ALTERNATING AIR PRESSURE RELIEF CUSHION FOR A SITTING APPARATUS

Abstract

A preferred embodiment of a version of the invention is based on a manual and automatic, mechanically alternating air pressure relief apparatus and device for placement in wheel chairs and other seating apparatuses. In a preferred embodiment of a version of the invention, a manual and automatic, mechanically alternating air pressure relief apparatus and device comprises an impervious top layer and gel-like bottom layer with air cells therein. In preferred embodiment, the device is used for immobile patients to alleviate pressure points from prolonged sitting and immobility.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

A preferred embodiment of a version of the invention refers to a manual and automatic, mechanically alternating air pressure relief apparatus and device for placement in wheel chairs and other seating apparatuses.

BACKGROUND

The invention relates generally to cushions placed on a sitting apparatus, and particularly to a manual and automatic, mechanically alternating air pressure relief apparatus and device for placement in seating apparatuses. Users, particularly paraplegics, have experienced difficulty with circulation in the lower region of their bodies due to pressure from extended periods of sitting, to the point of suffering decubitus ulcers in the lower region of their bodies. Many patients are incapable of, or unsuccessful in, properly shifting their weight due to loss of sensation in the buttocks and the numerous weight shifts required per day. A means of manually or automatically periodically shifting pressure to different areas of the body would allow adequate blood flow, provide relief to users and prevent decubitus ulcers. This is especially useful to users who spend a significant amount of time sitting due to a handicap, such as users who utilize wheelchairs.

Therefore, a need exists in the art for a manual and automatic air cell cushion device capable of alleviating the problems associated with long periods of sitting and immobility.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, a version of the invention is directed to a manual or automatic air cushion affixed to a sitting apparatus and preferably covering the horizontal surface of a sitting apparatus. The cushion can be quickly and easily placed on a sitting apparatus. The cushion is preferably controlled by a hand-held multifunction user interface, which can hang from the arm of a sitting apparatus when not in use. The control panel controls the timing of how pressure is to be relieved, through a rotation of inflation and deflation of multiple air chambers. The control panel will preferably control which air chambers are inflated, and when they are inflated. The control panel's keypad will preferably have a flat, easily cleaned surface with no cracks or crevices where food particles can become lodged, to prevent the spread of germs; and backlighting, similar to a telephone, for easy readability under all lighting conditions.

The cushion may be made of flexible material with an airtight seal, such as plastic or rubber, to contain pressurized air. The cushion may be produced in different sizes to accommodate various sizes of sitting apparatuses. The bottom surface of the cushion may have a layer of gel to provide cushioning even when all air chambers are fully deflated. A multipurpose valve module may be contained within the cushion to electrically control and regulate airflow between the chambers.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 shows a diagram of a version of an apparatus embodying features of the present invention for a cushioning device.

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of a version of an apparatus embodying features of the present invention for a cushioning device.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a version of an apparatus embodying features of the present invention for a cushioning device.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an apparatus embodying features of the present invention for a cushioning device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the Summary above and in this Detailed Description, and the Claims below, and in the accompanying drawings, reference is made to particular features, including method steps, of the invention. It is to be understood that the disclosure of the invention in this specification includes all possible combinations of such particular features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment of the invention, or a particular claim, that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in combination with/or in the context of other particular aspects of the embodiments of the invention, and in the invention generally.

The term “comprises” and grammatical equivalents thereof are used herein to mean that other components, ingredients, steps, etc. are optionally present. For example, an article “comprising” components A, B, and C can contain only components A, B, and C, or can contain not only components A, B, and C, but also one or more other components, or can contain at least one component chosen from A, B, or C.

The term “air regulator” and grammatical equivalents thereof are used herein to mean a device capable of controlling airflow into, and out of, a conduit or cell. Air regulators, as described herein, may be valves, solenoids, electronic pressure regulators, electronic flow controls, electronically controlled proportional valves, pneumatic transducers, multifunction supply manifolds, pneumatic pressure regulators, electric regulators and switches, pressure switches, vacuum flow switches, other flow switches, proportional pressure controllers/regulators, and proportional valves.

The term “air supply” and grammatical equivalents thereof are used herein to mean any form of air supply capable of inflating and deflating air cells in a cushion. An air supply, as described herein, may be compressed air. It is understood that compressed air may come in many forms and that all forms may be used for the air supply functions of the present invention. Other forms of air supply may comprise mechanical air supply such as a high-efficiency fan. Yet other forms of air supply may comprise redistributed air pressure sealed in a chamber and controlled by air pressure regulators.

Where reference is made herein to a method comprising two or more defined steps, the defined steps can be carried out in any order or simultaneously (except where the context excludes that possibility), and the method can include one or more other steps which are carried out before any of the defined steps, between two of the defined steps, or after all the defined steps (except where the context excludes that possibility).

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a preferred embodiment of a version of the invention comprises a power supply 40, a user interface 30 comprising elements 31 for selecting a setting, and a controller 20 with a programmable memory for signaling a preloaded action based on a setting. As illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the user interface 30 and controller 20 are in communication 32. In one embodiment the communication 32 is physical, as with a wire. In yet another embodiment the communication 32 is proximal, as in wireless or Bluetooth. An air supply 50 is connected to a main air supply line 52 and powered by a power supply 40 and controlled by the controller 20. The air supply 50 is in contact with the power supply 40 and in communication 22 with the controller 20. In one embodiment the communication 22 is physical, as with a wire. In yet another embodiment the communication 22 is proximal, as in wireless or Bluetooth communication.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, a multiuse valve element 10 is in contact with the main air supply line 52. The multiuse valve element 10 is an air divider. The multiuse valve element 10 has a receiving end 14 and a dispensing end 15. The receiving end 14 connects to the main air supply line 52. The dispensing end 15 has individual air supply ports 11. The individual air supply ports 11 are connected to individual air supply lines 13. The individual air supply lines 13 are connected to individual cells 6 in an air cushion 5. The air cushion 5 comprises a top side, bottom side, front side, back side, left side, right side, and individual air cells. In a preferred embodiment of a version of the invention the individual air supply lines 13 are bundled together to form a single conduit housing each individual air supply line 13.

In yet another embodiment of a version of the invention the air cell cushion 5 further comprises the top side being an impervious waterproof material. In one embodiment, the air cushion bottom side comprises a gel-like material. The air cushion bottom and top side are connected by the air cushion front side, back side, left side and right side, and individual air cells 6 inside the air cushion 5.

In one embodiment, the air cushion device 5 further comprises the controller 20 being preloaded to automatically adjust after a preset amount of time, depending on the user's specific ailment.

As shown in FIG. 2, the air cushion device further comprises the controller 20 is configured and programmed to allow specific areas of the cushion 5 to be inflated and deflated based on a user signaling a specific button 31 on the user interface 30. The user interface 30 is connected 32 to the controller 20. In one embodiment this connection 32 is physical, as with wires. In yet another embodiment, the connection 32 is proximal, as in wireless or Bluetooth. The user interface 20 sends, and the controller 20 receives, a signal. The controller 20 subsequently controls air pressure regulators 12 and the air supply 50.

Yet another embodiment of a version of the invention comprises an air cell cushion device 5 further comprising, a user interface 30 with elements 31 for selecting a preloaded user setting. In a preferred embodiment, the user interface 30 is connected to a controller 20, the controller 20 being programmed to execute a preloaded action. Preferably the preloaded action of the controller 20 is dependent on the setting chosen on the user interface 30. Preferably, the controller 20 is connected to an air supply 50 and air pressure regulators 12. The air supply 50 is connected to a main air supply line 52. The main air supply line 52 is connected to an air supply divider 10 having a receiving 14 and dispensing 15 end. The air supply divider 10 receiving end 14 is connected to the main air supply line 52. The air supply divider 10 dispensing end 15 is connected to many individual air ports 11. The air ports 11 are in contact with pressure regulators 12. The controller 20 controls the pressure regulators 12. The air ports 11 and pressure regulators 12 are in contact with individual port air supply lines 13. The individual port air supply lines 13 are connected to individual air cells 6. The individual air cells 6 are inside of an air cushion 5.

Yet another embodiment of a version of the invention comprises an air cell cushion device 5 further comprising an air pressure control element 10 comprising, a first end 14 and a second end 15. The first end 14 is in contact with an air supply 50. The second end 15 has individual ports 11 with individual cell air supply lines 13 connected thereto. The individual cell air supply lines 13 are connected to individual air cells 6. The individual air cells 6 are inside an air cushion 5.

In one embodiment of a version of the invention the air supply 50 is connected to the first end 14 of the air pressure control element 10. Other embodiments further comprise the individual ports 11 being connected to air pressure regulators 12.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, in a preferred embodiment the air cushion 5 is rectangular in shape and can be quickly and easily placed on a sitting apparatus. In a preferred embodiment, a hand-held all-in-one multifunction control panel 60, which may hang from a sitting apparatus when not in use, may control the air cushion 5. The all-in-one control panel 60 will control the timing of how pressure is to be released, through a rotation of inflation and deflation of multiple air chambers. In yet another embodiment, a user may manually adjust the inflated air cushions. The control panel 60 will preferably control which air chambers are inflated, and when they are inflated.

In one embodiment the device takes the form of an air cushion 5 with a hand-held multifunction control panel 30. In a preferred embodiment of a version of the invention, a keypad or user interface of the control panel 30 will have a flat, easily cleaned surface with no cracks or crevices. Thus, no bacteria, germs, or food particles can become lodged, preventing the spread of germs. Another embodiment of a version of the invention comprises the control panel 30 being backlit, similar to a telephone, for easy readability under all lighting conditions. In a preferred embodiment, the control panel 30 and air supply 50 will be electrically powered by an internal battery 40. In yet another embodiment the system will be capable of drawing electric power from a power supply or a wall outlet, to simultaneously recharge the battery 40 and power the air supply 50 and control panel 30. In a preferred embodiment of a version of the invention, the battery is a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. As illustrated in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, one embodiment comprises an all-in-one control unit 60 comprising a controller and power supply housed therein.

In one embodiment of a version of the invention, the control panel 30 will provide a preloaded user setting to the controller 20. In one embodiment, the controller 20 is connected to the air cushion 5 via a multiuse cord comprising a combined air hose 13 and electrical control wire 21. Any rigid or semi-rigid material may be used for the basic external components of the control panel; however, plastic, fiberglass, or similar materials is the preferred embodiment of the device. The air cushion 5 will preferably be produced in different sizes to accommodate various sizes of sitting apparatuses. In one version, the bottom surface of the air cushion will have a layer of gel to provide cushioning even when all air chambers are fully deflated, particularly if the device malfunctions or becomes disconnected from its power supply.

In one embodiment, the multiuse cord comprises a combined air hose and electrical control wire and will control a multipurpose valve module 10 contained within the air cushion 5 to electrically control and regulate air flow between the air chambers. In a preferred embodiment of a version of the invention, the multiuse cord, comprising an air hose and electrical control wire, is in contact with the multipurpose valve module 10. In one embodiment, the multipurpose valve module regulates the amount of air distributed to, or exhausted from, each air cell 6. In yet another embodiment of a version of the invention, each individual air cell 6 is in contact with an air regulator 12, and the air regulator 12 is in contact with an individual air supply line 13. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, a multipurpose valve module 10 receives a main air supply line 52, and supplies many individual air cells 6. The multipurpose valve 10 comprises an electrical connection 21 for providing power to air regulators 12. In a preferred embodiment, each individual port 11 has a separate electrical connection 21 and air regulator 12.

In yet another embodiment of a version of the invention, the main air supply line 52 is divided into many small lines for inflating/deflating individual cells. In one embodiment, the main air supply line 52 is connected to a connector 10 having a main supply input 14 and many feed line output ports 11. Preferably, the connector has at least 9 feed line output ports 11.

In one embodiment of a version of the invention, there is provided an electrical supply line 21 for providing power to air regulators and valves. In one embodiment, an electrical supply line 21 provides power to individual port air regulators 12. In a preferred embodiment, a main supply line 41 powers a control device 20, the control device 20 then provides individual power supply lines 21 to each individual port air regulator 12. In a preferred embodiment, the control device 20 will supply the necessary electrical current and signal to properly inflate/deflate each individual air cell 6.

In yet another embodiment of a version of the invention, the multipurpose valve module 10 comprises individual air regulators 12 in contact with each individual air cell 6.

In one embodiment, the valve module 10 will rotate inflation and deflation of the air chambers by unsealing and equalizing pressure between all air chambers, then sealing all air chambers and pumping air out of the chambers to be deflated, and into the chambers to be inflated.

FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 show exemplary embodiments. In the first exemplary embodiment, a rectangular air cushion 5 is provided. The air cushion 5 is preferably composed of flexible material such as rubber, silicon or similar materials capable of an airtight seal to contain pressurized air. In a preferred embodiment of a version of the invention, the air cushion has twelve circular air chambers 6 that are preferably one and one-half inches in diameter, and preferably about 2-4 inches deep. It is understood that the number of air chambers 6, and size and shape of air chambers 6 may be changed and altered and still fall within the scope of this invention. In one embodiment, the air chambers 6 are arranged in rows. Inflation and deflation of the air chambers 6 is rotated to provide periodic pressure relief to the user's lower region. More or fewer air chambers 6 are contemplated. The diameter and arrangement of the air chambers 6, and the dimensions of the air cushion 5 may also be adjusted. This adjustment may specifically accommodate the various sizes of sitting apparatuses currently available to the user.

While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is presently considered to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should, therefore, not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention.

Claims

1) An air cell cushion device comprising: a) a user interface comprising elements for selecting a setting,b) a controller with a programmable memory for signaling a preloaded action based on a setting, the user interface and controller being in communication,c) an air supply connected to a main air supply line and powered by a power supply and controlled by the controller, the air supply being in contact with the power supply and in communication with the controller,d) a multiuse valve element in contact with the main air supply line, i) the multiuse valve element having a receiving end and a dispensing end,ii) the receiving end connecting to the main air supply line,iii) the dispensing end having individual air supply ports,iv) the individual air supply ports being connected to individual air supply lines,v) the individual air supply lines connected to individual cells in an air cushion, and,e) the air cushion comprising a top side, bottom side, front side, back side, left side, right side, and individual air cells.

2) The air cell cushion of claim 1, further comprising: a) the multiuse valve element having a receiving end and a dispensing end,b) the receiving end connecting to the main air supply line,c) the dispensing end having individual air supply ports,d) the individual air supply ports having air regulators connected thereto,e) the air regulators being in communication with the controller, andf) the controller signaling the air regulators to inflate or deflate a specific air cell at a predetermined rate.

3) The air cell cushion of claim 2, further comprising: a) the multiuse valve element having a receiving end and a dispensing end,b) the receiving end connecting to the main air supply line, andc) the receiving end having an air regulator for controlling the amount of air pressure in an air supply chamber.

4) The air cell cushion device of claim 1, the air cushion device further comprising: a) the air cushion top side comprising an impervious waterproof material,b) the air cushion bottom side comprising a gel-like material,c) the air cushion bottom and top side being connected by the air cushion front side, back side, left side and right side, andd) individual air cells inside the air cushion.

5) The air cell cushion device of claim 1, the air cushion device further comprising the controller is preloaded to automatically adjust after a preset amount of time, depending on the user's specific ailment.

6) The air cell cushion device of claim 3, the air cushion device further comprising the controller is preloaded to automatically adjust after a preset amount of time, depending on the user's specific ailment.

7) The air cell cushion device of claim 1, the air cushion device further comprising: a) the controller is configured and programmed to allow specific areas of the cushion to be inflated and deflated based on a user signaling a specific button on the user interface,b) the user interface being connected to the controller,c) the user interface sending and the controller receiving the signal, andd) the controller subsequently controlling the air pressure regulators and air supply.

8) The air cell cushion device of claim 3, the air cushion device further comprising: a) the controller is configured and programmed to allow specific areas of the cushion to be inflated and deflated based on a user signaling a specific button on the user interface,b) the user interface being connected to the controller,c) the user interface sending and the controller receiving the signal, andd) the controller subsequently controlling the air pressure regulators and air supply.

9) An air cell cushion device comprising, a) a user interface comprising elements for selecting a preloaded user setting,b) the user interface being connected to a controller, the controller being programmed to execute a preloaded action, the preloaded action of the controller being dependent on the setting chosen on the user interface,c) the controller being connected to an air supply and air pressure regulators,d) the air supply being connected to a main air supply line,e) the main air supply line being connected to an air supply divider with a receiving and dispensing end,f) the air supply divider receiving end being connected to the main air supply line,g) the air supply divider dispensing end being connected to many individual air ports,h) the air ports being in contact with pressure regulators, the pressure regulators being controlled by the controller,i) the air ports and pressure regulators being in contact with individual port air supply lines,j) the individual port air supply lines being connected to individual air cells, andk) the individual air cells being inside of an air cushion.

10) The air cell cushion device of claim 9, further comprising the receiving end having an air pressure regulator for controlling the amount of air pressure in an air supply chamber.

11) The air cell cushion device of claim 9, the air cushion device further comprising: a) the air cushion top side comprising an impervious waterproof material,b) the air cushion bottom side comprising a gel-like material,c) the air cushion bottom and top side being connected by the air cushion front side, back side, left side and right side, andd) individual air cells inside the air cushion.

12) An air cell cushion device comprising an air pressure control element, further comprising: a) a first end and a second end,b) the first end being in contact with an air supply,c) the second end having individual ports,d) the individual ports having individual cell air supply lines connected thereto,e) the individual cell air supply lines being connected to individual air cells, andf) the individual air cells being inside an air cushion.

13) The air cell cushion device of claim 12, further comprising: a) the air supply being connected to the first end of the air pressure control element,b) the second end being connected to the individual cell air supply lines,c) air moving from the air supply through the first end of the air pressure control element,d) the air moving through the pressure control element into the second end of the air pressure control element, ande) the air moving through the individual air supply lines and into the individual air cells inside an air cushion.

14) The air pressure control element of claim 13, the individual ports being connected to air pressure regulators.

15) The air pressure control element of claim 14, the first end being in contact with an air pressure regulator.

16) The air cell cushion device of claim 13, the air cushion device further comprising: i) the air cushion top side comprising an impervious waterproof material,ii) the air cushion bottom side comprising a gel-like material,iii) the air cushion bottom and top side being connected by the air cushion front side, back side, left side and right side, andiv) individual air cells inside the air cushion.