Load responsive seat/bed

Abstract

A support section for a seat ( 2 ) comprises a load responsive framework wholly or partially enclosed in amorphous upholstery, the frame work comprising multiple independently operable load responsive sub systems which collectively permit the support section to respond and react to local areas of loading whereby to provide superior support and comfort to the seat occupant. The support section may be embodied as the whole or a part of; a seat back rest and/or a seat base.

1 . A support section for a seat comprising a load responsive framework wholly or partially enclosed in amorphous upholstery, the frame work comprising multiple independently operable load responsive sub systems which collectively permit the support section to respond and react to local areas of loading whereby to provide superior support and comfort to the seat occupant. 
     
     
         2 . A seat comprising one or more support sections as claimed in  claim 1  embodied as the whole or a part of; a seat back rest and/or a seat base. 
     
     
         3 . A seat as claimed in  claim 2  wherein the support section is embodied as a lumbar support of a seat backrest. 
     
     
         4 . A seat as claimed in  claim 1  comprising an integrated backrest and seat base, the backrest and seat base both including one or more support sections. 
     
     
         5 . A support section or seat according to  claim 1  wherein the upholstery comprises one or more materials selected from: an energy absorbent material, a contained fluid and a foam. 
     
     
         6 . A support section or seat as claimed in  claim 5  wherein a plurality of different materials are laminated to provide the upholstery. 
     
     
         7 . A support section or seat as claimed in  claim 6  wherein the laminate comprises; an outer cover layer enclosing at least one foam layer, and a fluid/gel filled layer. 
     
     
         8 . A support section or seat as claimed in  claim 5  wherein the fluid/gel filled layer comprises two or more sections in fluid communication controlled by one or more valves permitting the redistribution of the fluid/gel between the sections when any one or more sections is under load. 
     
     
         9 . A support section or seat as claimed in  claim 8  wherein the valve or valves are configured to have a different opening pressure requirement for each of the directions of travel of fluid between any two sections. 
     
     
         10 . A support section or seat as claimed in  claim 5  comprising a foam which is a high density foam. 
     
     
         11 . A support section or seat as claimed in  claim 5  comprising a foam which is fire retardant. 
     
     
         12 . A support section or seat as claimed in  claim 5  wherein in one or more of the enclosed layers is pressurised. 
     
     
         13 . A support section or seat as claimed in  claim 5  wherein the contained fluid is at least partly gaseous. 
     
     
         14 . A support section or seat as claimed in  claim 13  wherein the gas comprises oxygen. 
     
     
         15 . A support section or seat as claimed in  claim 7  wherein the cover layer is configured to have a low friction surface on the surface which interfaces with the enclosed layers. 
     
     
         16 . A support section or seat as claimed in  claim 1  wherein one or more of the sub systems comprises a position adjustment mechanism comprising a drive arranged to drive a lead screw in rotation about the lead screw's central axis;
 a toothed drive meshing with the lead screw, rotation of the lead screw causing linear motion of the toothed drive; 
 the toothed drive independently meshed with a first gear wheel, linear motion of the toothed drive causing rotation of the first gear wheel; 
 a second gear wheel meshed with the first gear wheel, rotation of the first gear wheel in a first direction causing rotation of the second gear wheel in an opposite direction; 
 the second gear wheel meshing with a toothed rack, the toothed rack arranged in parallel alignment with the toothed drive and rotatably mounted to permit rotational movement about the linear axis of the toothed rack, rotation of the second gear wheel resulting in linear travel of the first and second gear wheels and toothed drive along the length of the toothed rack. 
 
     
     
         17 . A support section or seat as claimed in  claim 16  wherein the position adjustment mechanism further includes a third gear wheel which meshes with the toothed rack and whilst free to rotate is fixed in position relative to the second gear wheel. 
     
     
         18 . A support section or seat as claimed in  claim 17  wherein the three gear wheels of the position adjustment mechanism are contained in a casing, the casing adapted not to restrict the linear motion of the gear wheel system relative to the toothed rack. 
     
     
         19 . A support section or seat as claimed in  claim 16  wherein rotation of the toothed rack in the position adjustment mechanism is countered by a biasing mechanism. 
     
     
         20 . A support section or seat as claimed in  claim 16  wherein the drive for the position adjustment mechanism includes a drive shaft which is an output shaft of a rotary actuator. 
     
     
         21 - 67 . (canceled)