Year: 1897

page_text: 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 cushions, ordinarily termed pneumatic cushions, intended
for use in connection with the seats of vehicles and otherwise, or applicable to loose
air-cushions, pillows, squabs, beds and similar articles; the object of my invention
being to maintain the cushion, or the sections whereof it is constructed, at the full
extent of inflation.
In constructing a pneumatic cushion according to my improved method, springs
of metal or other suitable material are so arranged in the air-space as to exert an
outward pressure upon the material whereof the cushion, or the sections constituting
the same, is composed and thus to maintain or to assist in maintaining the cushion
in a distended condition. A non-return air-valve is provided which permits the
entry of air to the interior of the cushion but does not permit of its escape therefrom.
The springs may be formed of wire and be similar in construction to those ordinarily
employed in mattresses; or they may consist of coils terminating in long arms, the
two arms bearing against the upper and lower. sides of the cushion whilst the coil
portions occupy the edges thereof. Or instead of springs, rubber balls or bulbs may
be employed. Or if preferred, the material or covering of the cushion may be of
woven wire and so stiffened as to be capable of automatically resuming its normal
or inflated form. The springs may, moreover, be arranged externally if desired
and operate upon a suitable covering attached to the cushion or to each section
thereof; and a woven wire lining or covering may be employed for the purpose of
maintaining the cushion or its sections distended.
A cushion arranged as above described operates in the following manner:-
Assuming it to be in its normal or fully inflated condition, a person sitting upon
it effects a certain compression of the air contained therein. Should leakage take
place owing to the material being pervious or to imperfect jointing thereof, or other
cause, immediately the person rises and compression ceases, the springs cause the
cushion to assume its normal condition, the valve opens and permits the inflow of
air to supply any deficiency resulting from leakage.

page_text: Improvements in or applicable to Pneumatic Seats or Cushions.
I, CHARLES RALEIGII, 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 cushions, ordinarily termed pneumatic cushions, intended
for use in connection with the seats of vehicles and otherwise, or applicable to loose
air-cushions, pillows, squabs, beds and similar articles; the object of my invention
being to maintain the cushion, or the sections whereof it is constructed, at the full
extent of inflation.
In the accompanying drawings I have illustrated, by way of example, several
modes of carrying my invention into effect. Fig. 1 is a section of a pneumatic
cushion wherein the covering is maintained in its normal condition by means of
springs of the type ordinarily employed in upholstery work. Figs. 2 and 3 are a
section and a plan respectively of a similar construction of cushion, the springs
consisting of coils terminating in long arms. Fig. 4 is a modification of the con-
struction shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the springs being somewhat in the form of a C.
Fig. 5 is a section of another construction wherein the air-tight material is protected
by an intermediate cover and enclosed in an outer covering of woven wire. Fig. 6
shows a similar construction wherein the parts are reversed.
In constructing a pneumatic cushion according to my improved method, springs a
of metal or other suitable material are so arranged in the air-space as to exert an
outward pressure upon the material whereof the cushion, or the sections consti-
tuting the same, is composed and thus to maintain or to assist in maintaining the
cushion in a distended condition. A non-return air-valve c is provided which
permits the entry of air to the interior of the cushion but does not permit of its
escape therefrom.
With a view to preserving the form of the cushion the sides
may be thickened slightly. The springs may be formed of wire and be similar in
construction to those ordinarily employed in mattresses as shown in Fig. 1; or
they may be constructed as coils a terminating in long arms. (see Figs. 2 and 3)
which tend towards the coil of the oppositely arranged spring, the two arms bearing
against the upper and lower portions of the cushion whilst the coil portions
occupy positions near the sides thereof. The coils a¹ may however be dispensed
with and the springs be made in the form of a C. a, as shown in Fig. 4. The
springs may, moreover, be arranged externally if desired and operate upon a suitable
covering attached to the cushion or to each section thereof. Or instead of springs,
rubber balls or bulbs may be employed. If preferred, the material or covering of
the cushion may be composed of woven wire and be so stiffened as to automatically
resume its normal or inflated form. In Fig. 5 is illustrated a construction wherein
the cushion is formed of air-tight material protected by a cover d of suitable
fabric and provided with an envelope e of woven wire, the latter being capable of
automatically resuming its normal form upon the release of weight or pressure
therefrom. Or the arrangement of the parts may be inverted as-shown in Fig. 6,
the woven wire e forming a lining, the protective cover d enclosing the woven wire,
while the wire and cover are enveloped in air-tight material b.
A cushion arranged as above described operates in the following manner:
Assuming it to be in its normal or fully inflated condition, a person sitting upon it
effects a certain compression of the air contained therein. Should leakage take place
owing to the material being pervious or to imperfect jointing thereof, or any other
cause, immediately the person rises and compression ceases, the springs cause the

page_text: cushion to assume its normal condition, the valve meanwhile opening and permitting
the inflow of air to supply any deficiency resulting from leakage.
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. A pneumatic cushion comprising an air-tight cover having an air-inlet con-
trolled by a non-return valve, and one or more springs whereby the cushion is
constantly maintained in a state of inflation, substantially as herein described.
2. A pneumatic cushion constructed or operating in any one of the modes
described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
3. In a pneumatic cushion, the combination, with springs, such as a, a¹ a², or a³,
of an air-tight cover provided with an air-inlet controlled by a non-return valve,
substantially as set forth.
4. In a pneumatic cushion, the employment of an air-tight cover or lining fur-
nished with a woven wire lining or cover, the latter being constructed or arranged
in such a manner as to maintain the former in a state of extension, substantially
as herein described.
5. In a pneumatic cushion, the combination, with a bag or cushion 6, of a pro-
tective covering d, a woven wire lining or envelope e and a non-return valve, sub-
stantially as and for the purposes set forth.
1000