Pneumatic sprung surface bearing and its uses

US5784731A · kind A · utility

Inventor

• Erhard Weber · Bocholt, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 11, 1996
• Grant date: Jul 28, 1998
• Expiry date: Apr 11, 2016

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A47C23/065
• WIPO field: Furniture, games
• WIPO sector: Other fields

Abstract

A hydrodynamic sprung surface bearing having at least two bearing elements bearing against a tube-shaped container which is filled with a substantially incompressible medium, and against which side walls bear. Surfaces of the bearing elements bearing against the container are, in total, smaller by one order of magnitude than a surface of the container wall. Even for scarcely progressive, low pressure forces, the preferably T-shaped or anchor-shaped bearing elements cause overturning in a negative stroke direction, along with a pronounced change in shape of the container, and positive arching and consequently a very large coarse contour adaptation stroke. Therefore, a positively supporting adaptation stroke of the bearing elements is achieved. Overturning results in two separate chambers which bring about an inherent progressive damping by effectively reducing streaming through of the substantially incompressible medium. The hydrodynamic sprung surface bearing can advantageously be used for underframes of beds, and upholstery for couches and armchairs because of its pressure equilibrium adaptation capability to the body contour in all lying and sitting positions.