U.S. patent application number 09/784532 was filed with the patent office on 2002-08-15 for water-filled seat cushion.
Invention is credited to Kiser, Mark R..
Application Number | 20020108179 09/784532 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25132722 |
Filed Date | 2002-08-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020108179 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kiser, Mark R. |
August 15, 2002 |
Water-filled seat cushion
Abstract
A cushion for being positioned on a seating product for
supporting a user thereon. The cushion includes first and second
cushion elements joined in registration and collectively defining a
void therein for receiving a flexible, fluid-impervious bladder.
The bladder is adapted for receiving a preselected volume of fluid
therein for providing adjustable support to the user.
Inventors: |
Kiser, Mark R.; (Hickory,
NC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ADAMS, SCHWARTZ & EVANS, P.A.
2180 TWO FIRST UNION CENTER
301 SOUTH TRYON STREET
CHARLOTTE
NC
28282
US
|
Family ID: |
25132722 |
Appl. No.: |
09/784532 |
Filed: |
February 15, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/654 ; 5/655.3;
5/655.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 27/085 20130101;
A47C 27/15 20130101; A47C 27/18 20130101; A47C 7/021 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/654 ; 5/655.3;
5/655.5 |
International
Class: |
A47C 027/18; A47G
009/00 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A cushion for being positioned on a seating product for
supporting a user thereon, comprising first and second cushion
elements joined in registration and collectively defining a void
therein for receiving a flexible, fluid-impervious bladder, said
bladder adapted for receiving a preselected volume of fluid therein
for providing adjustable support to the user.
2. A cushion according to claim 1, wherein said void is formed
entirely within said first cushion element.
3. A cushion according to claim 1, wherein said void extends
equally between said first and second cushion elements.
4. A cushion according to claim 1, wherein said void is formed
entirely within said first cushion element, and said second cushion
element includes an outwardly extending closure element for being
fitted into the void, thereby enclosing said bladder therein.
5. A cushion according to claims 2, 3 or 4, wherein said first
cushion element comprises first and second spaced-apart, opposing
major cushion segments, and first and second spaced-apart, opposing
minor cushion segments perpendicularly disposed between said
opposing major cushion segments, the major cushion segments and
minor cushion segments positioned on and cooperating with a
base.
6. A cushion according to claim 2, 3, or 4, and including a fill
tube attached to the bladder and extending through said second
cushion element for permitting the volume of fluid within the
bladder to be selectively increased or decreased.
7. A cushion according to claim 2, 3, or 4, and including a fill
tube attached to said bladder and extending through said first
cushion element for permitting the volume of fluid in the bladder
to be selectively increased or decreased.
8. A cushion according to claim 2, 3, or 4, wherein said bladder
includes a screw cap for being selectively moved between a closed
position for maintaining the volume of fluid within the interior of
the bladder, and an open position for permitting the volume of
fluid to be selectively increased or decreased.
9. A cushion according to claim 2, 3, or 4, wherein said first and
second cushion elements are adhered together, thereby forming a
unitary structure.
10. A cushion according to claim 2, 3, or 4, wherein said first and
second cushion elements each comprise a foam material.
11. A cushion according to claim 2, 3, or 4, wherein said fluid
comprises a liquid.
12. A cushion for use in combination with a seating product, said
cushion positioned on said seating product for supporting a user
thereon and comprising first and second cushion elements joined in
registration and collectively defining a void therein for receiving
a flexible, fluid-impervious bladder adapted for receiving a
preselected volume of fluid for providing adjustable support to the
user.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This invention relates to a water-filled cushion for use on
a seating product. The particular embodiment of the invention
disclosed in this application is of a cushion for use on a seating
product such as a sofa. However, the cushion of the present
invention may be used on any other suitable seating product,
including but not limited to a couch, chair, loveseat, dinette
chair, or in a seat used in any type of transportation vehicle.
Used in place of a conventional cushion having an internally
positioned Marshall unit or coil springs, the water-filled cushion
of the present invention provides enhanced, adjustable support and
comfort to a user.
[0002] The cushion of the present invention includes an inflatable
bladder positioned between two compressible foam layers. The
bladder is enclosed within a cavity defined by the layers. The
bladder is fluid impervious, and is filled with water or some other
suitable fluid. The bladder optionally includes a fill tube or
screw cap for permitting the volume of fluid within the bladder to
be increased or decreased, thereby altering the compression of the
cushion.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a
cushion that includes means for adjusting the compression of the
cushion.
[0004] It is another object of the invention to provide a cushion
which is inexpensive and easy to manufacture from commonly
available components.
[0005] It is another object of the invention to provide a cushion
having an internally-positioned inflatable bladder which may be
filled with a fluid such as water for providing enhanced support to
a user seated on the cushion.
[0006] It is another object of the invention to provide a cushion
which may be used on a seating product such as a sofa, chair,
loveseat or seat in a vehicle used for transportation.
[0007] These and other objects of the present invention are
achieved in the preferred embodiments disclosed below by providing
a cushion for being positioned on a seating product for supporting
a user thereon. The cushion includes first and second cushion
elements joined in registration and collectively defining a void
therein for receiving a flexible, fluid-impervious bladder. The
bladder is adapted for receiving a preselected volume of fluid
therein for providing adjustable support to the user.
[0008] According to one preferred embodiment of the invention, the
void is formed entirely within the first cushion element.
[0009] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention,
the void extends equally between the first and second cushion
elements.
[0010] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
invention, the void is formed entirely within the first cushion
element, and the second cushion element includes an outwardly
extending closure element for being fitted into the void, thereby
enclosing the bladder therein.
[0011] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
invention, the first cushion element includes first and second
spaced-apart, opposing major cushion segments, and first and second
spaced-apart, opposing minor cushion segments. The opposing minor
cushion segments are perpendicularly disposed between the opposing
major cushion segments. The major cushion segments and minor
cushion segments are positioned on and cooperate with a base.
[0012] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
invention, the cushion includes a fill tube attached to the
bladder. The fill tube also extends through the second cushion
element for permitting the volume of fluid within the bladder to be
selectively increased or decreased.
[0013] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
invention, the cushion includes a fill tube attached to the bladder
and extending through the first cushion element for permitting the
volume of fluid in the bladder to be selectively increased or
decreased.
[0014] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
invention, the bladder includes a screw cap for being selectively
moved between a closed position for maintaining the volume of fluid
within the interior of the bladder, and an open position for
permitting the volume of fluid to be selectively increased or
decreased.
[0015] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
invention, the first and second cushion elements are adhered
together, thereby forming a unitary structure.
[0016] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
invention, the first and second cushion elements each comprise a
foam material.
[0017] The fluid is preferably a liquid.
[0018] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
invention, a cushion is provided for use in combination with a
seating product. The cushion is positioned on the seating product
for supporting a user thereon, and includes first and second
cushion elements joined in registration and collectively defining a
void therein for receiving a flexible, fluid-impervious bladder.
The bladder is adapted for receiving a preselected volume of fluid
therein for providing adjustable support to the user.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] Some of the objects of the invention have been set forth
above. Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear as
the invention proceeds when taken in conjunction with the following
drawings, in which:
[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cushion according to one
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the cushion shown
in FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 3 is a cut-away side view of the cushion shown in FIG.
1;
[0023] FIG. 4 is a cut-away side view of a cushion according to an
alternative embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 5 is a cut-away perspective view of the cushion
according to FIG. 4;
[0025] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of a cushion according
to another alternative embodiment of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of a cushion according
to another alternative embodiment of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of one preferred embodiment of
a cushion element used in forming a cushion according to the
present invention
[0028] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of one preferred embodiment of
another cushion element used in forming a cushion according to the
present invention;
[0029] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of a cushion
according to another alternative embodiment of the present
invention;
[0030] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a cushion according to
another preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional side view of the cushion shown
in FIG. 11; and
[0032] FIG. 13 is a cut-away environmental perspective view of a
cushion in use on a sofa according to one preferred embodiment of
the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT AND BEST MODE
[0033] Referring now specifically to the drawings, a cushion
according to the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1 and
shown generally at reference numeral 10. The cushion 10 is formed
from first and second cushion members 11 and 12, respectively.
While each cushion member 11 or 12 may be formed from any suitable
material, the cushion members 11 and 12 are preferably formed from
a foam material, such as polyurethane foam having a density of
approximately 1.8 lb/ft.sup.2. While the cushion 10 may be of any
shape, and have any length, width or thickness, one cushion 10
suitable for a sofa preferably has a generally parallelepipedal
shape, with an overall length of at least 17 inches, a width of at
least 17 inches, and a thickness of at least 4 inches. The first
and second cushion members 11 and 12 are each preferably 17 inches
long and 17 inches wide, and preferably each have a thickness of at
least 2 inches.
[0034] Referring now to FIG. 2, the interior components of the
cushion 10 are shown. The first cushion member 11 preferably has a
generally parallelepipedal shape and includes upper and lower
planar faces 13 and 14 which are interconnected by outer sidewalls
15. First cushion member 11 is placed in overlying relation to the
second cushion member 12, which likewise has a generally
parallelepipedal shape. The second cushion member 12 has upper and
lower surfaces 16 and 17 interconnected by exterior sidewalls 18.
Second cushion member 12 also includes an interior cavity 20
defined by interior sidewalls 21 and an interior floor 22. An
inflatable bladder 25, which is shown in FIG. 2 positioned between
the first and second cushion members 11 and 12, is received within
the cavity 20 and positioned on the floor 22. The bladder 25 is
preferably an air and liquid-impervious bag formed of 20 gauge
vinyl material like that used to form waterbed mattresses or bags
used in certain medical devices.
[0035] Although the bladder 25 may be formed in any shape and have
any length, width or thickness, the bladder is preferably 15 inches
long, 15 inches wide, and is capable of being inflated to a width
of approximately 3 inches. While the bladder 25 may be inflated
using air, the bladder 25 is preferably inflated by a liquid such
as water, and will hold up to approximately one gallon and weigh
approximately 8 pounds when fully inflated. A fill tube 26 is
attached to the bladder 25 for permitting the volume of fluid
inside the bladder 25 to be increased or decreased to adjust the
compression of the cushion 10. FIG. 3 shows the fill tube 26
extending through a hole 27 which is defined in and extends through
the second cushion segment 12 between the interior and exterior
sidewalls 21 and 18, respectively, which permits the bladder 25 to
be inflated after the cushion 10 has been assembled. As shown in
FIG. 4, the cushion 10 may alternatively be manufactured with the
bladder 25 filled with fluid prior to being placed within the
cavity 20. Because the bladder 25 is already filled with a
preselected volume of liquid that will not be adjusted, the fill
tube 26 and hole 27 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 are not required.
[0036] Referring now to FIG. 5, the cushion 10 is shown fully
assembled, with the bladder 25 closely received within the interior
cavity 20 and covered by the first cushion segment 11. The first
and second cushion segments are preferably adhered together using
any suitable adhesive material, thereby enclosing the bladder 25
within the cavity 20 inside the cushion 10.
[0037] Referring now to FIG. 6, a cushion according to another
preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated and shown
generally at reference numeral 30. The cushion 30 includes first
and second cushion segments 31 and 32, which cooperate with one
another to define an interior cavity 33. An inflatable bladder 34
is closely received within the cavity 33, and is formed from the
same materials and includes the same components as the bladder 25.
The bladder 34 is enclosed within the cavity 33 by the first
cushion segment 31, which includes a raised protuberance 36 that
fits into the cavity 33, thereby sealing the bladder 34
therein.
[0038] A fill tube 35 is attached to the bladder 34 and is used for
increasing or decreasing the volume of fluid therein. The fill tube
35 is positioned within a hole 37 which is defined in and extends
through the second cushion segment 32 for permitting the volume of
fluid, and thus the compression of the cushion 30, to be adjusted
after the cushion 30 is assembled. As is shown in FIG. 7, the fill
tube 35 may alternatively be attached to a major face 34A of the
bladder 34 and positioned within a complementary hole 38 which
extends through the first cushion segment 31.
[0039] Referring now to FIG. 8, the preferred structure of the
second cushion members 12 and 32 is shown. Although each of the
second cushion members 12 and 32 may be formed by extruding foam
into the unitary shape shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7, the
second cushion members 12 and 32 are each preferably formed using
the structure shown in FIG. 8. Using second cushion member 32 as a
representative example, the cushion member 32 includes a
parallelepipedal base layer 40 which includes upper and lower
planar surfaces 41 and 42, respectively, which are interconnected
by exterior sidewalls 43. An intermediate layer 45 is positioned on
the upper surface 41 of the base layer 40. The intermediate layer
45 is formed from two opposing, major cushion segments 46 and 47,
which are positioned adjacent respective outer edges 48 and 49 of
the base layer 40. Two opposing, minor cushion segments 50 and 51
are positioned between, and are in abutting engagement with, the
major cushion members 46 and 47. Minor cushion members 50 and 51
are placed adjacent respective outer edges 52 and 53 of the base
layer 40. As shown in FIG. 8, major cushion segment 46 and 47, and
minor cushion segment 50 and 51, cooperate together to form
interior sidewalls 54, which in turn cooperate with the upper
surface 41 to define the interior cavity 33 of the second cushion
member 32.
[0040] Referring now to FIG. 9, the structure of the first cushion
member 31 is shown. The first cushion member 31 includes a top 55
which has outer and inner planar faces 56 and 57, respectively,
interconnected by exterior sidewalls 58. The raised protuberance 36
is positioned in a central location on the inner face 57. The
raised protuberance 36 includes an upper face 60 and vertical
sidewalls 61 which interconnect the upper face 60 and the inner
face 57. As shown in FIG. 6, the vertical sidewalls 61 are adapted
for releasably engaging the interior sidewalls 54 of the second
cushion member 32 for sealing the bladder 34 inside the interior
cavity 33.
[0041] Referring now to FIG. 10, a cushion according to an
alternative embodiment of the invention is illustrated and shown
generally at reference numeral 70. Like cushions 10 and 30, the
cushion 70 preferably has a generally parallelepipedal shape, with
a preferred length of at least 17 inches, a width of at least 17
inches, and a thickness of at least 4 inches. The cushion 70
includes first and second cushion members 71 and 72. First cushion
member 71 includes four interior sidewalls 73A, 73B, 73C and 73D
(sidewalls 73C and 73D are not shown) which are integrally formed
with a first planar interior surface 74. Second cushion member 72
includes interior sidewalls 75A, 75B, 75C and 75D, which are
integrally formed with a second planar interior surface 76
(sidewalls 75C and 75D are not shown). Sidewalls 73A, 73B, 73C,
73D, 75A, 75B, 75C and 75D, and first and second interior surfaces
74 and 76 cooperate together to form an interior cavity 77 which is
equally distributed between first and second cushion members 71 and
72. As shown in FIG. 10, an inflatable bladder 78 is closely
received within cavity 77. The bladder 78 includes a screw cap
assembly 80 for permitting the volume of fluid inside the bladder
78 to be increased or decreased. The screw cap assembly 80 includes
a threaded neck 81 which is attached to and communicates with the
bladder 78. A complementary cap 82 is releasably attached to the
neck 81. The cap assembly 80 extends through a hole 83 defined
within and extending through the first cushion member 71. The cap
assembly 80 may alternatively be attached to the bladder 80 so that
the cap assembly 80 extends through a hole defined by the second
cushion member 72 (not shown).
[0042] Rather than using the cap assembly 80, the bladder 78 may
alternatively include a fill tube like that shown on the bladder 25
in FIG. 2. In addition, the bladder 78 may alternatively be filled
with fluid prior to being positioned within the cavity 77, and
would thus not require the screw cap assembly 80 or a fill
tube.
[0043] Referring now to FIG. 11, a seat cushion according to
another preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated and
shown generally at reference numeral 90. The cushion 90 includes
first and second cushion members 91 and 92, respectively, which are
adhered together using a suitable adhesive to form a central seam
93. An upper cushion segment 94, lower cushion segment 95, side
cushion segments 96 and 97, and an end cushion segment 98 are
integrally formed together to create the first cushion segment 91.
The second cushion segment 92 is formed from an upper cushion
segment 99, lower cushion segment 100, side cushion segments 101
and 102, and an end cushion segment 103. As shown in FIG. 12, when
joined together along the seam 93, the first and second cushion
segments 91 and 92 define an interior cavity 105, within which an
inflatable bladder 106 is closely received. The inflatable bladder
106 is preferably formed from the same materials and has the same
dimensions as the bladder 25 discussed above in reference to FIG.
2. The bladder 106 includes an attached fill tube 107 which extends
through a hole 108, which is defined by and extends through the end
cushion segment 103. The fill tube 107 may alternatively be
positioned on the bladder 106 so that it extends through a hole
formed in the end cushion segment 98, or any one of the upper,
lower or side cushion segments 94, 99, 95, 100, 96, 97, 101 or 102,
respectively. The bladder may alternatively include a screw cap
assembly like the screw cap assembly 80 described above with
reference to FIG. 10, or be filled with fluid prior to being sealed
within the first and second cushion members 91 and 92 and thus not
include a fill tube or a screw cap assembly.
[0044] Referring now to FIG. 13, a seating product according to the
present invention is illustrated and shown generally at reference
numeral 110. The seating product 110 includes a conventional sofa
111 upon which multiple upholstered cushions 112 are positioned. At
least one of the upholstered cushions 112 includes a cushion 113
made according to the present invention. The cushion 113 is covered
by a suitable outer cover 114, and uses the same materials and is
formed in the same manner as the cushion 10. The cushion 113 may
alternatively use the same materials and be formed in a manner
identical to the cushion 30, 70 or 90. The cushion 113 replaces the
spring coils or Marshall unit which is typically installed in a
conventional upholstered cushion.
[0045] While the cushion 113 is shown in FIG. 13 in use with a
sofa, the seating product 110 may alternatively include, but not be
limited to, a couch, chair, loveseat, dinette seat, or any seat
suitable for use in a transportation vehicle, vessel or other
craft.
[0046] A seat bottom water cushion is disclosed above. Various
details of the invention may be changed without departing from its
scope. Furthermore, the foregoing description of the preferred
embodiments of the invention and the best mode for practicing the
invention are provided for the purpose of illustration only and not
for the purpose of limitation--the invention being defined by the
claims.
* * * * *