Conformable and reconfigurable occupant support structure
US10688899B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 9, 2017 |
| Grant date | Jun 23, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 19, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60N3/063
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An occupant support structure and a method of customizing an occupant support structure. The occupant support structure may comprise a base and a reconfigurable cushion carried by the base. The reconfigurable cushion may include an occupant support surface and a bladder. The bladder may include an outer wall that defines an inner cavity underlying the occupant support surface and two or more overlapping material layers disposed within the cavity. The overlapping material layers may be adapted to selectively transition from a compliant state to a rigid state and vice versa by selective control of a pressure condition across the outer wall of the bladder to reconfigure or conform the occupant support surface of the cushion to a contour of a portion of an occupant supported by the cushion.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.