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:
CROSS REFERENCES 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/755,460, filed on Jan. 22, 2013, which application is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    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 
       [0003]    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. 
         [0004]    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 
       [0005]    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&#39;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. 
         [0006]    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. 
         [0007]    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 
         [0008]    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: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  shows a diagram of a version of an apparatus embodying features of the present invention for a cushioning device. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  depicts a perspective view of a version of an apparatus embodying features of the present invention for a cushioning device. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a top view of a version of an apparatus embodying features of the present invention for a cushioning device. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an apparatus embodying features of the present invention for a cushioning device. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0013]    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. 
         [0014]    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. 
         [0015]    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. 
         [0016]    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. 
         [0017]    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). 
         [0018]    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. 
         [0019]    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 . 
         [0020]    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 . 
         [0021]    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&#39;s specific ailment. 
         [0022]    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 . 
         [0023]    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 . 
         [0024]    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 . 
         [0025]    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 . 
         [0026]    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. 
         [0027]    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. 
         [0028]    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. 
         [0029]    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 . 
         [0030]    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 . 
         [0031]    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 . 
         [0032]    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 . 
         [0033]    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. 
         [0034]      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&#39;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. 
         [0035]    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.