Beds – Support for users body or part thereof – Removable support specially adapted for seating
Reexamination Certificate
1999-01-21
2001-01-23
Trettel, Michael F. (Department: 3628)
Beds
Support for users body or part thereof
Removable support specially adapted for seating
C005S740000, C297S228120
Reexamination Certificate
active
06175980
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
(a) Field of the Invention
This invention relates to seat cushions and the like and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a seat cushion used for absorbing shock and isolating vibration when using various types of heavy equipment such as construction vehicles and the like.
(b) Discussion of Prior Art
Heretofore there have been a variety of different types of isolators which have been one-dimensional. By this, the isolators either isolate vibration or absorb shock but not both.
When addressing body related problems due to vibration, an industry term is used called “whole body vibration”. This term refers to mechanical energy oscillations, which are transferred to the body as a whole usually through a supporting system such as a seat or platform. Typical exposures to the human body of this type of vibration include automobiles, trucks and operating industrial vehicles. Research has been done to determine the effects of whole body vibration and musculoskeletal disorders such as back pain, sciatic pain, intervertebral disc disorders and herniated disc. The subject invention addresses the above mentioned concerns related to whole body vibration.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,121,962 to Weber et al., a cushion for absorbing shock and using a piece of visco-elastic material is disclosed. The visco-elastic material is made of a plasticized PVC gel. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,445,858 to Nwoko, an attenuating pad is described for enhancing the capacity for shock absorption. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,749,111 to Pearce, a cushion construction using a gelatinous cushioning media is disclosed. In U.S Pat. No. 5,669,094 to Swanson, a mattress construction is described wherein a layer of visco-elastic foam in combination with latex foam is used.
Also, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,606,463 to Brooks, a seating system is disclosed using a bouncing putty. Further, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,680,662 to Purdy et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 5,737,788 to Castellino et al., a cushioning mattress for reducing shear and friction and a pad for preventing and treating decubitus ulcers are described.
None of the above-mentioned patents incorporate the unique combination of structure and function of the subject ergonomic seat cushion used for both absorbing shock forces and isolating vibration associated with large construction equipment subject to period shock loading and vibration during building construction and similar working conditions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In view of the foregoing, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide an ergonomic seat cushion for greatly reducing and absorbing shock and isolating vibration even at high frequency ratios.
Another object of the invention is the seat cushion is readily adapted for use on existing seats of heavy equipment such as construction vehicles, forklifts, dump trucks, forklifts, tractors and like vehicles having poor shock absorbing systems and subject to ongoing shock loading and vibration. Also, the subject seat cushion can be adapted for use on bicycles, motorcycles, saddles and like applications.
Still another important object of the seat cushion is to prevent and limit injuries through the spine, particularly the lower back. Also, the seat cushion is designed to reduce neck pain, headaches and overall fatigue.
A further object of the seat cushion is by using a visco-elastic, liquid-solid pad, shock forces and vibration forces are directed perpendicularly away from the original plane of the forces. The shock loads and vibration forces are reduced by approximately 80 percent. Also, the liquid-solid pad is designed to resist dynamic fatigue and compression set at various operating temperatures.
The ergonomic seat cushion includes a cushion cover with a visco-elastic, liquid-solid pad sandwiched between a pair of closed cell foam pads. The pads are received inside the cushion cover. The cushion cover is made of a water-resistant fabric for both indoor and outdoor use and includes straps for securing the cushion on top of the vehicle's seat. The visco-elastic, liquid-solid pad is constructed of a polyether based polyurethane material. The liquid-solid pad has a hardness in a range of 25-80 durometer and a thickness in a range of ¼ to ⅝ inches. The cushion may be annular or angular in shape and may be made in different sizes depending on the seat application.
These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent to those familiar with the different types seat cushion construction when reviewing the following detailed description, showing novel construction, combination, and elements as herein described, and more particularly defined by the claims, it being understood that changes in the embodiments to the herein disclosed invention are meant to be included as coming within the scope of the claims, except insofar as they may be precluded by the prior art.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2218951 (1940-10-01), Flaharty
patent: 3047888 (1962-08-01), Shecter et al.
patent: 3987507 (1976-10-01), Hall
patent: 4031579 (1977-06-01), Larned
patent: 4672700 (1987-06-01), Poncy
patent: 4712833 (1987-12-01), Swanson
patent: WO 92/10118 (1992-06-01), None
Crabtree Edwin H.
Margolis Donald W.
Pizavvo Ramon L.
Trettel Michael F.
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