Office systems with shape memory materials
US10426267B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 8, 2017 |
| Grant date | Oct 1, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 8, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA47C7/723
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A seating structure includes a body support member having laterally spaced opposite sides and longitudinally spaced ends. The body support member has a curvature in least one of the lateral and longitudinal directions, wherein the curvature is changeable between at least first and second configurations. The body support member includes a shape memory material extending in at least one of the lateral and longitudinal directions, wherein the shape memory material is attached to the body support member at two spaced apart locations. The shape memory material is contractible between at least a non-energized state and an energized state in response to an application of energy. The shape memory material biases the flexible body support member between the first and second configurations when the shape memory material is contracted to the energized state. Other office systems incorporating shape memory materials are also provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.