Inflatable cushioning device with manifold system
AssigneeMPL, Inc.
InventorJohn W. Wilkinson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
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.
Claims20
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.