Abstract: A cushion or mattress comprising a base and a plurality of linearly aligned individual air cells across the base. Groups of individual air cells can be interconnected and in fluid cooperation with an inflation source, such as a pump. In one aspect of the invention, the inflation of adjacent cells is staggered, for example, in a checkerboard-like inflation pattern that helps diffuse load over a wider area.

Abstract: An attachment apparatus for attachment to the air conduits of a zoned air cell cushion or mattress to an associated valve. The attachment apparatus comprises a connector assembly with connectors secured in the ends of air conduits secured in a conduit constraint. Each air conduit is in fluid communication with a separate inflation zone of the cushion or mattress. The also connectors are in fluid cooperation with a valve that places normally isolated zones into fluid communication and vice versa. The connector assembly may functions as a base for any one of a number of valves.

Abstract: An attachment apparatus (20) for attachment to the air conduits (6,8,10,12) of a zoned air cell cushion A or mattress to an associated valve. The attachment apparatus comprises a connector assembly (24) with connectors (26, 28, 30, 32) secured in the ends (N1, N2, N3, N4) of air conduits secured in a conduit constraint (38). Each air conduit is in fluid communication with a separate inflation zone (r,s,t,u) of the cushion or mattress. The connectors are in fluid cooperation with a valve (60) that places normally isolated zones into fluid communication and vice versa. The connector assembly may function as a base for any one of a number of valves (60, 103, 150, 200, 400, 500).

Abstract: A cushion with a support pad comprising a plurality of compressible suspension elements with a cover top and bottom joined together to form an impervious barrier, and a valve in fluid communication with the plurality of compressible suspension elements that allows the controlled expulsion of air until a user positioned on the cushion is optimally immersed in the cushion. When the user is removed from the cushion, the valve allows ingress of air into the cushion. In one aspect, the valve comprises an expansion valve controls air flow out of and into the cushion. In one aspect, the valve comprises a labyrinth seal that dampens air flow and pressure spikes. The valve comprises a pressure responsive compression spring that controls the expulsion of air from the cushion and, consequently, adjusting the immersion depth of the seated user.

Abstract: A cushion or mattress comprising a base and a plurality of linearly aligned individual air cells across the base. Groups of individual air cells can be interconnected and in fluid cooperation with an inflation source, such as a pump. In one aspect of the invention, the inflation of adjacent cells is staggered, for example, in a checkerboard-like inflation pattern that helps diffuse load over a wider area.

Abstract: An attachment apparatus (20) for attachment to the air conduits (6,8,10,12) of a zoned air cell cushion A or mattress to an associated valve. The attachment apparatus comprises a connector assembly (24) with connectors (26, 28, 30, 32) secured in the ends (N1, N2, N3, N4) of air conduits secured in a conduit constraint (38). Each air conduit is in fluid communication with a separate inflation zone (r,s,t,u) of the cushion or mattress. The also connectors are in fluid cooperation with a valve (60) that places normally isolated zones into fluid communication and vice versa. The connector assembly may functions as a base for any one of a number of valves (60, 103, 150, 200, 400, 500).

Abstract: A cushion 302 comprising a molded foam base 302 with an array of individual suspension elements 306 at the ischial area of the cushion. In one aspect the array of suspension elements is in a recess 307 in the top of the base and in another aspect the array of suspension elements is in an inner cavity 406 defined by the base. The suspension elements are arranged in a pattern wherein the longitudinal axis of each suspension element in the array is positioned at a right angle or parallel to the longitudinal axes of the adjacent suspension elements. Each suspension element has a displaceable load-bearing surface 14, a first end wall 20, a second end wall 22, and an optional bottom wall 30, with load-bearing surface and recited walls defining an inner chamber. The material thickness of the load-bearing surface generally is greater than the material thickness of the end walls whereby the end walls deflect outwardly toward the load-bearing surfaces of adjacent support elements under load.

Abstract: A cushion or mattress comprising a base and a plurality of linearly aligned individual air cells across the base. Groups of individual air cells can be interconnected and in fluid cooperation with an inflation source, such as a pump. In one aspect of the invention, the inflation of adjacent cells is staggered, for example, in a checkerboard-like inflation pattern that helps diffuse load over a wider area.

Abstract: A cushion 302 comprising a molded foam base 302 with an array of individual suspension elements 306 at the ischial area of the cushion. In one aspect the array of suspension elements is in a recess 307 in the top of the base and in another aspect the array of suspension elements is in an inner cavity 406 defined by the base. The suspension elements are arranged in a pattern wherein the longitudinal axis of each suspension element in the array is positioned at a right angle or parallel to the longitudinal axes of the adjacent suspension elements. Each suspension element has a displaceable load-bearing surface 14, a first end wall 20, a second end wall 22, and an optional bottom wall 30, with load-bearing surface and recited walls defining an inner chamber. The material thickness of the load-bearing surface generally is greater than the material thickness of the end walls whereby the end walls deflect outwardly toward the load-bearing surfaces of adjacent support elements under load.

Abstract: A vehicle seat cushion and assembly including a support, a polyurethane foam base on the support, an inflatable air cell cushion on the base and an elastic cover. The inflatable air cell cushion includes individual inflation zones each comprised of individual interconnected inflation cells. The zones are normally isolated from each other. A center zone having a preset inflation pressure is positioned under the ischial area of the driver. Front, back and side bolster zones provide front-to-back and side-to-side support. The individual air cells of the center zone are interconnected by a airflow path having a flow pattern and diameter that restricts air flow among the cells to enhance the vibration and shock absorption characteristics of the zone.

Abstract: A valve for use with an inflatable cushion having individual inflation zones including a slide housing positioned between two outer casing halves. Each casing half has a plurality of nipple connector seats. Each nipple connector seat has at least one external detent. The slide housing has a series of nipple connectors along its length that are inserted into air conduits in the peripheral edge of the cushion, which, in turn, are connected to the individual inflation zones. Each nipple connector has at least one retainer groove in the surface. The casing half detents engage the cushion edge and the retainer grooves to retain the nipple in the air conduits. There is a movable slide inside the slide seat bore. The slide has a longitudinal inner bore and a number of openings along its length that communicate with the inner bore.

Abstract: A valve for use with an inflatable cushion having individual inflation zones including a slide housing positioned between two outer casing halves. Each casing half has a plurality of nipple connector seats. Each nipple connector seat has at least one external detent. The slide housing has a series of nipple connectors along its length that are inserted into air conduits in the peripheral edge of the cushion, which, in turn, are connected to the individual inflation zones. Each nipple connector has at least one retainer groove in the surface. The casing half detents engage the cushion edge and the retainer grooves to retain the nipple in the air conduits. There is a movable slide inside the slide seat bore. The slide has a longitudinal inner bore and a number of openings along its length that communicate with the inner bore.

Abstract: An improved vehicle seat assembly for mounting on the frame of a vehicle driver's seat including a polymer support plate attached to the frame, a polyurethane foam base on the support, an inflatable air cell cushion on the base and an elastic cover. The inflatable air cell cushion includes individual inflation zones each comprised of individual interconnected inflation cells. The zones are normally isolated from each other. A center zone having a preset inflation pressure is positioned under the ischial area of the driver. Front, back and side bolster zones provide front-to-back and side-to-side support. The individual air cells of the center zone are interconnected by a serpentine airflow path of reduced area to enhance the vibration and shock absorption characteristics of the zone.

Abstract: An improved vehicle seat assembly for mounting on the frame of a vehicle driver's seat including a polymer support plate attached to the frame, a polyurethane foam base on the support, an inflatable air cell cushion on the base and an elastic cover. The inflatable air cell cushion includes individual inflation zones each comprised of individual interconnected inflation cells. The zones are normally isolated from each other. A center zone having a preset inflation pressure is positioned under the ischial area of the driver. Front, back and side bolster zones provide front-to-back and side-to-side support. The individual air cells of the center zone are interconnected by a serpentine airflow path of reduced area to enhance the vibration and shock absorption characteristics of the zone.

Abstract: A modular backrest system for a wheelchair is removably attached to backrest posts of the wheelchair. The backrest system includes a back support that provides a surface against which the back of a wheelchair user rests, and a support chassis mounted to the back support for supporting the back support at a desired incline with respect to the posts, and at a desired seat depth with respect to the seat. An attachment assembly is further included that is operably connected to the support chassis at two locations and to the posts to allow the support chassis and back support to be readily removed from or attached to the chair. The particular back support employed in conjunction with the support chassis is based upon the support needs of the wheelchair user. One embodiment of the back support includes a backing plate, and a cushion or insert attached to a forwardly presented face of the backing plate against which the back of the individual rests when sitting on the seat.