Zoned cellular cushion with fail safe inflation zones

Abstract

A pattern of airflow pathways among inflatable air cells in an inflatable air cell cushion that result in discrete, isolated inflation zones that allow the optimal immersion depth and support of a seated,user when fully inflated and maintain acceptable immersion depth and support of the seated user in the event of an air leak from one of the inflation zones. The airflow pathways are operably connected to a valve wherein opening of the valve places the normally isolated inflation zones in fluid communication and closing of the valve isolates the inflation zones.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] Not applicable. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates in general to inflatable mattresses and cushions and, more particularly, to improved air flow pathways among the inflatable cells comprising an inflatable cellular cushion, resulting in normally isolated inflation fail-safe inflation zones under vulnerable areas of a seated user's anatomy in the event there is an air leak in a cell that results in deflation of at least one other normally isolated zone. [0003] Individuals who are confined to wheelchairs run the risk of tissue breakdown and the development of pressure sores, which are extremely dangerous and difficult to treat and cure. Typically, much of the individual's weight concentrates in the region of the ischia, that is, at the bony prominence of the buttocks, and unless frequent movement occurs, the flow of blood to the skin tissue in these regions decreases to the point that the tissue breaks down. Wheelch...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] In an inflatable cellular cushion having a base and an array of individual upstanding inflatable air cells, a pattern of air flow pathways among the inflatable air cells that create a pattern of normally isolated inflation zones that maintain optimal positioning and support of a user seated on the cellular cushion when the inflation zones are inflated and also maintain adequate positioning and support of the user seated on the cellular cushion if at least one of inflation zones fails and deflates.

Problems solved by technology

Individuals who are confined to wheelchairs run the risk of tissue breakdown and the development of pressure sores, which are extremely dangerous and difficult to treat and cure.

While this reduces the incidence of pressure sores, in rare instances it can detract from the stability one usually associates with a seating surface.

Most persons confined to wheelchairs have little trouble adjusting to the decrease in stability, but for those who have skeletal deformities, particularly in the region of the pelvis and thighs, and for those who lack adequate strength in their muscles, lesser stability can be a source of anxiety.

However, if the quadrants are sealed off or isolated, and a leak develops in a quadrant, the entire quadrant can deflate and bottom out.

A substantial area of the user's buttocks also could be vulnerable to pressure sores.

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