Portable cushion and method of use

Abstract

An inflatable cushion comprising; a cover; a base; a communication device; a microcontroller; a power source; a gas pump; a primary tube; a blow off valve; two-way valves; a plurality of secondary tubes; and a plurality of bladder pods with pressure sensors.

Claims

1. An inflatable cushion with non-uniform pressure comprising; a cover; a top layer; a base; a communication device; a microcontroller; a portable power source; a gas pump; a primary tube; a blow off valve; a plurality of two-way valves; a plurality of secondary tubes; a plurality of pressure sensors; and a plurality of bladder pods; wherein said pressure sensors are designed to sense air pressure in said bladder pods; said plurality of bladders pods are on said base; said plurality of bladder pods are below said top layer; said plurality of bladder pods are in individual fluid communication with said individual secondary tubes; said individual secondary tubes are in fluid communication with said individual pressure sensors; said individual secondary tubes are in further fluid communication with said individual two-way valves; said two-way valves are in fluid communication with said primary tube; said primary tube is in fluid communication with said gas pump and said blow off valve; said microcontroller can receive and send signals to said blow off valve, said gas pump, said individual two-way valves, said communication device, and/or said individual pressure sensors; said microcontroller, said gas pump, said blow off valve, said plurality of two-way valves, and said plurality of pressure sensors are all powered by said portable power source; and said plurality of bladder pods are covered by said cover attaching to said base.

2. The inflatable cushion of claim 1 further comprising: said portable power source is a battery.

3. The inflatable cushion of claim 1 further comprising: said microcontroller is a computer system on a chip that contains an integrated processor, memory (a small amount of RAM, program memory, or both), and input/output peripherals, which are used to interact with said two way valves, said blow-off valve, said communication device, and/or said portable power source.

4. The inflatable cushion of claim 1 further comprising: said communication device is a device that has the potential of having wired or wireless interconnection of mobile phones, computers, and other electronic devices.

5. The inflatable cushion of claim 1 further comprising: said plurality of sensors are located inside the cover and base when the cushion is assembled.

6. The inflatable cushion of claim 1 further comprising: a soft layer of padding underneath said cover.

7. An inflatable cushion with non-uniform pressure comprising; a cover; a base; a top layer; a communication device; a microcontroller; a portable power source; a gas pump; a primary tube; a blow off valve; a plurality of two-way valves; a plurality of secondary tubes; a plurality of bladder pods with pressure sensors; wherein said pressure sensors are designed to sense air pressure in said bladder pods; said plurality of bladders pods with pressure sensors are on said base; said plurality of bladder pods are below said top layer; said plurality of bladder pods with pressure sensors are in individual fluid communication with said individual secondary tubes; said individual secondary tubes are in further fluid communication with said individual two-way valves; said two-way valves are in fluid communication with said primary tube; said primary tube is in fluid communication with said gas pump and said blow off valve; said microcontroller can receive and send signals to said blow off valve, said gas pump, said individual two-way valves, said communication device, and/or said individual bladder pads with pressure sensors; said microcontroller, said gas pump, said blow off valve, said plurality of two-way valves, and said plurality of pressure sensors are all powered by said portable power source; and said plurality of bladder pods with pressure sensors are covered by said cover attaching to said base.

8. The inflatable cushion of claim 7 further comprising: said portable power source is a battery.

9. The inflatable cushion of claim 7 further comprising: said microcontroller is a computer system on a chip that contains an integrated processor, memory (a small amount of RAM, program memory, or both), and input/output peripherals, which are used to interact with said two way valves, said blow-off valve, said communication device, and/or said portable power source.

10. The inflatable cushion of claim 7 further comprising: said communication device is a device that has the potential of having wired or wireless interconnection of mobile phones, computers, and other electronic devices.

11. The inflatable cushion of claim 7 further comprising: said secondary tubes are located inside the cover and base when the cushion is assembled.

12. The inflatable cushion of claim 7 further comprising: a soft layer of padding underneath said cover.

13. An inflatable cushion with non-uniform pressure comprising; a cover; wherein there is a soft layer of padding attached beneath said cover; a base; a top layer; a communication device; a microcontroller; a portable power source; a gas pump; a primary tube; a blow off valve; a plurality of two-way valves; a plurality of secondary tubes; a plurality of pressure sensors; and a plurality of bladder pods; wherein said pressure sensors are designed to sense air pressure in said bladder pods; said plurality of bladders pods are on said base; said plurality of bladder pods are below said top layer; said plurality of bladder pods are in individual fluid communication with said individual secondary tubes; said individual secondary tubes are in fluid communication with said individual pressure sensors; said individual secondary tubes are in further fluid communication with said individual two-way valves; said two-way valves are in fluid communication with said primary tube; said primary tube is in fluid communication with said gas pump and said blow off valve; said microcontroller can receive and send signal to said blow off valve, said gas pump, said individual two-way valves, said communication device, and/or said individual pressure sensors; said microcontroller, said gas pump, said blow off valve, said plurality of two-way valves, and said plurality of pressure sensors are all powered by said portable power source; and said plurality of bladder pods are covered by said cover attaching to said base.

14. The inflatable cushion of claim 13 further comprising: said portable power source is a battery.

15. The inflatable cushion of claim 13 further comprising: said microcontroller is a computer system on a chip that contains an integrated processor, memory (a small amount of RAM, program memory, or both), and input/output peripherals, which are used to interact with said two way valves, said blow-off valve, said communication device, and/or said portable power source.

16. The inflatable cushion of claim 13 further comprising: said communication device is a device that has the potential of having wired or wireless interconnection of mobile phones, computers, and other electronic devices.

17. The inflatable cushion of claim 13 further comprising: said plurality of sensors are located inside the cover and base when the cushion is assembled.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions to be taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings describing specific embodiments of the disclosure, wherein:

(2) FIG. 1 is an exploded view of one embodiment of the present invention.

(3) FIG. 2 is an assembled side view of one embodiment of the present invention.

(4) FIG. 3 is an assembled side view of one embodiment of the present invention in partial transparency.

(5) FIG. 4 is an assembled side view of one embodiment of the present invention in partial transparency of the lower sections of the cushion.

(6) FIG. 5 is a partial side cross sectional view of one embodiment.

(7) FIG. 6 is a view of a user sitting on the device in a deflated mode.

(8) FIG. 7 is a view of a user sitting on the device in an inflated mode.

(9) FIG. 8 is an exploded view of one embodiment of the present invention.

(10) FIG. 9 is a schematic view of one embodiment of the present invention.

(11) FIG. 10 is an exploded view of one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(12) One or more illustrative embodiments incorporating the invention disclosed herein are presented below. Applicant has created a revolutionary and novel portable cushion and method of use of the same.

(13) In the following description, certain details are set forth such as specific quantities, sizes, etc. so as to provide a thorough understanding of the present embodiments disclosed herein. However, it will be evident to those of ordinary skill in the art that the present disclosure may be practiced without such specific details. In many cases, details concerning such considerations and the like have been omitted inasmuch as such details are not necessary to obtain a complete understanding of the present disclosure and are within the skills of persons of ordinary skill in the relevant art.

(14) Referring to the drawings in general, it will be understood that the illustrations are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to be limiting thereto. Drawings are not necessarily to scale and arrangements of specific units in the drawings can vary.

(15) While most of the terms used herein will be recognizable to those of ordinary skill in the art, it should be understood, however, that when not explicitly defined, terms should be interpreted as adopting a meaning presently accepted by those of ordinary skill in the art. In cases where the construction of a term would render it meaningless, or essentially meaningless, the definition should be taken from Webster's Dictionary, 2016. Definitions and/or interpretations should not be incorporated from other patent applications, patents, or publications, related or not, unless specifically stated in this specification, or if the incorporation is necessary for maintaining validity.

(16) Certain terms are used in the following description and claims to refer to particular system components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to a component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components that differ in name but not function. The drawing figures are not necessarily to scale. Certain features of the invention may be shown exaggerated in scale or in somewhat schematic form, and some details of conventional elements may not be shown, all in the interest of clarity and conciseness. “Microcontroller”, as defined herein, can be a computer system on a chip that does a job. A microcontroller can contain an integrated processor, memory (a small amount of RAM, program memory, or both), and input/output peripherals, which are used to interact with things connected to the chip.

(17) Although several preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail herein, the invention is not limited hereto. It will be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art that various modifications can be made without materially departing from the novel and advantageous teachings of the invention. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed herein are by way of example. It is to be understood that the scope of the invention is not to be limited thereby.

(18) FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of the present invention in an exploded form. The present inventive cushion 100 is illustrated. As shown, the cushion's horizontal surface 5 is preferably designed to be semi-pliable but formed to hold the shape of substantially an outer edge wall. Horizontal surface 5 can be comprised of a plurality of materials both natural and synthetic. Horizontal surface 5 forms the upper face of the cushion upper cover 6. As shown in some embodiments, upper cover 6 is defined by vertical walls 10 and horizontal surface 5.

(19) As shown, inner cushion 15 is preferably designed to be a hollow frame with a top surface 16 and side wall edge 17. Inner cushion 15 is designed to comfortably and pliably support a user. The upper top surface 16 is preferably constructed with perforations or pores 20 designed for the egress of air and gas exiting the cushion compartments.

(20) Further shown is the bottom board 30 of one embodiment of the present invention. As shown, three gas tubes 40, 41, 42 are preferably arranged in parallel such that the ends of the tubes exit off of the bottom board 30 and may attach to the air tube 50. As shown, air containment modules 35a, 35b, and 35c are attached to tube 40 and designed to hold the air in compartments without spreading, with the goal being to keep air in the varying compartment combinations. As shown, air containment modules 36a, 36b, and 36c are attached to tube 41 and designed to hold the air in the appropriate compartment. As shown, air containment modules 37a, 37b, and 37c are attached to tube 42 and designed to hold the air in the appropriate compartment. The vertical edge 45 of inventive cushion 100 is preferably designed to support the weight of a user.

(21) As shown, air tube 50 separates into two different passages to attach to tubes 40 and 41 in the cushion. Likewise, tube 50 attaches to air tube 55 designed to move air towards the cushion for distribution while in use. Further shown, compartment 56 can carry medication inside of it and humidify it into the air that will flow into tube 55. Pipe 58 connects the air pump 60 to the medication container, or compartment 56. Air pump 60 is an air pump/air compressor as is known in the industry. 62a and 62b are electrical wires from the battery, indicated by 90 on the drawings, to power the air pump 60. Electrical wire 65 is covered in a sheath to protect it in the manner normally known in the art.

(22) Receiver 70 is also attached to the air pump 60. The purpose of the receiver is to receive the signal from the remote and convert the signal to instructions to the pump. Wire 75 connects the remote control 80 to the receiver 70. Wire 85 connects the receiver 70 to the battery 90.

(23) FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention in assembled form. As shown, upper cover 6 is mechanically placed over inner cushion 15 and attached to bottom board 30 (FIG. 1). In many embodiments, these three elements are attached as a single functional unit. Further shown are the two connection ports 150 and 250 on the exterior of one side of the connection between the tube 50 and the cushion wall 10. Subsections 6a-6i are the sections of cushion upper cover 6 which have varying air mists pushed through the perforations located on the surface of the cushion mesh cover 120.

(24) FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention in partial transparency. Medicated air 200 is being released from the pores 20 on the inner cushion 15 and then through the perforations on subsections 6a-i on the cushion upper cover 6. FIG. 4 shows the additional divider walls 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138 and 139, which have orifices designed to have the tubes 40, 41, and 42 pass through them in a tight seal such that air cannot escape between divided sections. The sections 106a-i are further defined by dividing walls 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, and 146 which are substantially in airtight seal with the corresponding adjacent walls. In each section 106a-i there is an air containment module that is in electronic communication with controller 80. During operation is it envisioned that individual controllers can be activated individually to allow air to flow into each individual subsection 106a-i. Further drawings of the sections 106a-i are included in FIG. 4.

(25) FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of the interior frame 115 shown inner cushion 15 is preferable designed to be a hollow frame 115 with a top surface 16 and side wall edge 17 (FIG. 1). Inner cushion 15 is designed to comfortably and pliably support a user. The upper top surface 16 is preferably constructed with perforations or pores 20 designed for the egress of air and gas exiting the cushion compartments. FIG. 4 shows the additional divider walls 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138 and 139, which have orifices designed to have the tubes 40, 41, and 42 pass through them in a tight seal such that air cannot escape between divided sections. The sections 106a-i are further defined by dividing walls 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, and 146, which are substantially in airtight seal with the corresponding adjacent walls. In each section 106a-i there is an air containment module that is in electronic communication with remote control 80. During operation it is envisioned that individual controllers can be activated individually to allow air to flow into each individual subsection 106a-i. Further drawings of the sections 106a-i are included in FIG. 4.

(26) FIG. 5 illustrates a partial cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of the present invention. As shown, tube 41 is attached to air containment module 36a, b, and c through port 43. Tube 41 is attached to inner cushion 15 through port 47. The ports 47 and 48 are left open for the air to openly flow from the tubes to the cushion 15. Ports 42 and 43 are controlled by 35b and 36b. When allowed by 35b and 36b, air will flow into the tubes 41 and 40. As shown, tube 40 is attached to air containment module 35a through port 42. Tube 40 is attached to inner cushion 15 through port 48. Also shown is the empty air vacuum space between the two tubes (40, 41).

(27) FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention with a user 2000 sitting on the inventive cushion 100. As shown, the user 2000 is sitting in a wheelchair 1000, which is a wheelchair as known commonly in the art. A wheelchair provides the user the ability to be mobile. It can be either manually powered or automated, and in this case, it is manually powered. The user 2000 is holding remote control 80 and the remote control 80 is attached to receiver 70, as is earlier described. Inventive cushion 100 is in a deflated mode in this illustration.

(28) FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention in which the cushion 100 is inflated with air to the highest capacity. That is why the individual (2000) is elevated in contrast to FIG. 5. These two figures were included to show the variance of the cushion's inflation levels.

(29) FIG. 8 shows one embodiment of the present invention 3000 in an exploded form. As shown, is one embodiment of the present inventive cushion system. As shown, in some embodiments, cushion cover 3010 is designed to encapsulate the internal elements of the present invention. The internal elements encapsulated by the cushion cover 3010 are: a plurality of bladder pods 3090 and the connections for said bladder pods 3095. As shown, cushion cover 3010, in several embodiments, can be composed of a soft material known in the art for seat cover materials. Further illustrated, in several embodiments, is the top layer of padding 3020, which is designed in several embodiments to add a cushion layer between the cushion cover 3010 and more inner elements of the present invention. In several embodiments, top layer of padding can be composed of one or more types of foam.

(30) FIG. 8 also illustrates a communication device 3030 that can be connected to the microcontroller 3050 in many embodiments. The communication device 3030's primary functions are to provide user feedback to the microcontroller 3050 and display visualizations of sensor data and can be a phone, a remote, or similar operational device. As shown in many embodiments, the communication device 3030 can be connected to the microcontroller 3050 through a wire, or remote signal mechanism 3032. In several embodiments, remote signal mechanism 3032 can be a physical wire connection or a remote signal such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

(31) In several embodiments of the present invention, microcontroller 3050 is designed to take inputs from the plurality of pressure sensors 3076, and in combination with optional user feedback from the communication device 3030, algorithmically modulates the pressure volume in the plurality of bladder pods 3090 by alternating the activation of the plurality of two-way valves 3097, blow-off valve 3070, and air pump 3060. In several embodiments of the present invention, microcontroller 3050 connects with an energy source, or battery 3040 through wire 3034. In several embodiments, the battery 3040 can be any power source capable of powering microcontroller 3050, the plurality of two-way valves 3097, blow-off valve 3070, air pump 3060, and the plurality of pressure sensors 3076.

(32) In several embodiments of the present invention, microcontroller 3050 connects to air pump, or gas pump, 3060 via wire 3036 in a manner for connections from a microcontroller 3050 to a pump 3060. In several embodiments of the present invention, air pump 3060 is designed to pump air into main tube 3078 such that said air can eventually fill one of several bladder pods 3090. In several embodiments, microcontroller 3050 is also in electronic communication with blow off valve 3070, which is attached at the end of the main tube 3078. The connection between controller 3050 and blow off valve 3070 is preferably such that blow off valve 3070 can be activated or deactivated to bleed off air based upon instructions relayed by controller 3050.

(33) In several embodiments, further located, and in communication with main tube 3078 are connections 3072. In several embodiments, connections 3072 are designed to connect with two-way valves 3097, such that air can flow through said connections 3072 and two-way valves 3097.

(34) In several embodiments, connected to the two-way valves 3097 are props 3077 and sensors 3076 via individual bladder, or secondary tubes 3074. In several embodiments, sensors 3076 are designed to sense air pressure that will be in the bladder pods 3090. In several embodiments, the sensors 3076 are linked and in communication with microcontroller 3050 through wires 3057.

(35) In several embodiments, the wires 3056 and 3057 connecting the microcontroller 3050 to the two-way valves 3097 and the sensors 3076, respectively, are dual connection wires containing both data and power from the microcontroller 3050 and the battery 3040. In several embodiments, the wires 3055 and 3036 connecting the microcontroller 3050 to the blow-off valve 3070 and air pump 3060, respectively, are dual connection wires containing both data and power from the microcontroller 3050 and the battery 3040.

(36) In several embodiments of the present invention, individual air bladder tubes 3074 connect with bladder pods 3090. In several embodiments, bladder pods 3090 can fill or deflate depending on the opening and closing of two-way valve 3097 which is controlled by the microcontroller 3050. This decision is made in coordination with the opening and closing of blow-off valve 3070 and pump 3060, resulting in air being forced or released though bladder tubes 3074. Also illustrated, in several embodiments, base 3080 forms the bottom upon which the bladder pods 3090 can rest.

(37) In several embodiments, the present invention is an inflatable cushion 3000 comprising; a cover 3010; a top layer 3020; a base 3080; a communication device 3030; a microcontroller 3050; a power source 3040; a gas pump 3060; a primary tube 3078; a blow off valve 3070; two-way valves 3097; a plurality of secondary tubes 3074; a plurality of pressure sensors 3076; and a plurality of bladder pods 3090; wherein said plurality of bladder pods 3090 are on said base 3080; said plurality of bladder pods 3090 are in individual fluid communication with said individual secondary tubes 3074; said individual secondary tubes 3074 are in fluid communication with said individual pressure sensors 3076; said individual secondary tubes 3074 are in further fluid communication with said individual two-way valves 3097; said two-way valves 3097 are in fluid communication with said primary tube 3078; said primary tube 3078 is in fluid communication with said gas pump 3060 and said blow off valve 3070; said microcontroller 3050 can receive and send signals to said blow off valve 3070, said gas pump 3060, said individual two-way valves 3097, said communication device 3030, and/or said individual sensor 3076; said microcontroller 3050 is powered by said power source 3040; and said plurality of bladder pods 3090 are covered by said top layer 3020 attaching to said base 3080, and all encased by said cover 3010. In several embodiments, said power source 3040 is a battery. In several embodiments, said microcontroller 3050 is a computer system on a chip that does a job. It contains an integrated processor, memory (a small amount of RAM, program memory, or both), and input/output peripherals, which are used to interact with things connected to the chip. In several embodiments, said communication device 3030 is a device that has the potential of having wired or wireless interconnection of mobile phones, computers, and other electronic devices. In several embodiments, said plurality of sensors 3076 are located inside the cover 3010 and base 3080 when the cushion 3000 is assembled. In several embodiments, there is a soft layer of padding 3020 located beneath said cover 3010. In several embodiments gas pump 3060 can pump air.

(38) In several embodiments, the user starts off by resting on the device. The device's embedded sensors detect the pressure levels, in real-time, and send that data via a wire to the microcontroller. The microcontroller determines, bases on an algorithm, which bladders are to be inflated/deflated, according to the data retrieved from the plurality of pressure sensors. A signal will be carried via wires to the two-way valves to allow the air to escape from the bladders that are to be deflated. The air will travel, via fluid tube, through the two-way valve and through the blow-off valve. The two-way valves of the bladders that are to be inflated will allow air to flow from the gas pump into the bladders. Simultaneously, the microcontroller will be sending the pressure readings from the plurality of sensors to the communication device. This allows the user to have an interface of the areas of high/low pressure.

(39) FIG. 9 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention in schematic form. As shown, in several embodiments, the microcontroller 3050 connects to the communication device 3030 wirelessly, or over a wire, in order to transmit data and to receive optional user feedback. In several embodiments, the battery 3040 is also attached to the controller and air pump 3060 in order to power these elements of the present invention. In several embodiments, the controller 3050 and air pump are in fluid communication with a number of valves 3097 and bladder pods 3090 such that air pressure information and air flow is regulated via the controller 3050 and the air pump 3060 through the regulation of air flow. In several embodiments, controller 3050 is in direct communication with a variety of pressure sensors 3076, which are sensing the pressures in the individual bladder pods 3090. In several embodiments, controller 3050 is also in direct communication with blow-off valve 3070 to release air in the system.

(40) FIG. 10 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention 4000 in exploded form. As shown is one embodiment of the present inventive cushion system. As shown, in some embodiments, cushion cover 3010 is designed to encapsulate the internal elements of the present invention. The internal elements encapsulated by the cushion cover 3010 are: a plurality of bladder pods 3090, the connections for said bladder pods 3095, and a plurality of pressure sensors 4076. As shown, cushion cover 3010, in several embodiments, can be composed of a soft material known in the art for seat cover materials. Further illustrated, in several embodiments, is the top layer of padding 3020, which is designed in several embodiments to add a cushion layer between the cushion cover 3010 and more inner elements of the present invention. In several embodiments, the top layer of padding can be composed of one or more types of foam.

(41) FIG. 10 also illustrates a communication device 3030 that can be connected to the microcontroller 3050 in many embodiments. The communication device 3030's primary function is to provide user feedback to the microcontroller 3050 and display visualizations of sensor data and can be a phone, a remote, or similar operational device. As shown in many embodiments, the communication device 3030 can be connected to the microcontroller 3050 through a wire, or remote signal mechanism 3032. In several embodiments, remote signal mechanism 3032 can be a physical wire connection or a remote signal such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

(42) In several embodiments of the present invention, microcontroller 3050 is designed to take inputs from the plurality of pressure sensors 4076 and in combination with optional user feedback from the communication device 3030, algorithmically modulates the pressure volume in the plurality of bladder pods 3090 by alternating the activation of the plurality of two-way valves 3097, blow-off valve 3070, and air pump 3060. In several embodiments of the present invention, microcontroller 3050 connects with an energy source, or battery 3040, through wire 3034. In several embodiments, the battery 3040 can be any power source capable of powering microcontroller 3050, the plurality of two-way valves 3097, blow-off valve 3070, air pump 3060, and the plurality of sensors 4076.

(43) In several embodiments of the present invention, microcontroller 3050 connects to air pump 3060 via wire 3036 and in a manner for connections for a microcontroller 3050 to a pump 3060. In several embodiments of the present invention, air pump 3060 is designed to pump air into main, or primary, tube 3078 such that said air can eventually fill one of several bladder pods 3090. In several embodiments, microcontroller 3050 is also in electronic communication with blow off valve 3070, which is attached at the end of the main tube 3078. The connection between controller 3050 and blow off valve 3070 is preferably such that blow off valve 3070 can be activated or deactivated to bleed off air based upon instructions relayed by controller 3050.

(44) In several embodiments, further located, and in communication with main tube 3078, are connections 3072. In several embodiments, connections 3072 are designed to connect with two-way valves 3097, such that air can flow through said connections 3072 and two-way valves 3097.

(45) In several embodiments, connected to the two-way valves 3097 are sensors 4076 attached via a fluid tube 4075 to bladder pods 3090. In several embodiments, air can enter bladder pods 3090 via individual bladder tubes 3074. In several embodiments, sensors 4076 are designed to sense air pressure that will be in the bladder pods 3090. In several embodiments, the sensors 4076 are linked and in communication with microcontroller 3050 through wires 3057.

(46) In several embodiments, the wires 3056 and 3057 connecting the microcontroller 3050 to the two-way valves 3097 and the sensors 4076, respectively, are dual connection wires containing both data and power from the microcontroller 3050 and the battery 3040. In several embodiments, the wires 3055 and 3036 connecting the microcontroller 3050 to the blow-off valve 3070 and air pump 3060, respectively, are dual connection wires containing both data and power from the microcontroller 3050 and the battery 3040.

(47) In several embodiments of the present invention, individual air bladder tubes 3074 connect with bladder pods 3090. In several embodiments, bladder pods 3090 can fill or deflate depending on the opening and closing of two-way valves 3097, which are controlled by the microcontroller 3050. This decision is made in coordination with the opening and closing of blow-off valve 3070 and pump 3060, resulting in air being forced or released from them flowing though bladder tubes 3074. Also illustrated, in several embodiments, base 3080 forms the bottom upon which the bladder pods 3090 can rest.

(48) In several embodiments of the present invention, the present invention is an inflatable cushion 4000 comprising; a cover 3010; a base 3080; a communication device 3030; a microcontroller 3050; a power source 3040; a gas pump 3060; a primary tube 3078; a blow off valve 3070; two-way valves 3097; a plurality of secondary tubes 3074; a plurality of bladder pods with pressure sensors; wherein said plurality of bladders pods 3090 with pressure sensors 4076 are on said base 3080; said plurality of bladder pods 3090 with pressure sensors 4076 are in individual fluid communication with said individual secondary tubes 3074; said individual secondary tubes 3074 are in further fluid communication with said individual two-way valves 3097; said two-way valves 3097 are in fluid communication with said primary tube 3078; said primary tube 3078 is in fluid communication with said gas pump 3060 and said blow off valve 3070; said microcontroller 3050 can receive and send signals to said blow off valve 3070, said gas pump 3060, said individual two-way valve 3097, said communication device 3030, and/or said individual bladder pads 3090 with pressure sensors 4076; said microcontroller 3050 is powered by said power source 3040; and said plurality of bladder pods 3090 with pressure sensors 4076 are covered by said cover 3010 attaching to said base 3080. In several embodiments, said power source 3040 is a battery. In several embodiments, said microcontroller 3050 is a computer system on a chip that does a job. It contains an integrated processor, memory (a small amount of RAM, program memory, or both), and input/output peripherals, which are used to interact with things connected to the chip. In several embodiments, said communication device 3030 is a device that has the potential of having wired or wireless interconnection of mobile phones, computers, and other electronic devices. In several embodiments, said plurality of secondary tubes 3074 are located inside the cover 3010 and base 3080 when the cushion 4000 is assembled. In several embodiments, there is a top layer of padding 3020 under the cover 3010.

(49) In several embodiments, the user starts off by resting on the device. The device's embedded sensors detect the pressure levels, in real-time, and send that data via a wire to the microcontroller. The microcontroller determines, based on an algorithm, which bladders are to be inflated/deflated, according to the data retrieved from the plurality of pressure sensors. A signal will be carried via wires to the two-way valves to allow the air to escape from the bladders that are to be deflated. The air will travel, via fluid tube, through the two-way valve and through the blow-off valve. The two-way valves of the bladders that are to be inflated will allow air to flow from the gas pump into the bladders. Simultaneously, the microcontroller will be sending the pressure readings from the plurality of sensors to the communication device. This allows the user to have an interface of the areas of high/low pressure.

(50) While preferred embodiments have been shown, and described, modifications thereof can be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or teaching herein. The embodiments described herein are exemplary only and are not limiting. Many variations and modifications of the system and apparatus are possible and will become apparent to those skilled in the art once the above disclosure is fully appreciated. For example, the relative dimensions of various parts, the materials from which the various parts are made, and other parameters can be varied. Accordingly, it is intended that the following claims be interpreted to embrace all such variations and modifications.