JP2013530011A - Elastic grid for use with cellular cushions - Google Patents

Abstract

  An elastic grid 10 having a plurality of apertures 15 for use with an inflatable cellular cushion 16 or mattress, the cellular cushion 16 or mattress cell when the grid 10 is positioned on the base of the cushion or mattress Elastic grid 10 in which each opening 15 is positioned and dimensioned to fit around 20. The grid may have an angled front support 23 and side bolsters 26,28. These components may be modular. Grid 10 provides stability, improves positioning, and at the same time provides temporary protection against bottoming and provides an air flow path 22 between the cells.

Description

  This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 359,990, filed June 30, 2010, which is incorporated herein by reference.

  The present invention relates generally to inflatable cellular cushions and mattresses, and more particularly to an elastic grid for use with an inflatable cellular cushion, suitable for a person on the cushion. It relates to an elastic grid that facilitates positioning, improves seating stability and positioning, protects against bottoming and promotes air circulation around the cushion cell. The grid according to the present invention improves cooling and reduces the moisture accumulated between the cushion and the user positioned on the cushion.

  People who are sitting in a wheelchair or who are bedridden are at risk of tissue destruction and pressure ulcers, which are very dangerous and difficult to treat and cure. Heat and moisture are additional risk factors for skin destruction. The inflatable cell cushion or mattress allows the weight to be distributed almost evenly, thereby maximally protecting the occurrence of pressure sores. These cushions or mattresses typically have a base and have an array of closely spaced air cells (a series of air cells) protruding upward from a common base. Inflatable air cells are generally arranged in a longitudinal row and a lateral row with a predetermined space or gap between the cells. Each air cell exerts essentially the same restoring force on the user's body. In a sense, a typical cellular cushion or mattress provides a highly mobile surface that tends to float the user. Inflatable air cells can be interconnected and / or arranged within the inflatable zone.

  In use, the cushion is disposed on a support surface, such as a wheelchair seat. The cushion is inflated and the user sits on the cushion. The cushion is slowly deflated so that the seated user's buttocks sink to the cushion about 2.5 inches (about 1 inch) above the base of the cushion. The air injection valve is closed. This position should provide an optimal uniform pressure against the heel tissue. Often this positioning is done sensory. In some situations, if each user or nurse is not properly trained, the user may not sit optimally on the cushion. Too much air is released or too little.

  In some situations, the inflated cells in a position along the periphery of the cushion sway, which reduces the stability of the seated user and impairs the effectiveness of the cushion in the user's body area. Also, in rare circumstances, the cushion may contract due to, for example, perforations, valve failure, or other reasons. When the cushion or a section thereof contracts, the user is “bottomed out” and the buttocks or other body part abuts the support surface. Such bottoming out conditions can cause tissue damage or pressure ulcers.

  Cellular cushions or mattresses work well for their intended purpose, but provide a means for stabilizing the inflatable air cell cushion, facilitate positioning of the user on the cushion, and It would be advantageous to provide some means for mitigating the negative effects of “bottoming”.

  It may also be advantageous to reduce the temperature and moisture or moisture at the cushion / skin interface to prevent skin destruction.

US Pat. No. 4,541,136 US Pat. No. 6,697,936 US Pat. No. 6,687,936

  One aspect of the present invention is an elastic grid for use with a cellular cushion or mattress, the grid having a plurality of structural members defining, for example, a grid-like opening, each opening being a cushion by the grid Or an elastic grid dimensioned to fit around a cell of a multi-cell cushion, mattress, or mattress overlay when positioned on the base of the mattress. When the grid is in place, each cell of the cellular cushion or mattress product protrudes through the opening in the grid. Grid cross members occupy gaps between cells and promote air flow between cells. If the grid is made of a specific material, the movement of the cushion and the user on the grid can cause the elastic grid to collapse and expel air, or expand to draw air (i.e. breathe), Thereby, the air flow between the cells for cooling and drying is further increased.

  In another aspect of the invention, the grid facilitates the user's initial setup and adjustment on the mattress or cushion. For example, the cushion is inflated and the user is positioned on the cushion. The air in the air cell is adjusted until the user sinks into the cell until it is just above the elastic grid.

  In another aspect of the invention, an elastic grid positioned on the base of the cushion or mattress provides additional protection against bottoming if air leaks from the inflatable cushion or mattress. The user abuts against an elastic grid rather than a relatively hard support surface such as a chair seat or a conventional mattress.

  In addition, the elastic grid provides stability to cells positioned within the grid, and in particular prevents cells on or around the periphery of the cushion or mattress from rocking or moving in use.

  In another aspect of the invention, the grid includes a support area for positioning under a selected area of the user's anatomy and a bolster along the edge of the grid to provide stability and positioning ( Receiving material).

  In another aspect, the grid is provided as a module unit.

1 is a top view of one aspect of a support grid of the present invention. 1 is a top view of one aspect of a support grid of the present invention positioned on an inflatable cellular cushion. FIG. FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of one aspect of a support grid. It is a back sectional view of a support grid. FIG. 6 is an exploded view of one aspect of a support grid. FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of an inflatable cellular cushion with a front element of the support grid of the present invention. It is side part sectional drawing of the cushion provided with one viewpoint of the support grid of this invention. It is a side view of the cushion provided with the support grid in the state which removed the side part bolster.

  One aspect of the support grid of the present invention is indicated by reference numeral 10 in the drawings. The grid is intended for use with a support cushion or mattress, the support cushion or mattress having a base and having an array of independent upstanding cells over the base. .

  The grid 10 is composed of an elastic material, such as polyurethane foam (polyurethane foam) or similar material. The foam may be closed cells or open cells. Other types of materials such as three-dimensional knitted spacer fabrics can also be employed, in which the opposing monofilaments are aligned vertically to form a vertical support structure. The choice of material for the grid is based on the support or air flow characteristics desired for any given grid.

  The grid 10 includes a main body 12 including a plurality of structural members 13. As shown in the drawings, the structural members can be arranged in transverse rows and longitudinal rows, sometimes referred to as cross members. Although the width of the cross member may vary, in one aspect, the structural member 13 has a width of about 1/4 inch to 3/8 inch (about 0.635 cm to 0.952 cm). In any case, as will be described later, the width of the cross member may be any width depending on the size of the space between the cells of the inflatable air cell cushion.

  Similarly, the height of the elements of the grid structural member can vary depending on the materials used to form the grid and the desired support properties. In one preferred aspect of the present invention, the grid has a height of about 1/4 inch to 1 inch, more preferably about 1.27 cm to 1.90 cm. 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch). However, any height that meets the desired functional characteristics of the grid is within the scope of the present invention. In addition, several areas of the grid can be stacked to achieve the desired support characteristics.

  The grid 10 also includes an edge 14, which in one embodiment is about 1.90 cm (3/4 inch) wide. However, the edge may be of any width and the edge comprises a bolster or the like from a particular point of view that will be described below. In some embodiments, the grid does not have a peripheral edge.

  The grid may be sized and configured to encompass all of the upstanding cells on the cushion, or only the desired area of the cushion, for example, the seated user's sciatic area or the area below the thigh May be appropriately sized relative to the cellular cushion on which the grid is placed.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the cross members extend both laterally and longitudinally to define individual apertures 15 to form an array of apertures. This can be called a grid. Note that the openings 15 are rectangular and are arranged in a longitudinal row and a transverse row, as shown. The array of openings 15 can be any array desired to be complementary to the array of cells on the cellular cushion employed together. The apertures can be staggered (staggered) in the same grid, grouped, or sized differently.

  The structural member 13 need not be linear. For example, the grid may employ a circular structural member and may define an opening 15 having a circular cross section, for example. Furthermore, the structural member can be adapted to form openings having other shapes such as triangles, ovals, and stars.

  Also, the number of openings 15 in each grid is determined by the cellular cushion used together or the area of the cushion over which the grid is used. If necessary, the size of the opening 15 can be changed. For example, in one aspect of the invention, the aperture 15 is approximately 3.49 cm × 3.49 cm (1 and 3/8 inch × 1 and 3/8 inch) square. However, the opening 15 may be any size or shape required for its intended purpose.

  In one aspect of the invention, the grid 10 is intended for use on a cellular cushion, preferably an inflatable air cell cushion 16. One exemplary usage is for use with an inflatable air cell cushion, but the grid 10 can be employed with any cushion having an array of individual upstanding cells. Although the detailed description herein refers generally to cushions for the sake of brevity and clarity, it will be understood that the same principles apply when used with cellular mattresses and mattress overlays.

  In any case, as illustrated, the cushion 16 comprises a base 18 and a plurality of individual upstanding cells, in this case inflatable air cells 20, arranged in a longitudinal row and a transverse row across the base 18. including. One preferred inflatable cellular cushion and its method of manufacture is described in US Pat. No. 4,541,136, incorporated herein by reference. There is a gap 21 between the cells. For example, as illustrated and described in US Pat. No. 6,697,936, which is also incorporated herein by reference, the cells can be isolated or interconnected by a base, or individual cells Can be divided into inflatable zones.

  The cell 20 can have any cross-sectional shape. For example, it may be a fin shape, a rectangle, or any desired shape. In particular, the cross-sectional shape of the cell at the cell base is generally complementary to the configuration of the opening 15 defined by the structural member.

  Although the illustrated example shows a cushion 16 having a generally rectangular configuration with longitudinal and transverse rows of upright inflatable cells, the grid of the present invention can be used with any inflatable air cell cushion or mattress. The configuration and expansion characteristics of the cushion 16 are secondary to the present invention. For example, the grid 10 can be used with a cellular cushion having a generally saddle-shaped configuration for use in a motorcycle seat or a substantially circular configuration for use with a stool or other seat. . The grid employed on other configurations of the cushion need only have a shape in which the openings 15 are complementary to the upstanding cells of the cushion.

  As illustrated, the body 12 of the grid 10 is positioned over the base 18 of the cushion. Individual inflatable cells 20 are positioned in the openings 15 and the cross member 13 surrounds the exterior of the cells, generally adjacent to the base of the cells, and forms an air flow path 22 between the cells. The cross member 13 of the grid 10 fits around the bottom or base of the expandable cell so that the top of the expanded cell can stretch to form a continuous support surface. The cross member 13 maintains the integrity of the gap 21 when the cells are expanded and forms an open air flow path, thereby increasing the air flow between the cells.

  In use, the cushion 16 is placed on a support surface, such as a wheelchair seat, with the grid 10 positioned on the cushion as described. As explained above, the grid 10 may extend over the entire extent of the cushion 16 or may be positioned only over selected areas of the cushion. The inflatable cell 20 is then inflated by a valve as understood in the art. The user is positioned on the cushion and air is released from the cell until the user's body, such as the hip and ischial area, is properly submerged within the cellular cushion and positioned just above the grid 10. The valve is closed to keep the cell in the desired expanded state. If the cushion 16 is a segmented cellular cushion, the user is positioned over the cushion as disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,687,936, incorporated herein by reference, Adjusted.

  In one aspect of the invention, the grid 10 may help prevent the inflatable cellular cushion from bottoming out if it loses air. A seated user will only sink until the buttocks abuts against the elastic grid, and therefore does not abut a hard support surface that can cause pressure ulcers (bed slippage) or other injuries. Thus, the grid can be composed of a material that is adequately elastic and still has support, such material providing proper support for the seated user when the air cell cushion is bottomed out. Can help prevent the development of pressure ulcers, especially when the bottoming is temporary or limited in time.

  As mentioned above, in another aspect of the invention, the cross member 13 maintains the integrity or patency (openness) of the gaps between the cells, which means more air between the cells for cooling. Allow the flow to flow and prevent fluid retention.

  Furthermore, depending on the material, the grid may be compressed and released by the movement of the seated user. This alternating compression and release can increase the air flow between the cells by breathing or bellows action, cooling the area between the i cells and thus helping to cool the user's buttocks and ischial area.

  The presence of the grid 10 allows for optimal positioning. In the cushion without the new grid according to the invention, the cushion is placed on the support surface, the user sits on the cushion and the cushion is inflated. Air is released from the cushion until the user sinks into the cushion to an optimum depth, typically about 2.54 cm (1 inch) above the support surface. When the grid 10 is in place, the cushion can be deflated until the user's buttocks are properly positioned on the surface of the grid, thereby ensuring proper positioning and sinking.

  Furthermore, in one aspect of the invention, the grid 10 improves the stability of a seated user. With the cross member 13 surrounding the base of the individual cells, each cell located in the opening 15, in particular the cell at the edge of the cushion, is stabilized to prevent shaking and shifting. Furthermore, a relatively small grid can be employed that fits only to the cells along the edges of the cushion to prevent cell swaying motion. A smaller grid can be placed under the thigh of the person whose leg has been cut to offset the load and position the seated user to be more symmetrical. In addition, several areas of the grid can be stacked to change the support characteristics.

  It should be noted that the grid 10 can be a simple and flat rectangular grid, but can also be configured with other elements to improve seating stability. 3 to 8, one aspect of the grid 10 includes a front support 23. The support 23 includes a side wall 24 that is angled downward at an edge 14 that extends toward the rear of the grid and cushion. The front support 23 can include a recess for proper positioning of the user's thigh. The side wall 24 can act as a bolster to better position a seated user and provide lateral stability. They can be at any desired height to provide optimal side support.

  In addition, various elements of the grid may include a first side bolster 26 on one side of the body and a second side bolster 28 on the opposite side of the body. The bolsters 26 and 28 are angled toward the front, and are inclined so as to rise up the wall 24 angled downward in the front support 23. The front support 23 provides a raised seating surface that is undulating or angled rearward for better positioning. Each component includes a cross member 13 that defines an opening 15 that fits around a cell of the cellular cushion. The grid 10 with bolster and support may be a single device, or may be provided as a module unit with multiple elements or components. Each element can be composed of a material that provides optimal support properties. Those elements may be harder or softer. These elements can be provided as modular elements of various heights. In addition, the elements can be stacked to provide a customized support.

  It will be understood that various changes and modifications can be made to the illustrated embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the description and drawings are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not to be construed in a limiting sense.

Claims (20)

  A support and positioning device in a cushion having a series of individual upstanding cells, the support and positioning device having a plurality of structural members defining a plurality of openings, each opening being said individual upstanding A device arranged to be located around one of a series of cells, whereby the device provides support and stability to the series of cells when a user is positioned on the cushion.   The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the structural members are arranged in a transverse row and a longitudinal row, the rows defining a plurality of apertures arranged in the transverse row and the longitudinal row.   The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a front support for under the seated user's leg region.   The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a first side bolster and a second side bolster.   The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a front support for a seated user's leg region, a first side bolster, and a second side bolster.   6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the front support and the side bolster are removable.   The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the structural member comprises an elastic foam.   An elastic grid for use on an inflatable cellular cushion having a base and a plurality of upstanding inflatable cells on the base, the grid being positioned on the base of the cushion A plurality of body members defining a plurality of openings, each of the plurality of openings being sized and surrounded by one of the inflatable cushion cells. Elastic grid being positioned.   9. The grid of claim 8, further comprising a front support for under the seated user's leg area.   9. The grid of claim 8, further comprising a first side bolster and a second side bolster.   9. The grid of claim 8, further comprising a front support for a seated user's leg region, a first side bolster, and a second side bolster.   The grid according to claim 11, wherein the main body, the front support, and the side bolster are individual elements of the grid. A cushion base;
A series of individual upstanding cells disposed on the top surface of the cushion base;
An elastic grid having a plurality of structural members, wherein the plurality of structural members define an individual series of openings corresponding to the individual upstanding series of cells, and wherein the grid is the individual upstanding series And a grid positioned on the cushion base such that one of the cells is positioned in one of the individual openings of the grid.   14. The cushion of claim 13, wherein the individual upstanding series of cells is an array of individual inflatable air cells.   14. A cushion according to claim 13, wherein the structural members are longitudinal and transverse members, the longitudinal and transverse members defining a series of longitudinal and transverse openings.   The cushion according to claim 13, wherein the grid has an elastic foam.   The cushion of claim 13, wherein the grid has a front support area.   The cushion of claim 13, wherein the grid has a first side bolster and a second side bolster.   14. The cushion of claim 13, wherein the longitudinal and transverse members form an air flow path between cells when the grid is positioned on the cushion base.   The cushion of claim 13, wherein compression of the elastic grid causes an air flow between the series of upstanding cells.

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