Abstract:
A dual-hinged spring assembly. One assembly comprises two elastomeric arcs including an upper arc having downward ends, and a lower arc having upward ends, the upward ends of the lower arc being movably connected to the downward ends of the upper arc, thereby forming an ovoid spring. Further, when the lower arc is secured against a supporting surface, pressure against the upper arc causes the dual-hinge spring to compress.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    1. Technical Field 
         [0002]    The present invention relates to the field of springs, and more particularly, to springs that include dual-hinges. 
         [0003]    2. Discussion of Related Art 
         [0004]    Physical movement is becoming recognized as an essential aid in development and maintenance of cognition: 
         [0005]    “Cross-sectional studies have found a variety of cognitive function measures to be associated with various aspects of physical performance.” 
         [0006]    “Cognitive Function, Gait Speed Decline, and Comorbidities: The Health, Aging and Body Composition Study”; Hal H. Atkinson, et al;  The Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences  62:844-850 (2007) ©2007  The Gerontological Society of America    
         [0007]    In fact there are many who advocate that even maintaining movement in an office setting enhances performance: 
         [0008]    “The human body is far from happy to sit still all the time! It is designed for movement” even during sitting. Using a seat that allows “hips, thighs and back [to] move . . . in the chair,” results in “fewer occupational injuries and a better work environment, fewer days off sick and greater profitability for the companies as a result.” 
         [0009]    “The Importance of Mobility”; Lotta Jonson; Kinnarps Magazine—No. 7 
         [0010]    The importance of movement in cognitive abilities, according to many sources, appears to be a foundation upon which a child and a young adult will be better able to receive and internalize information: 
         [0011]    “The students&#39; workplace&#39; has to receive much more attention in terms of . . . ergonomic seating”, meaning seats that allow movement of hips, thighs, and back. 
         [0012]    “What the ‘classroom of the future’ will look like”, Dr Dieter Breithecker Bundesarbeitsgemeinschaft für Haltungs—and Bewegungsförderung e. V. (Federal Working Group for Posture and Mobilization Support—Germany), 2005. (www.haltungundbewegung.de) 
         [0013]    In addition to the above-noted advantage for adults and children to move to improve cognitive abilities, maintaining a baby in a rocking movement while in the embrace of a caregiver is known to calm the baby. 
         [0014]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,411,315 (Greenwood) teaches a chair which moves in cyclic vertical movements while supporting an adult and infant. 
         [0015]    A device in which the baby is placed in a bouncing chair and left alone is seen in Target.com&#39;s “Back to Nature Remote Control Bouncer” which is sold over the Internet (www.target.com). 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0016]    Embodiments of the present invention provide a dual-hinged spring assembly. One assembly comprises two elastomeric arcs including an upper arc having downward ends, and a lower arc having upward ends, the upward ends of the lower arc being movably connected to the downward ends of the upper arc, thereby forming an ovoid spring. Further, when the lower arc is secured against a supporting surface, pressure against the upper arc causes the dual-hinge spring to compress. 
         [0017]    These, additional, and/or other aspects and/or advantages of the present invention are: set forth in the detailed description which follows; possibly inferable from the detailed description; and/or learnable by practice of the present invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]    The present invention will be more readily understood from the detailed description of embodiments thereof made in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which: 
           [0019]      FIG. 1  shows a dual-hinged spring, according to embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  shows a side view the dual-hinged spring shown in  FIG. 1  in a non-compressed state, according to embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  shows the dual-hinged spring shown in  FIG. 1  in a compressed state, according to embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  shows a group of the dual-hinged springs shown in  FIG. 1  in a seat arrangement, according to embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  show details of the mounting of the multiple dual-hinged springs shown in  FIG. 1  for a seating assembly, according to embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 6  shows an embodiment of the dual-hinged spring shown in  FIG. 1 , encased in a flexible encasement, according to embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 7  shows a portable assembly of dual-hinged springs shown in  FIG. 6 , demonstrating use in a chair assembly, according to embodiments of the present invention; and 
           [0026]      FIGS. 8A-8B  show an alternative use of the dual-hinged springs shown in  FIG. 7 , according to embodiments of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0027]    Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is applicable to other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
         [0028]      FIG. 1  shows a dual-hinged spring  100  comprising an upper arc  102  and a lower arc  104 . The ends of upper arc  102  curve towards the ends of lower arc  104  and are movably joined together by a hinge including a pin  112 . 
         [0029]    As used herein, the term “hinge” refers to a jointed or flexible device that allows the turning or pivoting of a part. Examples of “hinges”, as used herein refer to; inter alia, a pin hinge; a living hinge; and a strap hinge. 
         [0030]    Further as used herein the term “hinged” refers to attaching with hinges or a hinge. 
         [0031]    Dual-hinged spring  100  additionally includes an upper seating area  106  and a lower seating area  108 . Seating areas  106  and  108  are optionally used to connect dual-hinged spring  100  to a seat, as will be seen and explained below. 
         [0032]    Dual-hinged spring  100  additionally includes triangular cutouts  114 . Triangular cutouts  114  include base-curved areas  116  which are proximate to two hinges  110 . Triangular cutouts  114  additionally include an apex-curved area  118  which is proximate to seating areas  106  or  108 . 
         [0033]      FIG. 2  shows a side view of dual-hinged spring  100 , in which upper arc  102  and lower arc  104  are in a non-stressed state and therefore maintain non-stressed curvatures. 
         [0034]      FIG. 3  shows a plan view of dual-hinged spring  100  in a compressed state in which a first force is applied in a downward direction  122  and a second force is applied in an upward direction  120 . 
         [0035]    As will be seen and explained further, lower seating area  108  is optionally stabilized against a support surface, for example of base of a chair; and upper seating area  106  is attached to the lower surface of a seat. In this manner, a person sitting on the seat can create cyclic compression in dual-hinged spring  100 , thereby causing, inter alia, a vertical rocking motion in the seat. 
         [0036]    To create the spring action of dual-hinged spring  100 , there are variety of materials that can be utilized to maintain arcs  102  and  104  in the non-compressed state as seen in  FIG. 2 , and to create a cyclic action between the uncompressed state shown in  FIG. 2  and a compressed state shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0037]    In some embodiments, the materials utilized in dual-hinged spring  100  are elastomeric and include one or more materials selected from a group consisting of: polyolefin, polyethylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, polycarbonate synthetic, polyurethane, fluorinated polyolefin, chlorinated polyolefin, polyamide, acrylate polymer, acrylamide polymer, vinyl polymer, polyacetal, polycarbonate, polyether, aromatic polyester, polyether ether keton, polysulfone, silicone rubber, thermoset material, polyester, and/or combinations thereof. 
         [0038]    In some embodiments, the materials utilized in dual-hinged spring  100  are selected from the group of materials including: nitinol, stainless steel shape memory materials, metals, synthetic biostable polymer, natural polymer, inorganic material, titanium, pyrolytic carbon, plastic, titanium mesh, and polydimethylsiloxane. 
         [0039]    It should be noted that all of the materials listed above, when utilized for a chair in which a caregiver comforts a baby; optimally have a thickness that promotes an amplitude of movement of the dual hinge springs to between an amplitude of about 1 cm to about 8 cm that may provide a calming effect and/or greater cognitive abilities. 
         [0040]    Additionally all of the materials above, when utilized for a chair in which a caregiver comforts a baby; are configured to have a frequency of between about 1.0 Hz and 2.2 hertz. The inventors have discovered that the above-noted amplitude and the above-noted frequency may provide optimal comfort to a child held in the arms of a caregiver. 
         [0041]    It should be noted also that alternative amplitudes and frequency may be required for students in a classroom, or professionals such as secretaries at their desks. 
         [0042]    It is also postulated by the inventors that during pregnancy use of hinged spring  100  may provide comfort to the fetus in the stomach. 
         [0043]    The many frequencies and amplitudes that can be provided for dual hinged frame  100  that may provide calming or cognitive benefit are well known to those who are familiar with the art and the above-noted frequencies and amplitudes are not considered limiting in any way in these invention. 
         [0044]      FIG. 4  shows a group of dual-hinged springs  100  utilized in a seat arrangement including a seating surface  222  and a support surface  228 . Support surface  228  is supported above the floor by a support frame  230 . Additionally the assembly of multiple dual-hinged springs is held in place on support surface  228  by levers  229 . 
         [0045]    While three dual-hinged springs  100  are shown, it should be understood that there may be more dual-hinged springs  100  utilized with a seat  240 , for example four to eight dual-hinged springs  100 . Alternatively, seat  240  may be equipped with one or two dual-hinged springs  100 . 
         [0046]    Additionally, while the seating arrangement is shown with a built-in assembly of multiple dual-hinged springs  100 , alternative assemblies provide portable assemblies of dual-hinged springs  100 , and a variety of seating configurations, of which just a few will be presented. 
         [0047]    Additionally dual hinged springs  100  may be standalone such that a user can place the dual hinged screen  100  on a floor, a rock outcropping or a seat and may benefit the use from the bouncing effect. For example the dual hinged spring shown in  FIG. 7  may be placed on a couch or on the floor or any other seating surface and provide a calming and/or cognitive enhancement. The many uses of dual hinged spring  100  will be readily recognized by those familiar with the art. 
         [0048]    The many structures in which dual-hinged springs  100  and or assemblies of dual-hinged springs  100  may be utilized are well known to those familiar with the art. 
         [0049]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  show details of an optional mounting of multiple dual-hinged springs  100  for a seating assembly. In this embodiment, a coupling  232  is utilized to maintain dual-hinged springs  100  in alignment as seen in  FIG. 5A . As seen in  FIG. 5B  in an optional embodiment, one dual-hinged spring  100  may be removed from coupling  232 , as might be the case when a lightweight individual is utilizing dual-hinged springs  100  on support surface  228 . 
         [0050]      FIG. 6  shows an optional embodiment wherein dual-hinged springs  100  are encased in a flexible encasement  224 ; which is attached to support surface  228  with straps  242 . 
         [0051]      FIG. 7  shows a portable assembly of dual-hinged springs  100  enclosed in flexible encasement  224  that has been strapped to a chair  256  with straps  242 . 
         [0052]    A caregiver  258  is sitting on the portable assembly of dual-hinged springs  100  and utilizing his feet to move up in direction  120 , while the weight of caregiver  258  clauses the assembly of dual-hinged springs  100  to move downward in direction  122 . 
         [0053]    The movement interactions  122  and  120  cause dual-hinged springs  100  to substantially duplicate the uncompressed and compressed states of dual-hinged springs  100  shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . 
         [0054]    By providing this cyclic motion, caregiver  258  provides a calming effect on a baby  260 . 
         [0055]      FIGS. 8A-8B  show an embodiment of dual dual-hinged springs  100  which are utilized in a backless seat  355  that includes round seating surface  222  and a round support area  348 . 
         [0056]    Dimensions 
         [0057]    In some embodiments, a substantial portion of arcs  102  and  104  ( FIG. 1 ) of dual-hinged springs  100  have a thickness of at least about 4 millimeters. In some embodiments, a substantial portion of the spring assembly has a thickness of no more than about 0.5 millimeters. 
         [0058]    In some embodiments, dual-hinged springs have a width of about between 60 millimeters and 120 millimeters. 
         [0059]    In some embodiments, the length of dual-hinged spring  100  in the non-compressed configuration ( FIG. 2 ) is between 200 and 350 millimeters. 
         [0060]    In some embodiments, the height of dual-hinged spring  100  in an uncompressed state is between 80 and 200 millimeters. 
         [0061]    In the above description, an embodiment is an example or implementation of the inventions. The various appearances of “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, or “some embodiments”, do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiments. 
         [0062]    Although various features of the invention may be described in the context of a single embodiment, the features may also be provided separately or in any suitable combination. Conversely, although the invention may be described herein in the context of separate embodiments for clarity, the invention may also be implemented in a single embodiment. 
         [0063]    Reference in the specification to “some embodiments”, “an embodiment”, “one embodiment”, or “other embodiments”, means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least some embodiments, but not necessarily all embodiments, of the inventions. 
         [0064]    It is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are not to be construed as limiting, and are for descriptive purposes only. 
         [0065]    The principles and uses of the teachings of the present invention may be better understood with reference to the accompanying description, Figures, and examples. 
         [0066]    It is to be understood that the details set forth herein do not construe a limitation to an application of the invention. 
         [0067]    Furthermore, it is to be understood that the invention can be carried out or practiced in various ways and that the invention can be implemented in embodiments other than the ones outlined in the description above. 
         [0068]    It is to be understood that the terms “including”, “comprising”, “consisting”, and grammatical variants thereof do not preclude the addition of one or more components, features, steps, or integers; or groups thereof, and that the terms are to be construed as specifying components, features, steps or integers. 
         [0069]    If the specification or claims refer to “an additional” element, that does not preclude there being more than one of the additional element. 
         [0070]    It is to be understood that where the claims or specification refer to “a” or “an” element, such reference is not be construed that there is only one of that element. 
         [0071]    It is to be understood that where the specification states that a component, feature, structure, or characteristic “may”, “might”, “can” or “could” be included, that particular component, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to be included. 
         [0072]    Where applicable, although state diagrams, flow diagrams or both may be used to describe embodiments, the invention is not limited to those diagrams or to the corresponding descriptions. For example, flow need not move through each illustrated box or state, or in exactly the same order as illustrated and described. 
         [0073]    Methods of the present invention may be implemented by performing or completing manually, automatically, or a combination thereof, selected steps or tasks. 
         [0074]    The term “method” may refer to manners, means, techniques and procedures for accomplishing a given task including, but not limited to, those manners, means, techniques and procedures either known to, or readily developed from known manners, means, techniques, and procedures by practitioners of the art to which the invention belongs. 
         [0075]    The descriptions, examples, methods, and materials presented in the claims and the specification are not to be construed as limiting, but rather as illustrative only. 
         [0076]    Meanings of technical and scientific terms used herein are to be commonly understood as by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs, unless otherwise defined. 
         [0077]    The present invention may be implemented in the testing or practice with methods and materials equivalent or similar to those described herein. 
         [0078]    Any publications, including patents, patent applications and articles, referenced or mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in the description of some embodiments of the invention shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention. 
         [0079]    While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as exemplifications of some of the preferred embodiments. Other possible variations, modifications, and applications are also within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should not be limited by what has thus far been described, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.