Padded load-bearing seat surface, a molded membrane and method for manufacturing the same

DE112018006376B4Active Publication Date: 2026-07-02ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
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Patent Information

Application Number
DE112018006376
Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2018-12-17
Filing Date
2018-12-17
Publication Date
2026-07-02
Estimated Expiration
2038-12-17

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing upholstered load-bearing surfaces, such as seats and backrests, face challenges in achieving durability, low mass, affordability, and comfort while providing variable reaction forces, airflow, and thermal control, with single-density foams being inefficient and space-consuming.

Method used

A cushioned load-bearing surface comprising a suspension layer, a membrane with aligned piston-like projections, and a load distribution layer, allowing for variable reaction forces and airflow, with the membrane's intermediate sections curling to accommodate compression and return to the original state, and incorporating air diffusers and heating/cooling elements.

Benefits of technology

The solution provides a thin, lightweight, and adjustable seating surface that maintains comfort and thermal control with minimal space, offering customizable reaction forces and airflow, reducing material costs and energy consumption.

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Abstract

A padded load-bearing seat surface (10) comprising: - a suspension layer (12); - a membrane (14); and - a load distribution layer (16), wherein the membrane (14) is positioned between the suspension layer (12) and the load distribution layer (16), the membrane (14) enclosing a base surface (18) and several shaped, aligned, piston-like projections (20) extending from the base surface (18) and defining intermediate sections (22) between each projection (20) and the base surface (18), and extending in a direction opposite the projections (20), wherein the projections (20) are compressible from a first state to a compressed state under load and return to the first state when the load is removed, wherein the projections (20) have a circular cross-section, and the intermediate sections (22) are shaped with a U-shaped cross-section.wherein the wall of a lower subsection (28) of the projection (20) and the intermediate section (22) is thinner compared to the upper subsection (32) of the projection (20) and the base (18), and wherein the intermediate sections (22) are designed to curl in order to accommodate at least a subsection of the projections (20) when the projections (20) are compressed.
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Citation Information

Patent Citations

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