Improved Means for Maintaining Pneumatic Seats or Cushions in a Constant State of Inflation.
Year: 1897

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improved Means for Maintaining Pneumatic Seats or Cushions in a
Constant State of Inflation.
I, CHARLES RALEIGH, of 32, Randolph Gardens, Maida Vale, in the County of
Middlesex, Milling Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to
be as follows:-
This invention relates to improved means for automatically inflating pneumatio
cushions or seats or the chambers composing the same whereby they are maintained
in a constant state of inflation; my invention being applicable for use in railway
carriages and other vehicles where pneumatic seats are used for intercepting and
absorbing vibration or concussion.
In effecting the object of my invention, I utilize the actions or motions usually
necessary on. the part of the intending occupant of the seat. For instance, in the
case of a railway carriage, the door is connected by suitable means with an air-
pump in communication with the air chamber of the seat or cushion, whereby,
on opening the door, the pump is operated and air forced into the said chamber
or chambers; the frequent repair of any loss of inflation being hereby ensured.
The degree of inflation may be controlled by means of a valve arranged to open
automatically upon the desired pressure being exceeded.
According to another method of construction, more especially applicable for use
with seats arranged otherwise than in a closed compartment as above described,
the seat or cushion, or the chambers composing the same may be mounted upon a
hinged or vibratory frame, furnished with a spring or springs for retaining it in
its normal or slightly elevated position; the vibratory frame being arranged and
serving to operate a pump or equivalent device for inflating the seat or cushion.
When the seat is occupied the frame is deflected, the pump being inoperative. On
the person rising, the frame likewise rises and operates the pump, causing air to
be forced into the cushion; the latter being thereby constantly charged. Or the
operation of inflation may take place as the result of the seat being depressed.
The pump may be arranged for working either immediately beneath the seat or
the feet, or at a convenient distance therefrom, and in such relation to the seat that
the approach of a person thereto and the movements or actions incidental to assum-
ing or relinquishing a sitting posture effect the working of the pump or other
means for inflating the seat or cushion.

page_text: Improved Means for Maintaining Pneumatic Seats or Cushions in a
Constant State of Inflation.
I, CHARLES RALEIGH, of West-by-Thames, Kingston, in the County of Surrey,
late of 32, Randolph Gardens, Maida Vale, in the County of Middlesex, Milling
Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the
same is to be performed to be particularly described and ascertained in and by
the following statement:-
This invention relates to improved means for automatically inflating pneumatic
cushions or seats, or the chambers composing the same, whereby they are maintained
in a constant state of inflation; my invention being applicable for use in railway-
carriages and other vehicles where pneumatic seats are used for intercepting and
absorbing vibration or concussion.
In effecting the object of my invention, I utilize the actions or motions usually
necessary on the part of the intending occupant of the seat.
Figs of the accompanying drawings represents a part longitudinal section of
the side of a railway-carriage showing. means for operating an inflating pump by
the opening and closing of the door. Fig. 2 is a. vertical section of an ordinary
chair furnished with a pneumatic seat or cushion and provided with means for
maintaining same in a constant state of inflation according to my invention.
Fig. 3 is a view illustrating an alternative mode of operating the inflating pump,
same being shown in connection with the axle of a tramcar.
According to one mode of carrying out my invention, illustrated in Fig. 1, the
railway-carriage door a is connected by means of a cord, chain or other suitable flexible
connection with an air pump e, the latter being fitted with a non-return valve d
and communicating with the air-chamber of the seat or cushion (not shown) by
way of the tube d¹. One end of the cord is attached to the door while the other
end is secured to a pulley e arranged on the crank spindle f, the piston c¹ being
connected with the crank f¹ by means of the rod g. The opening of the door
effects the unwinding of the cord from about the pulley e and causes the latter to
rotate in the direction of the arrow, and, by means of the pawl i and ratchet wheel ¿¹
the spindle is rotated; the spring, whereof the inner end may be attached to
the bearing while the outer end is secured to the pulley, being simultaneously
wound or tightened. When the door is being closed, the spring h automatically
effects the winding of the cord b about the pulley e. Another pawl and ratchet
wheel (not shown) arranged beneath the pulley f serve to prevent the retreat of
the piston under the pressure of air when the pulley is released. It will be seen
that upon opening the door, the pump is operated and air forced into the air-chamber
or chambers pertaining to the seat; the frequent repair of any loss of inflation being
thereby ensured. The degree of inflation of the seat may be controlled by means
of a suitable relief valve arranged to open automatically upon the desired pressure
being exceeded.
According to another method of construction, illustrated in Fig. 2, more especially
applicable for use with seats arranged otherwise than in a closed compartment as
above described, the seat or cushion A, or the chambers composing the same, may
be mounted upon a hinged or vibratory frame B, furnished with a spring or
springs C for retaining it in its normal or slightly elevated position; the vibratory
frame being connected with the piston of a pump D or equivalent device for inflat-
ing the seat or oushion. The pump is furnished with a non-return valve E and
is in communication with the air-chamber or chambers by means of a tube F,
Upon the seat being occupied, the frame B is deflected; whereupon air is forced

page_text: through the valve E and tube F into the seat. Or the pump may be arranged for
being operated upon the person vacating the seat. In the latter case, the spring
or springs C must be of sufficient strength to overcome the air pressure in the pump.
By these means the seat is constantly charged with air, and consequently main-
tained at the full extent of inflation.
The pump may be arranged for working either immediately beneath the seat or
the feet, or at a convenient distance therefrom, and in such relation to the seat
that the approach of a person thereto and the movements or actions incidental to
assuming or relinquishing a sitting posture effect the working of the pump or other
means for inflating the seat or cushion. Or the pump may be operated as the
result of motion communicated thereto from the axle of a vehicle, as shown in
Fig. 3, wherein G is a pump whereof the barrel is secured to the axle-bearing H,
while the piston G₁ is connected with the frame or guide I of the bearing.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I claim :-
1. For maintaining pneumatic seats or cushions in a constant state of inflation,
connecting the door of a railway-carriage or similar vehicle with an air-pump,
whereby the latter is operated and the inflation of the seat or cushion effected simul-
taneously with the opening or closing of the door, substantially as herein described.
2. For maintaining pneumatic seats, or cushions in a constant state of inflation,
the employment of a vibratory frame connected with an air-pump; whereby upon
the seat being occupied or vacated the pump is operated and the simultaneous
inflation of the seat or cushion effected, substantially as herein described.
3. The combination, with a pneumatic seat or cushion A carried by a vibratory
frame B, of the spring or springs C and air-pump D, arranged or operating sub-
stantially as and for the purpose specified.
4. The improved means for maintaining pneumatic seats or cushions in a con-
stant state of inflation, substantially as herein described and illustrated in the
accompanying drawings.
Dated this 14th day of February 1898.
For the Applicant,
G. G. M. HARDINGHAM.
191, Fleet Street, London, E.C., Chartered Patent Agent.