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US 7,931,257 B2Granted
Multilayer load bearing structure
AssigneeHerman Miller, Inc.
InventorsDouglas M. VanDeRiet, Christopher C. Hill, Andrew J. Kurrasch, John F. Aldrich, Timothy Hoogland, Jeffrey A. Weber, Jason Holt, Ryan S. Brill
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Support elements and support structures form the basis of ergonomic body supports for chairs, mattresses and other structures. The support elements may be individually designed according to their location and body support function. Thus, the structures that include the support elements may provide point-tailored support for any part of the body to enhance comfort, fit, and proper anatomical support.
Claims24
A load bearing body-support structure comprising:
- a first layer comprising an elastomeric member, said elastomeric member elongatable between at least a first and second condition in response to a load being applied perpendicular to said first layer, wherein said elastomeric member has a first spring rate in a direction perpendicular to said first layer, and wherein said elastomeric member is in tension when in said second condition;
- a second layer comprising a plurality of pixelated load bearing elements each having a body-facing surface, wherein at least some adjacent pairs of pixelated load bearing elements are spaced apart in a first direction, said pixelated load bearing elements of each pair are spaced apart and interconnected with connector elements that are arranged in parallel relationship in a second direction substantially perpendicular to said first direction;
- and
- at least one spring disposed between said first and second layers, said at least one spring having a second spring rate, wherein said second spring rate is less than said first spring rate.
1 more element
A load bearing body-support structure comprising:
- a first layer comprising an elastomeric material, said elastomeric material elongatable between at least a first and second condition in response to a load being applied perpendicular to said first layer, wherein said elastomeric material has a first spring rate in a direction perpendicular to said first layer, and wherein said elastomeric material is in tension when in said second condition;
- a second layer comprising a compressible member supported by the first layer, said compressible member having a second spring rate, wherein said second spring rate is less than said first spring rate;
- and
- a third layer supported by said second layer and defining a body-facing surface, wherein said third layer comprises a plurality of nodes spaced apart in at least one direction, wherein said plurality of nodes are interconnected with a plurality of connector elements disposed below said body-facing surface of adjacent ones of said plurality of nodes, wherein at least some adjacent pairs of nodes are spaced apart in a first direction, said nodes of each pair are spaced apart and interconnected with connector elements that are arranged in parallel relationship in a second direction substantially perpendicular to said first direction.
1 more element
A load bearing body-support structure comprising:
- a first layer comprising an elastomeric material, said elastomeric material elongatable between at least a first and second condition in response to a load being applied perpendicular to said first layer, wherein said elastomeric material has a first spring rate in a direction perpendicular to said first layer, and wherein said elastomeric material is in tension when in said second condition;
- a second layer comprising a compressible member supported by the first layer, said compressible member having a second spring rate, wherein said second spring rate is less than said first spring rate;
- and
- a third layer supported by said second layer and defining a body-facing surface, wherein said third layer comprises a plurality of nodes spaced apart in at least a first direction with a gap formed between adjacent ones of said plurality of nodes spaced apart in at least said first direction, wherein said plurality of nodes of said third layer are interconnected with a plurality of connector elements having at least a portion thereof disposed below said body-facing surface of adjacent ones of said plurality of nodes of said third layer, wherein at least some adjacent pairs of nodes wherein at least some adjacent pairs of nodes are spaced apart in said first direction, said nodes of each pair are spaced apart and interconnected with connector elements that are arranged in parallel relationship in a second direction substantially perpendicular to said first direction.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.