CN111109933A

CN111109933A - Inflatable pillow system

Info

Publication number: CN111109933A
Application number: CN201910994132.3A
Authority: CN
Inventors: D·特希尔德森; S·休斯
Original assignee: S Xiusi; D Texierdesen
Current assignee: S Xiusi; D Texierdesen
Priority date: 2018-10-31
Filing date: 2019-10-18
Publication date: 2020-05-08

Abstract

An inflatable pillow system includes a pillow formed of an upper bladder and a lower bladder that can be inflated and deflated independently. The controller includes air increase ware, valve module and control box. The valve assembly includes an air line connected to the upper bladder and an air line connected to the lower bladder. Each of the upper and lower air line valves is urged to a closed position by a valve spring and moved to an open position by a valve servo. The air line valve includes a hollow valve plunger such that a valve spring extends into the plunger. The control box has inputs for inflating and deflating the upper bladder, and for inflating and deflating the lower bladder.

Description

Inflatable pillow system

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. application serial No.14/953,169 filed on 27.11.2015, which claims priority to U.S. provisional application No.62/085,407 filed on 28.11.2014, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

The embodiments described herein relate generally to inflatable pillow systems and, more particularly, to lifting leg support surfaces on lounges, beds, sofas, and the like, and for selectively varying the degree of such lifting, the lifting and selective varying being accomplished in a safe, convenient, and economical manner and by unaided and independent patient or point of care personnel.

Background

Postoperative patients and others with heart, blood circulation or fluid retention problems may be advised to keep the legs elevated during rehabilitation. Often, these people may be infirm and therefore difficult or impossible to reposition and/or lift their legs on or over a particular pillow or solid foam arrangement. Furthermore, prior art inflatable body support devices, such as inflatable mattresses or furniture, typically exhibit a proportional relationship between firmness and height of the lifting surface. That is, if the prior art inflatable body support apparatus were fully inflated such that the body was fully elevated, the lifting surface may be stronger than desired. If the firmness of the lifting surface of the prior art inflatable body-supporting surface is reduced by reducing the air pressure, the desired body height may not be achieved.

Accordingly, there is an unmet need for a system and method for simply, conveniently and unassisted raising of a patient's leg to a desired height while separately controlling the firmness of the lifting surface.

Disclosure of Invention

Embodiments described herein relate to an inflatable pillow system for lifting a patient's leg. By way of non-limiting example, the pillow is adapted to be placed on a leg support surface of a lounge, bed or sofa. The pillow is formed of a lower bladder and an upper bladder, and has a controller by which the patient can independently control inflation of the lower bladder or the upper bladder. The amount of inflation of the upper bladder largely controls the firmness of the leg support surface. The amount of inflation of the lower bladder largely controls the legs or the amount of leg lift. The upper bag is provided with a rectangular top plate, a rectangular bottom plate, a rectangular front plate, a rectangular rear plate and a trapezoidal side plate. The lower bag is provided with a rectangular top plate, a rectangular bottom plate, a rectangular front plate, a rectangular rear plate and rectangular side plates. The bottom panel of the upper bladder is connected to the top panel of the lower bladder. In this way, an enlarged cross-sectional configuration is formed. For stabilization, a stiffening plate may be provided in the rectangular bottom plate of the lower bladder. Straps and positioning cords may be provided for attaching the pillow to the leg portions of the lounge and/or repositioning the pillow as desired.

The controller includes an air mover, a valve assembly, and a wired or wireless control box through which the air mover and valve assembly are controlled using buttons. A quick release valve may be provided to quickly deflate the inflatable pillow system when necessary. According to various embodiments of the inflatable pillow systems disclosed herein, the valve assembly and/or the quick release valve, the upper and lower bladders of the pillow can be inflated or deflated independently, and/or combined with quick deflation, by an air mover. If used, the quick release valve may use a main piston having opposing conical portions that is operable to move in either direction to force open conical stops in the upper and lower release lines, as will be explained in further detail. Alternatively, a similar master piston with a conical portion may be used in combination with separate reciprocatable parts to effect opening of the conical stops in the upper and lower release lines, as will be explained in more detail again.

Alternative embodiments of inflatable pillow systems are provided for use with body parts other than legs. Further embodiments of the inflatable pillow system provide a valve and blower assembly recess or chamber to provide a location for various embodiments of the blower and valve assembly. The blower and valve assembly may comprise a blower assembly connected to the valve assembly, or an integrated blower and valve assembly. In either case, the valve assembly is in turn fluidly connected to the lower and upper bladders, thereby enabling the blower and valve assembly to selectively and controllably provide inflation and deflation of the lower and upper bladders. A muffler/intake diffuser may be connected to the air intake of the blower and used to reduce noise and prevent the blower from becoming clogged by the fabric of the pillow or its housing.

The valve assembly may include an upper air line valve having an upper air line valve spring and an upper air line valve seal. The upper air line valve spring may urge the upper air line valve into a closed position through its upper air line valve seal, thereby sealing off air flow between the interior of the blower and valve assembly and the upper bladder. An upper air line valve servo may be used to selectively raise the upper air line valve, compressing the spring and allowing air flow within the blower and between the valve assembly and the upper bladder. The upper air line valve spring, upper air line valve plunger and upper air line valve seal may also function as a pressure relief valve for the upper bladder. Similarly, the valve assembly may include a lower air line valve with a lower air line valve plunger having a lower air line valve spring and a lower air line valve seal. The lower air line valve spring may push the lower air line valve through its lower air line valve seal to a closed position, closing off the air flow between the interior of the blower and valve assembly and the lower bladder. A lower air line valve servo may be used to selectively raise the lower air line valve, compress the spring and allow air flow between the interior of the blower and valve assembly and the lower bladder. The lower air line valve spring, lower air line valve plunger and lower air line valve seal may also function as a pressure relief valve for the lower bladder.

When the blower motor is operating, the upper air line valve opens to control the flow of air into the upper bladder, and when the blower motor is not operating, air flows out of the upper bladder. When closed, the upper air line valve prevents air from escaping from the upper bladder. Similarly, a lower air line valve controls air flow into the lower bladder when open when the blower motor is running, and air flow out of the lower bladder when the blower motor is not running. When closed, the lower air line valve prevents air from escaping from the lower bladder. To provide greater spring length while allowing for a compact valve assembly or an integrated blower and valve assembly, the upper and lower air line valve plungers may be hollow. In this manner, a portion of the overall length of each spring is contained within each air line valve plunger, thereby reducing the necessary spring rate and minimizing the force required by the air line valve servo to lift the air line valve plunger. Each of the upper air line valve servo and the upper air line valve, the lower air line valve servo and the lower air line valve may be configured to be capable of an intermediate position, which may be used for fine tuning or venting in a controlled manner from the upper bladder or the lower bladder, respectively.

According to one embodiment of the inflatable pillow system, the inflatable pillow system comprises a pillow formed from a lower bladder and an upper bladder. The upper bladder is connected to the lower bladder to form an enlarged cross-sectional configuration. A controller is provided to independently inflate and deflate the upper and lower bladders. The controller includes an air mover, a valve assembly in fluid communication with the air mover, and a control box operatively connected to the air mover and the valve assembly. The valve assembly includes an upper air line connected to the upper bladder and a lower air line connected to the lower bladder. An upper air line valve is in fluid communication with the upper air line. The upper air line valve is urged into a closed position by an upper air line valve spring and is movable to an open position by an upper air line valve servo. A lower air line valve is in fluid communication with the lower air line. The lower air pipe valve is urged into a closed position by a lower air pipe valve spring and is movable to an open position by a lower air pipe valve servo. The control box has an input for inflating and raising the upper bladder, an input for deflating and lowering the upper bladder, an input for inflating and raising the lower bladder, and an input for deflating and lowering the lower bladder.

According to another embodiment of an inflatable pillow system, wherein the inflatable pillow system has a pillow comprised of an upper bladder and a lower bladder, the upper bladder being connected to the lower bladder to form an enlarged cross-sectional configuration, a controller of the inflatable pillow system includes an air mover, a valve assembly in fluid communication with the air mover, and a control box operatively connected to the air mover and the valve assembly. The valve assembly includes an upper air line connected to the upper bladder and a lower air line connected to the lower bladder. An upper air line valve is in fluid communication with the upper air line. The upper air line valve is urged into a closed position by an upper air line valve spring and is movable to an open position by an upper air line valve servo. A lower air line valve is in fluid communication with the lower air line. The lower air pipe valve is urged into a closed position by a lower air pipe valve spring and is movable to an open position by a lower air pipe valve servo. The control box is configured to independently inflate and deflate the upper and lower bladders. The control box has an input for inflating and raising the upper bladder, an input for deflating and lowering the upper bladder, an input for inflating and raising the lower bladder, and an input for inflating and lowering the lower bladder.

According to another embodiment of the inflatable pillow system, a method for lifting at least one limb of a patient comprises several steps. The first step is to form the pillow from the lower and upper pockets. The second step is to join the upper bladder to the lower bladder to form an enlarged cross-sectional configuration. The third step is to provide a controller for independently inflating and deflating the upper and lower bladders. The controller includes an air mover, a valve assembly in fluid communication with the air mover, and a control box operatively connected to the air mover and the valve assembly. The valve assembly includes an upper air line connected to the upper bladder and a lower air line connected to the lower bladder. An upper air line valve is in fluid communication with the upper air line. The upper air line valve is urged into a closed position by an upper air line valve spring and is movable to an open position by an upper air line valve servo. A lower air line valve is in fluid communication with the lower air line. The lower air pipe valve is urged into a closed position by a lower air pipe valve spring and is movable to an open position by a lower air pipe valve servo. The control box has an input for inflating and raising the upper bladder, an input for deflating and lowering the upper bladder, an input for inflating and raising the lower bladder, and an input for inflating and lowering the lower bladder.

Accordingly, some features of the inflatable pillow system have been summarized rather broadly in order that the detailed description that follows may be better understood, and in order that the contributions to the art may be better appreciated. Of course, additional features of the inflatable pillow system will be described hereinafter and may form part of the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. In this regard, before explaining at least one embodiment of the inflatable pillow system in detail, it is to be understood that the application of the inflatable pillow system is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The inflatable pillow system can have other embodiments and can be practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the inflatable pillow system. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the inflatable pillow system.

Embodiments of the inflatable pillow system provide a new and improved inflatable pillow system that can be easily and efficiently manufactured and sold. Embodiments of the inflatable pillow system are durable and reliable, and are easy to manufacture at low cost, both in terms of materials and labor, and therefore, are easy to sell at low prices to the consuming public, thereby making such inflatable pillow systems economically available to the purchasing public. The inflatable pillow system can be used to raise a leg support surface while the lounge is in the raised position and to selectively vary the degree of such lifting, with the lifting and selective variation being accomplished in a safe, convenient, economical and independent manner. These together with other objects of the inflatable pillow system, as well as various novel features which characterize the inflatable pillow system, are pointed out with particularity in the appended claims and form a part of this disclosure.

Drawings

The above-mentioned and other features of embodiments of the inflatable pillow system and the manner of operation thereof will become more apparent and better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying inflatable pillow system. Wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of an inflatable pillow system as described herein;

FIG. 2 is a side view of an embodiment of the inflatable pillow system of FIG. 1 as described herein;

FIG. 3 is a front view of an embodiment of the inflatable pillow system of the preceding figures as described herein;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the embodiment of the inflatable pillow system of FIGS. 1-3 taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3, as described herein;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the inflatable pillow system in FIGS. 1-3 taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 3, as described herein;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged top plan view of the control box of FIG. 1 as described herein;

FIG. 7 is a side view of another embodiment of an inflatable pillow system as described herein;

FIG. 8 is a front view of an embodiment of the inflatable pillow system of FIG. 7 as described herein;

FIG. 9 is a top view of the embodiment of the inflatable pillow system of FIGS. 7-8 taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 8, as described herein;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the inflatable pillow system in FIGS. 7-8 taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 8, as described herein;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the inflatable pillow system in FIGS. 7-8 taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 10, as described herein;

FIG. 12 is a side view of the dual chamber of the embodiment of the inflatable pillow system of FIGS. 1-3 as described herein;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a valve of the embodiment of the inflatable pillow system of FIGS. 7-9 as described herein;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the valve of FIG. 13 as described herein, wherein the piston is moved from the receiving orientation to the releasing orientation;

FIG. 14A is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the valve of FIGS. 13 and 14, as described herein;

FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the valve of FIG. 14A as described herein, wherein the piston moves from a receiving orientation to a releasing orientation;

FIG. 15 is a side view of a dual chamber formed in accordance with an alternative embodiment of an inflatable pillow system as described herein;

FIG. 15A is a side view of a dual chamber formed in accordance with another alternative inflatable pillow system as described herein;

FIG. 16 is a side view of a dual chamber formed in accordance with another alternative inflatable pillow system as described herein;

FIG. 17 is a right rear isometric view of another embodiment of an inflatable pillow system as described herein;

FIG. 18 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a blower and valve assembly of an inflatable pillow system as described herein;

FIG. 19 is an exploded isometric view of an embodiment of a blower and valve assembly of the inflatable pillow system of FIG. 18, as described herein;

FIG. 20 is an exploded isometric view of another embodiment of a blower and valve assembly of an inflatable pillow system as described herein;

FIG. 21 is a partial isometric view of an embodiment of a blower and valve assembly of the inflatable pillow system of FIG. 20 as described herein;

22A, 22B and 22C are front views of an embodiment of an air line servo as described above for use in the blower and valve assembly of the inflatable needle system of FIGS. 20 and 21, disposed in a valve fully open position, a valve withdrawn position and a cocked position, respectively;

FIG. 23 is a bottom isometric view of an upper housing of the embodiment of the blower and valve assembly of FIGS. 20 and 21 as described herein;

FIG. 24 is a top isometric view of a lower housing of the embodiment of the blower and valve assembly of FIG. 20, as described herein;

fig. 25 is a bottom isometric view of the use of a valve plunger in the blower and valve assembly of the inflatable pillow system of fig. 20 and 21;

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an embodiment of an inflatable pillow system inflated with a lounge chair in a tilted position;

FIG. 26A is a view showing a seat belt of an embodiment of an inflatable pillow system having a tuck-pad;

FIG. 27 is a view showing a seat belt attached to the shell of the pillow of an embodiment of the inflatable pillow system; and

fig. 27A is a view of a seat belt with adjustable snap connectors or side release clasps of an embodiment of an inflatable pillow system.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The examples given herein illustrate embodiments of the inflatable pillow system, and these examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims in any way.

Detailed Description

Referring now to fig. 1-6, side views of an embodiment of an inflatable pillow system are shown in use. As shown, the inflatable pillow system 10 can be used as a leg support surface on a lounge chair 14, and the degree of such elevation can be selectively varied. The lounge chair 14 has a seat portion 16 and legs 18, the legs 18 and legs 18 being movable between a generally vertically lowered orientation and a generally horizontal raised orientation. The inflatable pillow system 10 is disposable on a leg 18 of a lounge chair 14 and includes a pillow 22 formed of an upper bladder 26 and a lower bladder 24. The inflatable pillow system 10 further includes a control assembly 72.

Upper bladder 26 is formed from a rectangular top panel 28, a rectangular bottom panel 30, a rectangular front panel 32, a rectangular back panel 34, and trapezoidal side panels 38, which together form an upper chamber 40. Similarly, the lower bladder 24 is comprised of a rectangular top panel 42, a rectangular bottom panel 44, a rectangular front panel 46, a rectangular back panel 48, and trapezoidal side panels 52, which together form a lower chamber 54. Upper bladder 26 is connected to lower bladder 24. A housing 58 is provided. In this way, an enlarged trapezoidal cross-sectional configuration is formed. The rectangular floor 44 of the lower bladder 24 may have a length greater than the length of the legs 18 of the couch 14. In this manner, the pillow 22 may rest on the seat portion 16 and legs 18 of the lounge chair 14 when the legs 18 are in an elevated, generally horizontal orientation. A set of first straps 62 may be sewn to the front and rear panels of the housing 58 and may be provided with releasable fasteners 64. The first strap 62 can be used to connect the pillow 22 to the legs 18 of the lounge chair 14. A set of second straps 66 may also be sewn to the side panels of the housing 58 and may also be provided with releasable fasteners 68. The second strap 66 may be used to connect the pillow 22 to the legs 18 of the lounge chair 14.

The inflatable pillow system also includes a control assembly 72, the control assembly 72 having an air mover 74 and a control box 90. The air mover 74 has an upper air line 76 connected to the upper chamber 40 and a lower air line 78 connected to the lower chamber 54. A control box 90 is operatively connected to the air mover 74 and has a first upward button 80 for inflating and raising the upper bladder 26 and a first downward button 82 for deflating and lowering the upper bladder 26. Control box 90 also has a second upward button 84 for inflating and raising lower bladder 24 and a second downward button 86 for deflating and lowering lower bladder 24.

Referring now to fig. 7-12, another embodiment of an inflatable pillow system 100 for supporting a patient and selectively varying the degree of such support is illustrated. The inflatable pillow system 100 also has a lower bladder 108 and an upper bladder 106. The upper bladder 106 is again comprised of a rectangular top panel 110, a rectangular bottom panel 112, a rectangular front panel 114, a rectangular back panel 116, and trapezoidal side panels 118, which together form the upper chamber 102. The lower bladder 108 is again comprised of a rectangular top panel 120, a rectangular bottom panel 122, a rectangular front panel 124, a rectangular back panel 134, and trapezoidal side panels 138, which together form a lower chamber 170. Upper bladder 106 is coupled to lower bladder 108 using outer shell 104 to form an enlarged cross-sectional configuration.

The first strap 132 may be attached to the housing 104 using a releasable fastener 130. A second strap 168 may be connected to the lower bladder 108 for connecting the inflatable pillow system 100 to the legs 18 of the lounge chair 14. A set of positioning cords 136 may be attached to the housing 104 and may be arranged to extend rearwardly for holding and manipulation by a user to reposition the upper and

lower bladders

106, 108 simultaneously. A plurality of reinforcing plates 126 may also be provided. Each reinforcement panel 126 may be positioned within a rectangular pocket 128 formed in the rectangular bottom panel 122 of the lower bladder 108. In this manner, the rectangular bottom panel 122 connected to the lower bladder 108 and the stability of the inflatable pillow system 10 is increased during use.

As previously described, a control assembly 72 (not shown in fig. 7-12) is provided. The control assembly 72 includes an air mover 74, the air mover 74 including a pneumatic pump or blower or the like (also not shown in fig. 7-12). The air mover 74 has an upper air line 76 and a lower air line 78. The upper air line 76 is connected to the upper chamber 102 and the lower air line 78 is connected to the lower chamber 170. The control assembly 72 includes a control box 90 (not shown in fig. 7-12), the control box 90 being operatively connected to the air mover 74. The control box 90 also has a first up button 80 for inflating and raising the upper bladder 106 and a first down button 82 for deflating and lowering the upper bladder 106. The control box 90 also has a second upward button 84 for inflating and raising the lower bladder 108 and a second downward button 86 for deflating and lowering the lower bladder 108. The embodiment of the inflatable pillow system shown in fig. 7-12 is further provided with a quick release valve 140 for quickly releasing and deflating the inflatable pillow system 100.

Fig. 13 and 14 are cross-sectional views of an embodiment of the quick release valve 140 of the embodiment of the inflatable pillow system 100 shown in fig. 7-9. A quick release valve 140 is provided for quick deflation of upper bladder 106 and lower bladder 108. FIG. 13 illustrates the quick release valve 140 with the master piston 172 in a valve closed orientation; fig. 14 shows the quick release valve 140 with the master piston 172 in the valve release orientation. Quick release valve 140 includes a vertically disposed upper release line 142 that may be connected to upper bladder 106 (not shown in fig. 13 and 14). An axially aligned lower release line 144 may be connected to the lower bladder 108 (not shown in fig. 13 and 14). The quick release valve 140 includes a horizontally disposed internal actuator line 150. An axially aligned exhaust line 152 is also provided. The horizontally disposed internal actuator line 150 and the axially aligned exhaust line 152 contain the master piston 172. The master piston 172 is reciprocable in a horizontally disposed internal actuator line 150 and an axially aligned exhaust line 152. The master piston 172 may be formed as a through-member or as a sub-member structure. The master piston 172 has two

conical portions

154 and 156 with an apex that is axially inwardly connected together and an axially outwardly extending cylindrical extension 158.

A conical upper piston 174 is reciprocable in the vertically disposed upper relief line 142 and is provided with a conical upper stop 160 and an upper O-ring 164A. The upper coil spring 166A urges the conical upper piston 174 into sealing contact with the axially aligned exhaust line 152 via the conical upper stop 160 of the conical upper piston 174 and the upper O-ring 164A. A tapered lower piston 176 is reciprocable in the axially aligned lower release line 144 and is provided with a tapered lower stop 162 and a lower O-ring 164B. The lower coil spring 166B urges the tapered lower piston 176 into sealing contact with the axially aligned exhaust line 152 via the tapered upper stop 162 and the upper O-ring 164A of the tapered lower piston 176. The processor 148 has an inner end 146 connected to the master piston 172 and an outer end (not shown) controlled by a user. In this manner, axial movement of the processor 148 initiates actuation of the quick release valve 140.

As noted above, fig. 13 and 14 illustrate one embodiment of a quick release valve 140. In this embodiment, the processor 148 and the master piston 172 function as a single reciprocatable component. That is, the processor 148 and the master piston 172 are adapted to be pulled and/or pushed to initiate actuation of the quick release valve 140. Fig. 14A and 14B illustrate another embodiment of the quick release valve 200 in which the processor 248 of the quick release valve 200 is formed from a single piece having two

reciprocatable members

214 and 216. The two

reciprocable members

214 and 216 are located in similarly configured axially aligned

wires

253 and 252, respectively. The forming

members

204 and 206 are collectively urged by

coil springs

218 and 220, respectively. In this manner, the movement of the

stops

208 and 210 and O-

rings

212A and 212B into and out of contact with the vertically disposed upper release line 242 and the axially aligned lower release line 244 is controlled by the two

reciprocatable members

214 and 216. That is, each of the two

reciprocable members

214 and 216 is adapted to be urged to initiate actuation of the quick release valve 200.

Fig. 15 illustrates another alternative embodiment of an inflatable pillow system 300. In this embodiment, the upper bladder 304 has side panels 302 of a rectangular configuration and the lower bladder 306 has side panels 312 of a rectangular configuration. Fig. 15A shows a variation of the inflatable pillow system 300, wherein the side panels 302 of the upper bladder 304 are again in a rectangular configuration and the side panels 312 of the lower bladder 306 are again in a rectangular configuration. Additionally, the superior capsule 304 also includes an uppermost capsule 308 having a serpentine-shaped cross-sectional configuration. In this manner, the user's arms are maintained in an angular orientation. The inflatable pillow system 300 of fig. 15A also includes a pressure-actuated valve 310 intermediate the upper bag 304 and the uppermost bag 308. In this manner, the uppermost bladder 308 is inflated after the upper bladder 304 is filled.

In another embodiment, as shown in fig. 16, the top bag 404 of the inflatable pillow system 400 has side panels 402 in a triangular configuration and the bottom bag 406 has side panels 408 in a triangular configuration. In this manner, the user's back is supported in an angular orientation and is facilitated to roll on a supine patient.

Turning now to fig. 17, an isometric view of another embodiment of an inflatable pillow system 500 is shown. As previously described, the inflatable pillow system 500 may be disposed on a leg 18 of a lounge chair 14 (not shown) and includes a pillow 502 formed from an upper bladder 540 and a lower bladder 510. Again, the upper bladder 540 is comprised of a rectangular top panel 548, a rectangular bottom panel 550, a rectangular front panel 552, a rectangular back panel 554, and trapezoidal side panels 556 that together form an upper chamber 542. The upper chamber 542 is provided with an upper chamber baffle 544, the upper chamber baffle 544 having an upper chamber baffle aperture 546. Similarly, the lower bladder 510 is comprised of a rectangular top panel 518, a rectangular bottom panel 520, a rectangular front panel 522, a rectangular back panel 524, and a rectangular side panel 526 that together form the lower chamber 512. The lower chamber 512 may be provided with a lower chamber baffle 514, the lower chamber baffle 514 having a lower chamber baffle aperture 516. The upper bladder 540 is connected to the lower bladder 510. A housing 560 (not shown) may be provided.

The length of the lower bladder 510 may be shorter than the length of the upper bladder 540, providing a valve and blower assembly recess or chamber 562 in which the blower and valve assembly 600 is disposed. The blower and valve assembly 600 includes a blower assembly 602, the blower assembly 602 being connected to a valve assembly 604 by the blower assembly being connected to a valve assembly connector 606. Valve assembly 604 is fluidly connected to lower chamber 512 of lower bladder 510 and upper chamber 542 of upper bladder 540, thereby enabling blower and valve assembly 600 to selectively and controllably provide inflation and deflation of lower bladder 510 and upper bladder 540, as will also be discussed in greater detail with respect to its structure and operation.

Referring next to fig. 18-19, embodiments of a blower and valve assembly 600 of an inflatable pillow system 500 are shown in top forward isometric view, in an assembled state and an exploded view, respectively. The blower and valve assembly 600 further includes a blower assembly 602, the blower assembly 602 being connected to a valve assembly 604 by the blower assembly being connected to a valve assembly connector 606. Blower assembly 602 includes a blower lower housing 620 and a blower upper housing 622, blower upper housing 622 containing an impeller 630 driven by a blower motor 624. The blower motor 624 is connected to the blower upper housing 622 by a blower motor adapter 626 and is protected by a blower motor housing 628. The muffler/intake diffuser 632 is connected to the blower lower housing 620 and serves to reduce noise and prevent the blower assembly 602 from becoming clogged with the fabric of the pillow 502 (not shown) or its outer shell 560.

Valve assembly 604 includes a valve assembly housing 640 and a valve assembly cover 642 and includes an upper air line valve 646 operatively connected to upper air line 644 and a lower air line valve 650 operatively connected to lower air line 648. An upper air line valve 646 controls air flow into the upper bladder 540 (not shown) when open when the blower motor 624 is running, and air flows out of the upper bladder 540 when the blower motor 624 is not running. When closed, the upper air line valve 645 prevents air from escaping from the upper bladder 540. Similarly, a lower air line valve 648, when open, controls the flow of air into the lower bladder 510 (not shown) when the blower motor 624 is running, and air flows out of the lower bladder 510 when the blower motor 624 is not running. When closed, the lower air line valve 645 prevents air from escaping from the lower bladder 510.

Fig. 20 shows an exploded view of another embodiment of a blower and valve assembly, which is an integrated blower and valve assembly 800. The integrated blower and valve assembly 800 includes an upper housing 812 and a lower housing 810, and an upper air line valve 830 and a lower air line valve 840, where the lower housing 810 contains an impeller 818 driven by a blower motor 814. As with the blower motor 624 of the embodiment of the blower assembly 602 of the blower and valve assembly 600 shown in fig. 18 and 19, the blower motor 814 of the integrated blower and valve assembly 800 may be protected by a blower motor housing 816, the blower motor housing 816 being adapted to be connected to the upper housing 812 and enclose the blower motor 814. The muffler/intake diffuser 820 may be reattached to the lower housing 810 to reduce noise and prevent the integrated blower and valve assembly 800 from becoming clogged with the fabric of the pillow 502 (not shown) or its outer shell 560 (not shown).

The upper air line valve 830 includes an upper air line valve plunger 830A having an upper air line valve seal 830B. The upper air line valve spring 832 pushes the upper air line valve plunger 830A and its upper air line valve seal 830B into a closed position wherein the air flow between the interior of the integrated blower and valve assembly 800 and the upper housing upper air line connector 812A is closed. When fluid communication is desired between the interior of the integrated blower and valve assembly 800 and the upper housing upper air line fitting 812A, such as when filling or discharging the upper bladder 540 (not shown), the upper air line valve servo 834, which may be a type 40 servo, raises the upper air line valve plunger 830A and its upper air line valve seal 830B, compresses the upper air line valve spring 832 and places the upper air line valve plunger 830A and its upper air line valve seal 830B in an open position. The upper air line valve spring 832, upper air line valve plunger 830A, and upper air line valve seal 830B may also act as a pressure relief valve for the upper bladder 540.

Similarly, the lower air line valve 840 includes a lower air line valve plunger 840A having a lower air line valve seal 840B. The lower air line valve spring 842 urges the lower air line valve plunger 840A and its lower air line valve seal 840B into a closed position, wherein air flow between the interior of the integrated blower and valve assembly 800 and the lower housing upper air line connector 812B is closed. When fluid communication is desired between the interior of the integrated blower and valve assembly 800 and the lower housing upper air line fitting 812B, such as when filling or draining the lower bladder 510 (not shown), the lower air line valve servo 844, which may be a type 40 servo, raises the lower air line valve plunger 840A and its lower air line valve seal 840B, compresses the lower air line valve spring 842 and places the lower air line valve plunger 840A and its lower air line valve seal 840B in an open position. The lower air line valve spring 842, the lower air line valve plunger 840A, and the lower air line valve seal 840B may also function as a pressure relief valve for the lower bladder 510. In response, the printed circuit board 900 may control operation of the upper air line valve servo 834 of the upper air line valve 830, the lower air line valve servo 844 of the lower air line valve 840, and/or the blower motor 814 in response to input by a user of the inflatable pillow system 500 via the first up button 80, the first down button 82, the second up button 84, and the second down button 86 (not shown) of the control box 90.

Referring now to fig. 21, 22A, 22B, 22C, 23, 24, and 25, further details of the configuration and operation of the upper air line valve 830 and the lower air line valve 840 are shown. FIG. 21 shows a partial view of the upper housing 812 of the integrated blower and valve assembly 800 with the upper air line valve 830 in a closed position and the lower air line valve 840 in an open position. In the case of the upper air line valve 830, the upper air line valve servo 834, located in the upper air line valve servo valve seat 834B, is deactivated such that its upper air line valve servo arm 834A is horizontal relative to the upper housing 812, similar to the position of the upper air line servo arm 834A of the upper air line servo 834A shown in fig. 22C. Accordingly, an upper air line valve spring 832 (not shown) urges the upper air line valve plunger 830A and its upper air line valve seal 830B into engagement with the upper air line valve seal engagement lip 830C, thereby preventing air flow between the interior of the integrated blower and valve assembly 800 and the upper housing upper air line connector 812A.

The upper air line valve plunger 830A is always aligned with the upper air line valve seal engagement lip 830C by an upper air line valve guide 830D and an upper air line valve ring 830E. The upper air line valve ring 830E also serves as a lifting surface for an upper air line valve servo arm 834A of an upper air line valve servo 834. The upper air line valve plunger 830A is generally hollow in the direction of an upper air line valve spring 832, which upper air line valve spring 832 extends into the hollow upper air line valve plunger 830A and further engages an upper air line valve spring seat 832A in the lower housing 810, thereby allowing for a longer spring in a compact, integrally integrated blower and valve assembly. The use of a longer upper air line valve spring 832 allows for a reduction in lift force through the upper air line valve servo 834 while still maintaining a good air seal when the upper air line valve 830 is in the closed position.

In the case of the lower air line valve 840, a lower air line valve servo 844 located in a lower air line valve servo valve seat 844B functions such that its lower air line valve servo arm 834A is horizontal relative to the upper housing 812, similar to the position of the lower air line servo arm 844A of the lower air line servo 844 shown in fig. 22A. Thus, the lower air line valve spring 842 (not shown) urges the lower air line valve plunger 840A and its lower air line valve seal 840B out of engagement with the lower air line valve seal engagement lip 840C, thereby allowing air flow between the interior of the integrated blower and valve assembly 800 and the upper housing lower air line fitting 812B.

The lower airline valve plunger 840A is always aligned with the lower airline valve seal engagement lip 840C through the lower airline valve guide 840D and the lower airline valve collar 840E. The lower air line valve collar 840E also serves as a lifting surface for the lower air line valve servo arm 8444A of the lower air line valve servo 844. The lower air line valve plunger 840A is generally hollow in the direction of a lower air line valve spring 842, which lower air line valve spring 842 extends into the hollow lower air line valve plunger 840A and further engages a lower air line valve spring seat 842A in the lower housing 810, thereby allowing for a longer spring in a compact, integrated blower and valve assembly. The use of a longer lower air line valve spring 842 allows the lift force to be reduced by the lower air line valve servo 844 while still maintaining a good air seal when the lower air line valve 840 is in the closed position.

FIG. 22B illustrates another possible position of the upper air line valve servo arm 834A of the upper air line valve servo 834 and the lower air line valve servo arm 844A of the lower air line valve servo 844. As shown in fig. 22B, the upper air line valve servo arm 834A or the lower air line valve servo arm 844A is in a neutral position, which may be about 45 degrees, and may be used to partially lift the upper air line valve plunger 830A and the upper air line valve seal 830B or the lower air line valve plunger 840A and the lower air line valve seal 840B from the upper air line valve seal engaging lip 830C or the lower air line valve seal engaging lip 840C. In this manner, the upper or lower

air line valves

830, 840 may be used to vent air in a controlled manner from the upper or

lower bladders

540, 510, respectively.

Further details of the upper housing 812, lower housing 810, and upper/lower airline valve plungers 830A/840A are shown in fig. 23, 24, and 25, respectively. The view of the upper housing 812 in FIG. 23 shows in greater detail the upper air line valve guide 830D which holds the upper air line valve plunger 830A (not shown) in alignment with the upper air line valve seal engagement lip 830C of the upper housing upper air tube fitting 812A, and the lower air line valve guide 840D which holds the lower air line valve plunger 840A (not shown) in alignment with the lower air line valve seal engagement lip 840C of the upper housing lower air tube fitting 812B. The view of the upper housing 812 in fig. 23 also shows in more detail the upper air line valve servo seat 834B and the lower air line valve servo seat 844B, where the upper air line valve servo 834 and the lower air line valve servo 844 (not shown) would be separately positioned. The view of the lower housing 810 in FIG. 24 shows the upper air line valve spring seat 832A and the lower air line valve spring seat 842A in greater detail. The view of the upper/lower air line valve plungers 830A/840A in fig. 25 shows the upper/lower air line valve rings 830E/840E in greater detail.

Referring now to fig. 26, an inflatable pillow system 500 is shown inflated with a lounge in a tilted position. The inflatable pillow system 500 can be provided with seat belts 1000 that are used to hold the pillow 502 in place and prevent it from exiting the user. This may be particularly important for the non-limiting example with Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) when the user of the inflatable pillow system 500 experiences excessive leg movement. The seat belt 1000 may be provided with a tuck-pad or block 1002 that may be pushed into the gap between the seat cushion and the back of the recliner as shown in fig. 26A. The tuck pad or block 1002, in combination with the weight of a user of the inflatable pillow system 500 sitting on the seat belt 1000, securely resists any tendency of the pillow 502 to move away from the user.

As shown in fig. 27, the seat belt 1000 is connected to the housing 560 of the pillow 502 of the inflatable pillow system 500 by ears 1006 sewn to the housing 560. Additional ears 1006 may be located on opposite sides (not visible) of the pillow 502 so that the seat belt 1000 may be attached to either side of the pillow 502. In this manner, if a user wishes to reposition the blower and valve assembly 600 (not visible) to the other side of the leg rest of the lounge, it is a simple matter to disconnect the seat belt 1000 from one side of the shell 560 of the pillow 502 and reconnect them to the other side of the shell 560 of the pillow 502. To facilitate this, and to facilitate adjustment, the seat belt 1000 may be provided with adjustable snap connectors or side release buckles 1004. To this end, ears 1006 on each side of housing 560 may each be provided with a mating portion of an adjustable snap connector or side release button 1004. In addition, the use of adjustable snap connectors or side release buckles 1004 allows a user to temporarily move the pillow 502 of the inflatable pillow system 500 to another support surface while leaving the seat belt 1000 in place for later use without the need for readjustment.

While the inflatable pillow system has been described with respect to at least one embodiment, as previously mentioned, the inflatable pillow system can be further modified within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. With respect to the above description, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the inflatable pillow system, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the specification and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the inflatable pillow system of the present invention. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, modifications, uses, adaptations or equivalents of inflatable pillow systems using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this disclosure pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.

List of reference numerals

Claims

1. An inflatable pillow system comprising:

a pillow formed from an upper bladder and a lower bladder, the upper bladder being connected to the lower bladder to form an expanded cross-sectional configuration;

a controller for independently inflating and deflating the upper and lower bladders, wherein the controller comprises:

an air flow increasing device;

a valve assembly in fluid communication with the air booster, the valve assembly having:

an upper air line connected to the upper bladder;

a lower air line connected to the lower bladder;

an upper air line valve in fluid communication with the upper air line, the upper air line valve urged to a closed position by an upper air line valve spring and moved to an open position by an upper air line valve servo;

a lower air line valve in fluid communication with the lower air line, the lower air line valve urged to a closed position by a lower air line valve spring and moved to an open position by a lower air line valve servo;

and a control box operatively connected to the air amplifier and the valve assembly, the control box having an input for inflating and raising the upper bladder, an input for deflating and lowering the upper bladder, an input for inflating and raising the lower bladder, and an input for deflating and lowering the lower bladder.

2. The inflatable pillow system of claim 1, wherein:

the upper air line valve further comprises a hollow upper air line valve plunger and an upper air line valve seal, the upper air line valve spring extending into the hollow upper air line valve plunger; and

the lower air line valve further includes a hollow lower air line valve plunger and a lower air line valve seal, the lower air line valve spring extending into the hollow lower air line valve plunger.

3. The inflatable pillow system of claim 2, wherein:

an upper air line having an upper air line valve seal engagement lip, a hollow upper air line valve plunger held in alignment with the upper air line valve seal engagement lip by an upper air line valve guide and an upper air line valve ring, the upper air line valve ring providing a lifting surface that is engaged by an upper air line valve servo arm connected to an upper air line valve servo; and

the lower air line has a lower air line valve seal engagement lip, the hollow lower air line valve plunger is held in alignment with the lower air line valve seal engagement lip by a lower air line valve guide and a lower air line valve ring, the lower air line valve ring provides a lifting surface that is engaged by a lower air line valve servo arm connected to a lower air line valve servo.

4. The inflatable pillow system of claim 1, wherein:

the controller is configured to selectively:

inflating the upper bladder by engaging the air booster and opening the upper air line valve;

deflating the upper bag by disengaging from the air booster and opening an upper air line valve;

maintaining air in the upper bladder by closing the upper air line valve;

inflating the lower bladder by engaging the air booster and opening a lower air line valve;

deflating the lower bladder by disengaging from the air booster and opening a lower air line valve;

air in the lower bladder is maintained by closing the lower air line valve.

5. The inflatable pillow system of claim 4, wherein:

the upper air line valve is further moved to an intermediate position by an upper air line valve servo, the controller further configured to selectively exhaust air from the upper bladder by disengaging the air amplifier and moving the upper air line valve to the intermediate position; and

the lower air line valve is further moved to a neutral position by a lower air line valve servo, and the controller is further configured to selectively exhaust air from the lower bladder by disengaging the air amplifier and moving the lower air line valve to the neutral position.

6. The inflatable pillow system of claim 1, wherein:

the lower bladder is shorter in length than the upper bladder, thereby providing a recess or chamber in which the air amplifier and valve assembly are disposed.

7. The inflatable pillow system of claim 1, wherein:

the air current booster and the valve assembly are one of the following:

are accommodated in separate housings connected by a connector, and

housed within a single integrated housing.

8. The inflatable pillow system of claim 1, further comprising:

a quick release valve for deflating the upper and lower bladders, having:

an upper release line connected to the upper bladder and a lower release line connected to the lower bladder;

an internal actuator line and an exhaust line;

a reciprocating primary piston in at least one of the internal actuator line and the exhaust line, the primary piston formed with two conical portions with a tip connected axially inward and a cylindrical portion extending axially outward;

an upper piston reciprocates in an upper release line with an upper stop and an upper coil spring urges the upper stop into sealing contact with the exhaust line;

the lower piston reciprocates in a lower release line with a lower stop and the lower coil spring pushes the lower stop into sealing contact with the exhaust line; and

at least one processor having an inner end engaged with the master piston and an outer end controlled by a user to activate the quick release valve.

9. The inflatable pillow system of claim 1, further comprising at least one of:

a pull cord having a front end attached to the outer shell surrounding the upper and lower bladders, the pull cord extending rearward for gripping and manipulation by a user to simultaneously reposition the upper and lower bladders;

a plurality of reinforcement panels, each reinforcement panel comprising a rectangular pocket formed in the bottom of the lower bladder to add stability to the lower bladder and system when in use;

a muffler/air inlet diffuser connected to an air inlet of the air booster; and

at least one seat belt having at least one tuck pad or block.

10. A controller for an inflatable pillow system having a pillow formed from an upper bladder and a lower bladder, the upper bladder connected to the lower bladder to form an expanded cross-sectional configuration, comprising:

an air flow increasing device;

a valve assembly in fluid communication with an air booster, the valve assembly having:

an upper air line connected to the upper bladder;

a lower air line connected to the lower bladder;

an upper air line valve in fluid communication with the upper air line, the upper air line valve urged to a closed position by an upper air line valve spring and moved to an open position by an upper air line valve servo, an

A lower air line valve in fluid communication with the lower air line, the lower air line valve urged to a closed position by a lower air line valve spring and moved to an open position by a lower air line valve servo; and

a control box operably connected to an air booster and a valve assembly, the control box:

configured to independently inflate and deflate the upper bladder and the lower bladder;

having an input for inflating and raising the upper bladder;

having an input for deflating and lowering the upper bladder;

having an input for inflating and raising the lower bladder;

with an input for deflating and lowering the lower bladder.

11. The controller of claim 10, wherein:

12. The controller of claim 11, wherein:

13. The controller of claim 10, wherein:

the controller is configured to selectively:

maintaining air in the upper bladder by closing the upper air line valve;

air in the lower bladder is maintained by closing the lower air line valve.

14. The controller of claim 13, wherein:

15. The controller of claim 10, wherein:

the air current booster and the valve assembly are one of the following:

are accommodated in separate housings connected by a connector, and

housed within a single integrated housing.

16. The controller of claim 10, further comprising:

a muffler/inlet diffuser connected to the inlet of the air booster.

17. A method for lifting at least one limb of a patient, comprising the steps of:

forming a pillow having an upper bladder and a lower bladder;

connecting the upper bladder to the lower bladder to form an expanded cross-sectional configuration;

a controller is provided to independently inflate and deflate the upper and lower bladders, wherein the controller further comprises:

an air flow increasing device;

an upper air line connected to the upper bladder;

a lower air line connected to the lower bladder;

a control box operatively connected to the air mover and the valve assembly, the control box having an input for inflating and raising the upper bladder, an input for deflating and lowering the upper bladder, an input for inflating and raising the lower bladder, and an input for deflating and lowering the lower bladder.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein:

19. The method of claim 17, wherein:

20. The method of claim 17, further comprising the steps of:

the controller is configured to selectively:

maintaining air in the upper bladder by closing the upper air line valve;

air in the lower bladder is maintained by closing the lower air line valve.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein:

22. The method of claim 17, further comprising the steps of:

providing a quick release valve to deflate the upper and lower bladders, the quick release valve having:

an internal actuator line and an exhaust line;