetermined shape and to produce a flaccid envelope, the reduced gas pressure being sufficient to prevent the facing walls to collapse on each other upon application of an external pressure by the portion of the human body. The material has a flexibility and a flaccidness sufficient to yield and to conform to the surface of the portion of the human body and to laterally mold and wrap the portion of the human body upon the application of the external pressure. A
rigid base supports the cushions in adjacent relationship, and includes a peripheral wall for laterally supporting these cushions and preventing them from flatly spreading out in response to the external pressure.
The objects, advantages and other features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following non restrictive description of a preferred embodiment thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a seat according to the invention;
~ ~"
,,...~
-3~
Figure 2 is a side view of the seat shown in figure 1;
Figure 3 is a rear view of the seat shown in figure 1;
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the seat taken along line 4-4 of figure 3;
Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of figure 4;
Figure 6 is an enlarged view of encircled portion 6 of figure 4;
Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a cushion according to the invention under no external pressure;
Figure 7a is a cross-sectional view of the cushion ~, -4- ~ ~ ~ ~
Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the cushion taken along line 8-8 of figure 7a;
Figure 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the elastic envelope of a cushion with two tear-out portions;
Figure 10 is a schematic view of a pneumatic assembly for controlling pressure in a plurality of cushions;
Figure 11 is an exploded view of a seat, according to the invention; and, Figure 12 is a tear out portion of a cushion covered with foam and textile 1 ining~s.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:
Figure 1 illustrates a seat 10 embodying the invention, and in particular, with a tear-out portion showing two inflated cushions 12 and 14. The cushions 12 and 14 are covered with layers of foam 16 and a layer of fabric 18. All the cushions are disposed over a rigid backing frame such as 20. Figure 1 illustrates one arrangement of the relative disposition and sizes of the cushions examplified by cushions 12 and 14, but the present invention is not restricted to any specific arrangement of the cushions nor their sizes, shapes or volumes.
The seat 10 also comprises a horizontal portion 22 which is also covered by cushions according to the invention and surrounded by a layer of foam and fabric.
The cushions, such as 12 and 14, which constitute the main characteristic of the invention, are inflated or inflatable with a pressure to be controlled by a panel adjacent the horizontal portion 22.
The horizontal portion 22 rests on a supporting frame 26 which may allow . 201 0366 the seat 10 to be moved on a horizontal plane, as shown by the arrow~ 28 in figure 2. The seat may also be provided with a pivoting axle which allows the b~cking frame 20 to tilt rearwardly along the arrow 30. A head rest 32 encompassing inflatable cushions, according to the invention, may be adapted to move vertically along the arrow 36.
Figure 4 illustrates the cushions 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52, and 54 with a cross-sectional contour following and accomodating all the supported contours of the human body 56. The cushions 44 and 50 rest directly on the ~ ted surface 58 of the backing frame 20.
The undulated surface 58 has horizontal ribs and grooves which help to vertically sllpport the cushions such as 44 and 50 and can prevent them from slipping downwardly. The relative vertical position of the cushions 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52 and 54 is also maintained by the use of velvet type adhesive strips, such as known by the trademark VE~CRO.
The essence of the invention is characterized by each cushion having an envelope being made of a flexible and elastic material. Such elastic envelopes are identified in figures 7, 7a and 8 by reference numbers 59 and 60 and with an internal air pressure which is smaller than the air pressure needed to fully develop the shape of the envelopes 59 and without stretching the elastic material. In the example shown in figure 7, such normal shape of the envelope 59 without stretching, should follow the shape of the foam layer 62 but from which a certain amount of volume of air has been withdrawn to adopt a flabby or flaccid appearance on its upper wall 61 as shown in figure 7. Such internal pressure inside the envelope 59 corresponds to a pressure smaller than the atmospheric pressure which normally exists on the outer periphery of the envelope 59.
'~
~;~ .
In practice, weight of the upper wall 61 of the envelope 59 must be taken into consideration. Accordingly, the pressure inside the envelope 59 is always less than the atmospheric pressure to which is added the weight of the top wall 61 of the envelope 59. An elastic and flexible envelope which contains such a reduced quantity of air allows the weight of the human body, shown in figure 7a, to sink deeper into the envelopes 59 and and accordingly, be more completely molded and wrapped around as particularly identified at the rear end 66 of the envelope 60. The body 64 is also laterally molded and wrapped as sh~,wn the beads 68 and 70.
Such intentional sinking of the body 64 into the lateral sides of the envelope 60 allows the body 64 to be more completely supported on the sides and to more particularly absorb the transversal shocks and vibra-tions. The initial internal pressure being lower than conventional pressures, and being spread over a larger surface of the body 64, a softer sensation is felt on the body.
According to the invention, the original volume of the envelope and its original thickness C must always be such that for a predetermined weight and shape, the distance D of the envelope 60 under pressure will never be nil.
This invention can perform satisfactorily with completely sealed elastic envelopes if the same person is using always the same seat.
However, an internal pressure adjustment system is foreseen when the seat is used by different persons having different weight and different shapes.
Such situation occurs for driver's seats in buses, airplanes, locomotives, 2al 0366 trucks, etc. For this purpose, an air entrance 72 is foreseen in each cushion which needs to be adjusted.
It should be assumed that if a cushio~ has been designed for an average driver having a weight of 165 pounds, the internal pressure needs to be readjusted for heavier drivers so that the distance D will never be nil, that is, the upper wall 61 of the envelope will never come in contact with the lower wall 63. In other words, it will never collapse completely. Figure 9 is intended to illustrate the flabby or flaccid appearance of an envelope according to the present invention by the sinking in of the upper wall 74 and the caving in of side wall 76.
In order to resist the uncontrolled sagging of the envelope 73, the thickness of the elastic material of the envelope is increased such as along the intersection 78 of the upper wall 74 and backwall 75 and the intersection 80 of the backwall 75 with the lower wall 77. The resistance to a too great flexibility of the envelope 73 is also contemplated by adding beads 82 on the surface of one of the walls. Parts of the envelope 73 have been thorn out in figure 9 to more clearly identify some of the increases in thicknesses 78 and 80 or in beads 82.
A schematic representation of a pressure increasing and releasing device is illustrated in figure 10. It includes a gas tank R, a compressor C and a motor M leading the air through a valve V and a multi-valve V leading selectively the gas to the cushions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 characterized by rectangular boxes.
A ~On~LO1 panel 90 which correcpon~C to the panel 24 shown in figure 1, displays manually operated buttons 1-6 which lead to the corresponfl;ng cushion 1-6. The manual buttons 1-6 ' ~S
which are each displayed in a square box can supply or withdraw air from the cushions depending on whether the I or - button in control panel 90 has been previously operated. Such a schematic representation in figure is used only to represent one possible embodiment of the pressure control device.
The assembly of a plurality of cùshions is illustrated in figure 11. The head rest has its own backing panel 92 and its cushion 94. The backing frame 96 has a peripheral wall 97 for nesting backing cush~onc 98 and 100 over which a plurality of dorsal cushions 102-108 are nested. The horizontal portion of the seat is made of a tray 110 having a peripheral wall 111 in which are nested to cushions 112 and 114 according to the invention which are essentially adapted to support the femurs of the human body. As explained previously, the horizontal grooves and ridges 116 vertically support the cushions 98 and lO0. Hook and loop faæteners known by the trademark VELCR0 are contemplated for supporting cushions 102-108 on cushions 98 and lO0.
Figure 12 provides a visual explanation of the saggyness of the envelope 120 when air has been removed from its normal shape which would normally fit the inner contour of the foam layer 122. Its reduction of internal pressure causes a concavity in the upper wall 124 and sidewall 126 while the intersection of the upper and sidewalls has been reinforced by an increase of thickness 130. A layer of foam material 132 and a layer of fabric 134 are superposed on the envelope.120 for two main reasons, that is, for improving the appearance of the flabby envelope 120 and for further cushioning the elastic sensation of the seat.
~'' ~_ g Considering that the cushions have a low internal pressure and have a flabby consistance, they need to be peripherally supported by peripheral walls such as 97 and 111 (fig. 11) or 65 in figures, 7, 7a and 8. The combination of a solid backing such as 96 and 110 and a rigid peripheral wall allows the user to sink into the central portion of the cushions while the periphery of the cushions resting on the sidewalls 97, 111 and 65 are laterally supported.
,~
", ._ ... .
Inflated Seat BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
Field of the invention:
The invention is directed to a seat having ergonomic character-istics. The seat uses a plurality of inflated cushions adjacently disposed on a substantially rigid surface. The cushions are characterized by a very low internal gas pressure which provides them with a flabby or flaccid appearance when no outside pressure is exerted on them. However, when an external pressure such as the back or the thighs of a person is applied on them, the envelope of the cushion trapping the gas has a t~ndency to mold and wrap around the back or thighs and still remain with a relatively low internal pressure.
The size and the internal pressure of each cushion is selected according to the desired tension in its elastic envelope when the latter is sollicited by an external pressure. The larger the cushion, the greater its change in volume. However, the external pressure exerted must never create a collapsing sufficient to allow opposite walls of the envelope to come in contact with each other.
The shape of the cushion is also selected according to part of the body which is supported. The shape and the weight of such part need to be taken in consideration.
Under external pressure, the elasticity of the material consti-tuting the envelope is affected by the intrinsic properties of the material and by its thickness. In fact, the envelope of the same cushion may have an uneven thickness to modify the elasticity over defined paths or areas. A reinforced pattern of increased thickness may be used to provide a desired shape to the normally flabby cushions with or without external pressures.
The envelope is made of a layer of natural rubber or elastomer such as the one made by Dupont Co.
under the Trademark ALCRYN. Its flabby shape may also be reinforced or hidden by a layer of polyurethane foam.
Considering that the external pressure on each cushion of the seat varies from one person to another, the internal pressure of each cushion is individually pre-adjusted or adjusted by a set of valves which can be controlled by a set of buttons adjacent the seat.
Prior art:
U.S. Patent N 2,627,302, to Forsyth discloses a pneumatic seat cushion made of elongated inflated resilient elements held together by a plurality of superposed layers of fabric. Each inflated element rests on a rigid longitudinal bar which projects inside the normal periphery of the element when the latter is under load. Each element is provided with an air valve for varying the inner air pressure. The pressure is stated to be of an amount less than one pound per s~uare inch which is a pressure above atmospheric pressure. Such deduction is obvious from figure 3 because the inflated elements 10 maintain their circular cross-section. The same applies to U.S. patent N 2,672,183.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
According to the present invention, there is provided a seat made of adjacently positioned cushions, adapted to support and laterally mold a r surface of a portion of a human body, each cushion having an envelope made of a gas-tight, elastic and flexible material, and the envelope having the possibility of having a predetermined shape when filled with a maximum internal gas pressure which is just below the pressure causing elastic extension of the material, and including two oppositely facing walls. The envelope contains a reduced internal gas pressure slightly less than the maximum gas pressure, to allow a sagging of the envelope from the predetermined shape and to produce a flaccid envelope, the reduced gas pressure being sufficient to prevent the facing walls to collapse on each other upon application of an external pressure by the portion of the human body. The material has a flexibility and a flaccidness sufficient to yield and to conform to the surface of the portion of the human body and to laterally mold and wrap the portion of the human body upon the application of the external pressure. A
rigid base supports the cushions in adjacent relationship, and includes a peripheral wall for laterally supporting these cushions and preventing them from flatly spreading out in response to the external pressure.
The objects, advantages and other features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following non restrictive description of a preferred embodiment thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a seat according to the invention;
~ ~"
,,...~
-3~
Figure 2 is a side view of the seat shown in figure 1;
Figure 3 is a rear view of the seat shown in figure 1;
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the seat taken along line 4-4 of figure 3;
Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of figure 4;
Figure 6 is an enlarged view of encircled portion 6 of figure 4;
Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a cushion according to the invention under no external pressure;
Figure 7a is a cross-sectional view of the cushion ~, -4- ~ ~ ~ ~
Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the cushion taken along line 8-8 of figure 7a;
Figure 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the elastic envelope of a cushion with two tear-out portions;
Figure 10 is a schematic view of a pneumatic assembly for controlling pressure in a plurality of cushions;
Figure 11 is an exploded view of a seat, according to the invention; and, Figure 12 is a tear out portion of a cushion covered with foam and textile 1 ining~s.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:
Figure 1 illustrates a seat 10 embodying the invention, and in particular, with a tear-out portion showing two inflated cushions 12 and 14. The cushions 12 and 14 are covered with layers of foam 16 and a layer of fabric 18. All the cushions are disposed over a rigid backing frame such as 20. Figure 1 illustrates one arrangement of the relative disposition and sizes of the cushions examplified by cushions 12 and 14, but the present invention is not restricted to any specific arrangement of the cushions nor their sizes, shapes or volumes.
The seat 10 also comprises a horizontal portion 22 which is also covered by cushions according to the invention and surrounded by a layer of foam and fabric.
The cushions, such as 12 and 14, which constitute the main characteristic of the invention, are inflated or inflatable with a pressure to be controlled by a panel adjacent the horizontal portion 22.
The horizontal portion 22 rests on a supporting frame 26 which may allow . 201 0366 the seat 10 to be moved on a horizontal plane, as shown by the arrow~ 28 in figure 2. The seat may also be provided with a pivoting axle which allows the b~cking frame 20 to tilt rearwardly along the arrow 30. A head rest 32 encompassing inflatable cushions, according to the invention, may be adapted to move vertically along the arrow 36.
Figure 4 illustrates the cushions 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52, and 54 with a cross-sectional contour following and accomodating all the supported contours of the human body 56. The cushions 44 and 50 rest directly on the ~ ted surface 58 of the backing frame 20.
The undulated surface 58 has horizontal ribs and grooves which help to vertically sllpport the cushions such as 44 and 50 and can prevent them from slipping downwardly. The relative vertical position of the cushions 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52 and 54 is also maintained by the use of velvet type adhesive strips, such as known by the trademark VE~CRO.
The essence of the invention is characterized by each cushion having an envelope being made of a flexible and elastic material. Such elastic envelopes are identified in figures 7, 7a and 8 by reference numbers 59 and 60 and with an internal air pressure which is smaller than the air pressure needed to fully develop the shape of the envelopes 59 and without stretching the elastic material. In the example shown in figure 7, such normal shape of the envelope 59 without stretching, should follow the shape of the foam layer 62 but from which a certain amount of volume of air has been withdrawn to adopt a flabby or flaccid appearance on its upper wall 61 as shown in figure 7. Such internal pressure inside the envelope 59 corresponds to a pressure smaller than the atmospheric pressure which normally exists on the outer periphery of the envelope 59.
'~
~;~ .
In practice, weight of the upper wall 61 of the envelope 59 must be taken into consideration. Accordingly, the pressure inside the envelope 59 is always less than the atmospheric pressure to which is added the weight of the top wall 61 of the envelope 59. An elastic and flexible envelope which contains such a reduced quantity of air allows the weight of the human body, shown in figure 7a, to sink deeper into the envelopes 59 and and accordingly, be more completely molded and wrapped around as particularly identified at the rear end 66 of the envelope 60. The body 64 is also laterally molded and wrapped as sh~,wn the beads 68 and 70.
Such intentional sinking of the body 64 into the lateral sides of the envelope 60 allows the body 64 to be more completely supported on the sides and to more particularly absorb the transversal shocks and vibra-tions. The initial internal pressure being lower than conventional pressures, and being spread over a larger surface of the body 64, a softer sensation is felt on the body.
According to the invention, the original volume of the envelope and its original thickness C must always be such that for a predetermined weight and shape, the distance D of the envelope 60 under pressure will never be nil.
This invention can perform satisfactorily with completely sealed elastic envelopes if the same person is using always the same seat.
However, an internal pressure adjustment system is foreseen when the seat is used by different persons having different weight and different shapes.
Such situation occurs for driver's seats in buses, airplanes, locomotives, 2al 0366 trucks, etc. For this purpose, an air entrance 72 is foreseen in each cushion which needs to be adjusted.
It should be assumed that if a cushio~ has been designed for an average driver having a weight of 165 pounds, the internal pressure needs to be readjusted for heavier drivers so that the distance D will never be nil, that is, the upper wall 61 of the envelope will never come in contact with the lower wall 63. In other words, it will never collapse completely. Figure 9 is intended to illustrate the flabby or flaccid appearance of an envelope according to the present invention by the sinking in of the upper wall 74 and the caving in of side wall 76.
In order to resist the uncontrolled sagging of the envelope 73, the thickness of the elastic material of the envelope is increased such as along the intersection 78 of the upper wall 74 and backwall 75 and the intersection 80 of the backwall 75 with the lower wall 77. The resistance to a too great flexibility of the envelope 73 is also contemplated by adding beads 82 on the surface of one of the walls. Parts of the envelope 73 have been thorn out in figure 9 to more clearly identify some of the increases in thicknesses 78 and 80 or in beads 82.
A schematic representation of a pressure increasing and releasing device is illustrated in figure 10. It includes a gas tank R, a compressor C and a motor M leading the air through a valve V and a multi-valve V leading selectively the gas to the cushions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 characterized by rectangular boxes.
A ~On~LO1 panel 90 which correcpon~C to the panel 24 shown in figure 1, displays manually operated buttons 1-6 which lead to the corresponfl;ng cushion 1-6. The manual buttons 1-6 ' ~S
which are each displayed in a square box can supply or withdraw air from the cushions depending on whether the I or - button in control panel 90 has been previously operated. Such a schematic representation in figure is used only to represent one possible embodiment of the pressure control device.
The assembly of a plurality of cùshions is illustrated in figure 11. The head rest has its own backing panel 92 and its cushion 94. The backing frame 96 has a peripheral wall 97 for nesting backing cush~onc 98 and 100 over which a plurality of dorsal cushions 102-108 are nested. The horizontal portion of the seat is made of a tray 110 having a peripheral wall 111 in which are nested to cushions 112 and 114 according to the invention which are essentially adapted to support the femurs of the human body. As explained previously, the horizontal grooves and ridges 116 vertically support the cushions 98 and lO0. Hook and loop faæteners known by the trademark VELCR0 are contemplated for supporting cushions 102-108 on cushions 98 and lO0.
Figure 12 provides a visual explanation of the saggyness of the envelope 120 when air has been removed from its normal shape which would normally fit the inner contour of the foam layer 122. Its reduction of internal pressure causes a concavity in the upper wall 124 and sidewall 126 while the intersection of the upper and sidewalls has been reinforced by an increase of thickness 130. A layer of foam material 132 and a layer of fabric 134 are superposed on the envelope.120 for two main reasons, that is, for improving the appearance of the flabby envelope 120 and for further cushioning the elastic sensation of the seat.
~'' ~_ g Considering that the cushions have a low internal pressure and have a flabby consistance, they need to be peripherally supported by peripheral walls such as 97 and 111 (fig. 11) or 65 in figures, 7, 7a and 8. The combination of a solid backing such as 96 and 110 and a rigid peripheral wall allows the user to sink into the central portion of the cushions while the periphery of the cushions resting on the sidewalls 97, 111 and 65 are laterally supported.
,~
", ._ ... .
Claims (4)
1. A seat made of adjacently positioned cushions, adapted to support and laterally mold a surface of a portion of a human body, each of said cushions having an envelope made of a gas-tight, elastic and flexible material, said envelope having the possibility of having a predetermined shape when filled with a maximum internal gas pressure which is just below the pressure causing elastic extension of said material, said envelope including two oppositely facing walls, said envelope containing a reduced internal gas pressure slightly less than said maximum gas pressure, to allow a sagging of the envelope from said predetermined shape and to produce a flaccid envelope, said reduced gas pressure being sufficient to prevent said facing walls to collapse on each other upon application of an external pressure by said portion of said human body, said material having a flexibility and a flaccidness sufficient to yield and to conform to the surface of said portion of said human body and to laterally mold and wrap said portion of said body upon the application of said external pressure, a rigid base for supporting said cushions in adjacent relationship, said rigid base including a peripheral wall for laterally supporting said cushions and preventing them from flatly spreading out in response to said external pressure.
2. A seat as recited in claim 1, comprising manually controlled pressure means connected to each of said envelopes for slightly modifying the internal pressure in said envelope to adjust the distance between said facing walls in correspondence with said external pressure.
3. A seat as recited in claim 1, comprising a vertical rigid base and a peripheral wall around said vertical base, said vertical base having a surface provided with horizontally superposed ribs and grooves, for maintaining a plurality of said cushions within the peripheral wall around said vertical base.
4. A seat as recited in claim 1, comprising gas pressure adjusting means for supplying air to said cushions, manual central means for selectively supplying air to each of said cushions to prevent said collapsing of said facing walls in response to external pressure from said human body.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB898903763A GB8903763D0 (en) | 1989-02-20 | 1989-02-20 | Pneumatic seat for vehicles |
| GB8903763.4 | 1989-02-20 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2010366A1 CA2010366A1 (en) | 1990-08-20 |
| CA2010366C true CA2010366C (en) | 1996-06-25 |
Family
ID=10651961
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2010366 Expired - Fee Related CA2010366C (en) | 1989-02-20 | 1990-02-19 | Inflated seat |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2010366C (en) |
| GB (1) | GB8903763D0 (en) |
-
1989
- 1989-02-20 GB GB898903763A patent/GB8903763D0/en active Pending
-
1990
- 1990-02-19 CA CA 2010366 patent/CA2010366C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2010366A1 (en) | 1990-08-20 |
| GB8903763D0 (en) | 1989-04-05 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |