CA1044823A - Expandable multi-celled cushioning structure - Google Patents
Expandable multi-celled cushioning structureInfo
- Publication number
- CA1044823A CA1044823A CA268,397A CA268397A CA1044823A CA 1044823 A CA1044823 A CA 1044823A CA 268397 A CA268397 A CA 268397A CA 1044823 A CA1044823 A CA 1044823A
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- cells
- base
- cell
- cavity
- side walls
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
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Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
An inflatable multi-celled cushion device having a base formed from a fluid impervious material and provided with at least one cavity isolated from the surrounding atmosphere and capable of retaining fluid under pressure. A plurality of cells formed from a fluid impervious flexible material are connected to the base. The cells have hollow interiors isolated from the surrounding atmosphere which open into the base cavity so that the cell interiors communicate through the base cavity. The cells have side walls opposite those of adjacent cells. The cells, when deflated, are generally spaced-apart and have flutes along their side walls, with the flutes of each cell generally parallel and arranged around the entire cell and extending away from the base. The cells are flexible enough that, when pressurized, they will expand laterally so that the flutes are generally obliterated and the side walls of adjacent cells are in contact for substantial portions of their length so as to interfere with each other. The cells are such that, when pressurized further, their ends present a generally continuous outwardly facing surface which will con-form to the shapes of objects brought against it.
An inflatable multi-celled cushion device having a base formed from a fluid impervious material and provided with at least one cavity isolated from the surrounding atmosphere and capable of retaining fluid under pressure. A plurality of cells formed from a fluid impervious flexible material are connected to the base. The cells have hollow interiors isolated from the surrounding atmosphere which open into the base cavity so that the cell interiors communicate through the base cavity. The cells have side walls opposite those of adjacent cells. The cells, when deflated, are generally spaced-apart and have flutes along their side walls, with the flutes of each cell generally parallel and arranged around the entire cell and extending away from the base. The cells are flexible enough that, when pressurized, they will expand laterally so that the flutes are generally obliterated and the side walls of adjacent cells are in contact for substantial portions of their length so as to interfere with each other. The cells are such that, when pressurized further, their ends present a generally continuous outwardly facing surface which will con-form to the shapes of objects brought against it.
Description
}~
This invention relates, in general, to inflatable multi-celled cushion devices.
Throu~h clinical tests it has been determined that one of the better methods of preventing tlle ~evelopm~nt of bed sores on invalids is to support such persorls on a series of flexible intercommunicated cells. Since the cells are intercommunicated all exert an equal supporting force against the engaged individual.
One such arrangement of cells is disclosed in U.S. patent 3,605,145.
In order to have the supporting force distributed over as large an area as possible, it is necessary to have the sides of the cells in close proximity to one another and prefer-ably touching one another. When this condition exists, the ends of the cells form a generally continuous and conformal surface on which the supported individual sits or reclines. Such devices may be used for general cushioning and impact protection purposes also.
Heretofore, the only practical method of producing multi-celled structures with closely spaced or contaciing cells was to mold, dip or otherwise form the cells individullly and then secure them to a base capable of providing physical support and/or intercommunication ~between the cells. This procedure is not only time consuming and expensive, but also lea~es the finished product with a multitude of seams along which leaks may develop. Hence, it is desirable to form the multi-celled structure as an integral unit.
The present invention is embodied in a multi-cell struc-ture having expandable cells which are initially in a configura-tion so that the cells when formed are spaced apart, but when later expanded by a pressurized fluid, can have various shaped cross-sections and will contact or be closely spaced to one an-lV~other at their sicle walls.
More speci~ically, the invention resides in a cushion device having a base formed from a fluid impervious material and provided with at least one cavity isolated from the surrounding atmosphere and capable of retaining fluid under pressure. A
plurality of cells formed from a fluid impervious flexible mater-ial are connected to the base. The cells have hollow interiors isolated from the surrounding atmosphere, which open into the base cavity so that the cell interiors communicate through the base cavity. The cells have side walls opposite those of adjacent cells. The cells when deflated are generally spaced apart and have flutes along their side walls, with the flutes of each cell generally parallel and arranged around the entire cell and ex-tending away from the base. The cells are flexible enough that, when pressurized, they will expand laterally so that the flutes are generally obliterated and the side walls of adjacent cells are in contact for substantiai portions of their lengths so as to interfere with each other. The cells are such that, when pressurized further, their ends present a generally continuous outwardly facing surface which will conform to the shapes of objects brought against it.
Preferred embodiments of the invention have the follow-ing characteristics, adjacent cells may be in substantial con-tact and deform each other when the cells are inflated and pres-surized, the cavity in the base may comprise a plurality of raised channels interconnecting the hollow interiors of adjacent cells. The base may comprise an intervening layer to which the cells are attached and a sealing layer underlying the intervening layer and sealed to it, and the layers may be in part separated to form the cavity in the base. The intervening layer may be raised between adjacent air cells with the raised portions of lV'~
the intervening layers separated from the sealing layer and form-ing channels which extend between and open into the interiors of adjacent cells and the plurality of channels may constitute the cavity within the base and the cells may be integral with the intervening layer. Each cell may, in addition to its side wall, have an end wall connected across the outer end of the side wall and a connecting portion interposed between the side wall and the base and attached to the base, with the end walls forming the generally continuous facing surface. The connecting portion may 1~ be of lesser width than the side wall when the cell is deflated so as to form a reduced neck where the cell is attached to the base. The connecting portion may have a generally flared shape when the cell is deflated with the greater width of that shape being at the base, so as to form an enlarged pedestal where the cell is attached to the base. In the modification described in the previous sentence, the greatest width of the frusto-conical connecting portion may be larger than the greatest width of the side wall when the cell is deflated.
The invention also contemplates a structure in which each cell has a side wall and a flared pedestal interposed between the side wall and the base, When the cell is deflated, the side wall has a plurality of generally parallel flutes arranged around the entire cell and extending away from the pedestal.
In the accompanying drawings, illustrating preferred embodiments of the invention and app~ratus useful in making structures according to the invention:-FIGURE 1 is a sectional view of a multi-cell structure such as a body support having intercommunica-ted cells, FIGURE 2 is a plan view of the multi-cell structure of Figure 1 and showing the cells when deflated in interrupted lines, FIGURE 3 is a sectior1cll view o~ an aLtern.ltive multi-celled structure having pneumatically indepen-dent cells:
FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of a flat based tool used to form a multi-celled structure having intercommunicated cells:
FIGURE 5 iS a detailed elevational view of the fluted mandrels illustrated in Figure 4 where the fluted mandrel has a reduced connecting portion:
FIGURE 6 is a plan view of one row of the tool illus-trated in Figure 4;
FIGURE 7 is an elevational view of an alternate fluted mandrel which may be used to form the multi-celled structure of Figure l where the fluted mandrel has a conical pedestal like connecting portions, and FIGURE 8 is a plan view of the tool illustrated in Figure 7.
Referring now to the drawings (Figs. 1-3), S designates a multi-cell structure which forms part of the present invention.
The multi-cell structure S includes a plurality of cells 2 attached to a common base 4 comprised of an intervening layer 6 occupying the area between the cells 2 and a sealing layer 8 underlying the intervening layer 6. The intervening layer 6 is preferably embossed between adjacent cells 2 to provide internal fluid transfer channels lO which interconnect the cells 2 so that all the cells 2 are in communication (Fig. l). This results in equal pressure within the cells 2. However, the cells 2 may be pneumatically independent of one another (Fig. 3).
The base should bè provided with a valve for inflating the body support S. The multi-cell structure S is used as a cushioniny device or impact absorbing d~vice. It is ideally suited for use as a body support such as a mattress or seat cushion. Each cell 2 has a side wall 12, an end wall 14, and a connecting portion 16 a or b interposed between the side wall 12 and intervening layer 6 of the base 4 for attaching the cell 2 to the base 4. The connecting portion may take the form of a reduced nec~ 16a (Fig. 3) or a flared or otherwise enlarged pedestal 16b (Fig. 1). When deflated the side wall 12 possesses a fluted configuration, and the side walls 12 of adjacent cells
This invention relates, in general, to inflatable multi-celled cushion devices.
Throu~h clinical tests it has been determined that one of the better methods of preventing tlle ~evelopm~nt of bed sores on invalids is to support such persorls on a series of flexible intercommunicated cells. Since the cells are intercommunicated all exert an equal supporting force against the engaged individual.
One such arrangement of cells is disclosed in U.S. patent 3,605,145.
In order to have the supporting force distributed over as large an area as possible, it is necessary to have the sides of the cells in close proximity to one another and prefer-ably touching one another. When this condition exists, the ends of the cells form a generally continuous and conformal surface on which the supported individual sits or reclines. Such devices may be used for general cushioning and impact protection purposes also.
Heretofore, the only practical method of producing multi-celled structures with closely spaced or contaciing cells was to mold, dip or otherwise form the cells individullly and then secure them to a base capable of providing physical support and/or intercommunication ~between the cells. This procedure is not only time consuming and expensive, but also lea~es the finished product with a multitude of seams along which leaks may develop. Hence, it is desirable to form the multi-celled structure as an integral unit.
The present invention is embodied in a multi-cell struc-ture having expandable cells which are initially in a configura-tion so that the cells when formed are spaced apart, but when later expanded by a pressurized fluid, can have various shaped cross-sections and will contact or be closely spaced to one an-lV~other at their sicle walls.
More speci~ically, the invention resides in a cushion device having a base formed from a fluid impervious material and provided with at least one cavity isolated from the surrounding atmosphere and capable of retaining fluid under pressure. A
plurality of cells formed from a fluid impervious flexible mater-ial are connected to the base. The cells have hollow interiors isolated from the surrounding atmosphere, which open into the base cavity so that the cell interiors communicate through the base cavity. The cells have side walls opposite those of adjacent cells. The cells when deflated are generally spaced apart and have flutes along their side walls, with the flutes of each cell generally parallel and arranged around the entire cell and ex-tending away from the base. The cells are flexible enough that, when pressurized, they will expand laterally so that the flutes are generally obliterated and the side walls of adjacent cells are in contact for substantiai portions of their lengths so as to interfere with each other. The cells are such that, when pressurized further, their ends present a generally continuous outwardly facing surface which will conform to the shapes of objects brought against it.
Preferred embodiments of the invention have the follow-ing characteristics, adjacent cells may be in substantial con-tact and deform each other when the cells are inflated and pres-surized, the cavity in the base may comprise a plurality of raised channels interconnecting the hollow interiors of adjacent cells. The base may comprise an intervening layer to which the cells are attached and a sealing layer underlying the intervening layer and sealed to it, and the layers may be in part separated to form the cavity in the base. The intervening layer may be raised between adjacent air cells with the raised portions of lV'~
the intervening layers separated from the sealing layer and form-ing channels which extend between and open into the interiors of adjacent cells and the plurality of channels may constitute the cavity within the base and the cells may be integral with the intervening layer. Each cell may, in addition to its side wall, have an end wall connected across the outer end of the side wall and a connecting portion interposed between the side wall and the base and attached to the base, with the end walls forming the generally continuous facing surface. The connecting portion may 1~ be of lesser width than the side wall when the cell is deflated so as to form a reduced neck where the cell is attached to the base. The connecting portion may have a generally flared shape when the cell is deflated with the greater width of that shape being at the base, so as to form an enlarged pedestal where the cell is attached to the base. In the modification described in the previous sentence, the greatest width of the frusto-conical connecting portion may be larger than the greatest width of the side wall when the cell is deflated.
The invention also contemplates a structure in which each cell has a side wall and a flared pedestal interposed between the side wall and the base, When the cell is deflated, the side wall has a plurality of generally parallel flutes arranged around the entire cell and extending away from the pedestal.
In the accompanying drawings, illustrating preferred embodiments of the invention and app~ratus useful in making structures according to the invention:-FIGURE 1 is a sectional view of a multi-cell structure such as a body support having intercommunica-ted cells, FIGURE 2 is a plan view of the multi-cell structure of Figure 1 and showing the cells when deflated in interrupted lines, FIGURE 3 is a sectior1cll view o~ an aLtern.ltive multi-celled structure having pneumatically indepen-dent cells:
FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of a flat based tool used to form a multi-celled structure having intercommunicated cells:
FIGURE 5 iS a detailed elevational view of the fluted mandrels illustrated in Figure 4 where the fluted mandrel has a reduced connecting portion:
FIGURE 6 is a plan view of one row of the tool illus-trated in Figure 4;
FIGURE 7 is an elevational view of an alternate fluted mandrel which may be used to form the multi-celled structure of Figure l where the fluted mandrel has a conical pedestal like connecting portions, and FIGURE 8 is a plan view of the tool illustrated in Figure 7.
Referring now to the drawings (Figs. 1-3), S designates a multi-cell structure which forms part of the present invention.
The multi-cell structure S includes a plurality of cells 2 attached to a common base 4 comprised of an intervening layer 6 occupying the area between the cells 2 and a sealing layer 8 underlying the intervening layer 6. The intervening layer 6 is preferably embossed between adjacent cells 2 to provide internal fluid transfer channels lO which interconnect the cells 2 so that all the cells 2 are in communication (Fig. l). This results in equal pressure within the cells 2. However, the cells 2 may be pneumatically independent of one another (Fig. 3).
The base should bè provided with a valve for inflating the body support S. The multi-cell structure S is used as a cushioniny device or impact absorbing d~vice. It is ideally suited for use as a body support such as a mattress or seat cushion. Each cell 2 has a side wall 12, an end wall 14, and a connecting portion 16 a or b interposed between the side wall 12 and intervening layer 6 of the base 4 for attaching the cell 2 to the base 4. The connecting portion may take the form of a reduced nec~ 16a (Fig. 3) or a flared or otherwise enlarged pedestal 16b (Fig. 1). When deflated the side wall 12 possesses a fluted configuration, and the side walls 12 of adjacent cells
2 are spaced a substantial distance apart (Fig. 2, dotted lines).
However, when the cells 2 are pressurized, the side walls 12 assume a generally cylindrical configuration or they can be made to form other cross-sectional shapes. However, the side walls 12 of adjacent cells 2 may contact and interfere with one another to such an extent that they deform each other into more or less rectangular configurations (Fig. 2, full lines). The fit is quite tight, and as a result the end walls 14 of the air cells 2 form a generally continuous outwardly exposed surface on the multi-cell structure S. This surface will conform to objects forced against it and hence may be described as a conformal sur-face. The fluid transfer channels 10 when used may be provided with restrictions 18 to regulate the rate of fluid transfer between cells 2.
An apparatus or tool A, which is not part of the present invention, for forming the multi-cell structure of the invention is shown in Figs. 4-8. This tool includes a base member 30 having a generally flat surface 32, and mandrels 34 projecting outwardly from the surface 32. The mandrels 34 are arranged in longitudinally and transversely extending rows (Fig.
4). Moreover, the mandrels 34 are spaced from one another as may be required to accommodate a mix of mandrel sizes.
Each mar-~drel 34 ~or most of its lerlc3tll is fluted, having a fluted portion 36 provided with a plurality of radially directed ribs 3~. The upper ends of the ribs 3~ may be tapered to affect the pressurized shape of the cell 2 formed thereon.
The opposite end of the fluted portion 36 merges into the attach-ing portion 40, or may extend all the way to the suxface 32 on the base member 30. If the tool A is to form cells 2 havin~ re-duced necks 15a, then the attaching portion 40 of the mandrel 34 should taper inwardly (Fig. 5). On the other lland, if the mandrel 34 is to form cells 2 having a flared pedestal 16b, then the attaching portion 40 of the mandrel 34 should flare outwardly (Fig. 7). When the fluid transfer channels 10 are desired in the multi-cell structure S, the attaching portions 40 of adjacent mandrels 34 are joined by elongated embossments 42 which project outwardly from the surface 32 of the base member 30. Approximate-ly midway between their ends the embossments 42 may be reduced in thickness to form necks 44.
The cells 2 and the intervening layer 6 of the multi-celled structure S may be formed as an integral unit by dipping the tool A into a vat containing a suitable coating ~aterial in liquid or semiliquid condition. The tool A is immersed sufficient-ly to enable the liquid to cover and coat the flat surface 32 on the base member 30. The mandrel should, of course, adhere to the mandrel 34 so as to coat the mandrel 34 as it is dipped.
Preferably, this material is of such a nature that it can be cured to a flexible fluid impervious condition. The tool A is dipped to provide a coating of desired thickness, and once this coating is acquired, the tool A is removed from the vat and the coating is cured to the extent that it assumes desired character-istics. Then the integrally formed cells 2 and interveninglayer 6 are stripped from the tool A. If the cells 2 are formed 10'~
~ith enlarg~d pedestals 16b, or have ribs 38 extended straight to the surface 32, adequate draft angles can be used to permit the use of a two piece pressure mold as may be used for injection molding. In this connection, the cells 2 and integral inter-vening layer 6 can be formed in an injection molding operation also.
Once the integrally formed cells 2 and intervening layer 6 are removed from the tool A, the sealing layer 8 of the base 4 is adhesively or otherwise secured to the back face of the intervening layer 6, both along the periphery of the base and also between adjacent air cells 2. The sealing layer 8 is merely a flat sheet of suitable material. As a result those portions of the intervening layer 6 which are molded about the elongated embossment 42 will be raised from the sealing layer 8 and hence, from the fluid transfer channels 10 in the common base 4. Since the sealing layer 8 is secured to the intervening layer 6 between adjacent cells 2, the base 4 will not balloon outwardly when the multi-cell structure S is pressurized.
The ribs 38 on the fluted portion 36 of the mandrel 34 enable the cells 2 to be formed in a configuration relatively small in diameter. This, in turn, prevents the coating material from bridging adjacent mandrels 34 so that the cells 2 as formed are separate and distinct from one another. They need not be cut apart. Nevertheless, the ribs 38 provide sufficient wall surface on the side walls 12 of the cells 2 to enable the cells 2 when pressurized to assume a much larger diameter. Indeed, the side walls 12 possess sufficient material to enable adjacent cells 2 to contact one another and in so doing substantially deform each other. As a result, the end walls 14 of the cells 2 form a substantially continuous surface across the upper end of the body support S.
7 _ Other m~ndrel s~lapcs c~ln also ~(~ usc~. ~ rcctanc~ul~r or otherwise elon~ated cross sectional s~lape in lieu of a fluted cross-sectioned shape for the mandresl 34 would produce cells 2 which would also tend to assum~ a cylindrical confi~uration when pressurized and therefore be made to contact adjacent cells 2.
The fluted mandrel yields the largest cell in~lation diameter to mandrel diameter and is therefore the preferred configuration.
Whcn the multi-cell structure S is made with all the cells 2 flexible and intercommunicated through the ~luid transfer channels 10, the continuous upper surface formed by the end walls 14 of the cells 2 is highly conformal in nature and will easily conform to the contour of objects placed against it. For example, if an invalid sits or reclines on the multi-cell structure S, the end walls 14 of the cells 2 will conform to and contact prac-tically the entire skin area overlying the multi-cell structure S. Therefore, the supporting force exerted by the multi-cell structure S is spread over the entire skin area and is not concen-trated in localized areas as is true of mattresses of current construction. As a result, the chances of bed sores developing are minimized when the structure S is used as a mattress or seat cushion for invalids.
In lieu of forming the base member 30 of the tool with a flat surface 32 from which the mandrels 34 project, the surface 32 may be cylindrical or spherical.
The cells 2 and intervening layer 6 need not be formed from a flexible or elastomeric material, but instead may be formed from a material such as a metal. In that case the metal can be applied on the mandrels 34 and base 30 in an electroform-ing process.
However, when the cells 2 are pressurized, the side walls 12 assume a generally cylindrical configuration or they can be made to form other cross-sectional shapes. However, the side walls 12 of adjacent cells 2 may contact and interfere with one another to such an extent that they deform each other into more or less rectangular configurations (Fig. 2, full lines). The fit is quite tight, and as a result the end walls 14 of the air cells 2 form a generally continuous outwardly exposed surface on the multi-cell structure S. This surface will conform to objects forced against it and hence may be described as a conformal sur-face. The fluid transfer channels 10 when used may be provided with restrictions 18 to regulate the rate of fluid transfer between cells 2.
An apparatus or tool A, which is not part of the present invention, for forming the multi-cell structure of the invention is shown in Figs. 4-8. This tool includes a base member 30 having a generally flat surface 32, and mandrels 34 projecting outwardly from the surface 32. The mandrels 34 are arranged in longitudinally and transversely extending rows (Fig.
4). Moreover, the mandrels 34 are spaced from one another as may be required to accommodate a mix of mandrel sizes.
Each mar-~drel 34 ~or most of its lerlc3tll is fluted, having a fluted portion 36 provided with a plurality of radially directed ribs 3~. The upper ends of the ribs 3~ may be tapered to affect the pressurized shape of the cell 2 formed thereon.
The opposite end of the fluted portion 36 merges into the attach-ing portion 40, or may extend all the way to the suxface 32 on the base member 30. If the tool A is to form cells 2 havin~ re-duced necks 15a, then the attaching portion 40 of the mandrel 34 should taper inwardly (Fig. 5). On the other lland, if the mandrel 34 is to form cells 2 having a flared pedestal 16b, then the attaching portion 40 of the mandrel 34 should flare outwardly (Fig. 7). When the fluid transfer channels 10 are desired in the multi-cell structure S, the attaching portions 40 of adjacent mandrels 34 are joined by elongated embossments 42 which project outwardly from the surface 32 of the base member 30. Approximate-ly midway between their ends the embossments 42 may be reduced in thickness to form necks 44.
The cells 2 and the intervening layer 6 of the multi-celled structure S may be formed as an integral unit by dipping the tool A into a vat containing a suitable coating ~aterial in liquid or semiliquid condition. The tool A is immersed sufficient-ly to enable the liquid to cover and coat the flat surface 32 on the base member 30. The mandrel should, of course, adhere to the mandrel 34 so as to coat the mandrel 34 as it is dipped.
Preferably, this material is of such a nature that it can be cured to a flexible fluid impervious condition. The tool A is dipped to provide a coating of desired thickness, and once this coating is acquired, the tool A is removed from the vat and the coating is cured to the extent that it assumes desired character-istics. Then the integrally formed cells 2 and interveninglayer 6 are stripped from the tool A. If the cells 2 are formed 10'~
~ith enlarg~d pedestals 16b, or have ribs 38 extended straight to the surface 32, adequate draft angles can be used to permit the use of a two piece pressure mold as may be used for injection molding. In this connection, the cells 2 and integral inter-vening layer 6 can be formed in an injection molding operation also.
Once the integrally formed cells 2 and intervening layer 6 are removed from the tool A, the sealing layer 8 of the base 4 is adhesively or otherwise secured to the back face of the intervening layer 6, both along the periphery of the base and also between adjacent air cells 2. The sealing layer 8 is merely a flat sheet of suitable material. As a result those portions of the intervening layer 6 which are molded about the elongated embossment 42 will be raised from the sealing layer 8 and hence, from the fluid transfer channels 10 in the common base 4. Since the sealing layer 8 is secured to the intervening layer 6 between adjacent cells 2, the base 4 will not balloon outwardly when the multi-cell structure S is pressurized.
The ribs 38 on the fluted portion 36 of the mandrel 34 enable the cells 2 to be formed in a configuration relatively small in diameter. This, in turn, prevents the coating material from bridging adjacent mandrels 34 so that the cells 2 as formed are separate and distinct from one another. They need not be cut apart. Nevertheless, the ribs 38 provide sufficient wall surface on the side walls 12 of the cells 2 to enable the cells 2 when pressurized to assume a much larger diameter. Indeed, the side walls 12 possess sufficient material to enable adjacent cells 2 to contact one another and in so doing substantially deform each other. As a result, the end walls 14 of the cells 2 form a substantially continuous surface across the upper end of the body support S.
7 _ Other m~ndrel s~lapcs c~ln also ~(~ usc~. ~ rcctanc~ul~r or otherwise elon~ated cross sectional s~lape in lieu of a fluted cross-sectioned shape for the mandresl 34 would produce cells 2 which would also tend to assum~ a cylindrical confi~uration when pressurized and therefore be made to contact adjacent cells 2.
The fluted mandrel yields the largest cell in~lation diameter to mandrel diameter and is therefore the preferred configuration.
Whcn the multi-cell structure S is made with all the cells 2 flexible and intercommunicated through the ~luid transfer channels 10, the continuous upper surface formed by the end walls 14 of the cells 2 is highly conformal in nature and will easily conform to the contour of objects placed against it. For example, if an invalid sits or reclines on the multi-cell structure S, the end walls 14 of the cells 2 will conform to and contact prac-tically the entire skin area overlying the multi-cell structure S. Therefore, the supporting force exerted by the multi-cell structure S is spread over the entire skin area and is not concen-trated in localized areas as is true of mattresses of current construction. As a result, the chances of bed sores developing are minimized when the structure S is used as a mattress or seat cushion for invalids.
In lieu of forming the base member 30 of the tool with a flat surface 32 from which the mandrels 34 project, the surface 32 may be cylindrical or spherical.
The cells 2 and intervening layer 6 need not be formed from a flexible or elastomeric material, but instead may be formed from a material such as a metal. In that case the metal can be applied on the mandrels 34 and base 30 in an electroform-ing process.
Claims (11)
1. A cushion device comprising: a base formed from a fluid impervious material and having at least one cavity therein which is isolated from the surrounding atmosphere and is capable of retaining a fluid under pressure, and a plurality of cells connected to the base and formed from a fluid impervious material which is flexible, the cells having hollow interiors which are isolated from the surrounding atmosphere and open into the cavity of the base such that the interiors of all of the cells communicate through the cavity of the base, the cells having side walls with the side walls of adjacent cells being located opposite each other, the cells when deflated being generally spaced apart and having flutes along their side walls, the flutes of each cell being generally parallel and arranged around the entire cell and further extending away from the base, the cells being sufficient-ly flexible that when pressurized they will expand laterally such that the flutes are generally obliterated and the side walls of adjacent cells are in contact for substantial portions of their lengths so as to interfere with each other, the cells when pressurized further being such that the ends of the cells form a generally continuous outwardly presented surface which conforms to the shapes of objects brought against it.
2. A cushion device according to claim 1, wherein the adjacent cells are in substantial contact and deform each other when the cells are inflated and pressurized.
3. A device according to claim 1, wherein the cavity in the base comprises a plurality of raised channels interconnecting the hollow interiors of adjacent cells.
4. A device according to claim 1, wherein the base com-prises an intervening layer to which the cells are attached and a sealing layer underlying the intervening layer and being sealed thereto, and wherein the layers are in part separated to form the cavity in the base.
5. The device according to claim 4, wherein the inter-vening layer is raised between adjacent air cells with the raised portions of the intervening layer being separated from the sealing layer and forming channels which extend between and open into the interiors of adjacent cells, the plurality of channels con-stituting the cavity within the base.
6. The device according to claim 4, wherein the cells are integral with the intervening layer.
7. The device according to claim 1, wherein each cell in addition to its side wall has an end wall connected across the outer end of its side wall and a connecting portion interposed between the side wall and the base and attached to the base, the end walls forming the generally continuous outwardly presented surface.
8. The device according to claim 7, wherein the connecting portion is of lesser width than the side wall when the cell is deflated so as to form a reduced neck where the cell is attached to the base.
9. The device according to claim 7, wherein the connecting portion has a generally flared shape when the cell is deflated with the greater width of that shape being at the base, so as to form an enlarged pedestal where the cell is attached to the base.
10. The device according to claim 9, wherein the greatest width of the frusto-conical connecting portion is larger than the greatest width of the side wall when the cell is deflated.
11. A cushion device comprising: a base formed from a fluid impervious material and having a cavity therein which is isolated from the surrounding atmosphere and is capable of re-taining a fluid under pressure, and a plurality of cells connected to the base and formed from a fluid impervious material which is flexible, the cells having hollow interiors which open into the cavity of the base such that the interiors of all of the cells communicate with each other through the cavity of the base, each cell having a side wall and a flared pedestal interposed between the side wall and the base, the side wall when the cell is de-flated having a plurality of flutes with the flutes being generally parallel and arranged around the entire cell and extend-ing away from the pedestal, the pedestal when the cell is de-flated being flared such that it possesses greater width at the base than at the side wall, the side walls of adjacent cells being generally spaced apart when the cells are deflated, but when the cells are pressurized the side walls are expanded such that the side walls of adjacent cells are in contact and inter-fere with each other, the cells when pressurized further being such that the ends of the cells form a generally continuous out-wardly presented surface which conforms to the shapes of objects brought against it.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA268,397A CA1044823A (en) | 1976-12-21 | 1976-12-21 | Expandable multi-celled cushioning structure |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA268,397A CA1044823A (en) | 1976-12-21 | 1976-12-21 | Expandable multi-celled cushioning structure |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1044823A true CA1044823A (en) | 1978-12-19 |
Family
ID=4107561
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA268,397A Expired CA1044823A (en) | 1976-12-21 | 1976-12-21 | Expandable multi-celled cushioning structure |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1044823A (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4914771A (en) * | 1989-01-23 | 1990-04-10 | Afeyan Industries Inc. | Air mattress |
| US4999074A (en) * | 1989-01-31 | 1991-03-12 | Afeyan Industries Inc. | Method for the production of an air mattress |
-
1976
- 1976-12-21 CA CA268,397A patent/CA1044823A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4914771A (en) * | 1989-01-23 | 1990-04-10 | Afeyan Industries Inc. | Air mattress |
| US4999074A (en) * | 1989-01-31 | 1991-03-12 | Afeyan Industries Inc. | Method for the production of an air mattress |
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