EP0200822A1 - Articles de rembourrage - Google Patents

Articles de rembourrage Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0200822A1
EP0200822A1 EP85302540A EP85302540A EP0200822A1 EP 0200822 A1 EP0200822 A1 EP 0200822A1 EP 85302540 A EP85302540 A EP 85302540A EP 85302540 A EP85302540 A EP 85302540A EP 0200822 A1 EP0200822 A1 EP 0200822A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
lubricant
gas
enclosures
article according
filled
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP85302540A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP0200822B1 (fr
Inventor
Janet Parker
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from GB838331666A external-priority patent/GB8331666D0/en
Priority to GB08429384A priority Critical patent/GB2150431B/en
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to AT85302540T priority patent/ATE51852T1/de
Priority to EP19850302540 priority patent/EP0200822B1/fr
Priority to DE8585302540T priority patent/DE3577085D1/de
Publication of EP0200822A1 publication Critical patent/EP0200822A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0200822B1 publication Critical patent/EP0200822B1/fr
Expired legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C27/00—Spring, stuffed or fluid mattresses or cushions specially adapted for chairs, beds or sofas
    • A47C27/12—Spring, stuffed or fluid mattresses or cushions specially adapted for chairs, beds or sofas with fibrous inlays, e.g. made of wool, of cotton

Definitions

  • This invention relates to cushioning articles.
  • cushioning has been made of springs, foam rubbers, polyurethane foam, rubber straps, horse- hair, artificial fibres, wadding, felt, air inflated bags, silicone fluid/rubber filled bags etc. or combinations of these. There are also waterbeds. Cushions are available, made from plastics containers filled with a high viscosity liquid/gel, which may contain mineral cenospheres, or foamed polystyrene beads, but these cushions are heavy, not always low in flammability, and relatively expensive.
  • light-weight cushioning can be made from gas-filled plastics or mineral enclosures, or mixtures of both, dispersed in a lubricant so that movement of gas-filled enclosures within the lubricant is possible.
  • This dispersion of gas-filled enclosures is contained within a covering which is impermeable to the lubricant, and which in turn may be covered by conventional upholstery materials.
  • the present invention provides a cushioning article comprising a totally sealed gas-impermeable flexible envelope containing
  • the cushioning so produced will follow the body contours of a user, thus distributing pressure evenly and providing greater comfort.
  • the gas-filled enclosures may contain a non-flammable gas such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide or helium. Alternatively, they may contain air.
  • the gas-filled enclosures may be made of any one or more of the following films, foils or coatings:- polyethylene, polypropylene, polyurethane, polyvinylidene chloride, plasticised polyvinyl chloride, butyl rubber, polyester, polyamide, aluminium, chlorinated rubber or fluorinated polymers.
  • the gas-filled enclosures may consist wholly of any one of the aforementioned materials.
  • the gas-filled enclosures may comprise a laminate of two or more of the materials or a coating of one on another.
  • the diameter of the gas-filled enclosures is preferably between 5 microns and 50 mm:
  • the enclosures may be spherical, but can be other shapes, e.g. ellipsoidal. It has been found that a mixture of various sizes of gas-filled enclosures will minimise the mass of lubricant needed, and save weight in the cushion. For example, if spherical enclosures of 30 mm diameter are used, they will only occupy about 50% of the total envelope volume, and proportions of smaller-diameter spherical enclosures can be incorporated in the spaces, thus reducing the volume of lubricant needed (see Furnas, Ind. Eng. Chem. 1931, 23(9), 1052-8).
  • the lubricant in which the gas-filled enclosures are dispersed must have a low coefficient of friction and must flow.
  • the lubricant may be a liquid, e.g. water, aqueous salt solution, polyhydric alcohols, natural or synthetic mineral or silicone oils or greases, the liquid optionally being thickened to give a pseudoplastic gel.
  • the lubricant can be a finely-divided solid, (e.g. natural silicates of plate-like structure such as talc), graphite, molybdenum disulphide or derivatives of long-chain organic materials having a plate-like structure (e.g. stearic acid and calcium stearate),soft waxes, fluorinated polymers (e.g. polytetrafluoroethylene) or mixtures of these materials.
  • a finely-divided solid e.g. natural silicates of plate-like structure such as talc
  • graphite e.g. stearic acid and calcium stea
  • the rheology of the liquid lubricant may be altered by Using thickeners or thixotropic agents known to those skilled in the art, e.g. clays, gaseous-produced silicas, cellulose ethers, alkali-soluble acrylics, gelatine, alginates, polyacrylamide, finely divided 'fillers', glass cenospheres or mineral cenospheres.
  • thickeners or thixotropic agents known to those skilled in the art, e.g. clays, gaseous-produced silicas, cellulose ethers, alkali-soluble acrylics, gelatine, alginates, polyacrylamide, finely divided 'fillers', glass cenospheres or mineral cenospheres.
  • a preferred lubricant for use in this invention is a 20% by weight aqueous sodium chloride solution, thickened by means of clays, gaseous-produced silicas or cellulose ethers. At -20°C a 25% by weight saline solution is still fluid, but a 20% by weight saline solution forms a slush at this temperature. Any lower proportion of salt in the solution produces a solid at this temperature. We have found that this lubricant gives good low-temperature properties, low flammability, low order of toxicity and low cost.
  • the impermeable covering constituting the envelope may be made of any one or more of the materials mentioned hereinbefore. It is preferred that the envelope should be rubber-like/flexible, without being so brittle as to be noisy in use.
  • the envelope may be sealed by means of radiofrequency, heat-sealing or thermoforming in the configuration most suitable for the intended use of the cushioning article and/or to reduce volume and weight.
  • the envelope can, in appropriate cases, be formed by rotational casting or blow-moulding.
  • the impermeable covering may be reinforced e.g. by woven or non-woven fabrics of artificial, or natural materials, or of glass.
  • Suitable laminates/coatings for the envelope include the following:
  • cushioning articles are:- wheelchair cushions, orthopaedic seating, invalid car seats, pressure support products such as rings, heel and elbow pads, hospital mattresses, aircraft seats, helicopter seats, seats for buses, cars, fork-lift trucks, lorries and vans, for agricultural vehicles and heavy plant, in domestic and office furniture, kneeling pads, and in shock absorbing pads for equipment.
  • Air-filled enclosures of 30 mm diameter were dispersed in a gel made to the following formulation:-
  • This gel is strongly pseudoplastic.
  • the air-filled enclosures and gel were contained in a cover fabricated from a polyurethane/polyvinylidene chloride/polyurethane laminate. The whole was encased in an outer cover comprising polyester wadding and a flame-retardant fabric.
  • Air-filled enclosures of 25 mm diameter were dispersed in a gel made to the following formation:-
  • a suitable bactericide/fungicide was incorporated.
  • This gel is also strongly pseudoplastic.
  • the air-filled enclosures and gel were contained in a cover fabricated from polyvinylidene chloride/ polyester/polyethylene laminate. The whole was encased in an outer cover comprising polyester wadding and a flame-retardant fabric.
  • Air-filled plastics enclosures of 30 mm diameter were dispersed in powdered graphite, and contained in a cover fabricated from a polyurethane film. The whole was encased in an outer cover comprising polyester wadding and a flame retardant fabric.

Landscapes

  • Laminated Bodies (AREA)
EP19850302540 1983-11-28 1985-04-11 Articles de rembourrage Expired EP0200822B1 (fr)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB08429384A GB2150431B (en) 1983-11-28 1984-11-21 Cushioning articles
AT85302540T ATE51852T1 (de) 1985-04-11 1985-04-11 Polsterungsartikel.
EP19850302540 EP0200822B1 (fr) 1983-11-28 1985-04-11 Articles de rembourrage
DE8585302540T DE3577085D1 (de) 1985-04-11 1985-04-11 Polsterungsartikel.

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB838331666A GB8331666D0 (en) 1983-11-28 1983-11-28 Cushioning materials
GB848417432A GB8417432D0 (en) 1983-11-28 1984-07-09 Cushioning materials
EP19850302540 EP0200822B1 (fr) 1983-11-28 1985-04-11 Articles de rembourrage

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0200822A1 true EP0200822A1 (fr) 1986-11-12
EP0200822B1 EP0200822B1 (fr) 1990-04-11

Family

ID=27228032

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19850302540 Expired EP0200822B1 (fr) 1983-11-28 1985-04-11 Articles de rembourrage

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0200822B1 (fr)
GB (1) GB2150431B (fr)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2205740A (en) * 1987-06-15 1988-12-21 Mentor Medical Developments Cushion, mattress or like support
WO1996028073A1 (fr) * 1995-03-14 1996-09-19 Vicair B.V. Dispositif de support tel qu'un coussin
WO1997045038A1 (fr) * 1996-05-28 1997-12-04 Deka Products Limited Partnership Systeme de siege a pression constante
GB2342857A (en) * 1998-10-20 2000-04-26 James Arthur Hill Viscous fluid filled seat cushion
US6451865B1 (en) 1997-10-31 2002-09-17 Kraton Polymers U.S. Llc Foam composition comprising oil, thermoplastic elastomer and expandable particles
JP2024005134A (ja) * 2022-06-29 2024-01-17 合同会社Xephy ウォーターマットレス

Families Citing this family (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2150431B (en) * 1983-11-28 1987-04-23 Janet Parker Cushioning articles
US5881409A (en) 1993-06-22 1999-03-16 Teksource, Ll Puff-quilted bladders for containing flowable cushioning medium
US5421874A (en) 1993-06-22 1995-06-06 Genesis Composites, L.C. Composite microsphere and lubricant mixture
US5749111A (en) 1996-02-14 1998-05-12 Teksource, Lc Gelatinous cushions with buckling columns
US8075981B2 (en) 2007-08-23 2011-12-13 Edizone, Llc Alternating pattern gel cushioning elements and related methods
US8434748B1 (en) 2007-10-03 2013-05-07 Edizone, Llc Cushions comprising gel springs
US8424137B1 (en) 2007-11-27 2013-04-23 Edizone, Llc Ribbed gel
US8932692B2 (en) 2008-10-03 2015-01-13 Edizone, Llc Cushions comprising deformable members and related methods
WO2010135565A2 (fr) 2009-05-21 2010-11-25 Edizone, Llc Coussins comprenant des structures centrales à nervures de raccordement et procédés associés

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3407406A (en) * 1965-06-14 1968-10-29 Rosemount Eng Co Ltd Conformable pad and material for use therein
GB1465817A (en) * 1973-04-14 1977-03-02 Schaefer P Padding
GB2150431A (en) * 1983-11-28 1985-07-03 Janet Parker Cushioning articles

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1095311A (fr) * 1900-01-01
GB1170449A (en) * 1966-06-28 1969-11-12 Mini Of Technology Cushions and like Supporting Devices
SE426545B (sv) * 1981-03-30 1983-01-31 Jan Dranges Kroppsstodjande anordning i form av mobel eller liknande och forfarande for framstellning av densamma

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3407406A (en) * 1965-06-14 1968-10-29 Rosemount Eng Co Ltd Conformable pad and material for use therein
GB1465817A (en) * 1973-04-14 1977-03-02 Schaefer P Padding
GB2150431A (en) * 1983-11-28 1985-07-03 Janet Parker Cushioning articles

Cited By (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2205740A (en) * 1987-06-15 1988-12-21 Mentor Medical Developments Cushion, mattress or like support
WO1996028073A1 (fr) * 1995-03-14 1996-09-19 Vicair B.V. Dispositif de support tel qu'un coussin
NL9500509A (nl) * 1995-03-14 1996-10-01 Vicair B V Ondersteuningsinrichting zoals bijvoorbeeld een kussen.
AU713755B2 (en) * 1995-03-14 1999-12-09 Vicair B.V. Supporting device such as for instance a cushion
EP1031299A2 (fr) 1995-03-14 2000-08-30 Vicair B.V. Dispositif de soutien, par exemple un coussin
EP1031299A3 (fr) * 1995-03-14 2000-10-25 Vicair B.V. Dispositif de soutien, par exemple un coussin
US6393642B1 (en) 1995-03-14 2002-05-28 Vicair B.V. Supporting device such as for instance a cushion
WO1997045038A1 (fr) * 1996-05-28 1997-12-04 Deka Products Limited Partnership Systeme de siege a pression constante
US6092249A (en) * 1996-05-28 2000-07-25 Deka Products Limited Partnership Constant pressure seating system
US6451865B1 (en) 1997-10-31 2002-09-17 Kraton Polymers U.S. Llc Foam composition comprising oil, thermoplastic elastomer and expandable particles
GB2342857A (en) * 1998-10-20 2000-04-26 James Arthur Hill Viscous fluid filled seat cushion
JP2024005134A (ja) * 2022-06-29 2024-01-17 合同会社Xephy ウォーターマットレス

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB8429384D0 (en) 1985-01-03
GB2150431B (en) 1987-04-23
GB2150431A (en) 1985-07-03
EP0200822B1 (fr) 1990-04-11

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0200822B1 (fr) Articles de rembourrage
US3968530A (en) Body support means
US4055866A (en) Polymorphic support systems
Reswick et al. Experience at Rancho Los Amigos Hospital with devices and techniques to prevent pressure sores
US5778470A (en) Partitioned therapeutic pillow with bead filling
US5626657A (en) Composite microsphere and lubricant mixture
US8171585B2 (en) Lightweight fluid
US3644950A (en) Patient support system
US3921232A (en) Self-inflating structure
EP0686385A2 (fr) Supports gonflables
EP0978266B1 (fr) Dispositif pour maintenir la position physique de personnes
US6498198B2 (en) Fill for pillows and cushions
JPS60116351A (ja) ビ−ズ流動式身体支持装置
EP1416871B1 (fr) Appareil a volumes de soutien de faible densite
JP2009165570A (ja) 形状保持クッション
JPH11332697A (ja) 体圧分散マット
WO1985005549A1 (fr) Coussin de support
JPH11113686A (ja) クッション体
JPH09140507A (ja) クッション体
Bolton Ventile, incompressible cushions
JPH0644535U (ja) クッション
EP0820750A2 (fr) Système de matelas de sustentation pour lits, chaises et articles similaires
JP2000093258A (ja) クッション体
Moody Review of the STM range of pressure distribution products
IE20030508A1 (en) An air cushioned support system

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE FR LI LU NL SE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19870412

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19880509

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE FR LI LU NL SE

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 51852

Country of ref document: AT

Date of ref document: 19900415

Kind code of ref document: T

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 3577085

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 19900517

ET Fr: translation filed
PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed
EPTA Lu: last paid annual fee
EAL Se: european patent in force in sweden

Ref document number: 85302540.1

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Payment date: 20040421

Year of fee payment: 20

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20040421

Year of fee payment: 20

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 20040421

Year of fee payment: 20

Ref country code: BE

Payment date: 20040421

Year of fee payment: 20

Ref country code: AT

Payment date: 20040421

Year of fee payment: 20

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20040426

Year of fee payment: 20

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Payment date: 20040428

Year of fee payment: 20

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Payment date: 20040507

Year of fee payment: 20

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF EXPIRATION OF PROTECTION

Effective date: 20050411

BE20 Be: patent expired

Owner name: *PARKER JANET

Effective date: 20050411

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

EUG Se: european patent has lapsed
NLV7 Nl: ceased due to reaching the maximum lifetime of a patent

Effective date: 20050411

BE20 Be: patent expired

Owner name: *PARKER JANET

Effective date: 20050411