Temperature modulated inflated and deflated support cushion

Abstract

The invention disclosed herein is directed to a temperature modulated, inflated and deflated support cushion and methods of use for providing comfort and reducing or alleviating the development of pressure sores for persons confined to wheelchairs or beds for extended time periods. The disclosed invention is particularly adaptable as a support cushion in the form of a mattress, mattress cover, seat cushion, or seat cushion cover and can be combined with any mattress or seat to provide temperature modulated, inflating and deflating cellular support cushions. Two components of the disclosed invention are critical. Utilizing a plurality of flexible and hollow cells capable of being repeatedly filled and depleted with a fluid, preferable air, the cells being arranged so that (1) the cells being depleted are next to or contiguous only with cells that are not being depleted, those cells being depleted of fluid must not be in contact with the individual such that a pocket of air exists between the depleted cell(s) and the individual, and (2) the temperature of the cells is maintained at or about an average of about 5 degrees Fahrenheit less than the average body temperature of a healthy human, but not less than about 25 degrees Celsius. The phrase “pocket of air” as used herein is intended to convey a gap or space between deflated cell(s) and the skin (even in circumstances where a sheet or other cover is between the cushion and the skin) such that skin surrounding the pocket or air is supported by non-depleted cells, and the skin directly above or on the region of depleted cells is not in contacted with the depleted cells. In this manner, those portions of the skin above the pocket of air created by the fully depleted cell(s) are, in essence, not in contact with the cushion to allow complete disassociation between those portions of the skin and the depleted cell(s). The term “average” in reference temperature of the cells is intended to convey that the temperature can be regulated so as not to be uncomfortable for the individual using the cushion, and need not be maintained at a constant temperature.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

This case is related to U.S. application Ser. No. 11/046,358, “Inflating and Deflating Cellular Support Cushion and Methods of Use Thereof” filed Jan. 28, 2005 by Leonard Glass, now abandoned, and incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of support cushions, and particularly to temperature modulated inflated and deflated support cushions and methods for their use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Pressure sores, or bedsores, occur when the body tissue of a person is confined to a bed or wheelchair for extended periods of time without much movement. In hospital and retirement-home settings, significant time and energy is utilized in an effort to move patients so as to avoid bedsores. In most cases, patients need to be moved every two hours in an effort to avoid or reduce the potential for bed sores. Those confined to wheelchairs often must shift positions or be shifted to avoid pressure sores. Pressure sores occur when the body weight of a person, coupled with the forces of gravity, places pressure on the body tissue against the surface supporting the person. When this pressure occurs over extended periods without frequent movement, the blood flow to the tissue under such pressure can decrease or terminate, leading to tissue ischemia. Within hours, this shortage of blood supply may lead to tissue damage and cell death. The sore will initially start as a red, painful area, which eventually turns purple, and if left untreated, the skin may break open and become infected. Moist skin is more sensitive to tissue ischemia and cell death, and is also more likely to get infected.

Efforts to alleviate the occurrence of pressure sores have been attempted. Modulation of the temperature of the material against which the skin rests indicate that with increasing temperature, tissue damage occurs, and that in a porcine model, at temperatures of about 25 degrees Celsius (about 77 degrees Fahrenheit), no tissue damage in superficial or deep tissue was observed. Kokate, J. et al “Temperature-modulated pressure ulcers: A porcine model.” Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 76:7, 666-673 (1995), incorporated herein by reference. The use of inflated cushions for varying the air pressure in selected portions of the cushion to change the area of support in an attempt to improve blood circulation have also been suggested. The cushion described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,852,195, incorporated herein by reference, is one such device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention disclosed herein is directed to a temperature modulated, inflated and deflated support cushion and methods of use for providing comfort and reducing or alleviating the development of pressure sores for persons confined to wheelchairs or beds for extended time periods. The disclosed invention is particularly adaptable as a support cushion in the form of a mattress, mattress cover, seat cushion, or seat cushion cover and can be combined with any mattress or seat to provide temperature modulated, inflating and deflating cellular support cushions.

Two components of the disclosed invention are critical. Utilizing a plurality of flexible and hollow cells capable of being repeatedly filled and depleted with a fluid, preferable air, the cells being arranged so that (1) the cells being depleted are next to or contiguous only with cells that are not being depleted, those cells being depleted of fluid must not be in contact with the individual such that a pocket of air exists between the depleted cell(s) and the individual, and (2) the temperature of the cells is maintained at or about an average of 5 degrees Fahrenheit lower (−15 degrees Celsius) than the average body temperature of a healthy human, but with the temperature of the cells not less than about 25 degrees Celsius. The phrase “pocket of air” as used herein is intended to convey a gap or space between deflated cell(s) and the skin (even in circumstances where a sheet or other cover is between the cushion and the skin) such that skin surrounding the pocket or air is supported by non-depleted cells, and the skin directly above or on the region of depleted cells is not in contacted with the depleted cells. In this manner, those portions of the skin above the pocket of air created by the fully depleted cell(s) are, in essence, not in contact with the cushion to allow complete disassociation between those portions of the skin and the depleted cell(s). The term “average” in reference temperature of the cells is intended to convey that the temperature can be regulated so as not to be uncomfortable for the individual using the cushion, and need not be maintained at a constant temperature an average of 5 degrees Fahrenheit lower than the average body temperature of a healthy human, but with the temperature of the cells not less than about of 25 degrees Celsius. This temperature regulation is preferably consistently maintained but may be increased to ambient temperatures for comfort for relatively short periods of time. The intent is to maintain the skin at a temperature to assist in alleviating or preventing pressure sores.

The invention provides a temperature modulated support cushion including a plurality of flexible and hollow cells capable of being repeatedly filled and depleted with a fluid, the cells being arranged so that the cells being depleted are next to or contiguous only with cells that are not being depleted, the depleted cells are depleted of fluid such that when depleted, a pocket of air exists between the depleted cells and the individual using the cushion; one or more manifolds capable of directing the fluid to or from the plurality of flexible and hollow cells; one or more pumping means connected to one or more manifolds for filling and depleting the plurality of flexible and hollow cells with the fluid; and means for regulating, changing and maintaining the temperature of the fluid.

Preferably, four separate zones of cells are utilized, each zone being connected via a unified manifold, such that when placed together, a singular cushion is established. Each cell within the zones is preferably of the same dimension, most preferably having a width and depth of about one and one-half inches, and a height of about two inches. The top portion of each cell may be flat, and most preferably has and inwardly-angular shape with a flat surface. These dimensions are proportional and for guidance only. For example, for a seat cushion, these dimensions are most preferred, whereas for a mattress, the dimensions may be larger, or the number of cells utilized can be greater in number. The number of cells per zone need not be identical, depending on the shape of the cushion. The objective of the dimension and cell number is to ensure that when deflated, the cell creates the aforementioned pocket of air. Most preferably, the fluid is directed into and out of the cells by a single pump that can be programmed or adjusted to allow for inflation or deflation of the cells; however, separate pumps can be used for each zone. The time period for deflation and inflation is preferably adjustable and need not be identical for each zone. Preferably, each zone should be deflated for a period not less than about two minutes, and not more than about six minutes, most preferably for about 3 minutes. For example, and not by way of limitation, in a four-zone cushion, the times for deflation can be varied such that, for example, the deflation time for zone A can be 2 minutes, for zones B and C, 4 minutes, and zone D, 6 minutes. These times can be adjusted such that the times vary by cycle and are not static, for example, using the foregoing example as cycle 1, in cycle 2, the times 4 minutes, 2 minutes and 6 minutes, in cycle 3, 6 minutes, 4 minutes, and 2 minutes, etc. Those skilled in the art are capable of securing programmable devices that allow for such cyclical variation. Most preferably, the fluid is air whose temperature can be adjusted using standard and well recognized means by those skilled in the art for temperature control.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A depicts a top view of a preferred embodiment of the temperature modulated inflated and deflated cushion, with four cell-zones, each zone having a plurality of flexible and hollow cells and manifold connections.

FIG. 1B depicts a preferred embodiment of a single flexible and hollow cell for use in the temperature controlled inflated and deflated support cushion, the cell having a dome-shaped top portion.

FIGS. 2A, B, C and D depict a top view of four separate, inter-fitting zones for use in the temperature controlled inflated and deflated support cushion, each zone having a plurality of flexible and hollow cells and manifold connections.

FIG. 3 depicts and expansion view of four separate, inter-fitting zones aligned with each other to form a singular temperature controlled inflated and deflated support cushion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The invention disclosed herein is directed to a temperature controlled, inflated and deflated cellular support cushion and methods for the use thereof, wherein the cellular support cushion is able to be maintained at a pre-determined and adjustable temperature and inflate and deflate in order to ensure that a pocket of air, as defined, exists between a deflated portion of the cushion and the person sitting, reclining or lying thereon, in order to, most preferably, release the steady pressure of body weight against the support cushion on certain areas of the person's body.

The disclosed invention includes a plurality of temperature controlled inflated and deflated hollow cells capable of being repeatedly filled and depleted with a fluid, whereby, most preferable, the temperature of the fluid can be controlled, adjusted and/or regulated to secure a defined and preferred temperature of about 5 degrees Fahrenheit less than the average body temperature of a healthy human, but with the temperature of the cells not less than about 25 degrees Celsius, the cells being capable of being fully depleted of fluid such that when depleted, a pocket of air, as defined, exists between the top portion of the depleted cell and the person sitting, reclining or lying thereon, and arranged so that cells that are being depleted of fluid are next to or contiguous only with cells that are not being depleted. The cells can be constructed of any suitable material, for example, plastic, rubber, fabric, paper or a combination thereof, so long as the interior volume of the hollow cells are made impermeable to air or other fluids with respect to the exterior of the hollow cells. The cells can be configured in any suitable shape, and most preferable are of the same shape and dimension in a cushion, for example, circular cells, oval cells, square cells, or similar shapes, that together, when placed in inter-connected zones, are able to form a substantially uniform surface. The shape of the cells, and the dimensions thereof, are within the purview of the skilled artisan, with the understanding that the critical nature of the cells is that when depleted, a pocket of air, as defined, exists between the depleted cell(s) and the person lying, sitting or reclining thereon. The cells must be capable of being repeatedly filled and then depleted with a fluid. The fluid may be any suitable fluid for comfortable body or tissue support and capable of being temperature-regulated, for example, air, gases, liquids, oils or similar fluids, with air being most preferred. In addition, the cells that are being depleted must be next to or contiguous only with cells that are not being depleted such that the cells being depleted are substantially surrounded by, next to, or contiguous with cells which remain filled with fluid and are not depleted. Preferably, the cells are configured within multiple zones, each zone of cells being capable of being filled and depleted independent of other zones.

The disclosed invention also includes one or more manifolds, for example, tubes, channels or other suitable manifolds known to those in the art, capable of directing fluid to and from the plurality of temperature modulated inflated and deflated flexible and hollow cells. For example, each cell of the cushion may have its own manifold, however, it is most preferred that to provide a separate manifold for directing the fluid to separate and different cell-zones. A manifold that directs the fluid to a group or zone of cells may provide the fluid to each cell of the group or zone individually, but most preferably, the manifold directs the fluid to one or more of the cells in the group or zone wherein the interior volume of the cells of that particular group or zone are configured to be in fluid communication with one another, for example with channels or tubes, and the directing of the fluid to one or more of the cells of that group or zone causes the fluid to be directed to all the cells of that group or zone. The disclosed invention also includes one or more pumping means known to those in the art connected to one or more manifolds for filling and depleting the plurality of cells with fluid.

The disclosed invention also includes means for regulating the temperature of the fluid which temperature can be maintained, increased or decreased depending on the particular needs and use of the cushion. Most preferably, the temperature of the fluid is maintained at a constant temperature, with the temperature at an average of less than 5 degrees Fahrenheit below the average body temperature of a healthy human, but with the temperature of the cells not less than about 25 degrees Celsius, whereby the cell temperature(s) can be adjusted depending on the needs of the patient or user. The benefit of the lower temperature is predicated upon studies suggesting that pressure sores are reduced or alleviated when the temperature of the material in contact with the skin is at about 25 degrees Celsius. Devices for regulating, adjusting and/or maintaining fluids, such as those useful in the disclosed invention, are well known to those in the art.

In a preferred embodiment of the disclosed invention, the plurality of temperature regulated inflated and deflated plurality of flexible and hollow cells comprise four distinct zones of cells, wherein each of the inter-fitting zones of cells includes spatially separate and non-contiguous flexible and hollow cells that are capable of inter-fitting with each other to form a uniform surface such as depicted in FIG. 1A. In a preferred embodiment of the cushion for use as a sitting cushion, each cell has the size, shape and dimensions as set forth in FIG. 1A. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that as the size of the cushion is increase, for example, for use as a bed-mattress, the size of each cell may not proportionally increase, while the number of cells and shape of cells may be changed. The objective in the dimension of the cells is to ensure that when the fluid therein is removed, a pocket of air, a s defined, exists between the top portion of the cell(s) and the body of the person sitting, reclining or laying on the cushion.

With reference to FIGS. 2A through D, four distinct zones, each zone having its own manifold (which can be connected to four different pumps for the fluid, or a singular fluid pump) are shown. When inter-connected, as shown in FIG. 3, the zones form a substantially uniform surface. The inter-fitting of the zones allows for different cell numbers per zone to allow for a uniform shape for the cushion and these numbers are not pre-determined. What matters is that when inter-fitted, the zones create a substantially uniform shape for use as required, for example, a sitting cushion or mattress. As shown in FIGS. 2A through D, each zone has a different number of cells and/or arrangement of cells: zone A has 25 cells, zone B, 20; zone c 20; and zone D, 16. Again, this is provided for purposes of illustration and not limitation. Each zone in this embodiment is configured such that the cells within each zone are filled and depleted of fluid at the same time such that, for example, when zones A, B and C are filled with fluid, zone D may be deflated, and so on. As will be apparent, when inter-fitted, in such an example, when the cells of zone D are deflated, no cells next to or contiguous with any of the cells of zone D are also deflated.

In certain embodiments, each cell can be inflated and deflated individually using separate manifolds attached to each cell. If cells are to be inflated and deflated in groups, as is most preferred, it is preferred that the interior volume of the hollow cells of particular zone or group of cells be in fluid communication with one another, for example with channels or tubes, and a different manifold be connected to each group or zone for inflating and deflating the cells of each group or zone separately, as depicted in FIG. 2A through D.

With further reference to FIG. 1B, the top surface of each of the cells is substantially in the shape of a dome. This is a preferred embodiment because as body weight applies to the top surface of the cells, the top surfaces will have a tendency to be pressed downward and flatten out when a downward pressure is applied. With a dome-shaped top surface, the cells will have a tendency to flatten out slightly under pressure and produce a more uniform support surface. It is preferred that the size and shape of each cell be substantially identical in the cushion to create a uniform surface.

The duration of the inflating and deflating of the cells can be varied such that the times for each zone are identical or different, and these can be rotated over a period of time to create variations in the time that each cell is deflated, and the length of time that the cells in each zone are deflated. Preferably, each zone should be deflated for a period not less than about two minutes, and not more than about six minutes, most preferably for about 3 minutes. For example, and not by way of limitation, in a four-zone cushion, the times for deflation can be Varied such that, for example, the deflation time for zone A can be 2 minutes, for zones B and C, 4 minutes, and zone D, 6 minutes. These times can be adjusted such that the times vary by cycle and are not static, for example, using the foregoing example as cycle 1, in cycle 2, the times 4 minutes, 2 minutes and 6 minutes, in cycle 3, 6 minutes, 4 minutes, and 2 minutes, etc. Those skilled in the art are capable of securing programmable devices that allow for such cyclical variation.

In use, the cushion as disclosed herein can be utilized as a cushion on, for example, a wheelchair, or a cushion-cover for use on furniture, or a mattress for a bed, or mattress-cover for use on a standard bed-mattress. Monitors can be utilized for the cushion in, for example, a hospital or similar setting to ensure that the temperature of the fluid, and the inflation/deflation cycles of the cells are properly maintained or adjusted.

The headings are for convenience of the reader and should not be used to limit the meaning of the text that follows the heading unless so specified. Those skilled in the art, having read and appreciated the invention disclosed herein, will understand that various changes and departures may be made to the disclosed invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited to that specifically disclosed in the specification or as illustrated in the drawings, but only as set forth in the claims.

Claims

1. A temperature modulated inflated and deflated cushion comprising:

a. a plurality of flexible and hollow cells capable of being repeatedly filled and depleted with a fluid, the cells being arranged so that the cells that are being depleted are next to or contiguous only with cells that are not being depleted, whereby when depleted, a pocket of air exists between the upper most portion of the depleted cells and the body of a person sitting thereon;

b. one or more manifolds capable of directing the fluid to and from the plurality of flexible and hollow cells;

c. one or more pumping means connected to one or more manifolds for filing and depleting the plurality of flexible and hollow cells with the fluid; and

d. means for adjusting the temperature of the fluid.

2. The cushion of claim 1 wherein the temperature of the fluid is maintained at a temperature of about 5 degrees Fahrenheit less than the average body temperature of a healthy human.

3. The cushion of claim 2 wherein the temperature of the fluid is maintained at a temperature of about 25 degrees Celsius.

4. A method of providing cushioning support comprising:

a. providing a plurality of flexible and hollow cells capable of being repeatedly filled and depleted with a fluid, the cells being arranged so that the cells that are being depleted are next to or contiguous only with cells that are not being depleted, whereby when depleted, a pocket of air exists between the upper most portion of the depleted cells and the body of a person sitting thereon;

b. providing one or more manifolds capable of directing the fluid to and from the plurality of flexible and hollow cells;

c. providing one or more pumping means connected to one or more manifolds for filing and depleting the plurality of flexible and hollow cells with the fluid;

d. providing means for adjusting the temperature of the fluid;

e. depleting the fluid from a fraction of the plurality of flexible and hollow cells for a period of time;

f. filling with the fluid the depleted fraction of the plurality of flexible and hollow cells after the period of time

5. The method of claim 4 wherein the temperature of the fluid is maintained at a temperature of about 5 degrees Fahrenheit less than the average body temperature of a healthy human.

6. The method of claim 5 wherein the temperature of the fluid is maintained at a temperature of about 25 degrees Celsius.

7. The method of claim 4 wherein the period of time of step (e) is not greater than about six minutes.

8. The method of claim 7 wherein the period of time of step (e) is about two minutes.