Abstract: An adjustable, inflatable surface comfort device to be used with shaped body support devices. The surface comfort device comprises an inflatable bladder having a shape and size to substantially cover at least one support surface of a shaped body support device so as to conform to and provide a comfort layer to the body support device. According to one embodiment, a self-sealing valve is coupled to a port of the inflatable bladder, and is constructed and arranged to enable all of inflation, deflation, and comfort control of the surface comfort device.

Abstract: A cushion for a wheelchair, including a matrix of cushion modules, wherein each cushion module includes a cushion element that has a phase change material included in its filler material that sits above an additional cushion element of a larger volume of filler material. The cushion also typically includes a support rail located on three sides of the matrix of cushion modules to align the body of the wheelchair user when sitting in the wheelchair. In addition, the cushion typically includes a base member that is positioned beneath the matrix and provides stability for the cushion. The cushion elements are typically enclosed in a moisture resistant envelope.

Abstract: A medical cushion (1), in particular an anti-decubitus cushion, is in particular multicellular and is distinguished in that the cushion is equipped, at least in the area where skin contact (6) occurs, with an active membrane (3) based on a skin-compatible matrix (4) into which a molecular sieve is mixed. This molecular sieve is charged with at least one active substance (Z, Z1, Z2), and the molecular sieve/active substance adduct (5) releases the active substance when the active membrane comes into skin contact (6) in conjunction with the transpiration of the skin.

Abstract: An inflatable, therapeutic air mattress for use by healthcare facilities has a permanently attached shipping container with a pocket for receiving a shipping label or card. In order to ship the same to a healthcare facility, the inflatable, therapeutic air mattress is rolled up and put in the permanently attached shipping container and sent to the healthcare facility, where the permanently attached shipping container is opened, and the inflatable, therapeutic air mattress is unrolled and inflated with a pump provided with the mattress. The permanently attached shipping container fits directly underneath the inflatable, therapeutic air mattress and does not inhibit set-up or patient use. When no longer needed, the inflatable, therapeutic air mattress can be easily deflated, rolled up and placed in the permanently attached shipping container and shipped back to the provider by any means of commercial air or ground shipment.

Abstract: A cushion for seats, wheelchairs, mattresses, etc. is disclosed. The cushion includes fluid-filled cells. Each cell is in fluid communication with adjacent cells via conduits. Constrictures such as check-valves and duckbill valves may be located inside the conduits to restrict or otherwise regulate fluid flow into or out of a particular cell. A control pin may be used to selectively enable or disable said constrictures. In this way, the cushion may be customized on a cell-by-cell basis, providing a cushion that can be tailored to the individual needs of the patient.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cushioning device. The present cushioning device has many attributes that are common with many cushions. Some of these common attributes are at least one bladder having a top surface, a bottom surface and at least one side surface positioned between the top and the bottom surfaces. Another common attribute is a bladder cavity being defined by the top surface, the bottom surface and the at least one side surface. The present invention differs from other bladders in that there is a first conductive material and a second conductive material are positioned within the bladder cavity, positioned away from the bottom surface of the bladder, and capable of acting like a switch for a reactive device. The reactive device is electrically interconnected with the first and second conductive materials. When the first and second conductive materials contact each other the reactive device is capable of responding by sounding an alarm and/or re-inflating the bladder cavity with a fluid.

Abstract: Impact energy forces to the spine are reduced through the use of multiple overlying pliable impact energy absorbing layers. Each layer comprises a plurality of cells that are in fluid communication which provides for a valved transfer of fluid between the cells. Additionally, each layer has a different durometer.

Abstract: An improved bedding for livestock of this invention provides a bed strip for livestock having at least two elastomeric belts bonded together, one on top of the other, to form at least one bed with at least two chambers, front and rear, expandable under fluid pressure, that, once properly filled with a working volume of fluid, will each attain a convex pillow-like shape. The fluid volume in the chambers is such that when an animal steps on the rear chamber of the bed the top belt makes contact with the bottom belt to provide a stable base for the animal's foot, yet, when the animal drops to its knees on the front chamber of the bed, during the process of lying down or rising to standing, the knees are supported by a fluid cushion between the top and bottom belts.

Abstract: A seat cushion, for use with an elevated outdoor hunting or observation stand, is constructed with a plurality of layers therein. The seat cushion is constructed in two or more layers in which one layer includes an envelope with a gas sealed therein. The envelope may include at least two independently sealed chambers. A second layer of the seat cushion includes a flexible foam pad above the envelope. The seat cushion may further include a reinforcing member below the envelope, which may be made of foam which is denser than the foam of the top foam layer. A portable tree seat apparatus is also described, including a frame, an attachment member for cooperating with the frame to attach the frame to a tree, and the multi-layer seat cushion.

Abstract: A self inflating pneumatic seat cushion, especially for automobile seats, has foam filled bladders and bolsters. A pneumatic pumping chamber intakes air through an inlet and distributes air to the cushion bladders and bolsters through outlet tubes. The motion of a seat occupant against the pneumatic pumping chamber bladder operates to let air in through the inlet and distribute it through the outlet tubes. A collapsible seat has an exhaust valve for compressing the bladders in a stowed position. The exhaust valve may have an adjustable pressure release.

Abstract: A multi-layer cushion having a shaped base on which is positioned a resilient, cushioning layer. The shaped base is constructed from a supportive foam and has front and lateral bolsters. The cushioning layer is an inflatable air cell cushion having a flexible base and an array of individual air cells arranged in rows across the flexible base. Rows of cells around the perimeter of the air cell cushion are configured to provide comfortable transition areas between the bolsters and the air cell cushion. The cushion includes a cover that has a lower compartment for the foam base and an upper compartment for the air cell layer. The cover functions to keep the air cell layer in place on the foam layer.

Abstract: A suspension system for the care and prevention of wounds on the body of a user includes an array of removable suspension devices forming a flexible sheet. Each suspension device is removably coupled to at least one other suspension device. The suspension devices are selectably removable from the array in order to define a space within the sheet which approximates the size of a target area on the body of the user. A disposable garment for the body of a user includes an absorbent portion and a wound care and prevention suspension portion. The absorbent portion has a fluid pervious inner sheet, a fluid impervious outer sheet and at least one layer of absorbent material disposed between the inner and outer sheets. The wound care and prevention suspension portion is coupled to the absorbent portion.

Abstract: An inflatable seat cushion having separate compartment that can either exchange air between them or not acording to adjustments made by the user. The seat can also be folded into a small package when not in use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a first conformable material having a three-dimensional shape and a first hypothermia and/or hyperthermia device. This invention is used as a pad for sleeping, lying down, or sitting, to maintain a desired temperature to the contacting surface of a body to the pad.

Abstract: A monitoring system for monitoring inflation pressure within an inflatable cushion. The monitoring system includes a housing, a pneumatic tube, a locking adaptor and a sensing and signaling system. The pneumatic tube extends through the housing with the locking adaptor attached to the distal end of the pneumatic tube. The locking adaptor is effective for releasably and sealingly attaching the pneumatic tube to a stem valve on an inflatable cushion. The sensing and signaling is retained within the housing and includes at least a pressure sensor in pneumatic communication with the pneumatic tube proximate a proximal end of the pneumatic tube, and a means in communication with the pressure sensor for generating a perceptible signal when the pressure sensed by the pressure sensor falls below a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A gelatinous cushion includes a base member made of fibrous material, and a cushioning member attached onto the fibrous base member and made of gelatinous material for cushioning purposes, and having an outer peripheral surface and a number of orifices for cushioning purposes. An outer covering film is further applied onto the outer peripheral surface of the cushioning member, to cover the cushioning member, and to form a smooth outer surface for the cushioning member, and to prevent dirt from attaching onto the sticky cushioning member, and/or to prevent the sticky cushioning member from sticking onto various objects, such as users.

Abstract: A composite material is provided that includes an array of machine elements disposed within a matrix material. Each machine element includes a cross-section defining an internal space that is filled with a viscous fluid. Preferably, the machine elements are provided in complementary pairs of tubular members, with the internal spaces of the tubular members communicating with one another. When subjected to a predetermined force, the cross-sections of the tubular members change shape, changing the volume of the internal spaces, and causing fluid to flow into or out of the internal spaces. Preferably, under the predetermined force, one tubular member increases in volume and the other tubular member simultaneously decreases in volume, thereby causing fluid to flow between the tubular elements to dissipate energy from the predetermined force.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A cellular cushion includes a base, a plurality of hollow cells, and a sealing layer. The base includes at least a first layer and a second layer. The plurality of hollow cells are coupled to the base and extend outwardly from the base. Moreover, the plurality of cells are coupled together in flow communication. The sealing layer is coupled to at least one of the base first and second layers. At least one of the sealing layer and the base defines a plurality of lock pockets, wherein each of the lock pockets is positioned between adjacent hollow cells for selectively controlling flow communication independently to each of the plurality of hollow cells within the cellular cushion.

Abstract: Stacked cushions, cushioning elements thereof, materials and processes for making the same are disclosed.

Abstract: A gelatinous cushion includes a base made of foamable material, and a cushioning member attached onto the base and made of gelatinous material for cushioning purposes, and having an outer peripheral surface and a number of orifices for cushioning purposes. An outer covering film is further applied onto the outer peripheral surface of the cushioning member, to cover the cushioning member, and to form a smooth outer surface for the cushioning member, and to prevent dirt from attaching onto the sticky cushioning member, and/or to prevent the sticky cushioning member from sticking onto various objects, such as users.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid filled support comprising a plurality of chambers in fluid communication with each other at least one fluid conduit interconnecting at least two of the plurality of chambers together. There is also at least one connection head coupled to the at least one fluid conduit. There is also at least one portable pump which is connectable to the connection head. This portable pump is for inserting additional fluid into the fluid conduit wherein the fluid then flows into the plurality of chambers. There is also a portable pressure relief device which is connectable to the connection head. This device comprises a pressure gauge for determining a pressure of fluid inside the fluid filled support. The pressure gauge also includes an adjustable pressure relief valve which is adjustable to relieve fluid from the support wherein the at least one portable pump and the at least one portable pressure relief device are used to adjust pressure in the system.

Abstract: A sequentially or serial inflating seat cushion comprising at least three transversely aligned inflatable air bladders connected to a pump and timer. The air bladders are inflated sequentially, from front to back, over a period of approximately eleven seconds and simultaneously deflated to slowly pump blood upward in the legs thereby reducing blood pooling. Connected to the pump is a valve that keeps the air bladders inflated a selective amount of time. The cycle is then repeated continuously. Located adjacent to the back air bladder is a transversely aligned, non-inflating seat section which continuously supports the user's ischial tuberocities to prevent slippage over the seat. An alternate embodiment offers a split seat option with six inflatable bladders.

Abstract: A signaling device for disabled persons uses a pneumatic system comprised of a special cushion, an air bleed to ambient, and a sensitive air-pressure sensor. The cushion may also serve as a head, limb, or body support. The cushion is foam-filled and self-inflating, and is capable of supporting static loads without the need for its being pressurized. A user initiates the generation of a signal by bumping the cushion, as for example with a backwards jerk of their head or a sideways kick of a limb. The resulting momentary surge in system pressure is sensed by the air-pressure switch, which is set to trip at 1/1000 of an atmosphere. The momentary closing of the contacts of the pressure switch are used to signal other assistive appliances, such as computer software for generating text.

Abstract: The invention modulates the air-volume in both mattress-type foam and traditional coil spring cores interactively, obtaining a wide variety of levels of density and indentation force deflection (IFD or spring-back force). Foam core modulation is used to soften or harden the upper surface of the combined two elements to form enhanced-comfort support surfaces. The combinations include multiple chambers of which at least one is filled with self-inflating foam. In most configurations of the present invention, the chambers are completely sealed and are not air communicable with each other. Each chamber is fitted with a valve used to selectively withdraw air from it—but never to pressurize it by adding air forcibly. The combinations of core layers include traditional coil spring cores that may or may not be completely enclosed in their own enclosure. When air is extracted from a self-inflating foam core, its surface softens uniformly, density increases while its IFD value drops.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shaped body, in particular for a seat cushion, having a lower, supporting gel layer (2) which forms a lower covering surface (1), consists of a polyurethane gel and, on its upper side, has integral supports (3) which are spaced apart from one another via expansion channels (4) and on which a polyurethane foam layer (6) rests, the upper side (5) of which layer is covered by an upper covering (7).

Abstract: The air filled therapeutic pillow allows the user to adjust the height or firmness of the pillow to suit their tastes or needs. It can be easily broken down and transported to provide a traveler with comfortable sleep away from home.

Abstract: An air cushion control system having an air chamber sensor including an air chamber, a bottom out sensor and an overinflation sensor, an air pump to inflate the air chamber, an air valve to release air from the air chamber, connections for the air cushion control system to an air cushion, and a microprocessor to control the inflation and the release of air from the air chamber. The air cushion control system reduces decubitus ulcers by incorporating both an automatic adjustment system to prevent the seated individual from bottoming-out in the air cushion and measure immersion depth to maximize pressure reduction.

Abstract: A ball chair with a securing device has a seat (10), a ball-shaped cushion (20) and a guard rod (30). The ball-shaped cushion (20) rests on the seat (10). The seat (10) has a backrest (13) attached to a rear end of the seat (10), and the guard rod (30) is erected at a front end of the seat (10). Thus, the ball-shaped cushion (20) is firmly secured on the seat (10) to avoid danger of a user falling when sitting on the ball chair.

Abstract: A baseless cushion includes a pad with a layer of stable elastomeric block polymer gel with a pad having an opposite top and bottom surfaces, opposite longitudinally extending sides and opposite longitudinally spaced ends. A frame is provided for supporting the pad only along the, spaced ends or sides thereof.

Abstract: A body support system is provided having improved static and dynamic mechanical response characteristics and improved thermal regulation, and which can provide energy dissipation capabilities. The body support system can be of a modular construction to provide mechanical response characteristics suited to a particular user or group of users, or to a particular environment of use. The energy dissipation characteristics are provided by a flexible fluid compartment containing a volume of viscous fluid, such that at least a portion of the fluid moves within the compartment in response to a vertical force on the compartment.

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 seat cushion structure of the invention comprises a cushion body, made of a foamed material, that has a top surface provided with two left and right recessed cavities. A flexible filling material is filled within the recessed cavities of the cushion body. A covering skin is stretched to outwardly cover the flexible filling material and the cushion body, wherein an air gap is left between the flexible filling material and the covering skin. With the above seat cushion structure, comfortable seating and good heat dissipation are provided.

Abstract: Support or padding including expandable cells whose cell body in its resting state seen in transverse section is individually delimited by at least two concentric perimeters, the walls of the cell in its resting state rejoining each of the perimeters are characterized by the fact that the portion of the wall of the cell rejoining two points located ach on one of the concentric perimeters 6 and 7 can be strictly in a straight line during its centripetal path, if between two other points 28 at the entrance of the successive fissures, slits or cells 4 located on the external perimeter 7 of the path followed takes at least for a certain length an aspect strictly of a straight line or flat part 29, one of the lat two points 28 being the same as the first one located on the external perimeter 7 at the junction or exit of a fissure: all of the consecutive points of the is flat part 29 being further away or distal in relation to the center 24 of the cell than the other points, outside of the flat part 29, constrictiv

Abstract: A resilient cushion includes a base sheet and a cover sheet sealed to the base sheet along spaced apart strips to form a matrix of sac like areas therebetween. A gel fills each of the sac like areas and a plurality of openings through the base and cover sheets along the strips are provided for enabling the passage of a fluid therethrough. The resilient cushion may include sac like areas disposed on both sides of a base layer and the use of gels of different resiliency may be utilized to provide a tailoring of overall cushioning resiliency.

Abstract: An inflatable seat cushion having separate compartment that can either exchange air between them or not acording to adjustments made by the user. The seat can also be folded into a small package when not in use.

Abstract: A cushion having a plurality of inflatable and deflatable cells useful for periodically shifting the points of contact between the cushion and a body supported by the cushion in order to reduce or eliminate the development of pressure sores. The cushion includes one or more of (i) at least two encircling cells shaped so as to define a central concavity in the upper surface of each of the encircling cells, (ii) at least one repositionable cell, (iii) at least two cells having contoured upper surfaces which define a longitudinally extending laterally concave channel, and (iv) two groupings of independently inflatable and deflatable cells arranged asymmetrically about a longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The inflatable cushion, pyramidal in shape, with a protective back flap, disclosed herein is relatively soft, conformable, and easy to transport. It is remarkable in its ability to facilitate sitting on a sloping surface by providing an enhanced measure of security, stability and comfort.

Abstract: Impact energy forces to the spine are reduced through the use of multiple overlying pliable impact energy absorbing layers. Each layer comprises a plurality of cells that are in fluid communication which provides for a valved transfer of fluid between the cells. Additionally, each layer has a different durometer.

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: The invention relates to an adjustable, inflatable surface comfort device to be used with shaped body support devices. The surface comfort device comprises an inflatable bladder having a shape and size to substantially cover at least one support surface of a shaped body support device so as to conform to and provide a comfort layer to the body support device. According to one embodiment, a self-sealing valve is coupled to a port of the inflatable bladder, and is constructed and arranged to enable all of inflation, deflation, and comfort control of the surface comfort device.

Abstract: A wheelchair cushion having a solid gel patient interface, a matrix or honeycomb panel and a foam base. The gel layer is mold around and over the honeycomb panel to produce a composite panel with patient interface characteristics of a gel layer, but with reduced weight. The matrix panel cells are open on the lower ends which are bonded to a soft foam base. The matrix panel interacts with the foam base to spread forces and provide pressure reduction and positioning better than solid gel, but with less weight. The foam base may include several layers of differing density and contouring elements. The composite panel conforms to the base contours to provide a contoured patient interface.

Abstract: An ergonomic seating unit is disclosed for promoting active and dynamic sitting and eliminating fatigue resulting from extended sitting. The seating unit comprises a substantially egg-shaped, or ball-shaped, fluid filled, deformable balloon forming a flexible, mobile seat which conforms to the shape of a user when sat upon, and a main frame for loosely containing the flexible balloon being freely removable from the main frame when the seating unit is unoccupied and being movably wedged in place by the main frame when the seat is occupied.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a custom-contoured cushion for a wheelchair or other seating device and a method of making the same. In one embodiment, the novel custom-contoured cushion is comprised of a stretchable bag filled with soft and resilient closed-cell foam pellets adhered together by and/or embedded within an elastomeric polymerizable adhesive. The pellets do not absorb a significant amount of the adhesive and, after molding, remain sufficiently soft and resilient to provide a comfortable and durable cushion. Alternatively, the cushion contains soft and resilient pellets, but does not contain the elastomeric polymerizable adhesive. In the first embodiment, the custom-molded, custom-contoured cushion is made by mixing the pellets with the adhesive to form a pellet/adhesive mixture, positioning the user on a bag filled with the pellet/adhesive mixture, molding the mixture around the user to provide cushioning around the user's seating surface, and allowing the adhesive to cure.

Abstract: A first conformable material having a three-dimensional shape and a first hypothermia and/or hyperthermia device, used as a pad for sleeping, lying down, or sitting, to maintain a desired temperature to the contacting surface of a body to the pad.

Abstract: A body support system is provided having improved static and dynamic mechanical response characteristics and improved thermal regulation. The body support system can be of a modular construction to provide mechanical response characteristics suited to a particular user or group of users, or to a particular environment or use. In one embodiment, the body support system is a seat cushion comprising a foam layer with a central region, a plurality of spaced apart vertical foam columns that define a fluid reservoir in the central region, a plurality of fluid channels in the foam layer for communicating fluid in and out of the fluid reservoir, and an elastomeric layer having resilience and flow properties, such as a viscoelastic gel, positioned above the fluid reservoir.

Abstract: An inflatable cushion is disclosed, having features that allow deflation of the cushion to be controlled. The cushion includes an inflatable bladder having a support therein and a valved exhaust tube in fluid communication therewith. An indicator coupled to the exhaust tube indicates when fluid is exiting the exhaust tube. When sat upon, the cushion deflates only by a preselected amount. This allows the cushion to be consistently and easily deflated to a predetermined inflation height.

Abstract: Support or padding including expandable cells whose cell body in its resting state seen in transverse section is individually delimited by at least two concentric perimeters, the walls of the cell in its resting state rejoining each of the perimeters are characterized by the fact that the portion of the wall of the cell rejoining two points located ach on one of the concentric perimeters 6 and 7 can be strictly in a straight line during its centripetal path, if between two other points 28 at the entrance of the successive fissures, slits or cells 4 located on the external perimeter 7 of the path followed takes at least for a certain length an aspect strictly of a straight line or flat part 29, one of the lat two points 28 being the same as the first one located on the external perimeter 7 at the junction or exit of a fissure: all of the consecutive points of the is flat part 29 being further away or distal in relation to the center 24 of the cell than the other points, outside of the flat part 29, constrictiv

Abstract: A physical protector has a bag member (10) formed of gas-barrier seal members (1,2) different in deformability, and a valve (a) by which an air passage is formed by exerting a pushing force to the seal members (1,2) to elastically deform the seal members and closed by releasing the pushing force to resume the original shape of the seal members. The physical protector is attached to physical parts such as the human trunk or limbs and inflated by operating the valve (a) to introduce air into the bag member (10), thus protecting the physical parts. Since the air can be arbitrarily introduced into or discharged from the bag member by operating the valve (a), the protector can be used repeatedly. The valve (a) is made flat and compact so as not to give the user an unpleasant feeling.

Abstract: An air pad having a plurality of foam filled air chambers interconnected by at least one air passage connecting at least two of the air chambers to one another. The air passages are also filled with foam whereby the flow of air from one air chamber to another due to impact is restricted. The pad is manufactured by radio frequency welding of two layers of plastic film to one another about a foam body to join the plastic film in the area surrounding each of the air chambers.