Inflatable cushioning device with manifold system
A cushioning device for a body support such as a mattress, seat, sofa, or the like where support is obtained from a fluid. The cushioning device is self-inflating, self-adjusting, and provides a low interface pressure under the entire contact surface of a patient. Shear force scraping damage is prevented by a sleeve apparatus. A support system apparatus provides separately adjustable pressure support zones. For physical therapy, an alternating pressure system provides alternating lifting and lowering pressure zones under a patient.
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The present invention relates generally to an inflatable cushioning device for body supports such as a mattress, sofa, or chair cushion. In particular, the present invention relates to a body support for preventing the formation of pressure induced soft tissue damage.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONHeretofore, inflatable cushioning devices for use with body supports, such as a mattress, sofa, seat, or the like, typically included a plurality of air cells or bladders that are inflated to support a person. The air cells provide support to the person, and can be inflated to a desired pressure level to provide the person with a predetermined level of comfort and support.
In the medical field, cushioning devices including a plurality of air cells are often used to provide different levels of support under various portions of a patient's body. For example, a mattress may include separate air cells located in the upper, middle, and lower portions of the mattress. These air cells can be inflated to different pressures to support the upper, middle, and lower portions of the patient's body with different pressures.
In hospitals which provide care to patients confined to a bed for extended periods of time, the patients often suffer from the effects of excess pressure transmitted to their bodies. As known in the medical field, continuous pressure applied to a patient's body can cause soft tissue damage. When the external pressure exerted on the patient's skin causes blood carrying capillaries to close, soft tissue degeneration may occur. This soft tissue damage may lead to the formation of pressure sores. For example, continuous pressure applied to a patient's heel can cause a pressure sore to develop on the heel. The multi-cell cushioning devices described above can be used to relieve the pressure applied to a specific portion of a patient's body. In the case of a patient's heel, for example, this may be accomplished by inflating the air cell under the patient's leg so that the heel is lifted from the mattress. Thus, the continuous heel pressure is relieved and the formation of a bed sore on the heel is prevented.
Air cushion devices typically require an external pump to inflate the air cells in the device. Alternatively, the air cushion devices are pre-inflated in the manufacturing plant and are shipped to a field location for use A problem may develop when the atmospheric pressure at the inflation location is different from the atomospheric pressure at the field location where the device is used. For example, if the field location atmospheric pressure is lower than the atmospheric pressure at the inflation location, the air cells in the field will expand and become firmer.
Hospitals rate pressure relief support systems as “treatment products” if they sufficiently reduce the pressure upon a patient's body, reduce tissue trauma, and facilitate the healing of skin ailments, such as burns, pressure sores, etc. Typical pressure relief support systems which qualify as “treatment products” are embodied in beds which contain motors and pumps to vary the shape and pressure within the mattress. Such beds are very expensive and require the operator to undergo extensive training to learn how to use and operate the system. Furthermore, the “treatment products” often require extensive maintenance due to the failure of the numerous moving mechanical parts. Also, these complicated pressure relief support systems cannot be used on typical box spring mattress supports, and require specialized bed frames. The complicated design of these beds makes their repair very difficult, and often requires the complete replacement of the entire system for proper servicing. A further difficulty is that during power outages, these mattresses lose pressure leaving a patient on a hard surface to develop pressure sores if action is not taken. Thus, a need exists to arrive at a body support which adequately addresses these disadvantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention provides a cushioning device for a mattress, seat, sofa, or the like where support is obtained from a fluid such as atmospheric air. The cushioning device has few moving parts, is user controllable, requires minimal maintenance, and is easily repairable. The cushioning device of the present invention includes a support system apparatus, a sleeve apparatus, a jacket, a topper cushion, and an outer cover.
The support system apparatus includes at least one support cell for providing lifting support for a body. Each support cell includes an envelope containing a fluid. Application of an external load on an outer surface of the envelope causes the envelope to deform into a compressed form. The envelope includes a reforming element that is capable of providing a reforming force to the interior surface of the envelope, to return the envelope to its original unloaded form. The reforming element is preferably made from a resilient foam material, however, other resilient means can be used.
An intake valve and an exhaust valve are included in each support cell. The exhaust valve in each support cell is connected to an exhaust control system. The intake valve in each support cell is connected to an intake control system. Each intake valve includes an intake check valve allowing fluid to flow into the support cell, while preventing fluid from flowing out of the support cell. Each exhaust valve includes an exhaust check valve allowing fluid to flow out of the support cell, while preventing fluid from flowing into the support cell. The intake control system is connected to a fluid supply reservoir. The exhaust control system is connected to a fluid exhaust reservoir. Preferably, the fluid included in the supply and exhaust reservoirs is air, however, any suitable fluid, e.g., water or nitrogen, can be used. The fluid supply and exhaust reservoirs may comprise the same reservoir, and may comprise an ambient source of fluid such as atmospheric air.
In use, the weight of a body of a person, patient, or animal resting on the envelope deforms the envelope For illustration purposes, a patient will be used as an example of body resting on a the envelope. The pressure of the fluid within the envelope increases as the volume of the envelope decreases under deformation. As the pressure of the fluid increases, the fluid in the envelope flows out of the envelope through the exhaust valve and into the exhaust control system. Next, the fluid flows from the exhaust control system into the fluid exhaust reservoir. Furthermore, as the envelope deforms to conform to the irregular shape of the patient, the area of the envelope supporting the load increases. Equilibrium is achieved when the forces within the envelope, including the pressure of the fluid within the envelope multiplied by the area of the envelope supporting the load, plus the force provided by the reforming element equal the weight of the load.
A controllable pressure relief valve is included in the exhaust control system so that a maximum pressure level of the fluid within the envelope can be set and maintained. Different selected maximum pressure levels of the fluid allow the support cell to accommodate different weights or allow different degrees of conformation between the patient and the envelope surface. Preferably, the maximum pressure level of the fluid is set to ensure that the interface pressure under the entire contact surface of the patient is below the pressure that may cause soft tissue damage such as pressure sores to occur.
As the weight of the patient is removed from the support cell, the reforming element exerts an outward force on the interior surface of the envelope. As the envelope expands, a partial vacuum is created in the interior space of the envelope, causing fluid to be drawn back into the interior space of the envelope. The fluid is drawn from the fluid supply reservoir into the intake control system, through the intake valve, and into the interior space of the envelope. The intake valve includes a one way intake check valve that permits fluid to re-enter the interior space of the envelope, while preventing fluid from exiting the interior space of the envelope.
The support cells included in the present invention can use atmospheric pressure as the pressure source for inflation. Therefore, when the fluid supply and exhaust reservoirs comprise atmospheric air, inflation can be accomplished without the need for expensive blowers, pumps or microprocessors as required by previously available “treatment products.” A plurality of support cells can be interconnected with the intake control system and the exhaust control system to create a support system apparatus. The support system apparatus can support a patient by providing self adjusting pressure management to the entire contact surface of the patient. The support system apparatus provides a low interface pressure under the entire surface of the patient being supported. For example, if the patient is lying on the support system apparatus, the support system apparatus ensures that the interface pressure under the entire contact surface of the patient is below the pressure that may cause soft tissue damage to occur.
The support system apparatus also has the ability to self-adjust every time a patient moves, or is repositioned on the support system apparatus. When the pressure distribution applied to the support system apparatus changes, the support cells within the support system apparatus automatically inflate or deflate as necessary, to maintain a low interface pressure under the entire patient.
Another embodiment of the current invention provides for separately controlled support zones within the support system apparatus. Each support zone comprises at least one support cell. Each support cell includes at least one intake valve and at least one exhaust valve. The intake valve for each support cell in each support zone is connected to the intake control system. The exhaust valves from each support cell in a single support zone are connected to a single exhaust control system. Each support zone has a separate exhaust control system. The intake control system is connected to the fluid supply reservoir. The exhaust control system for each support zone is connected to the fluid exhaust reservoir. Generally the pressure level in each support zone is set at a different level. For example, if the support system apparatus comprises a mattress in a bed, the upper, middle, and lower zones of the support system apparatus can be set to provide a different level of pressure or firmness for the upper, middle, and lower portions of the patient's body.
The sleeve apparatus includes a cell cover surrounding each support cell. For a plurality of support cells, each cell cover is attached to an adjacent cell cover. The cell cover allows the surface of the envelope of the support cell to slide freely along a first side of the cell cover, without transmitting this sliding movement to a second side of the cell cover. The second side of the cell cover can be the side on which a patient is lying. Therefore, movement of the support cell is not transmitted to the patient, thereby preventing frictional or shear force abrasion damage to the skin of the patient. In the event that repair of a support cell becomes necessary, the sleeve apparatus allows each support cell to be easily removed and replaced.
Another embodiment of the present invention provides an additional alternating pressure system for providing alternating supply pressure to a plurality of zones. The alternating pressure system can be used in combination with the support system apparatus. Each zone includes at least one support cell. The alternating pressure system includes a pressurized fluid supply source including a pump, a pressurized fluid tank, etc. Additionally, the alternating pressure system includes a control system for sequentially supplying fluid pressure to the plurality of zones. The raising and lowering of the alternating zones under a patient provides beneficial movement of the skeleton and tissue in the patient. The movement helps stimulate circulation and lymph fluid movement in the patient. When the alternating pressure system is deactivated or fails, the support system apparatus continues to provide self adjusting pressure management to the patient's body.
The jacket houses the support system apparatus, the intake and exhaust control systems, and portions of the alternating pressure system. The jacket can be made from any suitable stretchable material, and is preferably is formed from a stretchable fabric material.
The topper cover provides further resilient torso support. The topper cover may be formed from a layered fiber filled material or other suitable material. The topper may include a resilient heel support unit to reduce pressures on the sensitive heel region of a patient. The topper cover may rest above the jacket, and may be covered by the outer cover. Alternatively, the topper cover may rest above the support system apparatus.
The outer cover provides a low friction and low shear surface further protecting the patient from frictional tissue damage. Additionally, the outer cover provides a waterproof and stain resistant surface. For medical uses the outer cover can be made from an anti-microbial type material.
The cushioning device of the present invention allows a user in the field to adjustably set the maximum pressure level in each support cell. When surrounded by atmospheric air, the support system apparatus is self-inflating, self-adjusting, and does not require expensive pumps and control systems as required by related “treatment product” art. Also, since there are fewer moving parts in the present invention, maintenance and repairs are simple and reasonable in cost compared to the complex related art.
The cushioning device of the present invention can be used in combination with any support device where self adjusting dynamic pressure support of the person or patient is required. For example, these support devices can be mattresses, sofas, seats, etc.
Generally, the cushioning device of the present invention comprises:
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- a plurality of fluid cells; and
- a non-powered manifold system, operatively attached to the plurality of fluid cells.
The present invention additionally provides a cushioning device comprising:
-
- a plurality of self-inflating fluid cells;
- a manifold system, operatively attached to the plurality of self-inflating fluid cells; and
- means, operatively attached to the self-inflating fluid cells for adjusting the firmness or softness of all of the fluid cells.
The present invention additionally provides a cushioning device comprising:
-
- a plurality of self-inflating fluid cells;
- a manifold system, operatively attached to the plurality of self-inflating fluid cells; and
- a pressure regulator attached to the manifold system.
The present invention additionally provides a cushioning device comprising:
-
- a plurality of fluid cells;
- a pressure regulator; and
- a manifold system, operatively attached to each of the fluid cells, wherein the fluid cells do not communicate with each other through the manifold and all fluid cells communicate with the pressure regulator.
The present invention provides a method for supporting a body comprising:
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- providing a plurality of non-powered self-inflating fluid cells;
- applying a body weight to the non-powered self-inflating fluid cells; and
- allowing each of the non-powered self-inflating fluid cells to react to the body weight and adjust to an identical internal pressure.
The features of the present invention will best be understood from a detailed description of the invention and a preferred embodiment thereof selected for the purposes of illustration and shown in the accompanying drawings in which:
Although certain preferred embodiments of the present invention will be shown and described in detail, it should be understood that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims. The scope of the present invention will in no way be limited to the number of constituting components, the materials thereof, the shapes thereof, the relative arrangement thereof, etc., and are disclosed simply as an example of the preferred embodiment. The features and advantages of the present invention are illustrated in detail in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the drawings. Although the drawings are intended to illustrate the present invention, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.
Referring to
The support system apparatus 12 includes at least one support cell 14 for providing lifting support for a patient 56. An intake valve 40 and an exhaust valve 42 are included in each support cell 14. As illustrated in
An example of a support system apparatus 12 for a mattress includes a plurality of support cells 14A, 14B, 14C, and 14D is illustrated in
The intake control system 44 is connected to a fluid supply reservoir 52. The exhaust control system 46 is connected to a fluid exhaust reservoir 54. Generally, the fluid 36 included in the fluid supply reservoir 52 and the fluid exhaust reservoir 54 is air, however, any suitable fluid 36 (e.g. water or nitrogen) can be used. The fluid supply reservoir 52 and the fluid exhaust reservoir 54 may comprise the same reservoir, and may comprise an ambient source of fluid 36 such as atmospheric air.
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
As the weight of the patient 56 is removed from each support cell 14, the reforming element 32 (
Another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in
Each exhaust control system 82, 84, and 86 includes a pressure relief valve 88, 90, and 92, respectively, that maintains the pressure of the fluid 36 in zones “A,” “B,” and “C” below a selected level. A rotatable knob 68 or other adjusting system included in each pressure relief valve 88, 90, and 92 allows a user to set the maximum pressure level of the fluid 36 in each zone “A,” “B,” and “C.”
As shown in
Another embodiment of a support system apparatus 106, provides an additional alternating pressure system 130 for providing alternating supply pressure to a plurality of zones “E” and “F” as illustrated in
The ports 43Q, 430, 43M, and 43K in zone “E” are connected to conduit 108. The ports 43J, 43L, 43N, and 43P in zone “F” are connected to conduit 110. A first end 112 of conduit 108 is connected to a check valve 114, and a second end 118 of conduit 108 is connected to a shut off valve 120. A first end 122 of conduit 110 is connected to a check valve 124, and a second end 126 of the conduit 110 is connected to a shut off valve 128. Conduit 132 connects the shut off valve 120 with the alternating pressure system 130. Conduit 134 connects the shut off valve 128 with the alternating pressure system 130. Conduits 136 and 138 connect the check valve 114 and the check valve 124 with the exhaust control system 140.
The shut off valve 120 can be a “quick disconnect” type that allows fluid 36 to flow through the shut off valve 120 when the conduit 132 is connected, and prevents any flow of the fluid 36 flow when the conduit 132 is disconnected. The shut off valve 128 can also be a “quick disconnect” type that allows fluid 36 to flow through the shut off valve 128 when the conduit 134 is connected, and prevents any flow of the fluid 36 when the conduit 134 is disconnected. Check valve 114 allows fluid 36 to flow from conduit 108 into conduit 136, and prevents fluid 36 from flowing from conduits 136 and 138 into conduit 108. Check valve 124 allows fluid 36 to flow from conduit 110 into conduit 138, and prevents fluid 36 from flowing from conduits 138 and 136 into conduit 110. The exhaust control system 140 includes a pressure relief valve 142 similar to the pressure relief valves described above.
When shut off valves 120 and 128 are closed, the pressure relief valve 142 maintains the pressure of the fluid 36 below a selected level in the conduits 108 and 110. Each intake valve 40J-40Q allows fluid 36 to flow into each support cell 14J-14Q, respectively, while preventing fluid 36 from flowing out of each support cell 14J-14Q, respectively, (
The alternating pressure system 130 supplies alternating high and low pressure fluid 36 to conduits 108 and 110. When conduit 132 is connected to shut off valve 120, and as conduit 134 is connected to shut off valve 128, the alternating pressure is supplied to conduits 108 and 110. The conduits 108 and 110 supply the alternating fluid 36 pressure to zones “E” and “F.”
For example, a high pressure fluid 36 may be supplied to the conduit 108 from the alternating pressure system 130, and a low pressure fluid 36 may be supplied to conduit 110, creating a high fluid 36 pressure in zone “E” and a low fluid 36 pressure in zone “F.” The fluid 36 flows through check valve 114 to conduit 136 and 138, but is prevented by check valve 124 from flowing into conduit 110. The fluid 36 flow provided by the alternating pressure system 130 is much higher than the flow passing out through the pressure relief valve 142, so that the high pressure fluid 36 fills the zone “E” support cells 14K, 14M, 140, and 14Q as illustrated in
Next, a high fluid 36 pressure is supplied to conduit 110 and a low fluid 36 pressure is supplied to conduit 108, forcing a high pressure fluid 36 into zone “F” and a low pressure fluid 36 into zone “E”. The fluid 36 flows through check valve 124 to conduit 138 and 136, but is prevented by check valve 114 from flowing back into the conduit 108. The fluid 36 flow provided by the alternating pressure system 130 is much higher than the flow passing out through the pressure relief valve 142, so that the high pressure fluid 36 fills the zone “F” support cells 14J, 14L, 14N, and 14P.
The alternating rising and lowering of the support cells 14 in the zones “E” and “F” under the patient 56, provides beneficial movement of the skeleton and tissue in the patient 56. The movement helps stimulate circulation and lymph fluid movement in the patient 56.
The alternating pressure system 130 includes a computerized control system 131 that is programmed to supply alternating pressures to a plurality of support cells 14 in any sequence that is desired by the user.
Another embodiment of a support system apparatus 180 with a plurality of support cells 14 is illustrated in
The heel support system apparatus 240 includes a plurality of support cells 14, the end wall 29, a side wall 242, and a side wall 244. The heel support system 240 provides support for the heel area of a patient 56. The support cells 14 extend in a transverse direction on the mattress cushioning device 200.
The jacket 18 surrounds the torso support system apparatus 220 and the heel support system apparatus 240. The topper cushion 20 lies on top of the jacket 18 and provides further cushioning and comfort to the patient 56. The topper cushion 20 can be composed of any resilient material, for example, foam, down feathers, an inflatable air cushion, etc.
The outer cover 22 is illustrated in
An embodiment of a seat cushioning device 260 in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in
The foregoing description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, and many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. For example, the cushioning device of the present invention is suitable for providing self-inflating, self-adjusting, zoned pressure control, and alternating pressure support to any supported body. Also, the cushioning device of the present invention is suitable for any application where low interface pressure is required between the cushioning device and the surface of the body being supported. Such modifications and variations that may be apparent to a person skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined by the accompanying claims.
Claims
1. A body support comprising:
- a plurality of fluid cells, wherein each fluid cell includes a reforming element; and
- a non-powered manifold system including an exhaust conduit interconnecting at least two of the fluid cells.
2. The body support of claim 1, further comprising:
- a separate controllable pressure relief valve operatively attached to the exhaust conduit.
3. A body support comprising:
- a plurality of self-inflating fluid cells, wherein each fluid cell includes a reforming element;
- a manifold system including an exhaust conduit interconnecting at least two of the fluid cells; and
- means, operatively attached to the exhaust conduit for adjusting the firmness or softness of all of the fluid cells.
4. A body support comprising:
- a plurality of self-inflating fluid cells;
- a manifold system including an exhaust conduit interconnecting at least two of the fluid cells;
- a pressure regulator attached to the exhaust conduit; and
- a separate controllable pressure relief valve operatively attached to each said fluid cell.
5. The body support of claim 4, wherein each fluid cell includes a reforming element.
6. A body support comprising:
- a plurality of fluid cells;
- a pressure regulator; and
- a manifold system including an exhaust conduit interconnecting at least two of the fluid cells; wherein the fluid cells do not communicate with each other through the exhaust conduit and all fluid cells communicate with the pressure regulator through the exhaust conduit.
7. A method for supporting a body comprising:
- providing a plurality of non-powered self-inflating fluid cells interconnected with an exhaust conduit;
- applying a body weight to the non-powered self-inflating fluid cells; and
- allowing each of the non-powered self-inflating fluid cells to react to the body weight and adjust to an identical internal pressure through the exhaust conduit.
8. A cushioning device comprising:
- a plurality of envelopes containing a fluid for supporting a load;
- a fluid supply reservoir;
- a fluid exhaust reservoir;
- an intake valve for each envelope, wherein the intake valve allows fluid to flow from the fluid supply reservoir into the envelope, and prevents fluid from flowing from the envelope to the fluid supply reservoir;
- an exhaust valve for each envelope, wherein the exhaust valve in each envelope allows fluid to flow from each envelope into the fluid exhaust reservoir, and prevents fluid from flowing between envelopes, and wherein the exhaust valves are arranged into at least one group;
- a separate controllable pressure relief valve connected to each group of exhaust valves for controlling fluid flowing from each group of exhaust valves to the fluid exhaust reservoir; and
- a reforming element within each envelope for non-powered self-inflation of the envelope.
9. The cushioning device according to claim 8, wherein the fluid is atmospheric air.
10. The cushioning device according to claim 8, wherein the reforming element comprises a resilient material.
11. The cushioning device according to claim 8, wherein each pressure relief valve is user adjustable.
12. The cushioning device according to claim 8, wherein the cushioning device is in the form of a mattress for a bed.
13. The cushioning device according to claim 8, wherein the cushioning device is in the form of a seat for a chair.
14. The cushioning device of claim 8, further including a sleeve apparatus surrounding the envelopes to prevent the transmission of shear forces to a body contacting the sleeve apparatus.
15. The cushioning device of claim 14, further including a plurality of interconnected cell covers, wherein each cell cover surrounds one of the envelopes allowing the envelope to freely move within the cell cover.
16. The cushioning device of claim 14, further including a jacket containing the sleeve apparatus and the plurality of envelopes.
17. The cushioning device of claim 8, further including a topper positioned above the plurality of envelopes to provide further cushioning.
18. The cushioning device of claim 8, further including an outer cover having a low friction and low shear surface.
19. The cushioning device according to claim 18, wherein the outer cover further includes at least one stretchable panel to provide expansion space.
20. A body support comprising:
- a plurality of self-inflating fluid cells;
- a manifold system including an exhaust conduit interconnecting at least two of the fluid cells; and
- a pressure regulator attached to the exhaust conduit wherein the pressure of each fluid cell is independent of the pressure of each other fluid cell.
21. A body support comprising:
- at least three fluid cells, wherein each fluid cell includes a reforming element;
- a non-powered manifold system includes a plurality of exhaust conduits that interconnects the at least three fluid cells.
22. The body support of claim 21, further comprising:
- a first set of at least two fluid cells;
- a second set of at least two fluid cells; wherein a first exhaust conduit interconnects the first set; and
- a second exhaust conduit interconnects the second set.
23. A body support comprising:
- at least three fluid cells, wherein each fluid cell includes a reforming element;
- a non-powered manifold system that interconnects an internal fluid cell to an external fluid cell.
24. A body support comprising:
- a plurality of self-inflating fluid cells, wherein each fluid cell includes a reforming element;
- a manifold system including an exhaust conduit interconnecting each of the fluid cells; and
- means, operatively attached to the exhaust conduit for adjusting the firmness or softness of all of the fluid cells.
25. The body support of claim 24, wherein the plurality of self-inflating fluid cells are at least three.
26. A body support comprising:
- at least three fluid cells, wherein each said fluid cell includes a reforming element; and
- a non-powered manifold system including an exhaust conduit that interconnects at least two fluid cells of the at least three fluid cells, wherein a first fluid cell of the at least two fluid cells is an interior fluid cell of the at least three fluid cells.
27. The body support of claim 26, wherein the exhaust conduit interconnects a minimum of three fluid cells of the at least three fluid cells.
28. The body support of claim 26, wherein two fluid cells of the at least two fluid cells are adjacent fluid cells.
29. The body support of claim 26, wherein the exhaust conduit does not directly interconnect two end cells of the at least three fluid cells to each other.
30. The body support of claim 26, further comprising a separate controllable pressure relief valve operatively attached to each said fluid cell.
31. A body support comprising:
- at least three self-inflating fluid cells, wherein each said fluid cell includes a reforming element;
- a manifold system including an exhaust conduit that interconnects at least two fluid cells of the at least three fluid cells, wherein a first fluid cell of the at least two fluid cells is an interior fluid cell of the at least three fluid cells; and
- means, operatively attached to the exhaust conduit for adjusting the firmness or softness of all of the at least three fluid cells.
32. The body support of claim 31, wherein the exhaust conduit interconnects a minimum of three fluid cells of the at least three fluid cells.
33. The body support of claim 31, wherein two fluid cells of the at least two fluid cells are adjacent fluid cells.
34. The body support of claim 31, wherein the exhaust conduit does not directly interconnect two end cells of the at least three fluid cells to each other.
35. The body support of claim 31, further comprising a separate controllable pressure relief valve operatively attached to each said fluid cell.
36. A body support comprising:
- at least three self-inflating fluid cells;
- a manifold system including an exhaust conduit that interconnects at least two fluid cells of the at least three fluid cells, wherein a first fluid cell of the at least two fluid cells is an interior fluid cell of the at least three fluid cells;
- a pressure regulator attached to the exhaust conduit; and
- a separate controllable pressure relief valve operatively attached to each said fluid cell.
37. The body support of claim 36, wherein the exhaust conduit interconnects a minimum of three fluid cells of the at least three fluid cells.
38. The body support of claim 36, wherein two fluid cells of the at least two fluid cells are adjacent fluid cells.
39. The body support of claim 36, wherein the exhaust conduit does not directly interconnect two end cells of the at least three fluid cells to each other.
40. The body support of claim 36, wherein each said fluid cell includes a reforming element.
41. A body support comprising:
- at least three fluid cells;
- a pressure regulator; and
- a manifold system including an exhaust conduit that interconnects at least two fluid cells of the at least three fluid cells, wherein a first fluid cell of the at least two fluid cells is an interior fluid cell of the at least three fluid cells, and wherein the fluid cells do not communicate with each other through the exhaust conduit and all fluid cells communicate with the pressure regulator through the exhaust conduit.
42. The body support of claim 41, wherein the exhaust conduit interconnects a minimum of three fluid cells of the at least three fluid cells.
43. The body support of claim 41, wherein two fluid cells of the at least two fluid cells are adjacent fluid cells.
44. The body support of claim 41, wherein the exhaust conduit does not directly interconnect two end cells of the at least three fluid cells to each other.
45. A method for supporting a body comprising:
- providing at least three non-powered self-inflating fluid cells interconnected with an exhaust conduit;
- applying a body weight to the non-powered self-inflating fluid cells; and
- allowing each of the non-powered self-inflating fluid cells to react to the body weight and adjust to an identical internal pressure through the exhaust conduit.
46. The body support of claim 45, wherein a first fluid cell of the at least three fluid cells is an interior fluid cell of the at least three fluid cells.
47. The body support of claim 45, wherein two fluid cells of the at least three fluid cells are adjacent fluid cells.
48. The body support of claim 45, wherein the exhaust conduit does not directly interconnect two end cells of the at least three fluid cells to each other.
49. A cushioning device comprising:
- at least three envelopes containing a fluid for supporting a load;
- fluid supply reservoir;
- a fluid exhaust reservoir;
- an intake valve for each envelope, wherein the intake valve allows fluid to flow from the fluid supply reservoir into the envelope, and prevents fluid from flowing from the envelope to the fluid supply reservoir;
- an exhaust valve for each envelope, wherein the exhaust valve in each envelope allows fluid to flow from each envelope into the fluid exhaust reservoir, and prevents fluid from flowing between envelopes, wherein the exhaust valves are arranged into at least one group, and wherein an exhaust conduit does not directly interconnect two end envelopes of the at least three envelopes to each other;
- a separate controllable pressure relief valve connected to each group of exhaust valves for controlling fluid flowing from each group of exhaust valves to the fluid exhaust reservoir; and
- a reforming element within each envelope for non-powered self-inflation of the envelope.
50. The cushioning device of claim 49, wherein the fluid is atmospheric air.
51. The cushioning device of claim 49, wherein the reforming element comprises a resilient material.
52. The cushioning device of claim 49, wherein each pressure relief valve is user adjustable.
53. The cushioning device of claim 49, wherein the cushioning device is in the form of a mattress for a bed.
54. The cushioning device of claim 49, wherein the cushioning device is in the form of a seat for a chair.
55. The cushioning device of claim 49, further including a sleeve apparatus surrounding the envelopes to prevent the transmission of shear forces to a body contacting the sleeve apparatus.
56. The cushioning device of claim 55, further including a plurality of interconnected cell covers, wherein each cell cover surrounds one of the envelopes allowing the envelope to freely move within the cell cover.
57. The cushioning device of claim 55, further including a jacket containing the sleeve apparatus and the plurality of envelopes.
58. The cushioning device of claim 49, further including a topper positioned above the plurality of envelopes to provide further cushioning.
59. The cushioning device of claim 49, further including an outer cover having a low friction and low shear surface.
60. The cushioning device according to claim 59, wherein the outer cover further includes at least one stretchable panel to provide expansion space.
61. A body support comprising:
- at least three self-inflating fluid cells;
- a manifold system including an exhaust conduit interconnecting at least two fluid cells of the at least three self-inflating fluid cells, wherein a first fluid cell of the at least two fluid cells is an interior fluid cell of the at least three self-inflating fluid cells; and
- a pressure regulator attached to the exhaust conduit wherein the pressure of each fluid cell is independent of the pressure of each other fluid cell.
62. The body support of claim 61, wherein the exhaust conduit interconnects a minimum of three fluid cells of the at least three self-inflating fluid cells.
63. The body support of claim 61, wherein two fluid cells of the at least two fluid cells are adjacent fluid cells.
64. The body support of claim 61, wherein the exhaust conduit does not directly interconnect two end cells of the at least three self-inflating fluid cells to each other.
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Type: Grant
Filed: Jul 23, 2002
Date of Patent: Nov 12, 2013
Assignee: M.P.L. Limited (Belize)
Inventor: John W. Wilkinson (Bennington, VT)
Primary Examiner: Fredrick Conley
Application Number: 10/202,138
International Classification: A47C 27/10 (20060101);