US2291429A - Cushion construction - Google Patents

Description

July'28, 194.2. H. F. WOLFE CUSHIQN CONSTRUCTION Filed April '11) 1958 4'Sheets-Sh eet 1 INVENTOR. HARGLD F. WOLFE r wyfe/zaa.

ATTORNEY5.

July28, 1942. WOLF; 2,291,429

CUSHION CONSTRUCTION Filed April 11, 1938 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR, HAROLD I: w 0 LEE 9 ATTORNEYS.

July 28, 1942,

H. F. WOLFE CUSHION CONSTRUCTION Filed April 11; 1938 Sheets-Sheet 3 July 28, 19 42. v H. F. WOLFE 2,291,429

CUSHION CONSTRUCTION Filed April 11, 19268 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR. HAROLD FTWOLITE ATTORNEY6.

Patented July 28, 1942 CUSHION CONSTRUCTION Harold F. Wolfe, Detroit, Mich, assignor to The Murray Corporation of America, Detroit, Mich., a corporation of Delaware Application April 11, 1938, Serial No. 201,212

6 Claims.

The present invention relates to seat constructions of a type particularly adapted to be used in automobiles.

It has been found that superior spring seat cushions may be produced by the use of a plurality of specially formed sinuous spring elements extending substantially parallel to each other in a curved plane defining the seating surface and secured at their ends to a frame. Each of these spring elements in accordance with the usual practice is formed with a plurality of continuous lateral convolutions lying in a plane which is curved longitudinally of the elements. The spring elements are given an initial set causing them to tend to curl through an arc of more than 180 and are then tensioned by stretching them to a substantially fiat but slightly arched condition and securing them at their ends to a frame.

It is the general object of the invention to provide an improved, simplified and. inexpensive cushion frame work embodying a supporting surface of sinuous springs of the type mentioned.

More specific objects of the invention are to provide improved frame constructions for carrying the sinuous springs, improved means for supporting the sinuous spring frames and to provide a soft edge construction for spring frames of the type mentioned.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following specifications and the accompanying drawings and appended claims:

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a perspective view showing one form of the invention;

Fig. 1a is a fragmentary front elevation of the construction shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the manner in which supporting springs are secured to the spring frame;

Fig. 3 is a section taken on the line 33 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view of a modified form of the invention;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged section taken on the line 5-5 of Fig. 4;

Figs. 6, '7, 8 and 9 are fragmentary perspective views of further modifications of the invention;

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary perspective view of a further modification of the invention;

Fig. 11 is a sectional View taken on the line I ll I of Fig. 10;

Fig. 12 is a sectional view taken on the line |2--l2 of Fig. 10;

Fig. 13 is an enlarged sectional view taken on the line l3l3 of Fig. 10.

Referring to Figs. 1 to 3 of the drawings there is shown a seat frame work formed of a pair of parallel transversely extending channel members l0 and II rigidly secured together by a plurality of longitudinally extending frame channel members I2. Extending between channel members Ill and II are a plurality of sinuous springs l4 each having an end crimped in each of the channels 10 and II. The sinuous springs have an initial set causing them to tend to curl longitudinally through an arc of more than and they are stretched when secured in the channels l0 and l I until they are only slightly arched upwardly. Accordingly the springs are under tension and will offer substantial resistance to any downwardly applied force. The convolutions of the springs lie in the same curved plane and hence provide a highly satisfactory supporting surface. As best shown in Fig. 3, the longitudinally extending frame members [2 are arched downwardly to provide clearance for springs I l.

The seat frame work includes a base frame made up of a pair of parallel longitudinally extending rods l6 and I! connected at the forward edge of the seat by a pair of rods [8 and I9 and at the rearward edge of the seat by rod 20. The rod 20 is bent upward to form upwardly projecting inverted U-portions 2|, one of which is fixedly secured, as by welding, to each of the longitudinally extending frame members I2. Rod 2|] intermediate the upwardly projecting portions 2| has straight fioor engaging portions 22, all lying in the same plane. The base frame and particularly rod 20 thereof being formed of relatively light weight rod material has suflicient resiliency to permit up and down movements of the forward edge of the sinuous spring frame, such movements being accommodated by a tortional distortion of rod 20.

Means are provided for resiliently supporting the forward edge of the spring frame. This means comprises a plurality of arched sinuous springs 24 similar in construction to the springs I4 previously described. The ends of springs 24 are crimped in short channel elements 25 which are welded or otherwise fixedly secured to the transverse frame members 18 and 19 in such a manner that the intermediate portions of sinuous springs 24 arch upwardly towards the upper spring frame. Springs 24 at their midpoints are connected to a pair of transversely extending rods 21 and 28 which are rigidly secured, as by welding, to the longitudinally extending frame members [2. As is best shown in Fig. 3, transverse rod 21 is secured to the under side of each member [2 while rod 28 is secured to the upper side of the members l2 in order to locate the rods 21 and 28 in the same plane.

The connection between each of the springs 25. and the rods 2'! and 28 is effected by means of a channel element 36 shown best in Fig. 2. The channel element 30 has a base portion 3| lying parallel to the plane of the mid-portion of the springs 24 and below the same. A pair of parallel upstanding leg portions 32 on the channel 30- project upwardly on opposite sides of the central.

convolution 33 of springs 24. The leg portions 32 of the channel are each provided. with; apertures 34 through which project the rods 2T and The central convolution 33 of' the springs 25 is received and held between the 28 of the frame.

base 3| of the channel and rods 21 and 28. A tongue 35 is struck upwardly from the base of the channel within the convolution 33 of the springs and between it and the rod 21in order to'prevent displacement of the springs from the channel in a direction transversely of the springs. The springs 2d provide a resilient cushion support for the forward edge of the spring frame. Since they are initially tensioned in the manner described in connection with springs M, they offer substantial one end. of the frame carrying springs I4 to the.

base frame as in this form of the invention in that such an arrangement prevents all relative movement between the frames in a horizontal plane. As a general rule, it is desirable to have the forward. edge of the seat of a softer construction than the rear and accordingly it is preferred to utilize the edge defined by channel member H) as the front of the seat cushion. However, the.

opposite edge may form the front of the seat cushion and the desirable soft front edge characteristically imparted by the use of additional thicknesses of padding at that. edge of the frame. Such an arrangement provides a. more resilient support for the principal weight ofv the occupants.

In Fig. 4 is shown. a modified form of. the invention in which the sinuous springs. All are secured in a channel member 4! at one end. and at their opposite ends in a. member 42 having a channel 43 at one edge thereof. Channel 4| and. member 42 are connected by a pluralityof. longitudinally extending frame members 4'4 asin. the previous modification, each of which members is secured by welding to an upward projection d on a base frame wire 45. A channel member having its ends 48 bent rearwardly is welded. at

its ends to member 42 and also secured: to forward projections 49 on longitudinal members 44. The member'42 is provided with a second channel50 facing towards the channel member 47 and awill be observed that this form of the invention is similar to that shown in Figs. 1 to 3 inclusive, except for a slightly different form of sinuous spring frame and for a different form of resilient support for the edge of the spring frame.

In Fig. 6 is shown a further modification embodying a different form of connection between coiled supporting springs and sinuous spring frame. In this form the sinuous springs 58 are secured at their ends in channel members 59 and 60 which are rigidlyconnected by a plurality of longitudinally extending frame members 6| as in the form of the invention shown in Fig. 1. Coiled supporting springs 62 for the sinuous spring frame are secured at their lower ends in transverse channel members 63 carried by a base frame 64 formed of a bent rod. The upper ends of coiled springs 62 are crimped in a pair of transverse channel members 65 and 6! which are welded to the longitudinally extending frame member 6 l It will be noted that the outermostchannel members 65 are secured to the under side of frame 7 member 6| while the inner channel members 61 are secured to the upper side of frame member 61 with the result that channel members 65 and 6'! lie in the same plane.

In the form of the invention shown in Fig. 6, both edges of the sinuous spring frame are resiliently supported by coiled springs but it will be understood that the coiled springs at either edge may be replaced by the non-resilient form of support shown in Fig. 1.

In Fig. 7 is shown a further modification of the invention in which a soft edge construction is provided by independently pivoted edge portions on the supporting frame for the sinuous springs. The sinuous springs 66 are secured at their ends in channels 61 formed at the inner edges of a pair of spaced parallel frame members 68. The supporting frame members 68;instea-d of being rigidly connected as in prior forms of the invention, are resiliently connected to a plurality of longitudinally extending frame members 69 by means of relatively stiff sprin wires 10, having their ends crimped in frame members 68 and 69 respectively. As a result of this arrrangement frame members 68 are held in spaced, relation and thus maintain the sinuous springs 66 in stretched condition but each of the members 68 may pivot or rotate slightly relative to the connecting frame member 69, such relative pivotal movements being accompanied by distortion of the spring wires 10. At each end of. the seat frame a transverse channel element H, having inwardly bent ends 12, is rigidly secured to the adjacent transverse frame members 68' by welding with the result that, the members 68 and 1| may act as an auxiliary frame. member resiliently pivoted relative to the main sinuous springs.

The outer edges of transverse frame members 68 are provided with outwardly opening channel member 13 and a plurality of coiled springs 14 have their upper ends crimped in channels 13 and in channel members H. The lower ends of coiled springs 14 are crimped in a pair of transversely extending channel members 15' and 16 carried by a rod 18 forming the ends of the base frame.

In the form of the invention shown in Fig. 7, it will be noted that the coiled springs 14 sustain the entire weight of the sinuou spring frame but permit angular movements of the edge structures 68 and H relative to the main plane of the sinuous spring, frame. This arrangement gives a soft edge construction. While both edges of the frame shown in Fig. 7 are shown provided with a soft edge construction and a coiled spring support, it will be understood that one edg of the frame may be constructed and supported in the manner best shown in Figs. 1 to 3 inclusive at the right hand side of Fig. 3. Moreover, while the ends of spring elements ID are preferably crimped in channels 61, it will be apparent that they may be journaled for rotation therein, if desired.

In Fig. 8 is shown a further modification of the invention in which both edges of sinuous spring frame have a non-resilient support. In this form the sinuous springs 80 are secured at their ends in a pair of channel members 8| and 82 which are rigidly connected by a plurality of longitudinally extending frame members 83, which in turn are welded to upward projections 84 on a bent rod 85 forming the base frame. Suitable reinforcing rods 86 may be provided for connecting the rods 85 at opposite edges of the base frame.

In Fig. 9 of the drawings is shown a further form of the invention similar to that shown in Fig. 1 except for a different form of resilient support for one edge of the sinuous spring frame. In this form of the invention the sinuous springs 99 are crimped at their ends in a pair of transverse channel members 9I and 92 which are rigidly connected by a plurality of longitudinally 3 extending frame channel members 93. The 1ongitudinally extending members 93 are welded adjacent one edge of the frame to upward projections 94 on a base frame rod 95 in the manner described in connection with Fig. 1. frame rod 95 at the opposite edge of the seat is similarly provided with upwardly projecting portions 96 which form a fulcrum support, a transversely extending horizontal plate 91 which extends entirely across the frame beneath the edge defined by channel member 9I. A plurality of coiled springs 98 seat upon plate 91 and are crimped at their upper ends in a pair of transversely extending channel members 99 and I00 which are secured to the longitudinally extending frame members 93 below and above the latter respectively. The lower ends of coiled springs 98 are secured to plate 9'! by tangs IIiI struck upwardly from the plate.

In Figs. 10 to 13 inclusively is shown a further modification of the invention. In this form the sinuous springs I II] are crimped at their ends in channel members IiI and H2 which in turn are rigidly connected by a plurality of longitudinally extending frame members II3 as in the form shown in Fig. 1. One of the novel features of this form resides in the fact that one edge of the sinuous spring frame is resiliently supported by coiled springs II I having their upper ends crimped in channel member I I I and in an auxiliary channel member II5 which is secured inwardly of channel I I I to the upper surface of the longitudinally extending frame members I I3. It will be noted that, since the sinuous springs II!) and the coiled springs H4 are both crimped in the channel members III, the coiled spring II4 must be positioned intermediate the sinuous springs. Any desired number of coiled springs H4 may be used. The lower ends of the coiled springs II i are secured by hog rings H6 to the base frame rods III and H8. A relatively heavy spring wire H9 is secured at its ends in channel members I12 and H5 and has its intermediate portion lying along the side of the outermost spring I IE to provide an edge stiffening effect and The base to prevent transverse displacement of the outermost spring III]. If desired, the outermost spring III] and the wire II9 may be secured together by hog rings.

Another feature of the construction shown in Figs. 10 to 13 inclusive resides in the provision of auxiliary supporting springs cooperating with the sinuous springs Hi) to support the weight of cocupants of the seat and this structure will now be described. The base frame of the seat is provided intermediate its ends with a longitudinally extending sheet metal element I29 of generally inverted V-form having channels I2I formed on its edges. A pair of transversely extending sinuous spring elements I24, similar in construction and arrangement to the sinuous spring elements I ID, are each secured at one end by a clip I25 to the base frame III at the end of the base frame and at the opposite end crimped in one of the channels I2I on member I20, in the manner best shown in Fig. 11. In this form of the invention it is intended that the front edge of the seat will be that defined by channel member III and the transverse sinuous springs I 24 are so positioned as to fall beneath that portion of the sinuous spring frame which receives the maximum load, this area being adjacent but spaced inwardly from the edge of the seat cushion. A plurality of coiled springs I26 are secured to and between transverse sinuous springs I2 and longitudinally extending sinuous springs I I9 by means of hog rings I21. It will be noted that transverse sinuous springs I24 arch upwardly to a slight extent and accordingly, since all of the coiled springs I26 are of the same initial length, a slightly greater upward force will be exerted upon the sinuous springs IIil located above the central portion of sinuous springs I24 at which point the maximum load upon the seat cushion is concentrated. It will be understood that the seat cushion shown in Figs. 1 to 3 is designed to accommodate two occupants and is identical in construction on opposite sides of its longitudinal center line.

The structure shown in Figs. 10 to 13 inclusive, may to advantage be turned around so that the forward edge is that defined by channel member I I2 since in that event the portion of the sinuous spring frame which overhangs the transverse sinuous springs I24 and coiled springs I26 will provide a soft front edge construction. In this event the opposite edge of the frame, now that defined by channel member I I I, may if desired be supported in the manner in which the edge defined by channel member II in Fig. 1 is supported.

It is apparent that in accordance with the present application a number of highly advantageous forms of seat frame constructions are provided. It will be understood, however, that other forms of construction are available within the spirit of the invention and within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A frame work for an upholstered seat comprising a frame having a pair of spaced parallel transversely extending channel elements, longitudinal frame members connecting said channel elements, a transversely extending member secured to said longitudinal frame members intermediate said channel elements and extending parallel thereto, said transverse member having a pair of channels opening toward said channel elements respectively, a plurality of sinuous springs each having one end crimped in one of said; channel elements and the other end crimped.

sinuous; springs connected at their ends to and,

extending between, said transverse frame elements, a transverse frame member rigidly connected, to the forward transverse frame element and spaced outwardly thereof at the forward edge of the frame, means for supporting the rear edge of frame, and resilient means connected to said transverse frame member and to said forward transverse frame element for supporting the forward ed e of the frame.

3; A seat frame work; including a frame having a pair of spaced parallel transverse frame elements, rigid longitudinally extending frame members each connected at one end to the rear transverse frame element and having a resilient connection. at the other end with the forward transverse frame element, arched sinuous springs connected at; their ends to and extending between said transverse frame elements, a transverse frame member rigidly connected to theforward transverse frame element and spaced outwardly thereof at, the forward edge of the frame, means for supporting the rear; edge of frame, and resilient means connected to, said transverse frame member and to saidforward transverse frame element for supporting the forward edge of the frame.

4., A seat frame work: including a frame having a pair of spaced parallel transverse elements, rigid longitudinal members, each connected at its rear. end to the rear transverse element and' pivotally connected at its forward; end, to the forward transverse element, a plurality of arched sinuous springs connected at their ends to and extending between said transverse elements, means for supporting the rear of said frame, and resilient means engaging said forward transverse element for supporting the forward edge of the frame, said forward transverse element being of substantial width whereby; it may tilt under load relative to the plane of said elements and thereby provide a soft edge for the seat.

5. A seat frame work including a frame having a pair of spaced parallel transverse channel elements opening toward each other, a transverse member extending parallel to said elements intermediate the same andrigidly ce-nnected to the forward channel element, said transverse member having a pair-of channels for-med therein and opening toward said channel elements respectively, longitudinal frame members connecting, said transverse member with the rearward transverse element, arched sinuous springs each having one end crimped in a channel in said transverse member and its opposite endcrimped in said rear channel'element, and springs-for supporting the forward end of said frame, said springs having their upper portions crimped in said forwardchannel element and in the other channel of said transverse member.

6. In a seat construction, three parallel border elements, comprising a rear and intermediate border element spaced a material distance apart and a front border element disposed in proximity to the intermediate border element, spring strips interconnecting the intermediate border element and the rear border element forming the load supporting portion of the seat, coil springs having the top convolutions joining the front border element to the intermediate border element forming a soft front edge for the seat,

and a base structure on which the coil springs and the rear border element are secured.

HAROLD F.

Images