Abstract: A portable device is provided for assisting persons with the acts of sitting down and rising from a seated position. The device comprises a base a seat, an inflatable air chamber and a battery powered air compressor. The air chamber, the compressor and the battery are self-contained within the base and seat, which fit together to form a case. The device further comprises three stabilizing scissor-braces which support and stabilize the side edges and the rear edge of the seat throughout its range of travel. The air chamber is preferably fashioned of non-stretch material. The device may also include a cable and spring mechanism to urge the seat into a closed position from a raised open position.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat track member with a recliner pivot linkage pivotally connected thereto. A one-piece shell member is pivotally connected to the recliner pivot linkage and includes a back portion operative as a seat back frame and a lower seat support portion. At least one inflatable bladder supports the lower seat with respect to the lower seat support portion, and a linear actuator is positioned between the lower seat support portion and the seat track member for pivotally adjusting the shell member.

Abstract: Disclosed is an inflatable sofa which can be quickly inflated for use or deflated for convenient storage and transporting. At least one recess is formed in a seat portion of the inflatable sofa for accommodating heat-absorbing material to make the sofa more comfortable for sitting. Containers with accordion bodies for holding cups or cans are connected to armrest portions of the inflatable sofa by radio heating and form an integral part of the inflatable sofa.

Abstract: A seat lift employs an integral linkage which causes the seating surface to rise, move forward and tilt as the unit is actuated. The seat motion emulates the natural motion of a person rising from a seated position and is directed by combined linkages of different lengths. A hinged section of the front of the seat surface doubles as an integral linkage and provides a vertical component of motion when the seat is powered. The linkage mechanism is easily adapted to seat lifts of all kinds, such as wheelchairs and public seating in addition to furniture and a portable seat lift. When pneumatically powered, the system employs an easily replaced air chamber which has standardized mounting features and is a cylinder formed of flexible, non-elastic fabric. Separate, easily controlled means are provided to inflate and deflate the air chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) includes a vehicle seat back (26) having front and rear sides (40, 42). A bladder (50) is arranged between the front and rear sides (40, 42) of the seat back (26) in a deployed condition from which is it substantially inextendible by internal fluid pressure forces. The bladder (50) is contractible from the deployed condition by forces applied to the rear side (42) of the seat back (26) by a vehicle occupant moving behind the seat back (26) under ordinary vehicle operating conditions. The apparatus (10) responds to a crash-indicating condition by providing the bladder (50) with an elevated internal fluid pressure. The bladder (50) then provides a fluid pressure force for restraining forward movement of the vehicle occupant against the rear side (42) of the seat back (26) under the influence of a vehicle crash force.

Abstract: A dump valve apparatus is configured to inflate and deflate an air cushion on a bed having an articulating deck movable from a first generally horizontal position to a second angled position. The dump valve apparatus is coupled to the deck and includes an elongated housing having an interior region. The housing has first and second open ends and a central opening located between the first and second open ends. The central opening is coupled to the air cushion. The first end of the housing is coupled to an air supply. A piston is slidable within the interior region of the housing of the housing as the deck moves to its angled position to permit air to pass from the air bladder, through the central opening, and through the open second end of the housing to deflate the air bladder.

Abstract: By providing position control means cooperatively associated with a support pad with said control means being constructed for arcuately moving the support pad in response to activation by the user, with the position control means and pad peripherally surrounded by a cover, a unique, portable, self-contained, unitary, movably adjustable support assembly is attained whereby individuals are able to position the support pad in any desired location or on any surface while also being able to automatically raise and/or lower the support pad to any position for comfort and support. In the preferred embodiment, the movably adjustable support assembly is constructed with expandable shroud means integrally connected with the cover in association with the position control means for expanding in response to the arcuate movement of the position control means while being automatically retracted into a folded configuration when the control means are returned to its original position.

Abstract: An acupressure massaging system includes a platform having an upper surface, and includes an array of intersecting air channels extending therethrough in communication with space external of the pad. An array of spaced, independently flexible nipples extends from the upper surface of the platform, each nipple having an upper distal end and a flexible, accordion-pleated side wall comprised of material having elastic memory and defining an internal air-flow chamber. The air-flow chamber is in fluid communication with the air-flow channels and each nipple is structured and disposed for movement from a biased and normally extended position to a compressed position in response to contact with the skin or clothing of the user.

Abstract: A lightweight portable inflatable chair that includes a rigid tubular frame, a seat, and an inflatable cushion. The seat is movably mounted on the rigid tubular frame and has a seat maximum position and a seat minimum position. The inflatable cushion moves the seat from the seat maximum position to the seat minimum position and visa-versa. The inflatable cushion is removably mounted within the rigid tubular frame below the seat so that when a user sits on the seat the user can be raised and lowered to any desired elevation.

Abstract: A tiltable table has a pneumatic actuator and a locking system for establishing and maintaining a table position. The locking system is operated by an air cylinder that engages a dog with a ratchet plate secured to the table. The ratchet permits the table to be raised but not lowered while locked. The ratchet must be unlocked before the table can be lowered. The dog is spring-biased to locking position, and is air-operated for release against the action of the biasing spring. On lowering the table, air from the actuator can be used to unlock the ratchet. The air can be permitted to escape through a restriction orifice at a slow enough rate to maintain sufficient air pressure to keep the locking system disengaged, but sudden release of all the air pressure will again permit the spring to re-lock the system to prevent a downward slamming of the table surface.

Abstract: An inflatable device for assisting in rasing a seated person to a standing position, comprising a base member formed of a rigid material in a planar configuration, the base member having a leading edge and a trailing edge and side edges therebetween. An upper member is formed of a rigid material in a planar configuration, the upper member having a leading edge and a trailing edge and side edges therebetween. A hinge member couples the leading edge of the base member with the leading edge of the upper member to allow the upper member to pivot into an inoperative position essentially parallel with the base member and an operative orientation positioned thereabove being separated to the greatest extent at the trailing edge. An air impervious membrane couples the base member and the upper member around their peripheries in the areas remote from the hinge to thereby define an air chamber between the base member and upper member.

Abstract: An air permeable cushion includes a base plate with several holes formed therethrough, several spring units erected on the base plate, and a covering made of an air permeable cloth and enveloping the spring units therein. Each of the spring units includes a bellows tube and a coiled compression spring mounted within the bellows tube.

Abstract: An exercise step includes a generally rectangular stepping platform having first and second ends and further includes first and second pairs of leg bellows respectively mounted to the first and second ends of the platform thereby forming four legs for supporting the stepping platform above a supporting surface. Each pair of leg bellows is controlled by a single valve for selectively simultaneously inflating or deflating the pair of leg bellows to selectively adjust the height of the platform above a supporting surface. A channel extends between the paired leg bellows at each end of the platform. Each leg bellows includes a flexible air tube extending therefrom, and the air tubes are received in the channels in the bottom of the platform. The valves comprise slotted valve stems which extend into the channels.

Abstract: Prior pneumatically-cushioned chairs require over-inflation of the cushions to maintain a neat appearance for the chair when it is unoccupied. A chair is described having an array of pneumatically-inflated cushions each having an air storage reservoir which is biassed to force air into the cushions when the chair is unoccupied, providing a neat firm appearance, but to allow the volume of air in the cushions to be gradually reduced when placed under load to provide a gentler support.

Abstract: A tiltable table has a pneumatic actuator and a locking system for establishing and maintaining a table position. The locking system is operated by an air cylinder that engages a dog with a ratchet plate secured to the table. The dog is spring-biased to locking position, and is air-operated for release against the action of the biasing spring. On lowering the table, air is permitted to escape through a restriction orifice at a slow enough rate to maintain sufficient air pressure to keep the locking system disengaged, but sudden release of all the air pressure will again permit the spring to re-lock the system to prevent a downward slamming of the table surface.

Abstract: A pneumatic cushion for a wheel chair and the like is disclosed which comprises an air housing box, a plurality of air opening sin the air housing box, and a plurality of air channels communicating with an air supply the air channels communicate with the air openings to deflate and inflate individual air sacks carried over the air openings. The air sacks are unattached so that they act individually. An air distribution manifold includes a rotating blocking member to periodically block air distribution to the air sacks allowing them to deflate. The air sacks are unattached so that they act individually. An air distribution manifold includes a rotating blocking member to periodically block air distribution to the air sacks allowing them to deflate. The air sacks are constructed from a fabric having a low air permeability.

Abstract: A waterbed mattress includes a spring insert having a plurality of open ended bellows spring units arranged in upright relation within the mattress. The pleated peripheral side wall of each bellows spring unit enables it to be collapsible from a normal expanded height to a shortened compressed height wherein the internal volume is substantially reduced. Each bellows spring unit is spring biased to its normal expanded height. The bellows spring units are snap fit into holes a spacer panel which serves to position the bellows spring units relative to one another a valve cover sheet may overlay one or both ends of the bellows spring units and have holes registered with the open ends of the bellows units to impart a hydraulic action to them in addition to their inherent spring force.

Abstract: A pneumatic cushion for a wheel chair and the like is disclosed which comprises an air plenum box, a plurality of air openings in the air plenum box, and a plurality of air channels communicating with an air supply. The air channels communicate with the air openings to deflate and inflate individual air sacks carried over the air openings. The air sacks are unattached so that they act individually. An air distribution manifold includes a rotating blocking member to periodically block air distribution to the air sacks allowing them to deflate. The air sacks are constructed from a fabric having a low air permeability. The blocked air sacks thus allow air to escape through the sacks for deflation which cools the portion of the occupant seated on the cushion while allowing temporary pressure relief during deflation. The air sack inflation system is open so that, in addition, pressure may be relieved by a backward flow of air through the system.

Abstract: A self-inflating support device is described. The device has utility in various environments, particularly in seating devices deployed in motorized vehicles. The support device comprises an inflatable bladder having a release structure to control air flow. A memory plate deployed within the inflatable bladder urges the bladder to full expansion when the release structure is open. When it is desired to form the support device to the contours of a body area, the release structure is opened while the body area is reclined thereagainst. The force of reclining compresses the bladder and memory plate. Closing the release structure retains the device in the desired contour by the static air mass formed therein. Reinflation is achieved without use of a pump by the action of the memory plate. When the valve is reopened, the memory plate expands the bladder, drawing air into the bladder through the release structure.

Abstract: A waterbed mattress includes a spring insert comprising a plurality of spring bellows units arranged in upright relation within the mattress. Each bellows unit has a top wall and pleated sidewall which is collapsible from a normal expanded height to a shortened compressed height wherein the internal volume of the bellows unit is substantially reduced. Each bellows unit furthermore has a bleeder opening through one wall so that a compression load exerted on the bellows unit through the mattress top wall is resisted by both spring action and hydraulic action of the bellows units. The bellows units may be confined within flexible covers defining secondary hydraulic chambers. The size, position and hydraulic characteristics may be varied for different degrees of support at different positions on the mattress.

Abstract: A chair (1) serving as a safety device for a passenger in an airplane includes a plural circular array of balloon elements (2) each comprising an inflatable balloon member (2a, 2a') made of heat resistant elastomeric sheet material and a hose portion (2b, 2b') through which compressed air is supplied from a storage chamber (3) under the seat (4) of the chair to the balloon member. The balloon elements are folded in a predetermined order of arrays around the chair, except the seat and backrest portions, and in an emergency are inflated with the compressed air so that they are expanded, unfolded and extended outwardly of the chair in plural radial directions to form a single large expanded cellular balloon structure with the passenger located at a central part thereof, each inflated element being a cell of the expanded balloon structure. This large balloon structure functions as a safety device for the passenger. An emergency valve is actuated by a pilot or, alternatively, by an individual passenger for use.

Abstract: The invention provides a vehicle seat construction and method of utilization of the same. The inventive vehicle seat construction alternately supports the vehicle seat occupant upon different portions of the vehicle occupant's body. The above massaging effect relieves the vehicle seat occupant of possible discomfort realized after extended driving periods. Additionally, the inventive seat structure provides the alternating support feature while allowing the vehicle seat to function normally in the absence of the power to the pneumatic system which energizes the alternating suport feature.

Abstract: A stool seat includes an impermeable top wall having an upper surface upon which a user sits and a peripheral edge. The top wall is sealingly joined along its peripheral edge to an impermeable bottom wall and is adapted to support itself in spaced relation above the bottom wall so that the top wall is suspended above the bottom wall from its peripheral edge to provide a single sealed cavity containing a fluid at a predetermined pressure between the top and bottom walls. The top wall is further adapted to resiliently deflect toward the bottom wall under the weight of the user so that the pressure of the fluid in the sealed cavity is increased when the user sits upon the upper surface.

Abstract: Wheelchair apparatus which is manually separable into four main units namely a lifting device, a seat unit, a wheeled chassis and a portable battery/compressor unit, of which the device and unit can be employed as static lifting apparatus, e.g. a bath-lift, when the unit and the chassis are detached; and the chassis has hand operated wheel-brakes and an automatic actuating mechanism to apply the brakes when the seat is raised.

Abstract: A housing (50, 52) defines a slide chamber (54) in which a slide member (34) reciprocates between three positions. A coil spring (86) holds the slide member (34) into a center position. In this position, slide member (34) blocks fluid flow through a port (28) and positions an electrical conductor (96) away from electrical contacts (110, 112). A push on the slide member (34) moves the electrical conductor (38) into circuit making contact with the contacts (110, 112). A pull on slide member (34) moves an exhaust passageway (36) in the slide member (34) into communication with the fluid port (28). The switch function activates a compressor which pumps air into an inflatable seat actuator. The valve function exhausts air from the inflatable seat actuator.

Abstract: A pneumatic cushion having preinflated sealed cells with pressure compensators for distributing air between cells in response to loads placed thereon, the pneumatic cushion having a mid sheet with top and bottom surfaces, a top layer of preinflated sealed cells attached to the top surface of the mid sheet, a bottom layer of preinflated sealed cells attached to the bottom surface of the mid sheet, and pressure compensators affixed to the mid sheet and in communication with each top and bottom cell whereby upon uneven loading of the sealed cells air is stepwise transferred by the pressure compensators from a cell of high pressure on a first layer to a cell on a second layer and then to another cell on the first and so on to smooth out the uneven pressure.

Abstract: A hollow, air filled body support cushion such as a seat cushion or mattress is formed from typically three interfitting matrices each comprising a set of hollow cells formed from natural or synthetic rubber or rubber-like plastic. The cells of each matrix are spaced apart to accommodate between them cells of each of the other matrices to define a body support surface made up of the tops of all of the cells. Each matrix has separate fluid ducts between its cells. A fluid pressurizing and control means such as air pumps is used to inflate and deflate the matrices in sequence to shift body support from one set of cells to another for promoting blood circulation and enhancing comfort.

Abstract: A fluid containing mattress including exterior support in the form of side frames and a bottom support. Flexible, contractible bellows are distributed over the bottom support and are connected thereto. Tubing connects the bellows to adjacent bellows to permit fluid flow between them. A selected amount of fluid is provided in the bellows. A top cover including a cushion extends over the bellows. Coil springs are mounted on top of the bellows and support the top cover. Elastomeric members connect each coil spring to adjacent coil springs.

Abstract: A field portable dental chair, collapsible to suitcase size, with pivotable outriggers for support, the chair including a bellows arrangement with a telescopic internal structure for raising and lowering the seat of the chair. The apparatus is formed, in part, of rigid members and, in part, flexible members contained within the rigid members for portability. Inflatable cushion members are provided for support of the head, back, seat and legs of a patient.

Abstract: An automobile seat having an infinitely adjustable thigh support is disclosed. The seat includes an air operated bladder mounted between a rigid extension on the seat bottom frame and a padded thigh support member pivotably mounted to the seat bottom frame at the thigh location of an occupant of the seat. The thigh support member is positionable at any of an infinite number of intermediate support positions with the thigh support cushion maintained in contact with the seat cushion at all positions of the thigh support.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method of utilization of the same of a vehicle seat headrest with an adjustable tilt provided by a pneumatic bladder captured between a headrest frame and a pivotally attached cushion support. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention the present invention provides an artificially powered headrest also adjustable in a generally horizontal plane.

Abstract: A seat occupant-activated underseat support air-cushion consisting of: a support base, an airtight expandable aircushion, resting in the support base, with the top of the air-cushion pressing upward against the bottom side of the vehicle seat cushion, with an air pump or pumps, disposed within, air-cushion which is provided with outside air-intake or intakes, air pump or air pumps arranged within to be normally expanded, filled with air on the beginning of the air pumps compression stroke in a manner so that any downward pressure by the seat occupant's weight would cause the pump or pumps to compress air, discharging it thru the pumps check valve into the air-cushion. Air-cushion to be equipped with an adjustable automatic air pressure regulating valve, discharging surplus air to exterior of air-cushion. Thus providing the seat occupant with an air-cushion ride, the constant motion of the moving vehicle to provide a continuing source of energy to operate the air-cushion.

Abstract: A seat for use in vehicles such as automobiles, airplanes or the like is disclosed in which each of panel-like frames is formed with integral, closed hollow chambers and expandable/contractible hollow chambers by means of blow molding so as to correspond to required projected portions and elasticity holding portions provided on the surface of the seat.

Abstract: There is provided a chair having a seat portion and an inflatable member under the seat portion. Enveloped by the inflatable member is means for bringing outside air into the inflatable member to inflate it and thus raise the seat portion. In a preferred form, an electrically powered vacuum device would be located within a bag constituting the inflatable member, and thus the bag itself would contribute to muffling the sound of the electrically powered vacuum device.

Abstract: An improved G-seat system for providing kinesthetic cues to the operator of a vehicle simulator in which the motion sensations associated with the "G" forces are simulated by the motion of a single seat plate (62) having a pair of passive thigh ramps (78) mounted thereon and the variation in the degree of inflation of thin bladders (82A,B) which overlie the seat plate. Raised surfaces (80) may be provided on the plate beneath the ischial tuberosity region of the operator to increase the dynamic range of perceived g-loading effects. A backrest plate (92) may be provided for motion in conjunction with the seat plate and a thin bladder (128) may likewise be provided theron. Driven radial elements (108,110) may then be positioned on the lower part of the backrest plate to augment pressure cues at selected areas of the operator's back.

Abstract: Each mattress comprises a plurality of valved cells or cylinders held by a cover in side by side relation. Each cell is made from flexible, essentially inelastic material, and comprises upper and lower cylindrical sections of equal diameter interconnected by one or more corrugated cylindrical sections of smaller diameter. Each lower cylindrical section has an orifice which connects the interior of the cell with an air plenum that extends along the entire underside of the mattress, and which registers with a valve that projects from the inner surface of the plenum opposite the cell orifice. Each orifice may be supported by a small, collapsible section of the cell in a normally open position, so that when a load is applied to the top of the cell it automatically closes the orifice against the registering valve; or, alternatively, the valve may be insertable manually into the orifice to seal it until once again manually removed.