U.S. patent application number 09/847166 was filed with the patent office on 2002-11-07 for seat cushion system.
Invention is credited to McCartney, Clyde B..
Application Number | 20020163241 09/847166 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25299946 |
Filed Date | 2002-11-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020163241 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McCartney, Clyde B. |
November 7, 2002 |
Seat cushion system
Abstract
A seat cushion system for improving the overall distribution of
body weight of a user. The seat cushion system includes a foam
member having an outer edge, and a covering attached about an
exterior surface of the foam member. The foam member is carved into
having a curved outer edge along with a carved design within an
upper surface of the foam member. The covering is comprised of a
vinyl-based material that is sprayed upon the exterior surface of
the carved foam member in a splattered pattern. The splattering
pattern of the covering creates a shingle effect that prevents
moisture from entering the foam member while allowing the foam
member to breath. The vinyl-based covering is elastic allowing the
foam member to conform to the shape of the user's body without
interference.
Inventors: |
McCartney, Clyde B.; (Big
Stone City, SD) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Michael S. Neustel
Suite No. 4
2534 South University Drive
Fargo
ND
58103
US
|
Family ID: |
25299946 |
Appl. No.: |
09/847166 |
Filed: |
May 1, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/452.48 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 7/282 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/452.48 |
International
Class: |
A47C 007/18 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A seat cushion system, comprising: a foam member having an outer
edge, an upper surface and a lower surface; and a covering
completely surrounding said foam member, wherein said covering is
formed to conform to the shape and size of the exterior surface of
said foam member.
2. The seat cushion system of claim 1, wherein said foam member is
comprised of a polyurethane foam.
3. The seat cushion system of claim 2, wherein said covering is
comprised of a vinyl-based material having a high elasticity.
4. The seat cushion system of claim 3, wherein said covering is
sprayed upon said foam member in layers forming an air permeable
and moisture resistant surface.
5. The seat cushion system of claim 4, wherein said outer edge is
curved.
6. The seat cushion system of claim 5, including a carved design
within said foam member.
7. The seat cushion system of claim 6, wherein said carved design
extends into said upper surface of foam member, wherein said
covering conforms to said carved design.
8. The seat cushion system of claim 7, wherein said foam member is
rectangular shaped.
9. The seat cushion system of claim 8, wherein said upper surface
is flat.
10. The seat cushion system of claim 9, wherein said carved design
extends into said upper surface.
11. A method of manufacturing a seat cushion, said method
comprising the steps of: (a) providing a foam member having a flat
outer edge, an upper surface, and a lower surface, wherein said
foam member has a rectangular shape; (b) carving said foam member
to create a curved outer edge; (c) spraying a liquid covering upon
an exterior surface of said foam member; and (d) curing said liquid
covering.
12. The method of manufacturing a seat cushion of claim 11, wherein
said step of carving said foam member includes carving a carved
design into said foam member.
13. The method of manufacturing a seat cushion of claim 12, wherein
said covering is comprised of a vinyl-based elastic material.
14. The method of manufacturing a seat cushion of claim 13, wherein
said foam material is comprised of a polyurethane foam.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to seat cushion
devices and more specifically it relates to a seat cushion system
for improving the overall distribution of body weight of a
user.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] Conventional seat cushion devices have been in use for
years. Typically, a seat cushion is comprised of a piece of foam
material loosely covered by a cover constructed of a cloth
material. The main problem with conventional seat cushions is that
they do not conform to the shape of the user's body when the user
sits upon the seat cushion since the cover does not stretch for
allowing the foam material to fully conform to the shape of the
user's body. In addition, conventional seat cushions typically
utilizes a foam material that has flat edges which wrinkle when
compressed causing deforming of the foam material within resulting
in undesirable pressure points. A further problem with conventional
seat cushions is that they are not suitable for producing unique
designs within since the cloth cover does not conform tightly to
the contours of the foam material.
[0005] Examples of patented seat cushion devices which are
illustrative of such prior art include U.S. Pat. No. 2,847,061 to
Morton; U.S. Pat. No. 5,850,645 to Ogawa et al; U.S. Pat. No.
3,503,649 to Johnson; U.S. Pat. No. 5,429,852 to Quinn; U.S. Pat.
No. 5,857,749 to DeBellis et al; U.S. Pat. No. 5,390,384 to
Dinsmoor III et al; U.S. Pat. No. 4,912,788 to Lonardo; U.S. Pat.
No. 4,197,342 to Bethe; U.S. Pat. No. 3,401,217 to Burwell.
[0006] While these devices may be suitable for the particular
purpose to which they address, they are not as suitable for
improving the overall distribution of body weight of a user.
Conventional seat cushions do not allow for the convenient
manufacture of unique seat designs. In addition, conventional seat
cushions are prone to not conforming to the shape of the user's
body.
[0007] In these respects, the seat cushion system according to the
present invention substantially departs from the conventional
concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an
apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of improving the
overall distribution of body weight of a user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known
types of seat cushions now present in the prior art, the present
invention provides a new seat cushion system construction wherein
the same can be utilized for improving the overall distribution of
body weight of a user.
[0009] The general purpose of the present invention, which will be
described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new seat
cushion system that has many of the advantages of the seat cushion
devices mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in
a new seat cushion system which is not anticipated, rendered
obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior art seat
cushions, either alone or in any combination thereof.
[0010] To attain this, the present invention generally comprises a
foam member having an outer edge, and a covering attached about an
exterior surface of the foam member. The foam member is carved into
having a curved outer edge along with a carved design within an
upper surface of the foam member. The covering is comprised of a
vinyl-based material that is sprayed upon the exterior surface of
the carved foam member in a splattered pattern. The splattering
pattern of the covering creates a shingle effect that prevents
moisture from entering the foam member while allowing the foam
member to breath. The vinyl-based covering is elastic allowing the
foam member to conform to the shape of the user's body without
interference.
[0011] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more
important features of the invention in order that the detailed
description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the
present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There
are additional features of the invention that will be described
hereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the claims
appended hereto.
[0012] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment
of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the
invention is not limited in its application to the details of
construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in
the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The
invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced
and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that
the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose
of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0013] A primary object of the present invention is to provide a
seat cushion system that will overcome the shortcomings of the
prior art devices.
[0014] A second object is to provide a seat cushion system for
improving the overall distribution of body weight of a user.
[0015] Another object is to provide a seat cushion system that
allows for the creation of an elliptical edge for improving the
performance of the foam material during compression.
[0016] An additional object is to provide a seat cushion system
that allows for the manufacture of unique designs with depressions
within the foam material and cover without interfering with the
overall performance of the cushion.
[0017] A further object is to provide a seat cushion system that
may be utilized by various individuals such as truck drivers,
wheelchair users, secretaries and numerous other individuals.
[0018] Another object is to provide a seat cushion system that is
easy to clean, durable and comfortable.
[0019] A further object is to provide a seat cushion system that is
simple to construct.
[0020] Another object is to provide a seat cushion system that
adequately protects the foam material within while maintaining a
soft and comfortable cushion.
[0021] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will
become obvious to the reader and it is intended that these objects
and advantages are within the scope of the present invention.
[0022] To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this
invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the
accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however,
that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be
made in the specific construction illustrated and described within
the scope of the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of
the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same
becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate
the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and
wherein:
[0024] FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of the present
invention.
[0025] FIG. 2 is a top view of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view taken along line 3-3 of
FIG. 2.
[0027] FIG. 4 is an upper perspective view of a piece of foam prior
to shaping.
[0028] FIG. 5 is an upper perspective view of a piece of foam after
shaping illustrating the elliptical edges.
[0029] FIG. 6 is an upper perspective view of the piece of foam
with a design cut into the upper surface thereof.
[0030] FIG. 7 is a side view of the piece of foam after
shaping.
[0031] FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view taken along line 8-8 of
FIG. 2 of the drawings.
[0032] FIG. 9 is a partial cutaway upper perspective view of the
present invention illustrating the covering layer.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0033] Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar
reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several
views, FIGS. 1 through 9 illustrate a seat cushion system 10, which
comprises a foam member 20 having an outer edge 22, and a covering
30 attached about an exterior surface of the foam member 20. The
foam member 20 is carved into having a curved outer edge 22 along
with a carved design 40 within an upper surface 24 of the foam
member 20. The covering 30 is comprised of a vinyl-based material
that is sprayed upon the exterior surface of the carved foam member
20 in a splattered pattern. The splattering pattern of the covering
30 creates a shingle effect that prevents moisture from entering
the foam member 20 while allowing the foam member 20 to breath. The
vinyl-based covering 30 is elastic allowing the foam member 20 to
conform to the shape of the user's body without interference.
[0034] The foam member 20 may be comprised of various shapes as can
be appreciated by one skilled in the art. The foam member 20 is
preferably constructed of a polyurethane foam sometimes called
"open cell foam" which has a plurality of openings within for
allowing air to pass through which is well known in the industry.
Various other types of foam materials may also be utilized to
create the foam member 20 such as latex foam. The foam member 20
may have various densities, firmnesses, indentation load deflection
numbers, and resiliency as are further well known in the art.
[0035] As shown in FIGS. 4 through 7 of the drawings, the foam
member 20 is generally comprised of a relatively flat structure
having an outer edge 22, upper surface 24 and a lower surface 26.
The outer edge 22 is typically initially molded into a flat edge
structure as shown in FIG. 4 of the drawings.
[0036] To create the foam member 20, the user must cut or carve the
outer edge 22 into a curved shape to allow for proper forming
during compression as shown in FIG. 5 of the drawings. It can be
appreciated that the outer edge 22 may have various curvature
designs. The tools utilized to cut or carve the outer edge 22 are
commonly utilized.
[0037] After the outer edge 22 has been formed into the desired
shape, the user then may place a carved design 40 into the upper
surface 24, the lower surface 26 and/or the outer edge 22 of the
foam member 20 utilizing conventional tools as shown in FIGS. 6 and
8 of the drawings. The carved design 40 may have various shapes,
words, symbols and designs as can be appreciated.
[0038] After the outer edge 22 has been formed and the carved
design 40 placed within the foam member 20, the user then sprays a
liquid covering 30 upon the exterior surface of the foam member 20.
The covering 30 is preferably comprised of a vinyl-based material
that has a high elasticity. The covering 30 preferably may be
stretched by up to 500% for allowing proper forming to the body of
the user. The covering 30 is preferably sprayed on using a
splattering type pattern that creates a texture as it cures. The
buildup of the covering 30, approximately 4 millimeters thick, acts
similar to shingles for deflecting fluids while allowing air to
pass through. After fully curing, an additive added to the liquid
covering 30 rises to the surface and forms a stain resistant
surface.
[0039] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 8 and 9 of the drawings, the
coating is comprised of an edge portion 32, an upper portion 34 and
a lower portion 36 that completely surrounds the foam member 20.
The coating is formed to all of the contours and channels within
the foam member 20 as best illustrated in FIG. 8 of the
drawings.
[0040] When the covering 30 has completely cured, the seat cushion
system 10 may then be utilized by an individual as a seat cushion.
When the user positions their body upon the seat cushion system 10,
the foam member 20 forms to the shape and weight of the user while
the covering 30 stretches and contracts to conform to the shape of
the foam member 20. When the user is elevated from the seat cushion
system 10, the foam member 20 expands back to its original shape
and position.
[0041] As to a further discussion of the manner of usage and
operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent
from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion
relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.
[0042] With respect to the above description then, it is to be
realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts
of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape,
form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are
deemed to be within the expertise of those skilled in the art, and
all equivalent structural variations and relationships to those
illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are
intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
[0043] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only
of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous
modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in
the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact
construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly,
all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to,
falling within the scope of the invention.
* * * * *