Cushioning element comprising a hinge to allow a folded position of the cushioning element

Abstract

The invention relates to a monolithic lattice-structured cushioning element (10) comprising a body lattice (1) and a surface lattice (11) at least partially covering the body lattice, the cushioning element (10) comprising a first (32) and a second (34) cushioning sub-element connected to each other at a hinge (36) connecting a first and a second surface lattice, said hinge (36) allowing a rotational movement of said first cushioning sub-element (32) relative to the second cushioning sub-element (34) about a longitudinal hinge axis (A) between an unfolded position and a folded position. Figure for abstract: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Cushioning element comprising a hinge to allow a folded position of the cushioning element Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of lattice-structured structures, in particular for forming devices comprising a flexible interface, for example padded. These lattice-structured structures may be intended to absorb a shock and / or to form a bodily support, such as a seat base, a cushion, a mattress, an armrest, a headrest, a wrist rest, a grip or helmet padding. Technological background

[0002] There is a type of lattice-structure comprising a body lattice and a surface lattice secured to this body lattice. This surface lattice forms a skin at least partially covering the body lattice. The surface lattice increases the contact surface of the lattice-structure without significantly influencing the compressive mechanical properties of the latter, which are mainly determined by the body lattice. This arrangement comprising a body lattice and a surface lattice is particularly advantageous when the cushioning element is intended to absorb a shock and / or to form a body support.

[0003] In the additive manufacturing process, a part is produced by the successive deposition of material within an additive manufacturing enclosure. The enclosure forms physical limits to the size of the part to be manufactured. The dimensions of this enclosure thus constrain the dimensions of the part to be manufactured, making it difficult to produce large parts.

[0004] An existing solution consists of dividing this part into several sub-assemblies and manufacturing these sub-assemblies separately. This can be achieved by manufacturing one or more of the sub-assemblies in a position which is not their final position, for example in the form of superimposing the sub-assemblies in the tank. This separation can alternatively be obtained by manufacturing these sub-assemblies independently. The sub-assemblies are then secured by mechanical means (i.e. an addition of part) or physico-chemical bonding means (i.e. application of glue). A major drawback lies in the difference in mechanical behavior of the part at the junction between the sub-assemblies, both because of the addition of external securing means and because of the physical discontinuity present between the subassemblies. An additional difficulty lies in the good cohesion of the subassemblies between them as well as their alignment. The perception and comfort of a user resting on this part can thus be very altered by this junction.

[0005] There is therefore a need for a monolithic padding element with a lattice structure overcoming these drawbacks Summary of the invention

[0006] The invention relates to a monolithic padding element with a lattice structure comprising: - a body lattice comprising a plurality of elementary body patterns repeated periodically and in contact with each other, - a surface lattice at least partially covering the body lattice so as to form an external face of the padding element, said surface lattice being in contact and integrally formed with said body lattice, the surface lattice comprising a plurality of periodically repeated surface elementary patterns, in which the padding element comprises a first and a second padding sub-elements respectively defining a first and a second body lattice as well as a first and a second surface lattice, the first and second padding sub-elements being connected to each other at a hinge connecting the first and second surface lattices, said hinge defining a longitudinal hinge axis and a hinge height axis along which the body and surface lattices are superimposed,said hinge allowing a rotational movement of said first padding sub-element relative to the second padding sub-element around the longitudinal hinge axis between an unfolded position and a folded position.

[0007] The addition of a hinge between the first and second surface lattices makes it possible to maintain a solid connection between them during the manufacture of the padding element. The production of this hinge in a monolithic manner with the body and surface lattices makes it possible to guarantee mechanical and visual continuity of the surface of the padding element. In addition, the hinge makes it possible to guarantee the alignment of the two sub-elements when the padding element is placed in the unfolded position.

[0008] The hinge is integrally formed with the first and second surface lattices. In other words, the hinge is integrally formed with the first and second surface lattices.

[0009] The longitudinal and hinge height axes are orthogonal to each other. The hinge also defines a transverse hinge axis orthogonal to each of the longitudinal and hinge height axes.

[0010] The body and surface lattices overlap along the hinge height axis when the padding element is in the unfolded position.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the cushioning element, the first and second body lattices are devoid of contact with each other when the cushioning element is in the folded position.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the padding element, the elementary surface patterns together form a skin, each elementary surface pattern forming a portion of skin.

[0013] Preferably, each portion of skin has sides between 5 mm and 50 mm.

[0014] Preferably, each skin portion is square.

[0015] Advantageously, the skin increases the contact surface of the lattice-structured structure. The skin also prevents contact between the user leaning on the lattice-structured structure and the body lattice. The skin may further enhance the aesthetic appearance of the lattice-structured structure. In particular, the skin may include a visual mark, for example a print, an imprint and / or a texture.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the cushioning element, the first and second surface lattices define a skin thickness when the cushioning element is observed in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal hinge axis, said hinge having a hinge thickness along the hinge height axis equal to or less than this skin thickness when the cushioning element is in the unfolded position.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the padding element, the first and second surface lattices together define an upper envelope surface and a lower envelope surface between which all of the elementary surface patterns are inscribed when the padding element is in the unfolded position, said hinge extending between these upper and lower envelope surfaces.

[0018] The hinge therefore does not protrude from the surface lattice along the hinge height axis. The hinge also preferably extends in the continuity of the peripheral surface formed by the surface lattice. Thus, the hinge does not form a relief along this peripheral surface, i.e. neither a hollow nor a bulge. The user therefore has a very limited perception of the presence or location of the hinge when touching the cushioning element. The hinge therefore does not form a singularity on the surface of the cushioning element.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the padding element, each elementary surface pattern of the first and second padding sub-elements is connected in a manner integral with the elementary surface patterns which are adjacent to it by at least one elementary connection junction.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the padding element, the hinge comprises a plurality of elementary hinge junctions, each elementary surface pattern of the first padding sub-element being connected to at least one elementary surface pattern of the second padding sub-element by at least one elementary hinge junction.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the padding element, each elementary hinge junction is an elongated element locally connecting an edge of an elementary surface pattern of the first padding sub-element to an edge of another elementary surface pattern of the second padding sub-element.

[0022] The elementary hinge junction makes it possible to improve the resistance to tearing of the hinge. The risk of breakage of the hinge, in particular during a phase of depowdering the padding element, is reduced.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the padding element, each elementary surface pattern of the first padding sub-element is connected to an elementary surface pattern of the second padding sub-element facing it by at least one elementary hinge junction and at least one elementary connection junction.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the padding element, the hinge comprises only a plurality of elementary connection junctions. In this case, the connection of each of the elementary surface patterns, including those arranged on either side of the longitudinal hinge axis and connecting the hinge to the first and second padding sub-elements, is identical for the entire surface lattice. The visual continuity of the surface lattice, in particular at the hinge, is thus improved. The hinge becomes very difficult to see for a user.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the padding element, each elementary surface pattern of the first padding sub-element is connected to an elementary surface pattern of the second padding sub-element facing it by two elementary connection junctions, each arranged at one end of the elementary surface pattern, an elementary hinge junction arranged between the two elementary connection junctions.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the padding element, each elementary body pattern comprises at least one lateral face intended to be in contact with a lateral face of an adjacent elementary body pattern at the level of contact zones, each of these contact zones of the same lateral face extending in the same contact plane.

[0027] The lateral faces of each elementary body pattern define a voxel in which the elementary body pattern is inscribed.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the padding element, the elementary body patterns have an identical shape and dimensions.

[0029] Thus the dimensions of the voxels are preferably of identical shape and dimensions. Alternatively, the voxels may have different dimensions and / or shapes.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the padding element, the first and second body lattices further comprise a plurality of partial body patterns each integral with at least one elementary body pattern, each partial body pattern forming a portion of an elementary body pattern.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the cushioning element, the first and second body lattices respectively have a first and a second contact face separated from each other when the cushioning element is in the folded position and intended to be arranged against each other when the cushioning element is arranged in the unfolded position.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the cushioning element, the hinge defines a median connecting plane including the longitudinal hinge axis, the first and second contact faces merging with the median connecting plane when the cushioning element is in the unfolded position.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the padding element, the first and second contact faces being formed by lateral faces of elementary body patterns.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the cushioning element, the first and second body lattices respectively have at least one first and at least one second connecting reliefs extending respectively from the first and second contact faces and being configured to cooperate together when the cushioning element is in the unfolded position so as to interlock the first and second body lattices.

[0035] The first and second connecting reliefs allow the first and second body lattices to be interlocked so as to form better continuity of the mechanical behavior of the cushioning element at the hinge. Thus, the user does not perceive any discontinuity when touched or when exerting a compressive force along the hinge height axis near the hinge.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the cushioning element, each first connecting relief cooperates with a second connecting relief facing it when the cushioning element is in the unfolded position, thus forming a connecting pair.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the cushioning element, the first and second connecting reliefs of a connecting pair have a complementary shape relative to each other.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the cushioning element, the first and second connecting reliefs extend along the longitudinal hinge axis, preferably over a distance equal to or greater than 10% of the total distance of the hinge along the longitudinal hinge axis.

[0039] The first 44 and second 46 connecting reliefs extend for example over a distance equal to or greater than 30%, 40%, 50% or 60% of the total distance of the hinge 36 along the longitudinal hinge axis A.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the cushioning element, at least one of the first or second connecting reliefs is formed by at least one elementary body pattern projecting from the first or second contact faces.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the padding element, each of the first and second body lattices comprises at least three superimposed layers of elementary body patterns including an upper layer, a lower layer and at least one intermediate layer between the lower and upper layers, the first and second connecting reliefs being formed at the level of said at least one intermediate layer.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the cushioning element, the latter comprises at least 2.5, preferably at least 3, elementary body patterns superimposed along the hinge height axis when the cushioning element is in the unfolded position. Said at least 2.5 or 3 elementary body patterns are arranged along the longitudinal hinge axis and partially form the first or second contact face.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the cushioning element, the latter further comprises an intermediate lattice arranged between and secured to the surface lattice and the body lattice, said intermediate lattice having a compression behavior in a direction perpendicular to the surface lattice different from that of the body lattice.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the cushioning element, the first and second surface lattices define between them a folding angle, said folding angle having a value of 0° when the cushioning element is in the unfolded position. The folding angle is of a value greater than or equal to 10° in the folded position, preferably greater than or equal to 45°, or even greater than or equal to 90°. The folding angle is for example of a value between 90° and 180° when the cushioning element is in the folded position.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the cushioning element, the lattice structure is obtained by additive manufacturing.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the cushioning element, the first and second surface lattices define a peripheral surface of the cushioning element, the hinge defining a transverse hinge dimension along the transverse hinge axis between the first and second surface lattices, this peripheral surface having a variation in distance along the longitudinal hinge axis relative to a peripheral plane perpendicular to the hinge height axis less than or equal to 50% of the transverse hinge dimension.

[0047] Preferably, the cushioning element is made of a polymer material or a metal or a composite, for example a thermoplastic, preferably an elastomeric thermoplastic, or a polymer filled with glass micro-beads. More preferably, the cushioning element is made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

[0048] Preferably, each elementary body pattern comprises body strands connected together to form the edges of a polyhedron and connecting strands connecting the polyhedron to the vertices of the elementary body cell. The elementary body cell is the smallest rectangular parallelepiped circumscribed to the elementary body pattern.

[0049] Preferably, each elementary surface pattern comprises a support block extending in a median plane, parallel to the face of the structure defined by the surface lattice, and deformable feet each comprising one end fixed to the support block and another end fixed to one of the connecting strands and distant from the median plane.

[0050] The surface lattice is configured so that under the effect of a compression force normal to a median plane of the cushioning element, the feet deform to move the support block in translation along an axis parallel to the compression force.

[0051] An "elementary cell" is the smallest rectangular parallelepiped circumscribed by an elementary pattern. The elementary cell is a fictitious geometric construction, that is to say that it is not made of material unlike strands or beams.

[0052] Advantageously, the surface lattice increases the contact surface of the lattice-structured structure without significantly influencing the compressive mechanical properties of the latter, which are mainly determined by the body lattice. The contact surface is formed by the support block and can thus be free of points. As a result, the contact stress is lower during body support, and the part is therefore more comfortable for the user.

[0053] Furthermore, when a compressive force is applied to the surface lattice, the latter transmits this force to the body lattice in a homogeneous and uniformly distributed manner. This results in a good distribution of stresses throughout the lattice-structured structure and therefore better comfort for the user.

[0054] Preferably, the surface elementary patterns are in contact with each other.

[0055] Preferably, the feet are at least elastically deformable.

[0056] According to another aspect, the invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a padding element as described above, comprising the following steps: - manufacturing by means of an additive manufacturing technique said padding element in a folded position, - positioning said padding element in the unfolded position by means of a rotation of the first padding sub-element relative to the second padding sub-element around the longitudinal hinge axis.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the padding element, the latter may comprise at least one hinge. The padding element may thus comprise a plurality of hinges allowing the production of a large padding element. The longitudinal hinge axes of the different hinges may be parallel to each other or else angularly offset from each other, in particular by an angle other than 180°.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the cushioning element, the first and / or the second contact face comprises at least one elementary reinforcing pattern for stiffening the interface portion between the first and second cushioning sub-elements. This elementary reinforcing pattern is configured to increase the contact surface between the first and second contact faces. For this, the elementary reinforcing pattern is preferably a surface element extending along the first or second contact face. The reinforcing surface formed by each elementary reinforcing pattern is intended to come into contact with an elementary body pattern, a first or second connecting relief or another elementary reinforcing pattern.

[0059] Each elementary reinforcement pattern can be arranged at least on one face of a first and / or a second connecting relief.

[0060] Preferably, each face of the first body lattice free of contact with the second body lattice and intended to be in contact with this same second body lattice when the padding element is in the unfolded position is provided with one or more elementary reinforcement patterns.

[0061] The elementary reinforcing pattern is preferably an elongated surface element extending at the level of the lateral face of an elementary body pattern or of a face of a first and / or a second connecting relief.

[0062] The elementary reinforcing pattern may be of any shape, preferably connecting vertices or ends of connecting strands of a lateral face of an elementary body pattern. The elementary reinforcing pattern is for example in the shape of one or several crosses connecting the tops of the connecting strands of the elementary body motifs.

[0063] According to another aspect of the invention, a seat padding for a seat comprises a padding element as described above, said seat padding defining a seat axis intended to be oriented along an anteroposterior axis of a user seated on said seat padding, said seat padding comprising: - a rear portion intended to be in contact with a user's buttocks and forming the first padding sub-element, and - a front leg support portion intended to be in contact with the thighs of this user and forming the second padding sub-element, wherein the longitudinal hinge axis extends transversely to the seat axis so as to extend between the buttocks and legs of a user seated on said seat padding.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the padding element, the front portion has a U-shape defining a central recess. Brief description of the figures

[0065] The description which follows with reference to the appended drawings, given as non-limiting examples, will make it clear what the invention consists of and how it can be implemented. In the appended figures:

[0066] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] represents a perspective view of an example of an element of lattice-structured padding comprising a hinge securing first and second padding subassemblies, in an unfolded position;

[0067] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] represents a side view of the cushioning element of the [Fig.l] in a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the hinge, in a folded position;

[0068] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] represents a side view of a lattice architectural structure according to the invention comprising a surface lattice and a body lattice;

[0069] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] represents a perspective view of the architectural structure in lattice of [Fig.3];

[0070] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] represents a perspective view of an elementary body pattern of the body lattice of [Fig.3];

[0071] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] shows a side view of another embodiment of a hinge comprising a connecting relief interlocking first and second body lattices when the cushioning element is in the unfolded position;

[0072] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] represents a side view of [Fig.6] with the element of padding arranged in the folded or partially folded position;

[0073] [Fig.8] [Fig.8]; represents a side view of another embodiment in which the cushioning element comprises a plurality of elementary reinforcement patterns at the level of first and second contact faces;

[0074] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] represents a detailed perspective view of an elementary motif cross-shaped reinforcement;

[0075] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] represents a perspective view of a cushioning element in the folded position with a plurality of elementary reinforcement patterns arranged on first and second reliefs as well as on first and second contact faces,

[0076] [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] shows a perspective view of a seat padding comprising a padding element connected by a hinge. Description of embodiment(s)

[0077] For the sake of clarity, the same references designating the same elements according to the state of the art and according to the invention are used for all the figures.

[0078] The inventive concept is described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the inventive concept are shown. In the drawings, the size and relative sizes of elements may be exaggerated for clarity. Like numerals refer to like elements throughout the drawings. However, this inventive concept may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Instead, these embodiments are provided so that this description is complete, and communicates the scope of the inventive concept to those skilled in the art.

[0079] A reference throughout the specification to "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the occurrence of the phrase "in an embodiment" at various locations throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Furthermore, the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps.

[0080] With reference to [Fig.l], a monolithic lattice-structured padding element 10 comprises a body lattice 1 and a surface lattice 11.

[0081] The body lattice 1 comprises a plurality of elementary body patterns 2 repeated periodically and in contact with each other.

[0082] The surface lattice 11 at least partially covers the body lattice 1 so as to form an external face of the padding element 10. The surface lattice 11 is in contact with and integrally formed with the body lattice 1. The surface lattice comprises a plurality of periodically repeated surface elementary patterns 12.

[0083] The elementary surface patterns 12 together form a skin 17. In particular, each elementary surface pattern 12 forms a portion of skin 30.

[0084] The padding element 10 comprises a first 32 and a second 34 sub-element.

[0085] The portion of the body lattice 1 belonging to the first padding sub-element 32 is called the first body lattice. The portion of the surface lattice 11 belonging to the first padding sub-element 32 is called the first surface lattice.

[0086] Similarly, the portion of the body lattice 1 belonging to the second padding sub-element 34 is called the second body lattice. The portion of the surface lattice 11 belonging to the second padding sub-element 34 is called the second surface lattice.

[0087] The first 32 and second 34 padding sub-elements are connected to each other at a hinge 36 connecting the first and second surface lattices. The hinge 36 defines a longitudinal hinge axis A, a transverse hinge axis B and a hinge height axis C.

[0089] The hinge 36 allows a rotational movement of said first padding sub-element 32 relative to the second padding sub-element 34 around the longitudinal hinge axis A between an unfolded position, visible in [Fig. 1], and a folded position, visible in [Fig. 2].

[0090] The unfolded position is characterized by the fact that the first and second body lattices are in contact with each other at at least one of the elementary body patterns 2. Preferably, each of the elementary body patterns 2 of the first body lattices is in contact with at least one elementary body pattern 2 of the second body lattices.

[0091] The unfolded position may also be characterized by a folding angle defined between the first and second surface lattices. This folding angle preferably has a value of 0° when the cushioning element is in the unfolded position. Thus, the surface lattice 11 has a continuous external face in the unfolded position.

[0092] This unfolded position corresponds to the final or operational position of the padding element 10.

[0093] The folded position corresponds to a manufacturing position or an intermediate position of the padding element 10. The folding angle is of a value greater than or equal to 10° in the folded position, preferably greater than or equal to 45°, or even greater than or equal to 90°. The padding element 10 may also be manufactured with the first and second surface lattices positioned facing each other. In the latter case, the folding angle may be equal to 180°.

[0094] In this folded position, the first and second body lattices are devoid of contact with each other.

[0095] The cushioning element 10 preferably also comprises a support lattice 41 comprising a plurality of elementary support patterns repeated periodically and secured to each other. This support lattice 41 is arranged between and secured to the body lattice 1 and the surface lattice 11.

[0096] Alternatively, the padding element 10 may be devoid of support mesh 41. In this case, the padding element 10 preferably comprises a surface mesh 11 directly in contact with the body mesh 1.

[0097] Preferably, the support or intermediate mesh 41 has a compression behavior in a direction perpendicular to the surface mesh 11 different from that of the body mesh 1. The cushioning element thus has a stratification, each layer of this stratification being able to have a different function or mechanical behavior. The support mesh 41 can thus have a lower compression resistance than the body mesh 1 to increase the comfort of the user while guaranteeing satisfactory retention or absorption.

[0098] An example of a lattice architecture is illustrated with reference to Figures 3 to 5. The invention is not limited to this specific architecture, in particular at the geometric level.

[0099] The body lattice 1 is formed from a plurality of elementary body patterns 2 of rhombic dodecahedron type repeated periodically and in contact with each other. The elementary body pattern 2 comprises twenty-four strands 3 linked together so as to form the edges of a rhombic dodecahedron 4. The rhombic dodecahedron 4 comprises six acute-angled vertices 5 and eight obtuse-angled vertices 6. An acute-angled vertex 5 is a vertex where four faces of the rhombic dodecahedron 4 meet at their acute angles. An obtuse-angled vertex 6 is a vertex where three faces of the rhombic dodecahedron 4 meet at their obtuse angles. The elementary pattern 2 is inscribed in an elementary cell 8, which corresponds to the rectangular parallelepiped circumscribed at each of the acute-angled vertices 5. The elementary pattern 2 also comprises eight connecting strands 7, each connecting one of the obtuse-angled vertices 6 to the vertex closest to the elementary cell 8.The connecting strands 7 extend along the diagonals of the elementary cell 8. .

[0100] The elementary rhombic dodecahedral pattern 2 is similar to the pattern called “fluorite” in the “nTopology 3.26.3” software developed and marketed by the company nTopology, INC. Indeed, it is similar to a crystalline structure of fluorite for which each of the atomic sites would have been linked together by strands.

[0101] The adjacent elementary rhombic dodecahedral type patterns 2 are fixed to each other by contact between their respective connecting strands 7 and by contact between their respective acute-angled vertices.

[0102] The support trellis 41 comprises four feet 13 and a support block 14.

[0103] Each of the feet 13 consists of a single branch comprising an end 13a fixed to the support block 14. The single branch of the foot 13 also comprises another end 13b, opposite the end 13a and fixed to one of the connecting strands 7 of the body lattice 1.

[0104] The first and second surface lattices define a skin thickness E when the cushioning element is 10 observed in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal hinge axis A. This skin thickness E corresponds to the thickness of the skin 17. The skin thickness E is taken along the hinge height axis C when the cushioning element 10 is in the unfolded position.

[0105] The hinge 36 has a hinge thickness along the hinge height axis equal to or less than this skin thickness E when the padding element 10 is in the unfolded position.

[0106] Preferably, the first and second surface lattices together define an upper envelope surface and a lower envelope surface between which all of the elementary surface patterns 12 are inscribed when the padding element 10 is in the unfolded position. The hinge thus preferably extends between these upper and lower envelope surfaces. The hinge 36 thus extends in the continuity of the surface lattice 11.

[0107] Each elementary surface pattern 12 of the first and second padding sub-elements is securely connected to the elementary surface patterns 12 which are adjacent to it by at least one elementary connection junction 24. With reference to figure 4, the elementary connection junctions 24 are preferably located near the tops of the elementary surface patterns 12.

[0108] As visible in [Fig. 1], the hinge 36 comprises a plurality of elementary hinge junctions 25. Each elementary surface pattern 12 of the first padding sub-element is connected to at least one elementary surface pattern 12 of the second padding sub-element by at least one elementary hinge junction 25.

[0109] The hinge 36 preferably comprises a plurality of elementary connection junctions 24 connecting each of the elementary surface patterns 12 arranged on either side of the hinge 36. Preferably, the elementary connection junctions 24 are identical at the hinge 36 and in the rest of the surface lattice 11. In other words, the elementary surface patterns 12 are joined in an identical manner over the entire surface lattice 11, including at the hinge 36.

[0110] The elementary hinge junction 25 is thus preferably additional to the elementary connection junctions 24.

[0111] The elementary hinge junction 25 preferably connects the central zones of each of the edges of the elementary surface patterns 12.

[0112] Each elementary hinge junction 25 is an elongated element locally connecting an edge of an elementary surface pattern 12 of the first mattress sub-element to an edge of another elementary surface pattern 12 of the second cushioning sub-element.

[0113] Each elementary surface pattern 12 of the first padding sub-element is connected to an elementary surface pattern 12 of the second padding sub-element facing it by at least one elementary hinge junction 25 and at least one elementary connection junction 24.

[0114] Preferably, each elementary surface pattern 12 of the first padding sub-element is connected to an elementary surface pattern of the second padding sub-element facing it by two elementary connection junctions 24. In this case, each elementary connection junction 24 is arranged at one end of the elementary surface pattern 12, an elementary hinge junction 25 is arranged between the two elementary connection junctions 24.

[0115] As visible in [Fig.2], each elementary body pattern 2 comprises at least one lateral face 38 intended to be in contact with a lateral face 38 of an elementary body pattern 2 which is adjacent to it. This contact is made at the level of contact zones of the elementary body pattern 2. These contact zones are for example formed by the tops of the connecting strands 7.

[0116] Each of the contact zones of the same lateral face 38 preferably extends in the same contact plane. Thus, the tops of the connecting strands 7 therefore extend on the same lateral face 38 within this contact plane.

[0117] As visible in [Fig.2], the first and second body lattices respectively have a first 40 and a second 42 contact faces separated from each other when the cushioning element 10 is in the folded position and intended to be arranged against each other when the cushioning element 10 is arranged in the unfolded position.

[0118] The hinge 36 defines a median connecting plane PML including the longitudinal hinge axis A. The first 40 and second 42 contact faces coincide with the median connecting plane PML when the cushioning element 10 is in the unfolded position.

[0119] The first 40 and second 42 contact faces are preferably formed by lateral faces 38 of elementary body patterns 2.

[0120] With reference to Figures 6 and 7, the first and second body lattices respectively have at least one first 44 and at least one second 46 connecting reliefs extending respectively from the first 40 and second 42 contact faces.

[0121] Said at least one first 44 and at least one second 46 connecting reliefs are configured to cooperate together when the cushioning element 10 is in the unfolded position so as to nest the first and second body lattices. One of the connecting reliefs is therefore inserted inside the other of the connecting reliefs. This nesting allows a better distribution of the forces within the body lattice 1 when the cushioning element 10 is in the unfolded position. There is thus a better cohesion between the first and second body lattices.

[0122] Each first connecting relief 44 cooperates with a second connecting relief 46 facing it when the cushioning element 10 is in the unfolded position, thus forming a connecting pair.

[0123] Preferably, the first 44 and second 46 connecting reliefs of a connecting pair have a complementary shape relative to each other.

[0124] More preferably, at least one of the first 44 or second 46 connecting reliefs is formed by at least one elementary body pattern 2. This elementary body pattern 2 protrudes, for example, from the first 40 or second 42 contact faces.

[0125] The first 44 and second 46 connecting reliefs may extend along the longitudinal hinge axis A. The first 44 and second 46 connecting reliefs preferably extend over a distance equal to or greater than 10% of the total distance of the hinge 36 along the longitudinal hinge axis A. The first 44 and second 46 connecting reliefs extend for example over a distance equal to or greater than 30%, 40%, 50% or 60% of the total distance of the hinge 36 along the longitudinal hinge axis A.

[0126] According to an example illustrated in [Fig.9], the first 44 and second 46 connecting reliefs may extend over the entire total distance of the hinge 36 along the longitudinal hinge axis A.

[0127] According to a preferred embodiment, each of the first and second body lattices comprises at least three superimposed layers of elementary body patterns 2: an upper layer, a lower layer and at least one intermediate layer arranged between the lower and upper layers. The first 44 and second 46 connecting reliefs are preferably formed at the level of said at least one intermediate layer, as visible in Figures 6 and 7.

[0128] With reference to figures 9 and 10, an elementary reinforcement pattern 48 can be arranged at the level of at least one face of a first 44 and / or a second 46 relief of connection. This elementary reinforcement pattern 48 is configured to increase the contact surface between the first 40 and second 42 contact faces.

[0129] Preferably, each face of the first body lattice free of contact with the second body lattice and intended to be in contact with this same second body lattice when the padding element 10 is in the unfolded position is provided with one or more elementary reinforcement patterns 48.

[0130] The elementary reinforcement pattern 48 is preferably an elongated surface element extending at the level of the lateral face 38 of an elementary body pattern 2 or of a face of a first 44 and / or of a second 6 connecting reliefs.

[0131] Preferably and illustrated in [Fig.9], the elementary reinforcing pattern 48 is in the form of one or more crosses connecting the tops of the connecting strands 7 of the elementary body patterns 2.

[0132] With reference to [Fig. 11], a seat padding 50 for a seat comprises a padding element as described above.

[0133] The seat padding 50 defining a seat axis D intended to be oriented along an anteroposterior axis of a user seated on said seat padding 50. The seat padding 50 comprises a rear portion 52 intended to be in contact with a buttocks of a user and forming the second padding sub-element 34.

[0134] The seat padding 50 further comprises a front leg support portion 54 intended to be in contact with the thighs of this user and forming the first padding sub-element 32.

[0135] The longitudinal hinge axis A is chosen to extend transversely to the seat axis D so as to extend between the buttocks and the legs of a user seated on said seat padding 50.

[0136] The front portion 54 preferably has a U shape defining a central recess 56.

Claims

Claims

1. Monolithic mattress element (10) with lattice architecture comprising: - a body lattice (1) comprising a plurality of elementary body patterns (2) repeated periodically and in contact with each other, - a surface lattice (11) at least partially covering the body lattice so as to form an external face of the mattress element (10), said surface lattice (11) being in contact and integrally formed with said body lattice (1), the surface lattice (11) comprising a plurality of elementary surface patterns (12) repeated periodically, wherein the padding element (10) comprises a first (32) and a second (34) padding sub-element defining respectively a first and a second body lattice as well as a first and a second surface lattice,the first (32) and second (34) padding sub-elements being connected to each other at a hinge (36) connecting the first and second surface lattices, said hinge (36) defining a longitudinal hinge axis (A) and a hinge height axis (C) along which the body (1) and surface (11) lattices overlap, said hinge (36) allowing a rotational movement of said first padding sub-element (32) relative to the second padding sub-element (34) around the longitudinal hinge axis (A) between an unfolded position and a folded position.,

2. A padding element (10) according to claim 1, in which the elementary surface patterns (12) together form a skin, each elementary surface pattern (12) forming a portion of skin.

3. A cushioning element (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first and second surface lattices define a skin thickness (E) when the cushioning element (10) is viewed in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal hinge axis (A), said hinge (36) having a hinge thickness along the hinge height axis equal to or less than this skin thickness (E) when the cushioning element (10) is in the unfolded position.

4. A padding element (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first and second surface lattices together define an upper envelope surface and a lower envelope surface between which all of the elementary surface patterns (12) are inscribed when the padding element (10) is in the unfolded position, said hinge (36) extending between these upper and lower envelope surfaces.

5. Cushioning element (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which each elementary surface pattern (12) of the first (32) and second (34) cushioning sub-elements is integrally connected to the elementary surface patterns (12) which are adjacent to it by at least one elementary connection junction (24).

6. A padding element (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hinge (36) comprises a plurality of elementary hinge junctions (25), each elementary surface pattern (12) of the first padding sub-element (32) being connected to at least one elementary surface pattern (12) of the second padding sub-element (34) by at least one elementary hinge junction (25).

7. Cushioning element (10) according to the preceding claim, in which each elementary hinge junction (25) is an elongated element locally connecting an edge of an elementary surface pattern (12) of the first cushioning sub-element (32) to an edge of another elementary surface pattern (12) of the second cushioning sub-element (34).

8. A padding element (10) according to claim 6 or 7 in combination with claim 5, wherein each surface elementary pattern (12) of the first padding sub-element (32) is connected to a surface elementary pattern (12) of the second padding sub-element (34) facing it by at least one hinge elementary junction (25) and at least one connection elementary junction (24).

9. Padding element (10) according to the preceding claim, in which each elementary surface pattern (12) of the first padding sub-element (32) is connected to an elementary surface pattern (12) of the second padding sub-element (34) facing it by two elementary connection junctions (24), each arranged at one end of the surface elementary pattern (12), an elementary hinge junction (25) arranged between the two elementary connection junctions (24).

10. Cushioning element (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which each elementary body pattern (2) comprises at least one lateral face (38) intended to be in contact with a lateral face (38) of an elementary body pattern (2) adjacent at the level of contact zones, each of these contact zones of the same lateral face extending in the same contact plane.

11. A cushioning element (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second body lattices respectively have first (40) and second (42) contact faces separated from each other when the cushioning element (10) is in the folded position and intended to be arranged against each other when the cushioning element (10) is arranged in the unfolded position.

12. Cushioning element (10) according to the preceding claim, in which the hinge (36) defines a median connecting plane (PML) including the longitudinal hinge axis (A), the first (40) and second (42) contact faces merging with the median connecting plane (PML) when the cushioning element (10) is in the unfolded position.

13. A cushioning element (10) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the first and second body lattices respectively have at least one first (44) and at least one second (46) connecting reliefs extending respectively from the first (40) and second (42) contact faces and being configured to cooperate together when the cushioning element (10) is in the unfolded position so as to interlock the first and second body lattices.

14. Cushioning element (10) according to the preceding claim, in which at least one of the first (44) or second (46) connecting reliefs is formed by at least one elementary body pattern (2) projecting from the first or second contact faces.

15. Seat padding (50) for a seat comprising a padding element (10) according to one of the preceding claims, said seat padding defining a seat axis D intended to be oriented along an anteroposterior axis of a user seated on said seat padding, said seat padding comprising: - a rear portion (52) intended to be in contact with a user's buttocks and forming the first padding sub-element, and - a front leg support portion (54) intended to be in contact with the thighs of this user and forming the second padding sub-element, in which the longitudinal hinge axis (A) extends transversely to the seat axis (D) so as to extend between the buttocks and the legs of a user seated on said seat padding.

Images