DEVICES AND METHODS FOR VARYING PRESSURE POINTS OVER TIME IN A SUPPORT DEVICE

Abstract

A variable pressure device includes: a user support device including a plurality of inflatable sub-divisions; a pump or compressor; and a manifold assembly including a plurality of valves controlling output of the pump or compressor to selectively inflate and deflate each of the plurality of inflatable sub-divisions.

Claims

1. A variable pressure device comprising: a body including a plurality of inflatable subdivisions; a pump or compressor; and a manifold assembly including a plurality of valves controlling output of the pump or compressor to selectively inflate and deflate each of the plurality of inflatable sub-divisions.

2. The variable pressure device of claim 1, wherein the pump or compressor is a pneumatic pump or pneumatic compressor.

3. The variable pressure device of claim 1, wherein the pump is a hydraulic pump or hydraulic compressor.

4. The variable pressure device of claim 1, wherein the user support device is a mattress.

5. The variable pressure device of claim 4, wherein the plurality of inflatable sub-divisions are inflatable channels.

6. The variable pressure device of claim 5, wherein the inflatable channels run in parallel alignment spanning a width of the mattress.

7. The variable pressure device of claim 4, wherein the plurality of inflatable sub-divisions are inflatable air cells.

8. The variable pressure device of claim 1, further comprising a controller controlling the operation of the pump or compressor and the manifold assembly.

9. The variable pressure device of claim 8, wherein the controller is controlled by a user interface integral with the user support device.

10. The variable pressure device of claim 9, wherein the controller is controlled by a user interface remote from the user support device.

11. The variable pressure device of claim 10, wherein the remote user interface includes a mobile application.

12. The variable pressure device of claim 1, wherein the user support device is a chair.

13. The variable pressure device of claim 12, wherein the plurality of inflatable sub-divisions is incorporated into a seat of the chair.

14. The variable pressure device of claim 12, wherein the plurality of inflatable sub-divisions is incorporated into a seat back of the chair.

15. The variable pressure device of claim 12, wherein the plurality of inflatable sub-divisions is incorporated into a headrest of the chair.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present concepts, by way of example only, not by way of limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements.

[0041] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of a variable pressure device of the present application.

[0042] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the variable pressure device of FIG. 1.

[0043] FIG. 3 is a left side elevational view of the variable pressure device of FIG. 1.

[0044] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view generally taken along lines 4-4 in FIG. 1.

[0045] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view generally taken along lines 5-5 in FIG. 1.

[0046] FIG. 6 is a right side elevational view of the variable pressure device of FIG. 1.

[0047] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view generally taken along lines 7-7 in FIG. 2.

[0048] FIG. 8 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of a variable pressure device.

[0049] FIG. 9 is a side view of the variable pressure device of FIG. 8.

[0050] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of a hospital bed incorporating the variable pressure device of FIG. 8.

[0051] FIG. 11 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of a variable pressure device.

[0052] FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of an infant bouncy chair incorporating the variable pressure device of FIG. 11.

[0053] FIGS. 13A and 13B are plan views of a further alternative embodiment of a variable pressure device.

[0054] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the variable pressure device of FIG. 13A generally taken along lines 14-14 therein.

[0055] FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate sectional views of the variable pressure device as the support member moves along the track of the variable pressure device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0056] The present subject matter provides a support device that helps mitigate the adverse consequences resulting from long periods spent sitting or lying in a given position on a support (e.g., chair, mattress, etc.) by altering the manner in which weight is distributed through and supported by the support structure so as to vary the location and magnitude of pressure points experienced by the user over time when supported by the support structure. Various embodiments and examples are provided.

[0057] FIGS. 1-7 illustrate an example of a variable pressure device 100 that varies pressure points for a user resting thereon by providing a plurality of inflatable sub-divisions 102 that are selectively inflated and deflated over time. In the illustrated embodiment, the variable pressure device 100 is a mattress body 104 including a series of inflatable subdivisions 102 that are inflated independently of one another.

[0058] The mattress body 104 of FIGS. 1-7 includes 12 subdivisions extending along a width thereof, although any number of subdivisions may be included as desired. As shown in FIG. 6, eleven dividers 106 are provided within the variable pressure device 100 to separate the body 104 into the subdivisions 102. Each subdivision 102 has a curved upper surface 108 extending between adjacent dividers 106 that forms a semi-circular shape in cross section as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0059] The plurality of subdivisions 102 span opposing first and second end surfaces 110, 112. The first end surface 110 is provided within the mattress body 104 as described in greater detail below. The second end surface 112 forms a right outer side edge of the mattress body 104.

[0060] The device 100 also includes a manifold 114 that extends along the first end surface 110 of the plurality of subdivisions 102 and forms a left outer side edge of the mattress body 104. A valve 116 is provided in the first end surface 110 at each subdivision 102 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 7 to regulate airflow into and out of the respective subdivision 102. The manifold 114 fluidly connects the plurality of subdivisions 102 through the valves 116. An air compressor 118 provides air to the manifold 114 through tubing 120 as shown in FIG. 2. For larger applications, such as hospital beds, rather than an air compressor-based system, it may be preferable to use hydraulics with a working fluid that is capable of supporting greater weight.

[0061] During use, a user lays along the length of the variable pressure device 100. Using the air compressor 118, the air pressure in each subdivision 102 (or sub-grouping of subdivisions 102) may be increased or decreased over time to vary the location of the pressure applied to different areas of the user's body. In other embodiments, the series of subdivisions 102 may include other shapes and structures, such as square or circular air cells or pockets. It also is contemplated that the variable pressure device 100 of FIGS. 1-7 may be incorporated into any cushioned support device, including seats, conventional beds, hospital beds, conventional mattresses, infant mattresses, pillows, etc.

[0062] The variable pressure device 100 may further include a controller 122 (i.e., computer processor, memory, and related computing elements) to control the operation of the air compressor 118 and the valves 116. The controller 122 may be controlled by a user interface integral with the variable pressure device 100 or may be remotely controlled, for example, by a mobile or web application. Such mobile and/or web application may also enable caretakers to monitor as well as operate the device 100, including the adjustment of the timing and degree of pressure variance. Alternatively, the operation of the device 100 may be controlled by a simple power button that activates a prescribed inflation and deflation sequence using the valves 116 and the air compressor 118.

[0063] FIGS. 8-16 illustrate further embodiments of variable pressure devices 200, 300, 400 that may be used with various support devices (e.g., furniture or other cushioned support). In the embodiment of FIGS. 8-10, the variable pressure device 200 includes a frame housing 202, a track 204, and one or more support members 206 that move along the length of the track 204. The variable pressure device 200 is secured to the underside of a support structure such as a mattress, a chair, etc., and the support members 206 vary the location of the point(s) of pressure experienced by the user's body when the user is sitting or lying on the support structure. Movement of the support members 206 along the track 204 varies the location of pressure experienced by the user's body.

[0064] The track 204 may include a metallic or other suitably rigid member having a linear shape, a serpentine shape, or a series of various shapes, as desired. The support members 206 may be a rounded or curved structure, such as a ball or elongated cylinder. In some examples, the support members 206 rotate about the track 204 as they travel along the length thereof and each may have an irregular or asymmetrical shape such that rotation about the track 204 causes varying pressure on the user.

[0065] The travel of the support members 206 along the track 204 may be controlled by a motorized drive mechanism 208. Such drive mechanisms 208 may include controls for varying the speed of travel of the support members 206 along the track 204. It may include a timer such that the support members 206 may travel the track 204 during certain periods of time and not others. For example, the support members 206 may be controlled to move a prescribed distance every five minutes. In another example, the support members 206 may move at a given rate of speed for 15 out of every 60 minutes, while remaining in a stationary position for the remaining 45 minutes. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art based on the teachings herein, there are essentially limitless variations of movement scheduling that can be implemented.

[0066] In one example, the drive mechanism 208 is an electric drive mechanism including a controller 210 through which the user programs or operates the drive mechanism 208. The controller 210 may take input from a control pad 212 located on the support device, may be controlled by a remote control, may be controlled by a mobile or web application, etc.

[0067] In the embodiment described above, the frame 202 provides structural support for the track 204. In some embodiments, the track 204 includes one or more track members 204a, each track member 204a including a first end 204a-1 and a second end 204a-2 that are each secured on an internal face 202a of the frame 202. An outer shape of the frame 202 may be square, rectangular, circular, or any other shape depending on the application. For example, a rectangular shape may be appropriate for use under a mattress, while a circular shape may be preferred for localized use on the user's back at the dentist's office, for example. The shape of the frame 202 and the shape of the track 204 can be tailored to each specific use case and take any form that is useful for the given application.

[0068] Similarly, the size and number of the support members 206 may vary from application to application. For example, it may be useful to use larger support members 206 for varying the pressure points under heavier weights and larger body parts and may be useful to use smaller support members 206 for varying pressure points user lighter weight and smaller body parts.

[0069] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8-16, the thickness of the frame 202 is less than the thickness of the one or more support members 206. As such, when the variable pressure device 200 is positioned against and secured to an item of furniture (or similar support device) as shown in FIG. 10, the support members 206 protrude from the surfaces of the frame 202 and press into contact with the support device 102. Accordingly, when a user rests on the support device 102, for example a bed, he or she can feel the support members 108 through the mattress.

[0070] Turning to FIG. 10, an example of the variable pressure device 200 used in connection with a hospital bed is shown. As the user reclines in the hospital bed, each of the user's head, upper body, and lower body rests along one of the four surfaces of the hospital bed. A variable pressure device 200 is provided for each of the four surfaces and operate independently. Accordingly, the support members 206 of each variable pressure device 200 may be felt through each of the cushions of the hospital bed.

[0071] Turning to FIGS. 11 and 12, an example of the variable pressure device 300 used in connection with an infant's bouncy chair is shown. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the variable pressure device 300 is located behind the head rest portion of the chair 118. Accordingly, the support members 308 may be felt through the head rest portion of the chair. When the support members 308 move positions along the back of the head rest portion of the chair, the manner in which the user experiences pressure points from contact with the head rest changes. By altering the positon of the pressure points over time, the user may avoid the negative consequences of prolonged exposure to static pressure points.

[0072] FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 14-16 illustrate a further embodiment of a variable pressure device 400. The variable pressure device 400 includes three track members 404A-C on which a support member 406 moves. In another embodiment illustrated in FIG. 13B, the device 400′ includes three support members 406A-C, each of which moves along a respective track member 404A-C′. Similar to the embodiments described above, the device 400, 400′ may be secured to the underside of a piece of furniture such as a mattress. The device 400 also includes a drive mechanism to control movement of the support member(s) 406, 406A-C′ along the track members 404A-C, 404A-C′.

[0073] During use, the drive mechanism causes the support member(s) 406, 406A-C′ to move along the length of the track members 404A-C, 404A-C′ as illustrated in FIGS. 14-16. The position of the support members 406 causes the user's weight to shift in position on the mattress and be supported by the support structure in a way that creates pressure points on the user's body. The movement of the support members 406 along the respective track member 404 causes the user's body to reposition on the support structure, causing the pressure points on the user's body to shift.

[0074] Although shown as external, or aftermarket, additions to the support device 102 in FIGS. 2 and 3, the track 106 and support members 108 may be integrated directly into the support device 102 rather than as an external device. For example, the track 106 may be embedded in a mattress, seat, or seat back, such that the movement of the one or more support members 108 occurs within the cushioned member of the support device 102 rather than applying pressure through a cushioned member of the support device 102.

[0075] It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages.