PNEUMATIC BLADDER ARRANGEMENT

The invention relates to a pneumatic bladder arrangement (100) for a seat (S) comprising a plurality of inflatable bladders (110), wherein at least one of the plurality of inflatable bladders (110), when inflated, has a first edge (111) with a first thickness (T1) and a second edge (112) with a second thickness (T2), wherein the first thickness (T1) is bigger than the second thickness (T2), the invention also relates to a seat (S) comprising the pneumatic bladder arrangement and to a manufacturing method for an inflatable bladder.

The present invention relates to a pneumatic bladder arrangement for a seat, to a seat incorporating the pneumatic bladder arrangement and to a method for manufacturing an inflatable bladder for a pneumatic bladder arrangement.

PRIOR ART

Seats are generally designed for a wide array of users, having different body shapes, so that seats are generally a compromise for different users. This results in the seat frequently not being very well adapted to the body contour of an occupant.

For some seats in which the occupant spends a long time, this can become a nuisance, uncomfortable or even painful. Moreover, for seats associated with large expenses, such as car seats, the users expect a very comfortable seating position.

Some areas of a seat, which are particularly subject to this problem, are the top part of a backrest and the cushion. For instance, taller occupants tend to lose contact with the top part or a backrest in their shoulder region. Similarly, occupants with longer legs tend to lose contact with a front part of a cushion in their thighs region. Moreover, for foldable seats, the rear part of a cushion can often present a gap toward the backrest when the backrest is folded.

Those problems thus generally relate to the fact that a seat has a shape that might not be suitable for all users. There is thus a general effort in developing seats which can change their shape to accommodate different users.

With respect to the part of the backrest close to the shoulders, for instance, existing shoulder supports are known from U.S. Pat. No. 9,896,003 B2 to include a pneumatic shoulder adjuster with the use of multiple stacked chambers and pivotable mechanisms with plates. Alternatively, DE 19740588 A1 describes a pneumatic shoulder support adjuster with two chambers positioned in the shoulder area of the backrest which adjust a mechanical support structure. Moreover, EP 3100906 A1 describes a shoulder adjuster that uses pneumatic chambers to tilt a mechanical structure to support the shoulders. Document US 2018264981 described a bladder arrangement for a thoracic region of a seat.

In general, known systems thus employ one or more rigid, mechanical elements, such as plates, pivots and joints, for modifying the shape of the seat.

This causes the known systems to be more expensive to manufacture and assembly. Additionally, mechanical tilting mechanisms in the frame of the seat, and/or mechanical elements built on top of the seat frame, may cause safety dangers in the event of collisions, when the seats are mounted in vehicles. Additionally, many known solutions are not able to adjust the support along the entire width of the seat, thus being unable to fully adapt to the various possible shapes of the users' body.

SUMMARY

The present invention has been developed to address at least some of the problems existing with the known solution.

The invention generally allows the seat shape to individually to the body shape of the occupant. Particular embodiments of the invention relate in particular to the shoulder region, to the thigh region and to region of a cushion next to the backrest.

The invention is defined by the independent claims. Dependent claims further indicate additional advantageous implementation features.

A pneumatic bladder arrangement for a seat can comprise a plurality of inflatable bladders, wherein at least one of the plurality of inflatable bladders, when inflated, can have a first edge with a first thickness and a second edge with a second thickness, wherein the first thickness can be bigger than the second thickness.

Thanks to this configuration it is advantageously possible implement a shape with two different thicknesses at two edges, for instance resembling a wedge-like shape. This allows an advantageous implementation of the pneumatic bladder arrangement as various positions of the seat which can benefit from such uneven shape.

In some cases, the at least one of the plurality of inflatable bladders, when inflated, can have a wedge-like shape.

In some cases, the at least one of the plurality of inflatable bladders, when inflated, can have a wedge-like cross section shape.

Thanks to such configurations it is advantageously possible to have a substantially gradual decrease in thickness from the thicker edge to the thinner edge.

In some cases, the at least one of the plurality of inflatable bladders can have a third edge and a fourth edge, wherein a first width between the third edge and the fourth edge in proximity of the first edge can be larger than a second width between the third edge and the fourth edge in proximity of the second edge.

In some cases, the at least one of the plurality of inflatable bladders can have a trapezoidal-like shape.

Thanks to such configurations it is advantageously possible to implement the difference in thicknesses in the inflatable bladder.

In some cases, the at least one of the plurality of inflatable bladders can comprise a thickness defining element configured to limit an inflation thickness of the at least one of the plurality of inflatable bladders.

Thanks to this configuration it is advantageously possible to implement the difference in thicknesses in the inflatable bladder.

In some cases, the at least one of the plurality of inflatable bladders can further comprise a first sheet of flexible material and a second sheet of flexible material, which are bound together to form the at least one of the plurality of inflatable bladders, and wherein the thickness defining element can be bound to the first sheet of flexible material and to the second sheet of flexible material.

Thanks to this configuration it is advantageously possible to implement the thickness defining element in the inflatable bladder.

In some cases, the thickness defining element can be bound to the first sheet of flexible material and to the second sheet of flexible material in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first edge and/or to the second edge.

In some cases, the thickness defining element can be bound to the first sheet of flexible material and to the second sheet of flexible material in a substantially longitudinal direction of the at least one of the plurality of inflatable bladders.

In some cases, the thickness defining element can have a third width substantially corresponding to the first thickness and/or a fourth width substantially corresponding to the second thickness.

Thanks to such configurations it is advantageously possible to efficiently configure the thickness defining element for achieving an effective thickness defining operation.

In some cases, the thickness defining element can have a decreasing width between the third width and the fourth width.

In some cases, the thickness defining element can have a substantially trapezoidal or a substantially triangular shape.

Thanks to such configurations it is advantageously possible to obtain a gradual decrease in thickness in the inflatable bladder.

In some cases, the thickness defining element can be of the same material as the first sheet of flexible material and/or the second sheet of flexible material.

Thanks to this configuration it is advantageously possible to reduce the kinds of material needed for the manufacturing of the inflatable bladder.

In some cases, the at least one of the plurality of inflatable bladders can be a composite bladder and comprise a first sub-bladder and a second sub-bladder, which are overlapped and in pneumatic communication with each other.

Thanks to such configurations it is advantageously possible to implement the difference in thicknesses in the inflatable bladder.

In some cases, at least two of the plurality of inflatable bladders can at least partially overlap each other.

Thanks to this configuration it is advantageously possible to increase the difference in thickness between one side of the pneumatic bladder arrangement and the opposite side.

In some cases, the plurality of inflatable bladders can be arranged next to each other.

Thanks to this configuration it is advantageously possible to implement a pneumatic bladder arrangement wider than a single bladder.

In some cases, one or more couples of the plurality of inflatable bladders can each comprise a first inflatable bladder and a second inflatable bladder, and the first inflatable bladder can be in fluid connection with the second inflatable bladder through a fluid interconnection.

Thanks to this configuration it is advantageously possible to reduce the number of fluid supply connections to the pneumatic bladder arrangement.

In some cases, when the pneumatic bladder arrangement is mounted as shoulder support in a seat, the first edge can be higher than the second edge with respect to a vertical direction of the seat.

Thanks to this configuration it is advantageously possible to follow the natural shape of a user's back.

In some cases, when the pneumatic bladder arrangement is mounted as a leg support in a seat, the first edge can be closer to a front extremity of a cushion of the seat than the second edge.

Thanks to this configuration it is advantageously possible to follow the natural shape of a user's thighs.

In some cases, when the pneumatic bladder arrangement is mounted as a cushion support in a seat, the second edge can be closer to a front extremity of a cushion of the seat than the first edge.

Thanks to this configuration it is advantageously possible to compensate for a difference in height, and/or a gap, between the cushion and the backrest region of a seat, particularly when the seat is extended toward a horizontal direction.

In some cases, the first thickness can be comprised between 1 cm and 15 cm, preferably between 2 cm and 8 cm, and/or the second thickness can be comprised between 1 cm and 12 cm, preferably between 1 cm and 5 cm.

Thanks to this configuration it is advantageously possible to implement the pneumatic bladder arrangement which have been found by the inventors to allow use with a wide range of users.

In some cases, the plurality of inflatable bladders can comprise an odd number of bladders, preferably three or five bladders.

Thanks to this configuration it is advantageously possible to allow sufficient configurations of the pneumatic bladder arrangement while containing manufacturing costs.

A seat can comprise the pneumatic bladder arrangement, according to any of the previous descriptions.

In some cases, the seat can further comprise a non-stretchable trim and a stretchable trim, wherein the stretchable trim can be provided so as to allow inflating of the pneumatic bladder arrangement.

Thanks to this configuration it is advantageously possible to implement the pneumatic bladder arrangement in seats having a non-stretchable trim,

In some cases, the stretchable trim can be provided at least in a part of the seat closer to the first edge than to the second edge.

Thanks to this configuration it is advantageously possible to make an efficient use of the stretchable trim.

A method for manufacturing an inflatable bladder for a pneumatic bladder arrangement for a seat, can comprise the steps of: providing a first sheet of flexible material, a second sheet of flexible material and a thickness defining element, bonding the first sheet of flexible material to the thickness defining element, bonding the second sheet of flexible material to the thickness defining element, and bonding the first sheet of flexible material to the second sheet of flexible material.

Thanks to this configuration it is advantageously possible to manufacture the inflatable bladder in a simple and effective way.

In some cases, the method cam further comprise the step of: bending the thickness defining element.

Thanks to this configuration it is advantageously possible to manufacture a plurality of inflatable bladders from single sheets of flexible material.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG.1Aschematically illustrates a top view, on the left, and a side view, on the right, of a pneumatic bladder arrangement100mounted on a seat S, in a substantially deflated configuration.FIG.1Bsimilarly schematically illustrates a top view, on the left, and a side view, on the right, of the pneumatic bladder arrangement100, in a substantially inflated configuration.FIG.1Cschematically illustrates an enlarged top view, on the left, and an enlarged cross section view taken along line A-A′, on the right, of an inflatable bladder110of the pneumatic bladder arrangement100, in a substantially inflated configuration.

For explanation purposes, the seat S will be illustrated as the seat of a vehicle, preferably of a car. It will however be clear that the invention is not limited thereto and it can be applied to any seat. Application to a vehicle seat is particularly advantageous as the invention, compared to the prior art, achieves a low weight and a high degree of adaptation of the seat to the body of the occupant, both of which are criteria which are generally requested and appreciated in vehicle seats. Moreover, the invention drastically reduces the number of parts which might pose a risk in a collision. To the contrary, by introducing pneumatic bladders, it might even form a passive safety device in case of a collision. Both those features are highly appreciated in vehicle seats.

In the illustration ofFIGS.1A-1C, the pneumatic bladder arrangement is mounted in a shoulder region of a backrest of a seat S. As will be clearer from the subsequent description, the invention is not limited to this use of the pneumatic bladder arrangement. For instance, as visible inFIGS.10A,10B,11A and11B, the pneumatic bladder arrangement can be mounted in other parts of the seat S. Thus, throughout the following description, unless a feature or an advantage of the pneumatic bladder arrangement is strictly dependent on its placement in a specific part of the seat S, it will be understood that this feature or advantage can apply to various uses of the pneumatic bladder arrangement.

Reverting toFIGS.1A-1C, a pneumatic bladder arrangement100for a seat S can comprise a plurality of inflatable bladders110. The number of inflatable bladders110is not particularly limited. As will become clearer from the following, in some embodiments the plurality of inflatable bladders110preferably comprises an odd number of bladders, as this might allow an increase in the configuration of the pneumatic bladder arrangement without necessarily increasing the number of fluid supply connections. Generally, a higher number of bladders also results in an improved adaptability to different body shapes. The inventors have found that using three or five bladders for the plurality of inflatable bladders can represent an ideal trade-off functionality and costs. It will however be clear that the invention is not limited to those specific values.

In the following, a more specific description of one of the bladders will be provided. While reference is made to a single bladder, this is understood to possibly apply to more than one bladder of the plurality of bladders of the pneumatic bladder arrangement. Preferably, this might apply to a majority of the plurality of bladders of the pneumatic bladder arrangement, still more preferably to each of the plurality of bladders of the pneumatic bladder arrangement.

As visible inFIG.1Band as more clearly indicated in the enlarged view ofFIG.1C, at least one of the plurality of inflatable bladders110, when inflated, can have a first edge111with a first thickness T1and a second edge112with a second thickness T2. The first thickness T1is preferably bigger than the second thickness T2.

Throughout the description, the expression when inflated relates to an inflation of at least 30%, preferably at least 60%, even more preferably at least 90%.

In preferred embodiments, the first thickness T1is preferably comprised between 1 cm and 15 cm, even more preferably between 2 cm and 8 cm. Alternatively, or in addition, the second thickness T2is preferably comprised between 1 cm and 12 cm, preferably between 1 cm and 5 cm.

In some embodiments, the first thickness T1can correspond to a thickness of the thickest portion of the bladder. Alternatively, or in addition, the second thickness T2can correspond to a thickness of the thinnest portion of the bladder

Alternatively, or in addition, the first and second thickness can be measured at the respective edge of the bladder. In some embodiments, the term edge can understood to be an outmost extremity of the bladder. Alternatively, or in addition, the edge can comprise a region within 15%, preferably 10%, even more preferably 5% of the length of the bladder starting from a respective outmost extremity of the bladder. In this latter case, in some embodiments, the first and/or second thickness can be measured at the thickest part of the bladder in the respective region.

In general, the bladder has a shape elongated along a given direction. In the example ofFIG.1C, the elongation direction corresponds to the Y direction. The length in the elongation direction is intended to be the length of the bladder. Moreover, the thickness is intended to be measured perpendicularly to the length. Alternatively, or in addition, the thickness is intended to be measure in a direction substantially parallel to a plane of a seat backrest or cushion, in which the pneumatic bladder arrangement is to be mounted. Still alternatively, or in addition, the thickness can be measured along a direction in which the bladder inflates.

The difference between the thickness T1and T2results in the inflatable bladder generally having a wedge-like shape, when inflated. Preferably, the inflatable bladder, when inflated, has a wedge-like cross section shape and/or a wedge-like shape when seen from the side. In some embodiments the cross section is intended as being taken along a cross section plane defined by the length and thickness of the bladder.

Similarly, the side is intended as a view from a direction perpendicular to such cross section plane.

The wedge-like shape, in some embodiments, can be a shape in which the inflatable bladder, when inflated, has a cross section in which the two longest sides are substantially linear and not parallel, converging toward each other from the first edge111toward the second edge112. Alternatively, or in addition, in some embodiments the wedge-like shape can be a shape in which the inflatable bladder, when inflated, has a cross section, taken along a plane perpendicular to its longitudinal direction, which monotonically decreases for a at least one region comprised between the first edge111and the second edge112, when moving from the first edge111toward the second edge112. Preferably, this cross section can monotonically decrease from the first edge111to the second edge112. Preferably, in some embodiments, in addition to be monotonically decreasing the cross section can also gradually decrease.

This is for instance clearly visible in the cross section view on the right side ofFIG.3C. This shape is particularly advantageous in various configurations, some examples of which will be described in the following.

In a preferred application, illustrated inFIGS.1A-1C, the pneumatic bladder arrangement100can be mounted as shoulder support in a seat S. In particular, the pneumatic bladder arrangement100can be mounted on a top portion of a backrest of a seat S. In this configuration, when mounted, the first edge111is positioned higher than the second edge112with respect to a vertical direction of the seat S.

In other words, with reference to the vertical direction Y indicated inFIGS.1A-1C, the pneumatic bladder arrangement100can be mounted so that the first edge111of at least one bladder100, preferably of a majority of bladders and even more preferably of all bladders, is higher, in the vertical direction, than the second edge112. Preferably the at least one bladder100is mounted so that its direction of longitudinal extension is substantially parallel to a direction of longitudinal extension of the backrest.

This has the advantage that, when inflated, the top portion of the pneumatic bladder arrangement100has a bigger thickness than the bottom portion of the pneumatic bladder arrangement100. This is particularly advantageous as it conforms better to the shape of the shoulder of an occupant, as well as avoiding a step being created between the second edge and the part of the backrest below it.

In an alternative preferred application, illustrated inFIGS.10A,10B, the pneumatic bladder arrangement1000can be mounted as a leg support in a seat S. In particular, the pneumatic bladder arrangement1000can be mounted on a front portion of a cushion C of the seat S. In this configuration, when mounted, the first edge111is closer to a front extremity of the cushion C of the seat S than the second edge112. Here, the pneumatic bladder arrangement1000differs from the pneumatic bladder arrangement100due to its positioning in the seat, all other features of the pneumatic bladder arrangement100being otherwise applicable to the pneumatic bladder arrangement1000.

In other words, the pneumatic bladder arrangement1000can be mounted so that the first edge111is further away from the backrest of the seat S than the second edge112. Even more preferably, the first edge111can be positioned substantially in correspondence with the front edge of the cushion C, namely the edge of the cushion C opposite the backrest.

This has the advantage that, when inflated, the front portion of the pneumatic bladder arrangement1000has a bigger thickness than the rear portion of the pneumatic bladder arrangement1000, front and rear referring to the orientation of the seat S. This is particularly advantageous as it conforms better to the shape of the thighs of an occupant, particularly of a tall occupant, as well as avoiding a step being created between the second edge and the part of the cushion behind it, toward the backrest.

In yet an alternative preferred application, illustrated inFIGS.11A,11B, the pneumatic bladder arrangement1100can be mounted as a cushion support in a seat S. In particular, the pneumatic bladder arrangement1100can be mounted on a rear portion of a cushion C of the seat S. In this configuration, when mounted, the second edge112is closer to a front extremity of a cushion C of the seat S than the first edge111. Here, the pneumatic bladder arrangement1100differs from the pneumatic bladder arrangement100due to its positioning in the seat, all other features of the pneumatic bladder arrangement100being otherwise applicable to the pneumatic bladder arrangement1100.

In other words, the pneumatic bladder arrangement1100can be mounted so that the second edge112is further away from the backrest of the seat S than the first edge111. Even more preferably, the second edge112can be positioned substantially in correspondence with the rear edge of the cushion C, namely the edge of the cushion C closest to the backrest.

This has the advantage that, when inflated, the rear portion of the pneumatic bladder arrangement1100has a bigger thickness than the front portion of the pneumatic bladder arrangement1100, front and rear referring to the orientation of the seat S. This is particularly advantageous as it conforms better to the shape of the buttocks of an occupant, as well as avoiding a step being created between the second edge and the part of the cushion in front of it, away from the backrest.

This is further particular advantageous since, in most foldable seats S, when the backrest is extended toward a flatter configuration, most often a step, or a gap, is generated between the rear edge of the cushion and the bottom edge of the backrest. The possibility to inflate the pneumatic bladder arrangement1100in a wedge shape allows such step, or gap, to be compensated so that an occupant can lie on the extended seat without feeling such step, or gap, which would be generally perceived as being uncomfortable.

It will be clear that the above are exemplary applications of the pneumatic bladder arrangement and are not intended to limit the invention.

In the above description, reference has been made to a bladder as having a wedge-like shape, when seen from the side or in a cross section. In the following, various possible manners for obtaining such a shape in an inflatable bladder will be described.

FIG.2schematically illustrates an enlarged top view, on the left, and an enlarged cross section view, on the right, of an inflatable bladder210, in a substantially inflated configuration. The cross section is taken along line A-A′. The features described in the following in connection with the inflatable bladder210can be implemented on any of the inflatable bladders described throughout this document.

In particular, the bladder210has a third edge213and a fourth edge214, wherein a first width W1between the third edge213and the fourth edge214in proximity of the first edge211is larger than a second width W2between the third edge213and the fourth edge214in proximity of the second edge212.

In some embodiments, the third edge213and the fourth edge214can be edges connecting the first edge111,211and the second edge112,212. This results in the bladder210having a substantially quadrilateral shape, preferably, a trapezoidal-like shape.

This shape is particularly recognizable in the top view, on the left ofFIG.2. In some embodiments, top view can be intended as a view taken from a direction perpendicular to the length of the bladder, substantially corresponding to direction Y in the figures, and to the inflation direction of the bladder, substantially corresponding to direction Z in the figures. Preferably, in some embodiments, the width between the third edge213and the fourth edge214monotonically decreases from the first width W1toward the second width W2. Even more preferably, in some embodiments, the width between the third edge213and the fourth edge214monotonically decreases from the first edge111,211toward the second edge112,212. Preferably, in some embodiments, in addition to be monotonically decreasing the width can also gradually decrease.

Thanks to such trapezoidal-like shape in the top view, the bladder automatically inflates to a wedge-like shape. In fact, as the width between the third edge213and the fourth edge214decreases, so does the cross section of the bladder taken on a plane perpendicular to its length. This reduction in cross section results in a lower thickness of the bladder and thus allows the wedge-like shape to be formed.

In the case of such trapezoidal-like shape in the top view, in some embodiments, the elongation or longitudinal direction of the bladder can be understood to mean a direction bisecting an angle defined by edges213and214.

FIG.3schematically illustrates an enlarged top view, on the left, and an enlarged cross section view, on the right, of an inflatable bladder310, in a substantially inflated configuration. The cross section is taken along line A-A′. The features described in the following in connection with the inflatable bladder310can be implemented on any of the inflatable bladders described throughout this document.

In particular, the bladder310comprises a thickness defining element330configured to limit an inflation thickness of the bladder310. In some embodiments, the thickness defining element330can be implemented as a sheet of material being placed along a plane substantially aligned with the longitudinal direction of the bladder and with the inflating direction of the bladder. Preferably, as visible on the left side ofFIG.3, the thickness defining element330can be positioned substantially in the middle of the bladder.

The thickness defining element330generally limits the inflation thickness which can be achieved at one or more regions of the bladder. Thus, by configuring the thickness defining element330, the thickness of such one or more regions can be defined, so as to obtain the wedge-like shape.

In some embodiments, the bladder210,310can in particular further comprises a first sheet of flexible material321and a second sheet of flexible material322, which are bound together to form the bladder. In this case, the thickness defining element330can be bound to the first sheet of flexible material321and to the second sheet of flexible material322. In this manner, the thickness defining element330limits a maximum relative distance between the first sheet of flexible material321and the second sheet of flexible material322, this regulating the inflating thickness of the bladder.

In some embodiments, the thickness defining element330can be bound to the first sheet of flexible material321and to the second sheet of flexible material322in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first edge111and/or to the second edge112. Alternatively, or in addition, the thickness defining element330can be bound to the first sheet of flexible material321and to the second sheet of flexible material322in a substantially longitudinal direction of the bladder.

In some embodiments, as visible in the left part ofFIG.3, the thickness defining element330can have a third width W3substantially corresponding to the first thickness T1and/or a fourth width W4substantially corresponding to the second thickness T2. Preferably, the thickness defining element330has a decreasing width between the third width W3and the fourth width W4. Even more preferably, the width of the thickness defining element330is monotonically decreasing between the third width W3and the fourth width W4. Preferably, in some embodiments, in addition to be monotonically decreasing the width can also gradually decrease. In some embodiments the width of the thickness defining element330can be measure in the inflation direction of the bladder, that is, in the direction of measurement of the first thickness T1and of the second thickness T2. Thus, in some embodiments, as visible in the left part ofFIG.3, the thickness defining element330can have a substantially trapezoidal or a substantially triangular shape.

Preferably, the thickness defining element330is made of the same material as the first sheet of flexible material321and/or the second sheet of flexible material322. This allows a simplified manufacturing.

While the thickness defining element330has been illustrated inFIG.3as being a single piece of material, the invention is not limited thereto. In particular,FIG.4schematically illustrates an enlarged top view, on the left, and an enlarged cross section view, on the right, of an inflatable bladder410, in a substantially inflated configuration. The cross section is taken along line A-A′. The features described in the following in connection with the inflatable bladder310can be implemented on any of the inflatable bladders described throughout this document.

As can be seem inFIG.4, the thickness defining element430can also be implemented by a plurality of separate portions, preferably substantially placed on a single plane previously defined for the thickness defining element330. the number of portions is not limited to the illustrated embodiment. The implementation of the thickness defining element430with a plurality of portions allows avoiding the a better pneumatic connection between the various volumes within the bladder, and in particular between the volume to the left and to the right of the thickness defining element430, with reference to the left view ofFIG.4.

A yet alternative manner for obtaining the wedge-like shape will be discussed with reference toFIG.12.

In particular,FIG.12schematically illustrates an enlarged top view, on the top left, and an enlarged cross section view, on the top right, of an inflatable bladder1210, in a substantially inflated configuration. The cross section is taken along line A-A′. On the bottom right, an exploded cross section view of the inflatable bladder1210is visible. The features described in the following in connection with the inflatable bladder1210can be implemented on any of the inflatable bladders described throughout this document.

As visible inFIG.12, the bladder1210is a composite bladder and comprises a first sub-bladder1210A and a second sub-bladder1210B, which are overlapped and in pneumatic communication with each other, for instance through a hole H.

In some embodiments the first sub-bladder1210A and the second sub-bladder1210B can each to be understood as being a bladder. The second sub-bladder1210B preferably in smaller, particularly when seen in a top view, than the first sub-bladder1210A.

The first sub-bladder1210A and the second sub-bladder1210B can each be implemented as previously described with two sheets of flexible material. In particular, as visible on the bottom right part ofFIG.12, a sheet of flexible material1221and a sheet of flexible material1222can realize the first sub-bladder1210A and a sheet of flexible material1223and a sheet of flexible material1224can realize the second sub-bladder1210B. In this configuration, the hole H can be preferably implemented in the sheets1222and1223although it will be clear to those skilled in the art that alternative manners are possible for connecting the two sub-bladders.

Preferably, the second sub-bladder1210B is positioned on the first sub-bladder1210A closer to the first edge111,1211than to the second edge112,1212. in this manner, the additional thickness implemented by the second sub-bladder1210B allows to implement the difference between the first thickness T1and the second thickness T2, thus obtaining the wedge-like shape.

Although the composite bladder has been described as comprising two sub-bladders only, the present invention is not limited thereto and it will be clear that a higher number of overlapping sub-bladders can be implemented, for instance with the aim of obtaining a more gradual decrease in thickness from T1to T2.

Thus, as visible from the above description, various manners can be implemented for obtaining the difference in thicknesses T1and T2and more generally the wedge-like shape of the bladder. Those manners can be combined as needed. Moreover, not all bladders in the pneumatic bladder arrangement need to be implemented in the same manner for achieving the wedge-like shape.

In the schematic illustration ofFIGS.1,10and11, the bladders of the pneumatic bladder arrangement are illustrated as being arranged next to each other. This is more clearly visible in the enlarged view illustrated inFIG.8. Although a plurality of bladders310are illustrated as being implemented inFIG.8, any combination of bladders can be implemented.

Preferably, the combined dimension of the bladders in the X direction is substantially comprised between 30 cm and 60 cm, even more preferably between 35 cm and 50 cm. The X direction can correspond to a width direction of the seat S.

In some embodiments, one or more of the plurality of bladders, preferably a majority thereof and even more preferably each of them, can have a substantially elongated shape along an elongation direction. InFIG.8this direction substantially corresponds to direction Y. The plurality of bladders can be positioned in the pneumatic bladder arrangement so that the elongation direction of two or more bladders, preferably of each of them is substantially parallel. In some embodiments, substantially parallel can be understood as meaning within an angle of 20 degrees, preferably within an angle of 10 degrees.

Moreover, in some embodiments, two or more bladders, preferably each of them, can have their first edge111oriented toward the same direction of the pneumatic bladder arrangement.

Further preferably, in some embodiments the first edge111of two or more bladders, preferably of each of them, can be placed substantially along a line. In the illustrated example this corresponds to direction X. In some embodiments, as illustrated inFIG.7, the placement substantially along a line can be understood to mean that the first edges111can be within a predetermined distance from a straight line, wherein the predetermined distance is preferably less than 20% of the length of the bladders, even more preferably less than 10%. The same considerations made here with respect to first edge111can be made, alternatively, or in addition, with respect to second edge112.

While inFIG.8the bladders are illustrated as non-overlapping, the present invention is not limited thereto. In particular, as visible inFIG.7, at least two of the plurality of inflatable bladders can at least partially overlap each other. As inFIG.8, although a plurality of bladders210are illustrated as being implemented inFIG.7, any combination of bladders can be implemented.

The overlapping can be particularly advantageous in increasing the wedge-like shape of the pneumatic bladder arrangement. Thus, in some embodiments, the one or more overlapping regions740can be at least in a region of the pneumatic bladder arrangement closer to the first edge111than to the second edge112. Alternatively, or in addition, the one or more overlapping regions740can have a large area in a region of the pneumatic bladder arrangement closer to the first edge111than to the second edge112.

The overlapping can be present when the bladders are not inflated. In addition, in some embodiments, the overlapping can also be present when the bladders are inflated.

In some embodiments the plurality of bladders can thus obtain a pneumatic bladder arrangement having a length, direction Y in the drawings, substantially corresponding to a length of a single bladder. Alternatively, or in addition, the in some embodiments the plurality of bladders can thus obtain a pneumatic bladder arrangement having a width, direction X in the drawings, substantially corresponding to the sum of the widths of the bladders.

In the above description, the bladders of the pneumatic bladder arrangement have been described without a specific indication of how they can be inflated and/or deflated as various manners for achieving this are known to the skilled person.

For instance, each bladder might be provided with a fluid supply connection, such as a pipe, to a pump and/or to a valve. This allows each bladder to be controlled independently, so as to allow the user to independently define the thickness of various regions of the pneumatic bladder arrangement.

Alternatively, or in addition, as visible for instance inFIG.9A, some bladders might be connected to each other. In particular, one or more couples of the plurality of inflatable bladders can each comprise a first inflatable bladder and a second inflatable bladder. In the exemplary illustration ofFIG.9A, a first such couple comprises bladder100/1as first bladder and bladder100/4as second bladder, or vice-versa. The illustrated embodiment also comprises a second such couple with bladder100/2as first bladder and bladder100/3as second bladder, or vice-versa. In this configuration, the first inflatable bladder can be in fluid connection with the second inflatable bladder through a fluid interconnection950/1,950/2.

Thanks to this connection, as visible inFIG.9A, the first and second bladders of each couple can be inflated and deflated by means of a single fluid supply connection960/1,960/2and a single valve V1, V2, instead of using one fluid supply connection and one valve for each bladder. This is particularly advantageous as it reduces the number of fluid supply connections and valves.

The lack of possibility of controlling each bladder independently is usually not a drawback, particularly if, as illustrated the bladders are connected by the fluid interconnection in a symmetrical manner with respect to an axis of symmetry of the pneumatic bladder arrangement. In some embodiments, such axis of symmetry is preferably aligned with the X direction, in the drawing, or with a longitudinal direction of one or more of the bladders. Preferably, the axis of symmetry is placed substantially in the middle of the width of the pneumatic bladder arrangement.

Thanks to this arrangement, it is thus possible to control the bladders of the pneumatic bladder arrangement which are connected through the fluid interconnections in a symmetrical manner. Usually, this is not perceived by the users as a drawback but, rather, as an appreciated feature, since symmetrical parts of the pneumatic bladder arrangement usually act on symmetrical regions of the body, for which the user expect a symmetrical inflation thickness.

The number of couples of bladders connected by a fluid interconnection950/1,950/2is not limited to the two couples illustrated. In those embodiments implementing such couples, at least one couple can be present, preferably two, or at least two.

Moreover, in the embodiments implementing one or more such couples, not all bladders need to be connected in such a couple. This is illustrated, for instance, inFIG.9B. As can be seen, bladder100/3is independently connected to its own fluid supply connection960/3and valve V3, and is not connected in a couple.

Preferably, in some embodiments, if some bladders are connected in couples and some are not, at least one of the bladders not connected in a couple is placed substantially in the middle of the bladder arrangement, in the width direction, as illustrated inFIG.9Bfor bladder100/3. This configuration has the advantage that such central bladder can be controlled independently. For instance, when the pneumatic bladder arrangement is implemented as a shoulder support, the central bladder might be preferably controlled independently as it is the one acting on the spine of the user.

Thus, it has been described how the pneumatic bladder arrangements can be implemented as support in various positions of a seat. It will therefore be clear that some embodiments of the invention can also relate to a seat S comprising the pneumatic bladder arrangement. One such example is illustrated inFIGS.13A and13Bwhere the pneumatic bladder arrangement is mounted as a shoulder support.

In particular,FIG.13Aschematically illustrates a top view, on the left, and a side view, on the right, of a seat S, with a pneumatic bladder arrangement100in a substantially deflated configuration, whileFIG.13Brespectively illustrates the substantially inflated configuration.

In some embodiments, the seat S can comprising a trim, with the pneumatic bladder arrangement being placed under the trim, possibly with some additional elements in between, such as padding layers. In some embodiments, the trim can comprise a stretchable material, such as various kinds of fabric. In those embodiments the inflation of the pneumatic bladder arrangement can result be accommodated by the stretching of the trim. Some preferred seat trims, however, are not particularly stretchable, one example being leather. In some embodiments in which the trim comprises such non-stretchable trim, NST inFIGS.13A and13B, the trim can also preferably comprise a stretchable trim ST inFIGS.13A and13B. The stretchable trim ST can be provided so as to allow inflating of the pneumatic bladder arrangement.

It will be clear that various shapes and/or positioning of the stretchable trim ST can achieve such result. Without limiting the invention, in some embodiments such as the one illustrated inFIGS.13A and13B, the stretchable trim ST can be preferably provided at least in a part of the seat closer to the first edge111than to the second edge112. This configuration allows the stretchable trim ST to be in a position in which it can be most effective with respect to the specific inflation shape of the pneumatic bladder arrangement of the invention.

In several practical applications, the seat S might also comprise padding material, such as, for instance, foam. The positioning of the pneumatic bladder arrangement with respect to this padding material is not limited.

The pneumatic bladder arrangement can thus be mounted under the padding material, that is, between the seat frame and the padding material. Alternatively, or in addition, it can be mounted in between various layers of, or in a hole of, the padding material. Still alternatively, or in addition, it can be mounted over the padding material, that is, between padding material and the trim.

Each of those options, as will be clear to the skilled person, has various advantages. The mounting under the padding material, in particular, provides the advantage that the pneumatic bladder arrangement can be implemented also in seats where no space would be available between the padding material and the trim, for instance because another pneumatic bladder arrangement is positioned at that location. This can be the case, for instance, for pneumatic bladder arrangements intended for massage purposes, which are generally preferably placed closer to the trim.

In the description above, various shapes for the inflatable bladders have been described. Experts in the field of inflatable bladder manufacturing are aware of various technologies for implementing those shapes, for instance by bonding together sheets of flexible material.

FIGS.5A and5Bschematically illustrate a method500for manufacturing an inflatable bladder according to an embodiment of the invention. In particular, the manufacturing method500could be used for obtaining some of the features described in connection with the inflatable bladder310.

The method500comprises a step S510of providing a first sheet of flexible material321, a second sheet of flexible material322and a thickness defining element330. In some embodiments, the thickness defining element330might also be implemented by a sheet of flexible material with characteristics similar, or identical, to those of the first sheet of flexible material321and/or of the second sheet of flexible material322. While the various elements have been illustrated inFIG.5Aas being cut to a predetermined shape prior to step S510, for clarity of illustration, it is clear that the invention is not limited thereto and a cutting step of the sheets of flexible material might be implemented at a later stage.

The method500further comprises a step S521of bonding the first sheet of flexible material321to the thickness defining element330. In the figure, such bonding is indicted by B1. Preferably, the thickness defining element330has an elongated shape with two longer edges, and one such longer edge can be bonded to the first sheet of flexible material321. In some embodiments the bonding B1is substantially in the longitudinal direction of the inflatable bladder and preferably in a middle portion thereof, in the width direction.

The method500further comprises a step S522of bonding the second sheet of flexible material322to the thickness defining element330. In the figure, such bonding is indicted by B2. Preferably, the thickness defining element330has an elongated shape with two longer edges, and the longer edge other than the one which has been bonded to the first sheet of flexible material321can be bonded to the second sheet of flexible material322. In some embodiments the bonding B2is substantially in the longitudinal direction of the inflatable bladder and preferably in a middle portion thereof, in the width direction.

The method500can then further comprise a step S523of bonding the first sheet of flexible material321to the second sheet of flexible material322. In the figure, such bonding is indicted by B3. An opening O might be left open for acting as a fluid connection.

The above described method500is particularly advantageous in that it allows the inflatable bladder310to be obtained with a reduced number of steps. As can be seen inFIG.5A, the bonding lines B1and B2are not parallel, nor overlapping, owing to the shape of the thickness defining element330. This results in the need to move the first and/or second sheets of flexible material between steps S522and S523, so as to allow the alignment needed for bonding B3to be carried out.

Alternatively, or in addition, as illustrated inFIGS.6A and6B, such movement of the first and/or second sheets of flexible material can be avoided.

In particular,FIGS.6A and6Bschematically illustrate a method600for manufacturing an inflatable bladder. Method600, compared to method500, can further comprise a step S630of bending the thickness defining element330. Step S630can be implemented at any time during the manufacturing. In the illustrated example this is implemented prior to step S521, so as to allow the bending to be carried out when the thickness defining element330has not yet been bonded, the invention is however not limited thereto.

Preferably, the thickness defining element330has a shape with two longer edges and the bending step S630is performed such that those two longer edges substantially overlap after the bending.

Thanks to the bending step, as visible inFIG.6B, the bonding steps S521, S522and S523can be implemented in succession without any rearrangement of the position of the various sheets of flexible material. This is particularly advantageous as it allows a parallel manufacturing of a plurality of inflatable bladders from respectively a single first sheet of flexible material and/or a single second sheet of flexible material.

It has thus been described how a pneumatic bladder arrangement can be manufactured and/or structured so as to be mounted on a seat. The difference in thickness at the extremities of the bladders of the pneumatic bladder arrangement, and in particular their wedge-like shape, allow advantageous uses of the pneumatic bladder arrangement, some examples of which have been indicated, in particular as shoulder or cushion support.

While various features have been described as being combined to implement given embodiments, one or more features from one or more embodiment can be combined in any manner resulting in additional embodiments, as will be clear to those skilled in the art.

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