Herman Miller, Inc.

Illinois Tool Works Inc.

Ryan S Brill

Joseph D Ward

John Fredric Aldrich

Jeffrey A Weber

Christopher C Hill

James Slagh

Timothy P Coffield

Douglas M VanDeRiet

Andrew J Kurrasch

Matthew P Reed

Matthew Parkinson

Andrew B Hartmann

Kelly E Washburn

Troy Roark

Michael D Stanton, Sr

Elindo G Castro, Jr

Jason Holt

Timothy A Hoogland

Daniel S Sommerfield

James D Slagh

Elinda G Castro

Timothy Hoogland

Douglas M Vanderiet

Michael D Stanton

A method for manufacturing a multi-layered support structure provides ergonomic, adaptable seating support. The method providing 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 include elements such as pixels, springs, support rails, and other elements to provide this adaptable comfort and support. The method for manufacturing the multi-layered support structure uses aligned material to provide a flexible yet durable support structure. Accordingly, the method provides a multi-layered support structure, which provides maximum comfort for a wide range of body shapes and sizes.

Method for manufacturing a multi-layered support structure

An elastomeric load bearing surface with different load support characteristics in different directions. In one embodiment, the surface includes an elastomeric membrane that is oriented in only a single direction, for example, by compression or stretching. In another embodiment, the surface includes mechanical structures, such as connectors, variations in thickness and apertures, that vary the load support characteristics in different directions. In another aspect, the present invention provides a multilayer load bearing surface in which the layers cooperate to provide a controlled force/deflection profile that is variable in different regions of the surface. In one embodiment, the upper layer includes a plurality of loosely connected nodes and a lower layer having a plurality of resilient elements that separately support each node.

Load bearing surface

A seating structure includes a central spine and an upper back structure having a pair of arms extending upwardly and outwardly from the central spine. The upper back structure is pivotally connected to the central spine about a first horizontal axis. A back support structure is pivotally connected to the spine about a second horizontal axis and is pivotally connected to the ends of each of the arms about a third horizontal axis.

Back construction

A multi-layered support structure provides ergonomic, adaptable seating support. The multi-layered support 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 include elements such as pixels, springs, support rails, and other elements to provide this adaptable comfort and support. The multi-layered support structure also uses aligned material to provide a flexible yet durable support structure. Accordingly, the multi-layered support structure provides maximum comfort for a wide range of body shapes and sizes.

Multi-layered support structure

A seat with an adjustable seat depth is also provided, along with various methods for operating the different aspects and embodiments of the seating structure. In one embodiment, a seating structure includes a support structure and a carriage moveably supported by the support structure. The carriage is moveable relative to the support structure in opposite first and second longitudinal directions. A flexible body support member has a first portion coupled to the support structure, a second portion coupled to the carriage, and a third curved portion positioned between the first and second portions. The third portion is moveable toward and away from the support structure as the carriage is moved relative to the support structure in the first and second directions respectively.

Seating structure and methods for the use thereof

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.

Suspended pixelated seating structure

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.

Multilayer load bearing structure

A seating structure has an articulated seat and back. A rear portion of the seat is automatically pivotable relative to a forward portion of the seat as the seat is tilted between upright and reclined tilt positions. An upper portion of the back is pivotable relative to the lower portion between a neutral position and an extended position, with the upper portion being pivotable relative to the lower portion independent of the tilt position of the back. In one aspect, an adjustment mechanism is coupled between lower and upper back support members and pivots the upper support member between at least first and second support positions. A seat with an adjustable seat depth is also provided, along with various methods for operating the different aspects and embodiments of the seating structure.

Growing community of inventors

Allendale, MI, United States of America

Ryan S Brill