GB2516458A

GB2516458A - Support cushion

Info

Publication number: GB2516458A
Application number: GB1313079.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jon Lewis; Paul Robert Rabin
Original assignee: Direct Healthcare Services Ltd
Current assignee: Direct Healthcare Services Ltd
Priority date: 2013-07-23
Filing date: 2013-07-23
Publication date: 2015-01-28
Anticipated expiration: 2033-07-23
Also published as: GB2516458B; GB201313079D0

Abstract

A support cushion comprising a first air tight support portion 14 comprising first and second chambers 16 and 18 linked such that air can flow between them a second air tight support 22 portion comprising a further chamber wherein external pressure on the first chamber 16 of the first support portion results in air flow between it and the second chamber 18 but no flow between it and the further chamber. The chambers may have air retention means 26 in them which can be sponge or polyurethane foam. Indents 30 may be provided in this to support a users Ischia and coccyx. Valves may be used to control air flow into the chambers and may operate without a pump. The device is designed for use on a wheelchair to help prevent pressure sores.

Description

SUPPORT CUSifiON

Background to the invention

The present invention provides a cushion arrangement to provide responsive support for a patient supported thereon, In particular, the present invention provides a cushion arrangement to minimise pressure points and to assist with pressure sore prevention.

It is a problem that patients who are either wheelchair-bound or spend a significant period of time confined to a chair can suffer from painful pressure sores, also known as pressure ulcers, These are painful sores that develop as a result of external forces resulting from direct pressure, shear and friction, causing stresses and strains on the tissue, which inhibit circulation and thereby prevent oxygen and other nutrients reach the tissues, Pressure sores typically occur over bony prominences, 75% of the patient's body weight is supported on ischials and coccyx when seated, Prolonged pressure between these pressure points and the 0 chair result in red skin which forms a blister over time followed by an open sore.

These pressure sores are painful for the patient and can destroy the muscle or bone 0 beneath the skin. Tn extreme circumstances, they can become infected, causing potentially life-threatening blood poisoning or bone infections.

Conventional pressure relief cushion arrangements include specialised foam cushions comprising a foam base and a specially contoured foam insert on which the body is supported, However, there is a need for an alternative pressure relief cushion arrangement which more effectively reduces the development of pressure sores and which avoids the need for air pumps, which are both expensive to purchase, set up for the patient and also require regular maintenance.

Summary of the Tnvention

According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a support cushion arrangement comprising: a first substantially air-tight support portion comprising first and second interlinked chambers, which are interlinked so as to allow air to flow therebetween; and a second substantially air-tight support portion comprising a chamber; such that in use air is able to pass between the first and second interlinked chambers of the first support portion in dependence upon external pressure applied to the first support portion, and in which no air flow occurs between the first and second support portions upon external pressure applied to the cushion arrangement.

The second support portion may be located at any suitable location with respect to 0 the first support portion. The second support portion is preferably located between (\J the first and second interlinked chambers of the first support portion. The second 0 support portion may comprise a plurality of interlinked chambers, which are interlinked to allow air to flow there between. The plurality of interlinked chambers may be arranged such that in use air is able to pass between a first and a second interlinked chambers of the second support portion in dependence upon external pressure applied to the second support portion,.

The second support portion may be located within the cushion arrangement so that in use the second support portion is aligned with and arranged to support the ischial tuberosity's and coccyx of a patient.

The cushion arrangement may be arranged such that external pressure applied to a chamber of the first support portion causes air flow out of that chamber and into the other interlinked chamber.

At least one support portion comprises resilient air-retention means located within at least one chamber. The first support portion may comprise resilient air-retention means located within at least one, for example within each, chamber. The second support portion may comprise resilient air-retention means located within the chamber. For example, preferably the first and second support portions each comprise resilient air-retention means located with the chambers.

The cushion arrangement may be arranged such that application of external pressure to a chamber comprising resilient air-retention means results in compression of the resilient air-retention means and air flow out of the chamber into an interlinked chamber.

The cushion arrangement may be arranged such that removal of external pressure from a chamber allows decompression of the resilient air-retention means therein, resulting in subsequent air flow into the chamber from an interlinked chamber of o the support portion.

The resilient air-retention means in each chamber or support portion may be identical in one or more of shape, contours, volume or density. For example, the resilient air-retention means in the chambers of the first support portion may be identical in one or more of shape, contours, volume or density to the resilient air-retention means in the chamber of the second support portion.

At least two chambers or support portions may comprise resilient air-retention means which differ in one or more of shape, contours, volume or density. For example, the resilient air-retention means located within the chamber(s) of the first support portion may be different in at least one of shape, contours, volume or density to the resilient air-retention means located within the chamber of the second support portion.

The resilient air-retention means may comprise a resilient foam-like material. The resilient foam-like material may comprises natural sponge, polyurethane foam, The resilient air-retention means of the second support portion may be contoured to provide the desired support for a patient, for example to provide support for the ischia and coccyx of a patient. The resilient air-retention means of the second support portion may provide a first recess for receiving at least part of the ischia and coccyx of a patient. For example, the first recess may be shaped, dimensioned and located within the resilient air-retention means to receive at least part, for example all of the ischia and coccyx, of a patient.

At least a portion of the first support portion may be contoured to provide the desired support for a patient, for example to provide support for the isehia and coccyx of a patient. For example, at least one resilient air-retention means located within at least one chamber of the first support portion may be contoured to provide the desired support for a patient. At least one resilient air-retention means 0 located within at least one chamber of the first support portion may provide a (\J second recess for receiving at least part of the ischia and coccyx of a patient. At 0 least one of the first and second recesses may be located within a central portion of the resilient air-retention means. The first and second recesses may be located adjacent to and/or aligned with one another such that in use the recesses receive at least part of the ischia and coccyx of a patient.

The cushion arrangement may comprise at least one valve to permit air ingress into and/or air to exit from at least one of the support portions. The first and second support portions preferably comprise at least one valve to permit air ingress into the chamber(s). The second support portion preferably comprises at least one valve to permit air to exit from the chamber. The at least one valve may be a one-way air-flow valve.

The cushion arrangement may comprise a valve permitting air to ingress into and to exit the chamber(s) of at least one support portion. For example, the second support portion may comprise a valve to allow air to exit and to ingress into the chamber.

The air flow valve permitting air to ingress into the chambers of the arrangement allows the influx of air in order to compensate for any loss of air from the chambers that may occur over time as air is lost through the walls of the support portion.

The chambers of the support portion may comprise resilient plastic material, including, but not limited to, polyurethane and PVC. It is to be appreciate that any other suitable resilient plastics material may be used either as an alternative or in combination.

The first support portion may comprise air conduits connecting the interlinked o chambers to one another, C\J One advantage of one embodiment of the cushion arrangement is that it may be free of any external pump.

A further aspect of the present invention provides a support cushion comprising a substantially p'anar base cushion defining a cushion arrangement receiving portion; and a cushion arrangement as herein described,

Brief Description of the Drawings

An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an illustration of a cushion arrangement according to a first embodiment of the present invention in use for supporting a patient; Figure 2 is a view from above of a cushion arrangement according to a further embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is a view from below of the cushion arrangement of Figure 2; Figure 4 is a view from above of the cushion arrangement of Figure 2 with no external pressure applied; and Figure 5 is a view from above of the cushion arrangement of Figure 2 during application of external pressure.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Figures 2 and 4 show an embodiment of the cushion arrangement 10 in accordance with the present invention, and Figure 3 shows the underside 12 of the cushion arrangement 10.

The support cushion arrangement 10 comprises a first substantially air-tight support portion 14 comprising three interlinked chambers: a first chamber 16, a second chamber 18 and a third chamber 20 The first chamber 16, second chamber O 18 and third chamber 20 are interlinked so as to allow air to flow therebetween.

0 As shown in Figure 3, the cushion arrangement 10 comprises air conduits 25 interlinking the chambers 16, 18,20 of the first support portion 14 to each other so as to allow air to flow therebetween. The air conduits 25 comprise a flexible tube extending along the exterior undersurface of the chambers of the first support portion 14. The flexible tube extends through the under-surface of each interlinked chamber 16, 18, 20 within the first support portion 14 making a seal with the exterior surface such that air may flow between each interlinked chamber in the first support portion 14 without any air loss to the atmosphere. The flexible tube has a first end (not shown) which is closed and a second end which is provided with a one way air-flow valve (not shown) which allows air ingress into the chambers, but prevents air loss from the chambers via the second end of the flexible tube.

The cushion arrangement 10 further comprises a second substantially air-tight support portion 22 comprising a chamber 24. The second support portion 22 further comprises a one-way valve (not shown) to allow air ingress into the chamber 24. The second support portion 22 also comprises a one-way valve (not shown) allowing air to exit the chamber 24. Although the valve allowing air ingress and the valve allowing air to exit the chamber are described as being provided by two separate one-way valves it is to be understood that the second support portion 22 could comprise a single valve allowing air to ingress into the chamber and to exit the chamber.

Although the Figures illustrate that the first support portion contains three interlinked chambers and the second support portion contains a single chamber, it is to be appreciated that the number of chambers provided in each support portion may vary depending on the support required of the cushion arrangement.

The second support portion 22 is located between the first chamber 16 and the 0 second chamber 18 of the first support portion 14. c'%J

0 In the embodiment shown, each of the chambers of the first support portion 10 and the second support portion 22 is substantially rectangular in shape and extends across the full width of the cushion arrangement. It is however to be understood that the chambers of the support portions may be of any suitable shape and size for supporting a patient.

The chambers 16, 18, 20 of the first support portion 14 and the chamber 24 of the second support portion 22 comprise resilient air-retention means 26 in the form of foam sections. The foam sections 26 are shown in Figures 2 to S to be substantially rectangular in shape and extending across the full length of the chambers. It is however to be understood that the foam sections 26 may be of any suitable size and shape for being received within the chambers of the support portions and to provide the desired support to a patient.

Each foam section 26 is shaped and contoured and of appropriate density to support the part of the patient's body that would rest thereon, during use. It is to be appreciated that any suitable shape and contours and foam density could be used as long as it provides the appropriate level of support for the intended location of the foam section 26 within the cushion arrangement 10, The foam sections 26 located within each chamber 16, 18, 20 of the first support portion 14 and the chamber 24 of the second support portion 22 are identical in shape, volume and density, The foam section 26 of the second support portion 22 is contoured to provide a first recess 28. The first recess 28 is shaped, dimensioned and located within the arrangement 10 to receive and support at least a portion of the ischials and coccyx of a patient. The first recess 28 is located within a central region of the second LI) support portion 22.

The foam section 26 located within the first chamber 16 of the first support portion 0 14 is contoured to provide a second recess 30. The second recess 30 is shaped, dimensioned and located to receive and support at least a portion of the ischials and coccyx of a patient. The second recess 30 is located within a central region of the foam section 26 of the first chamber 16. The first recess 28 provided by the second support portion 22 and the second recess 30 provided by the first support portion 14 are aligned with each other to provide a recess located within a central region of the arrangement 10. The second recess 30 is significantly smaller in cross-sectional dimensions than the first recess 28.

The cushion arrangement 1 0 is free from any external pump.

Figure 3 illustrates the underside of the cushion arrangement 10. Each chamber of the support portions is provided with a support strap 32 which extends around the circumference of the chamber. The support straps 32 maybe secured to a frame, for example a chair or wheelchair, so as to hold the chambers of the cushion arrangement 10 in place relative to one another.

The cushion arrangement 10 is arranged such that in use air is able to pass through the air conduits 25 between the first 16, second 18 and third 20 interlinked chambers of the first support portion 14 in dependence upon external pressure applied to the first support portion 14. No air flow occurs between the first 14 and second 22 support portions upon external pressure applied to the cushion arrangement 10.

In use, a patient supported on cushion arrangement 10 will exert pressure on the first 14 and second 22 support portions. The majority of the weight of a user is exerted through the ischial tuberocities when in the sitting position.

The first recess 28 provided by the second support portion 22 is arranged to receive 0 and support at least a portion of the ischials and coccyx of the patient. The second support portion 22 therefore provides an increased surface area for contacting the 0 ischials and coccyx of a patient and therefore decreases the high pressure points.

When pressure is applied to the first support portion 14, a greater pressure will be exerted on one chamber than the other inter-linked chambers. When this happens, the chamber under the highest pressure will compress, foam section will compress and air will flow from that chamber into the inter-linked chambers via air conduit.

As the tota' volume of the first support portion remains the same, due to it being a sealed volume, the air within support portion will increase in pressure and inter-linked support portions will become firmer under the weight of the patient support thereon, with the effect that a greater surface area of first support portion is supporting the pelvis of the patient support thereon. This has the effect of reducing the pressure through a single pressure point as the weight is more distributed and thus the risk of a pressure sore at that specific pressure point will be significantly reduced, if not eliminated.

If the pressure applied by the user exceeds a predetermined maximum pressure level within the second support portion 22, the pressure valve may open so as to release air from the chamber 24 and reduced the pressure within the support portion 22.

When the pressure on the chambers of the first support portions is alleviated, foam section within that chamber will decompress, thereby drawing air back into the chamber from adjacent inter-linked chambers and, if the patient weight is removed altogether, the air pressure throughout the sealed volume of air in interlinked chambers will equilibrate again. Thus, the foam section is vely important as it is required in order to encourage efficient airflow back into the chamber after 1-15 removal/reduction of the external pressure applied to the chamber during use. U)

O As a patient moves on the cushion arrangement 10, the airflow between interlinked chambers will subtly shift the weight of the user, thereby further ftcilitating the O reduction in the risk of pressure sores.

Although aspects of the invention have been described with reference to the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise embodiment shown and that various changes and modifications may be effected without further inventive skill and effort, for

example,...

Claims

CLATMSI. A support cushion arrangement comprising: a first substantially air-tight support portion comprising first and second interlinked chambers, which are interlinked so as to allow air to flow therebetween; and a second substantially air-tight support portion comprising a chamber; such that in use air is able to pass between the first and second interlinked chambers of the first support portion in dependence upon external pressure applied to the first support portion, and in which no air flow occurs between the first and second support portions upon external pressure applied to the cushion arrangement.
2. A support cushion arrangement as claimed in claim 1, in which the second support portion is located between the first and second interlinked chambers of the first support portion.

(\J
3. A support cushion arrangement as claimed in either of claims I and 2, in O which the second support portion is arranged to support the ischia and coccyx of a patient located on the cushion arrangement.
4. A support cushion arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, in which external pressure applied to a chamber of the first support portion causes air flow out of that chamber and into the other interlinked chamber,
5. A support cushion arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, in which at least one support portion comprises resilient air-retention means located within at least one chamber.
6. A support cushion arrangement as claimed in claim 5, in which the second support portion comprises resilient air-retention means located within the chamber, and in which the resilient air-retention means provides a first recess for receiving at least part of the ischia and coccyx of a patient.
7. A support cushion arrangement as claimed in claim 6, in which the first support portion further comprises air retention means located within a chamber, in which the resilient air-retention means provides a second recess for receiving at least part of the ischia and coccyx of a patient.
8. A support cushion arrangement as claimed in either of claims 6 and 7, in which the at least one of the first and second recesses is located within a central portion of the resilient air-retention means.
9. A support cushion arrangement as claimed in either of claims 7 and 8, in which the first and second recesses are arranged to be located adjacent to and/or aligned with one another 10, A support cushion arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 9, in o which application of external pressure to a chamber of the first support portion comprising resilient air-retention means results in compression of o 20 the resilient air-retention means and air flow out of the chamber into an interl inked chamber, 11. A support cushion arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 10, in which removal of external pressure from a chamber of the first support portion allows decompression of the resilient air-retention means therein, resulting in subsequent air flow into the chamber from an interlinked chamber of the support portion.12, A support cushion arrangement as claimed in any one of clainis 5 to Ii, in which the resilient air-retention means in each chamber or support portion is identical in one or more of shape, contours, volume or density.13. A support cushion arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 5 to Ii, in which at least two chambers or support portions comprise resilient air-retention means which differ in one or more of shape, contours, volume or density.14. A support cushion arrangement as claimed in any one of elainis 5 to 13, in which the resilient air-retention means comprises a resilient foam-like material 15, A support cushion arrangement as claimed in claim 14, in which the resilient foam-like material comprises natural sponge, polyurethane foam, 16, A support cushion arrangement as daimed in any preceding claim, in which the second support portion comprises an air valve to permit air to exit the chamber(s), 17, A support cushion arrangement as daimed in any preceding claim, in which o at least one support portion further comprises an air valve to permit air ingress into the chamber(s). O 2018. A support cushion arrangement as claimed in either of claims 16 and 17, in which said valve permits air to exit the chamber and to ingress into the chamber, 19, A support cushion arrangement as claimed in either of claims 16 and 17, in which said valve is a one-way valve.20. A support cushion arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the chambers comprise resilient plastic material, 21. A support cushion arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising air conduits connecting the interlinked chambers to one another.22. A support cushion arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the arrangement is free of any external pump.23 A support cushion comprising a substantially planar base cushion defining a cushion arrangement receiving portion; and a cushion arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim. LtD (Si