US 7,740,321 B2Granted

Suspended pixelated seating structure

AssigneeHerman Miller, Inc.

InventorsRyan S. Brill, Douglas M. VanDeRiet, John F. Aldrich, Christopher C. Hill, Andrew J. Kurrasch, James D. Slagh, Matthew Parkinson, Matthew P. Reed, Jeffrey A. Weber, Timothy P. Coffield

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Abstract

A suspended pixelated seating structure provides ergonomic, adaptable seating support. The suspended pixelated seating structure includes multiple cooperative layers to maximize global comfort and support while enhancing adaptation to localized variations in a load, such as in the load applied when a person sits in a chair. The cooperative layers each use independent elements such as pixels, springs, support rails, and other elements to provide this adaptable comfort and support. The suspended pixelated seating structure also uses aligned material to provide a flexible yet durable suspended seating structure. Accordingly, the suspended pixelated seating structure provides maximum comfort for a wide range of body shapes and sizes.

Claims34

Dependent claims

A suspended pixelated seating structure comprising:

a macro compliance layer comprising:
a first support structure frame attachment;
a second support structure frame attachment, the first and second support structure frame attachments each comprising multiple frame connectors for connecting the macro compliance layer to a support structure frame;
multiple primary support rails extending substantially linearly between the first and second support structure frame attachments, where each of the multiple primary support rails are arranged substantially in parallel to each other of the multiple primary support rails;
multiple aligned regions discretely defined along the multiple primary support rails, where each of the multiple aligned regions comprise one of a compression aligned region or a tension aligned region;
and
multiple unaligned regions defined along the multiple primary support rails, where the unaligned regions separate adjacent aligned regions along a length of each of the multiple primary support rails,
where the multiple primary support rails, multiple aligned and unaligned regions, first support structure frame attachment, and second support structure frame attachment comprise an elastomeric material and are integrally molded as a single unitary macro compliance layer;
a micro compliance layer above the macro compliance layer, the micro compliance layer comprising multiple spring elements, where each spring element is coupled to at least one unaligned region of the multiple primary support rails;
and a load support layer supported by the micro compliance layer, the load support layer comprising multiple pixels positioned above and supported by the multiple spring elements.

7 more elements

A suspended pixelated seating structure comprising:

a macro compliance layer comprising:
a first support structure frame attachment;
a second support structure frame attachment;
multiple primary support rails, extending substantially linearly between the first and second support structure frame attachments, where each of the multiple primary support rails are arranged substantially in parallel to each other of the multiple primary support rails;
multiple aligned regions discretely defined along the multiple primary support rails, where each of the multiple aligned regions comprise one of a compression aligned region or a tension aligned region;
and
multiple nodes defined along the multiple primary support rails between adjacent aligned regions;
a micro compliance layer above the macro compliance layer, the micro compliance layer comprising springs, where each spring is coupled to at least one node of the primary support rails;
and
a load support layer supported by the micro compliance layer, the load support layer comprising multiple pixels positioned above and supported by the multiple spring elements, where the pixels comprise:
stems extending downwardly to contact the springs;
openings in the pixels to facilitate pixel flexibility;
and
multiple pixel connectors for interconnecting the multiple pixels.

11 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 11/433,891Filed 12 May 2006
Published: US 2007/0262634 A115 Nov 2007
Granted: 22 Jun 2010
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification4 codes

A47C 7/28
Seat parts: with tensioned springs, e.g. of flat type
A47C 7/144
Of adjustable shape; elastically mounted ; adaptable to a user contour or ergonomic seating positions: with array of movable supports
A47C 23/002
Spring mattresses with rigid frame or forming part of the bedstead, e.g. box springs; Divan bases; Slatted bed bases: with separate resilient…
A47C
Chairs