WEIGHT DISTRIBUTING CUSHION ARRANGEMENT INVENTIVE FIELD

The present invention relates generally to support cushions, and more specifically to a weight distributing mechanical arrangement for incorporation into seats, backs of chairs and mattresses.

BACKGROUND

People are increasingly required to remain in sedentary positions for prolonged periods of time. In an employment context, many common jobs, for example; long haul trucking, flying an aircraft, working in front of a computer, dispatching emergency vehicles, etc; each requires remaining in a sedentary position for prolonged periods of time. Without frequent breaks, people can develop maladies ranging from simple fatigue to chronic back and neck pain.

More seriously, in a medical context, skin ulcerations such as bed sores are a common malady among people confined to wheelchairs or hospital beds. Bed sores develop when the blood supply to the skin is cut off for more than two to three hours. A bed sore can become deep, extending into the muscle and even to the bone. Once a bed sore develops, it is often very slow to heal. Bed sores can occur when a person is bedridden, unconscious, are unable to sense pain, immobilized or confined to a wheel chair. The various arrangements available in relevant art require expensive engineering and production facilities which inhibit the ability to develop lower cost solutions to be brought to market Therefore it would be desirable to provide an arrangement which allows several different manufacturing methods yet retains the key weight distribution advantages. SUMMARY

The various embodiments as described herein addresses the limitations of the relevant art and provides a mechanical arrangement which may be incorporated into seats and/or seat backs of chairs and specialty mattresses. In an exemplary apparatus embodiment, a weight distributing cushion arrangement is provided. This exemplary apparatus comprises a base frame having a multitude of base level axles installed on its top surface. A plurality of first level beams is pivotally coupled to the plurality of base level axles. Each of the first level beams includes a pair of first level axles disposed at each longitudinal end. A plurality of second level beams are pivotally

coupled to the first level axles as with the first level beams, each of the second level beams includes second level axles disposed at each longitudinal end.

A plurality of third level beams is pivotally coupled to the second level axles. In one embodiment, each of the third has a plurality of pads affixed to the plurality of third level beams. In alternate exemplary embodiment, a plurality of fourth level beams is pivotally coupled to the plurality of third level beams. In this alternate embodiment, the plurality of pads is affixed to the fourth level beams. A generally resilient covering is provided which encompasses the components comprising the weight distributing cushion arrangement, ha another exemplary embodiment, a vertically aligned handle is fixedly attached to a side of the base frame. In a related exemplary embodiment, at least a portion of the axles include a rotational stop which prevents the pivotally coupled beams from rotating more than required for a particular application from a position generally in parallel to the base frame.

In another related exemplary embodiment, the pivotal coupling comprises a snap-coupled arrangement. The snap-coupling arrangements comprises a laterally aligned omegoid aperture disposed about a longitudinal midpoint of each of the first, second and at least the third level beams such that the omegoid aperture forms a cincture about the axles associated with each superjacent progressive level. Tn another related exemplary embodiment, the plurality of pads and the plurality of first, second third level and at least the third level beams are configured to generally distribute an imposed load uniformly about the base frame. In another related exemplary embodiment, each of the axles includes a travel stop disposed at the ends of the first, second, third and/or fourth level beams.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS The features and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Where possible, the same reference numerals and characters are used to denote like features, elements, components or portions. It is intended that changes and modifications can be made to the described embodiment without departing from the true scope and spirit of the subject inventive embodiments as defined in principal by the claims.

Figure 1 — depicts a generalized perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a weight distributing cushion.

Figure 2 - depicts a perspective cut-away view of an exemplary embodiment of a weight distributing mechanism, which may be incorporated into a weight distributing cushion.

Figure 3 - depicts a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a weight distributing mechanism.

Figure 3A — depicts an exemplary exploded view of an embodiment of weight distributing mechanism.

Figure 3B — depicts an exemplary perspective view of a top level subunit.

Figure 3 C — depicts an exemplary side view of a pad. Figure 3D — depicts an exemplary perspective of a plurality of top level subunits.

Figure 3E - depicts an exemplary top perspective view of a completed array.

Figure 3F — depicts an exemplary underside perspective of a completed array.

Figure 4 — depicts an exemplary rear view of a weight distributing cushion arrangement.

Figure 5 — depicts an exemplary side view of a weight distributing cushion arrangement.

Figure 6 - depicts another exemplary embodiment of a plurality weight distributing cushions arranged in a mattress configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention provides a mechanical arrangement for a weight distributing chair cushion and/or seat back arrangement either removable or affixed to a base frame. Referring to Figure 1, a perspective view of a weight distributing cushion is depicted. The cushion includes a resilient covering 2, for example polymeric cover having a fabric backing.

The cushion may be dimensioned to fit into various seating or mattress arrangements, for example; -wheelchairs, office chairs, motor vehicle seats, aircraft seats and any other chair arrangement, including seat backs and beds in which a person 400 (Figure 4) may remain in a seated position for extended periods of time. The shape, contour and dimensions of the cushion are not critical and may be altered to fit almost any seat or seat back arrangement. Referring to Figure 2, a cut away view of a typical portion of a weight distributing cushion mechanism is shown. The portion of the weight distributing mechanism 300 includes a plurality upward

facing pads 3 - 33. The pads 3 - 33 are coupled to a -weight distributing series of beams arranged in a general H-pattern such that a weight or force applied to one or more of the pads 3 - 33 is distributed by fulcrum action among the beams incorporated into the weight distributing mechanism 300. The weight distributing mechanism 300 is comprised of uniform groupings of pads 3 - 33 and beams called arrays 300. In an exemplary embodiment, each array comprises 16 pads coupled to a series of interrelating beams. One skilled in the art will appreciate that other array arrangements are possible without deviating from the various inventive embodiments disclosed herein. Referring to Figure 3, the top view of the weight distributing mechanism is provided. The first array 300 is shown having 16 separate pads 3 - 33. Three additional arrays 305, 310, 315 comprising duplicate sets of components are also depicted. For simplicity, only the components shown in the right front array 300 will be described. Other than specific attachment points to the base frame 100 and their relative positions to each other, the additional arrays 305, 310 and 315 are essentially identical to the right front array 300. However, one skilled in the art will appreciate that other non-square base frame 100 arrangements are envisioned which could require fewer than four arrays 300 - 315; for example, a triangular base frame used in a seat back or greater than four arrays, for example, a rectangular base frame used in a mattress (Figure 6.)

Referring to Figure 3A, an exploded view of an exemplary portion of the weight distributing mechanism and base frame 100 is depicted. In an exemplary embodiment of invention the base frame 100, is provided with a plurality of base axles 110a -d. The base axles 110a-d are comprised of horizontally oriented cylindrical elements affixed at about each corner of the base frame 100 and arc typically uniformly aligned along a common axis. Alignment variations of the base axles HOa- d may be necessary for non-uniform base frame 100 arrangements. Each of the base axes 110a-d may be elevated above the plane of the base frame 100 by a plurality of columns 105a-d to allow for pivoting.

In an exemplary embodiment, a handle 350 is provided to allow a disabled individual to comfortably reposition his or herself upon the weight distributing cushion arrangement. The handle 350 may be attached to the bottom or side of the

base frame 100 by a bracket (not shown.) Additional handles may be provided to suit a particular application.

A first level beam 115 is pivotally coupled to a base axle 110a using a compressive snap-coupling arrangement 120. The compressive snap-coupling arrangement 120 comprises a first laterally aligned omega shaped aperture 120 disposed approximately at a longitudinal midpoint of the first level beam 115. The first aperture 120 is dimensioned to circumferentially fit around the cylindrical portion of the base axle 110a, such that each, first level beam 115 is aligned generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the base axle 110a. The bottommost portion of the first aperture 120 forms a compressive fit or cincture around the cylindrical portion of the base axle 110a which allows the first level beam 115 to circumferentially rotate about the longitudinal axis of the base axle 110a while restraining the first level beam 115 from mechanically separating from the base axle 110a. The first level beam 115 includes a first set of longitudinally aligned axle members 125a, 125b disposed at either end of the first level beam 115. Each axle member 125a, 1251) may include a rotational stop 123a, 123b, to prevent a compressively coupled second level beam 130 from exceeding a rotational limit, for example 30° from a perpendicular centerline. The amount of rotational freedom may be varied by widening the gap in the snap-couple arrangement and/or varying the width of the rotational stop.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first level beam 115 comprises an elongated structure which acts as part of the weight distributing lever mechanism. The first level beam 115 may include an upwardly bowed or saddle structure longitudinally incorporated into its top surface and medial to the axle members 125a, 125b. This upwardly bowed or saddle section provides greater strength to the first level beam 115. The second level beam 130 is coupled to one of the axle members 125a using a second compressive snap-couple arrangement 140.

This second compressive snap-couple arrangement 140 (e.g., cincture) is analogous in most respects to the first snap-couple arrangement 120 with minor dimensional variations of the omega shaped aperture 140 to compressively fit the axle 125a of the first level beam 115. Variations may be necessary to scale the first and second level beams 130, 115 to a particular supporting implementation. The second

level beam 130 includes a second set of longitudinally aligned axle members 135a, 135b disposed at either end of the second level beam 130. Each axle member 135a, 135b may include also include rotational stops (not visible) to prevent a compressively coupled third level beam 150 from exceeding a rotational limit. In an exemplary embodiment, the second level beam 130 comprises another elongated structure which further acts as part of the weight distributing lever mechanism. Analogously, the second level beam 130 may include the upwardly bowed or saddle structure longitudinally incorporated into its top surface and medial to its axle members 135a, 135b. This upwardly bowed or saddle section provides greater strength to the second level beam 130.

The second level beam 130 when snap-coupled 140 to the axle 125a of the first level beam 115 is aligned generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the first level beam 115 and approximately in parallel with the base axle HOa. This generally cross coupling arrangement allows the first and second level beams 115, 130 to move with about two degrees of freedom.

The third level beam 150 is snap-coupled to the second level axle 135a using the compressive snap-couple arrangement 160 as described above. The compressive snap-couple arrangement 160 is dimensioned to circumferentially fit around the cylindrical portion of the second level axle 135a, such that each third level beam 150 is aligned generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the second level beam 130, in parallel with the first level beam 115, and generally perpendicular to the base axle HOa.

In an exemplary embodiment, the third level beam 150 comprises another elongated structure which further acts as part of the weight distributing lever mechanism. Analogously, the third level beam 150 may include the upwardly bowed or saddle structure longitudinally incorporated into its top surface and medial to its axle members 155a, 155b. This upwardly bowed or saddle section provides greater strength to the second level beam 130.

A fourth level beam 170 includes a pair of apertures 180a, 180b disposed at about either end of the fourth level beam 170 and another second compressive snap- couple arrangement 175 which snap-couples to the axle member 155a associated with the third level beam 150. The pair of apertures 180a, 180b is disposed vertically downward into both ends of the fourth level beam 170 and provides a receptacle to

receive and securely maintain a projection 13a generally projecting perpendicularly downward from a pad 13. In an exemplary embodiment, the fourth level beam 170 comprises yet another elongated structure which further acts as part of the weight distributing lever mechanism. This additional cross coupling arrangement allows the first, second, third and fourth level beams to move with four degrees of freedom. In an exemplary embodiment, additional degrees of freedom are provided by the pivoting of the projection 13a associated with the pad 13 maintained within the aperture 180a.

In another exemplary embodiment, the fourth level beam 170 is eliminated and the third level beam 150 receives the pair of apertures 180a, 180b in place of the axle members 155a, 155b.

In various exemplary embodiments, travel stops 132, 142, 152 are provided on the ends of each pair of axles 125a, 125b, 135a, 135b, 155a, 155b to maintain the snap-couplings 120, 140, 160, 175 on their associated axles.

Referring to Figure 3B, a first completed subunit of an array is depicted in which a pair of pads 3, 11 are coupled to a fourth level beam 170a and a second pair of pads 5, 13 are pivotally coupled to another fourth level beam 170b. The fourth level beams 170a, 170b are shown snap-coupled to a third level beam 150a.

Referring to Figure 3C, a typical pad 13 is shown as an essentially rounded button having a slightly convex top profile. However, the actual shape and surface contours of the pad 13 are not critical. The pad 13 is intended to be constructed from resilient or otherwise conformable materials such as synthetic rubber, neoprene, and like polymeric materials so as to provide additional degrees of freedom which locally conforms to a person's anatomy pressing against the top surface of the pad 13.

In an exemplary embodiment, the projection 13a may be shaped into a ball to form a ball and socket joint with the aperture 180a. In another exemplary embodiment, the projection 13a may be shaped into an arrowhead or bulge which is retained within the aperture 180a by expansion forces exerted by the resilient material when compressed into the aperture 180a.

The base frame 100, first, second, third and fourth level beams 115, 130, 150, 170 may be constructed by an injection molding process using a high strength thermoplastic polymeric material such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acetyl based resins or any suitable polymeric materials. In situations where combustible material loading is a factor and/or extreme load variations may be encountered, the base frame

100, first, second, third and fourth level beams 115, 130, 150, 170 may be constructed of metals and metal alloys suitable to the particular implementation. For example, die- cast or extruded aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, alloys thereof, etc., may be used to construct the various inventive embodiments where polymeric materials may be unsuitable for a particular application.

Referring to Figure 3D, four completed subunits of an array are depicted and ready to be pivotally coupled by way of the snap-couple arrangements associated with each of the third level beams 150a-d described above to the second level beams 130a, 130b. The array is completed by snap-coupling the two second level beams 130a, 130b to the axles 125a, 125b of the first level beam 115 (Figure 3E.)

Referring to Figure 3F, an exemplary underside perspective of a completed array is depicted. The completed array is snap-coupled to the base frame 100 by pressing the snap-couple arrangement 120 onto one of the base axles 110 until the void space pivotally encompasses the axle. In a typical arrangement, four completed arrays may be provided for installation of in a support cushion arrangement. While the progressive level beams 115a, 130a, 150a, 170a are depicted in progressively shorter lengths, there is no such requirement.

Referring to Figure 4, a rear view of an exemplary embodiment arranged as a chair 428 is depicted. The variable geometry provided by the weight distributing mechanism allows for three or more degrees of freedom. In this rear view, a first set of pads 41, 49, 57, 65 associated with a first array 405c is shown snap-coupled to the base frame 100 along with a second set of pads 73, 81, 89, 97 associated with a second array 405d snap-coupled to the base frame 100. The first and second arrays cooperatively align to the contour of the buttocks of a person 400 seated on a cushion including the weight distributing mechanism.

Referring to Figure 5, a side view of an exemplary embodiment arranged as a chair 428 is depicted. This exemplary embodiment illustrates the three or more degrees of freedom provided by the weight and force distributing mechanism of this embodiment having both a resilient fabric covered seat 421 and seat back 522 typically found as part of a chair 428 configuration. In this side view, a first set of pads 41, 39, 37, 35 associated with a first array is shown rotationally coupled 505c to the base frame 500 in conjunction with a second set of pads 33, 25, 17, 9 associated with a second array rotationally coupled 505a to the base frame 100. The first and

second arrays cooperatively align to the contour of a buttock and a leg of a person 400 seated on a cushion. In addition, a seat back 522 in which a third set of pads 131, 133, 135, 137 is shown rotationally coupled 505e to a second base frame 500a so as to cooperatively align to the contour of a back of the person 400. Referring to Figure 6, an exemplary embodiment arranged as a mattress 600 superjacent to a box spring 640 is depicted. As described above, the variable geometry provided by the weight distributing mechanisms 610, 620, 630 allows for three or more degree of freedom to support and distribute the weight of the person 400 lying prone on the mattress 600. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the number and size and positioning of the weight distributing mechanisms 610, 620, 630 within the mattress 600 may be varied to accommodate a particular situation without exceeding the scope.

The foregoing described exemplary embodiments are provided as illustrations and descriptions. They are not intended to limit the various inventive embodiments to any precise form and structure described. In particular, it is contemplated that functional implementation may be performed using any common construction material, fill material or padding. No specific limitation is intended to a particular shape, contour, the number of subunits, arrays or specific array configurations. Other variations and embodiments are possible in light of above teachings, and it is not intended that this Detailed Description limit the scope of the inventive embodiments, but rather by the Claims following herein.