US20020163241A1

US20020163241A1 - Seat cushion system

Info

Publication number: US20020163241A1
Application number: US09/847,166
Authority: US
Inventors: Clyde McCartney
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-05-01
Filing date: 2001-05-01
Publication date: 2002-11-07

Abstract

A seat cushion system for improving the overall distribution of body weight of a user. The seat cushion system includes a foam member having an outer edge, and a covering attached about an exterior surface of the foam member. The foam member is carved into having a curved outer edge along with a carved design within an upper surface of the foam member. The covering is comprised of a vinyl-based material that is sprayed upon the exterior surface of the carved foam member in a splattered pattern. The splattering pattern of the covering creates a shingle effect that prevents moisture from entering the foam member while allowing the foam member to breath. The vinyl-based covering is elastic allowing the foam member to conform to the shape of the user's body without interference.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to seat cushion devices and more specifically it relates to a seat cushion system for improving the overall distribution of body weight of a user.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Conventional seat cushion devices have been in use for years. Typically, a seat cushion is comprised of a piece of foam material loosely covered by a cover constructed of a cloth material. The main problem with conventional seat cushions is that they do not conform to the shape of the user's body when the user sits upon the seat cushion since the cover does not stretch for allowing the foam material to fully conform to the shape of the user's body. In addition, conventional seat cushions typically utilizes a foam material that has flat edges which wrinkle when compressed causing deforming of the foam material within resulting in undesirable pressure points. A further problem with conventional seat cushions is that they are not suitable for producing unique designs within since the cloth cover does not conform tightly to the contours of the foam material.

Examples of patented seat cushion devices which are illustrative of such prior art include U.S. Pat. No. 2,847,061 to Morton; U.S. Pat. No. 5,850,645 to Ogawa et al; U.S. Pat. No. 3,503,649 to Johnson; U.S. Pat. No. 5,429,852 to Quinn; U.S. Pat. No. 5,857,749 to DeBellis et al; U.S. Pat. No. 5,390,384 to Dinsmoor III et al; U.S. Pat. No. 4,912,788 to Lonardo; U.S. Pat. No. 4,197,342 to Bethe; U.S. Pat. No. 3,401,217 to Burwell.

While these devices may be suitable for the particular purpose to which they address, they are not as suitable for improving the overall distribution of body weight of a user. Conventional seat cushions do not allow for the convenient manufacture of unique seat designs. In addition, conventional seat cushions are prone to not conforming to the shape of the user's body.

In these respects, the seat cushion system according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of improving the overall distribution of body weight of a user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of seat cushions now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new seat cushion system construction wherein the same can be utilized for improving the overall distribution of body weight of a user.

The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new seat cushion system that has many of the advantages of the seat cushion devices mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a new seat cushion system which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior art seat cushions, either alone or in any combination thereof.

To attain this, the present invention generally comprises a foam member having an outer edge, and a covering attached about an exterior surface of the foam member. The foam member is carved into having a curved outer edge along with a carved design within an upper surface of the foam member. The covering is comprised of a vinyl-based material that is sprayed upon the exterior surface of the carved foam member in a splattered pattern. The splattering pattern of the covering creates a shingle effect that prevents moisture from entering the foam member while allowing the foam member to breath. The vinyl-based covering is elastic allowing the foam member to conform to the shape of the user's body without interference.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.

A primary object of the present invention is to provide a seat cushion system that will overcome the shortcomings of the prior art devices.

A second object is to provide a seat cushion system for improving the overall distribution of body weight of a user.

Another object is to provide a seat cushion system that allows for the creation of an elliptical edge for improving the performance of the foam material during compression.

An additional object is to provide a seat cushion system that allows for the manufacture of unique designs with depressions within the foam material and cover without interfering with the overall performance of the cushion.

A further object is to provide a seat cushion system that may be utilized by various individuals such as truck drivers, wheelchair users, secretaries and numerous other individuals.

Another object is to provide a seat cushion system that is easy to clean, durable and comfortable.

A further object is to provide a seat cushion system that is simple to construct.

Another object is to provide a seat cushion system that adequately protects the foam material within while maintaining a soft and comfortable cushion.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become obvious to the reader and it is intended that these objects and advantages are within the scope of the present invention.

To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specific construction illustrated and described within the scope of the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein: [0023]
FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of the present invention. [0024]
FIG. 2 is a top view of the present invention. [0025]
FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view taken along line [0026] 3-3 of FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is an upper perspective view of a piece of foam prior to shaping. [0027]
FIG. 5 is an upper perspective view of a piece of foam after shaping illustrating the elliptical edges. [0028]
FIG. 6 is an upper perspective view of the piece of foam with a design cut into the upper surface thereof. [0029]
FIG. 7 is a side view of the piece of foam after shaping. [0030]
FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view taken along line [0031] 8-8 of FIG. 2 of the drawings.
FIG. 9 is a partial cutaway upper perspective view of the present invention illustrating the covering layer. [0032]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, FIGS. 1 through 9 illustrate a [0033] seat cushion system 10, which comprises a foam member 20 having an outer edge 22, and a covering 30 attached about an exterior surface of the foam member 20. The foam member 20 is carved into having a curved outer edge 22 along with a carved design 40 within an upper surface 24 of the foam member 20. The covering 30 is comprised of a vinyl-based material that is sprayed upon the exterior surface of the carved foam member 20 in a splattered pattern. The splattering pattern of the covering 30 creates a shingle effect that prevents moisture from entering the foam member 20 while allowing the foam member 20 to breath. The vinyl-based covering 30 is elastic allowing the foam member 20 to conform to the shape of the user's body without interference.
The [0034] foam member 20 may be comprised of various shapes as can be appreciated by one skilled in the art. The foam member 20 is preferably constructed of a polyurethane foam sometimes called “open cell foam” which has a plurality of openings within for allowing air to pass through which is well known in the industry. Various other types of foam materials may also be utilized to create the foam member 20 such as latex foam. The foam member 20 may have various densities, firmnesses, indentation load deflection numbers, and resiliency as are further well known in the art.
As shown in FIGS. 4 through 7 of the drawings, the [0035] foam member 20 is generally comprised of a relatively flat structure having an outer edge 22, upper surface 24 and a lower surface 26. The outer edge 22 is typically initially molded into a flat edge structure as shown in FIG. 4 of the drawings.
To create the [0036] foam member 20, the user must cut or carve the outer edge 22 into a curved shape to allow for proper forming during compression as shown in FIG. 5 of the drawings. It can be appreciated that the outer edge 22 may have various curvature designs. The tools utilized to cut or carve the outer edge 22 are commonly utilized.
After the [0037] outer edge 22 has been formed into the desired shape, the user then may place a carved design 40 into the upper surface 24, the lower surface 26 and/or the outer edge 22 of the foam member 20 utilizing conventional tools as shown in FIGS. 6 and 8 of the drawings. The carved design 40 may have various shapes, words, symbols and designs as can be appreciated.
After the [0038] outer edge 22 has been formed and the carved design 40 placed within the foam member 20, the user then sprays a liquid covering 30 upon the exterior surface of the foam member 20. The covering 30 is preferably comprised of a vinyl-based material that has a high elasticity. The covering 30 preferably may be stretched by up to 500% for allowing proper forming to the body of the user. The covering 30 is preferably sprayed on using a splattering type pattern that creates a texture as it cures. The buildup of the covering 30, approximately 4 millimeters thick, acts similar to shingles for deflecting fluids while allowing air to pass through. After fully curing, an additive added to the liquid covering 30 rises to the surface and forms a stain resistant surface.
As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, [0039] 3, 8 and 9 of the drawings, the coating is comprised of an edge portion 32, an upper portion 34 and a lower portion 36 that completely surrounds the foam member 20. The coating is formed to all of the contours and channels within the foam member 20 as best illustrated in FIG. 8 of the drawings.
When the covering [0040] 30 has completely cured, the seat cushion system 10 may then be utilized by an individual as a seat cushion. When the user positions their body upon the seat cushion system 10, the foam member 20 forms to the shape and weight of the user while the covering 30 stretches and contracts to conform to the shape of the foam member 20. When the user is elevated from the seat cushion system 10, the foam member 20 expands back to its original shape and position.
As to a further discussion of the manner of usage and operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided. [0041]
With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed to be within the expertise of those skilled in the art, and all equivalent structural variations and relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. [0042]
Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. [0043]

Claims

I claim:

1. A seat cushion system, comprising:

a foam member having an outer edge, an upper surface and a lower surface; and

a covering completely surrounding said foam member, wherein said covering is formed to conform to the shape and size of the exterior surface of said foam member.

2. The seat cushion system of claim 1, wherein said foam member is comprised of a polyurethane foam.

3. The seat cushion system of claim 2, wherein said covering is comprised of a vinyl-based material having a high elasticity.

4. The seat cushion system of claim 3, wherein said covering is sprayed upon said foam member in layers forming an air permeable and moisture resistant surface.

5. The seat cushion system of claim 4, wherein said outer edge is curved.

6. The seat cushion system of claim 5, including a carved design within said foam member.

7. The seat cushion system of claim 6, wherein said carved design extends into said upper surface of foam member, wherein said covering conforms to said carved design.

8. The seat cushion system of claim 7, wherein said foam member is rectangular shaped.

9. The seat cushion system of claim 8, wherein said upper surface is flat.

10. The seat cushion system of claim 9, wherein said carved design extends into said upper surface.

11. A method of manufacturing a seat cushion, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a foam member having a flat outer edge, an upper surface, and a lower surface, wherein said foam member has a rectangular shape;

(b) carving said foam member to create a curved outer edge;

(c) spraying a liquid covering upon an exterior surface of said foam member; and

(d) curing said liquid covering.

12. The method of manufacturing a seat cushion of claim 11, wherein said step of carving said foam member includes carving a carved design into said foam member.

13. The method of manufacturing a seat cushion of claim 12, wherein said covering is comprised of a vinyl-based elastic material.

14. The method of manufacturing a seat cushion of claim 13, wherein said foam material is comprised of a polyurethane foam.