DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0039] Referring now to the drawings (FIGS. 1 - 4 ), the letter A designates one exemplary embodiment of a cellular cushion which is highly flexible and is designed for use on an underlying supporting surface, such as the seat of a wheelchair, the seat of a vehicle or the seat of a conventional chair. Being cellular, cushion A distributes the weight of its occupant generally uniformly over the entire area of the buttocks and thereby dissipates the pressures resulting from the supported weight of the ischia, that is, the bony prominence of the buttocks. It further has the capacity to position and stabilize the user. It will be appreciated that although the present invention is described as employed on a cushion, the novel valve assembly can also be employed with an air mattress or air mattress section or other similar devices that include inflatable zones.

[0040] The cushion A includes a base 2 and air cells 4 that project upwardly from the base 2 . Generally the air cells 4 are molded as a conformal having a web 5 interconnecting the cells 4 . The base is comprised of the web and a backing 3 . Both the backing 3 and the air cells 4 preferably can be molded or otherwise formed from a highly flexible neoprene. The cells 4 and web 5 may be formed over a mandrel in a dipping operation as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,541,136. On the other hand, the air cells 4 can be molded from a highly flexible neoprene and the base 2 can be vacuum formed of the web and a backing formed from polyurethane, for example, and appropriately attached to the conformal.

[0041] The base 2 generally is rectangular and the cells 4 are arranged on it in longitudinal and transverse rows, with each cell occupying both a longitudinal and a transverse row. It will be appreciated that although the illustrated embodiment provides for individual cells each having a configuration consisting of four fins F, the configuration of the individual cells is incidental to the invention. The present invention can be used with a cushion employing any preferred configuration of cells 4 , that is, for example, cells having any number of fins or sides, cells having no fins, for example, cylindrical, cubical cells or rounded cells.

[0042] The cells 4 are further arranged in zones, typically four zones r, s, t and u. The zones r and s lie side by side at the front of the cushion A and the zones t and u exist side by side at the rear of the cushion A. The right zones r and u are separated from the left zones s and t along a longitudinal axis x, whereas the front zones r and s are separated from the rear zones t and u along a transverse axis y. More or fewer zones and differing arrangements of those zones may be employed.

[0043] Within the base 2 the cells 4 of the zone r communicate with each other, so that all exist at the same general internal pressure irrespective of how far any individual cell is depressed. The same holds true with regard to the cells 4 of the zone s, the cells 4 of the zone t, and the cells 4 of the zone u. In other words, the cells 4 of zone r are normally isolated from the cells of the remaining zones s, t and u. Likewise, the cells 4 of the zone s are normally isolated as are the cells 4 of zones r, t and u and so forth. Thus, the cells 4 of each zone r, s, t and u collectively define a separate inflation zone or compartment.

[0044] A fluid conduit 6 extends from zone t toward the front of the cushion. Likewise a fluid conduit 8 extends from zone u to the front of the cushion. Two shorter conduits 10 and 12 extend from zones s and r respectively toward the front of the cushion. The conduits 6 , 8 , 10 and 12 all terminate near an edge of the cushion and are in fluid communication with the cushion valve of the present invention, as will be explained in detail below. It also will be appreciated that the various conduits can be formed in any appropriate manner without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the conduits can be formed integrally in the base 2 when the base is molded or vacuum formed.

[0045] The illustrated embodiment is one acceptable configuration of conduits. The conduits can be formed in any acceptable manner that results in access to the conduits at one location on the periphery of the cushion so that valve of the present invention can be utilized. By way of example, the conduits can be formed into the web 5 or can comprise separate tubing without departing from the scope of the invention. An air filling valve 14 is located at zone r that is opened and closed simply by turning its end. It will be appreciated, however, that the air fill valve can be located at any desirable and convenient location on the cushion.

[0046] The conduits 6 , 8 , 10 and 12 are operatively connected to a novel valve 20 , which is one primary aspect of the present invention. As will be explained in detail hereinafter, when closed, the valve 20 isolates the cells 4 of the several zones r,s,t and u. But when opened, it interconnects the zones r, s, t, and u, so that the interiors of all the cells 4 in all zones are in communication and, therefore, all exist at the same internal pressure. The air filling valve 14 enables air to be pumped into the cells 4 of the zone in which it is located and, when the valve 20 is open, the air inflates the cells 4 of all of the zones r, s, t and u. Use of only one air-filling valve 14 insures all of the cells 4 in the zones r, s, t, and u will be at the same initial pressure, even though the volume of air in the cells or zones may vary in use.

[0047] One embodiment of the novel valve 20 will now be described in greater detail with particular reference being paid to FIGS. 3 - 13 . In the illustrated embodiment of the cushion there are four air conduits 6 , 8 , 10 and 12 which are in fluid connection with the four zones r, s, t and u respectively. This is accomplished by having a first end of each conduit terminate in a cell 4 of one zone. The opposite or second end of the conduit is in fluid connection with valve 20 , as shown. In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 3 - 5 , the valve 20 includes a casing 22 with a longitudinal inner bore 24 . The bore 24 of the illustrated embodiment has a circular cross section, but could be ovoid, rectangular, triangular or any other cross-sectional configuration, as can be the casing and the slide itself. The casing 22 also includes a series of open-ended channels 26 , 28 , 30 and 32 which are perpendicular to, and open into, bore 24 . The open-ended channels are dimensioned to securely and snugly seat adjacent the second ends of the conduits (see FIG. 6 ).

[0048] The channels 26 , 28 , 30 and 32 are positioned along the length of the bore 24 at predetermined intervals. The second ends of the conduits can be pressure fit into the channels, glued or otherwise secured within the channels. Valve 20 also includes a slide 34 , which is movably engaged in bore 24 . As shown, slide 34 also has a cylindrical cross section (or any other cross section complementary to the cross section of casing bore 24 ) and has a diameter slightly less than the diameter of bore 24 so that slide 34 can move axially within bore 24 . Slide 34 has an inner bore 36 , which extends the axial length of the slide.

[0049] Slide 34 has as series of short channels or openings 38 , 40 , 42 and 44 which open into, and are in fluid communication with, inner bore 36 . The openings 38 , 40 , 42 and 44 are positioned along the length of bore 36 at predetermined intervals with the spacing between the openings corresponding to the spacing between the channels 26 , 28 , 30 and 32 , respectively, of the casing 22 . In the illustrated embodiment, “O” ring seals 46 , 48 , 50 , 52 , 54 , 56 , 58 , 60 and 61 are position on each side of the respective slide openings to make a fluid or air tight seal around the openings. The slide 34 is plugged at each end with plugs 62 and 64 . Plugs 62 and 64 not only plug or seal the ends of bore 36 , but also provide a convenient and ergonomically satisfying structure for the user to grasp or touch to manipulate the slide 34 , and also operate as stops when the slide is manipulated within the casing bore, as will now be explained.

[0050] As explained above, when closed, the valve 20 isolates the cells 4 of the several zones r, s, t and u. But when opened, valve 20 interconnects the zones r, s, t, and u, so that the interiors of all the cells 4 in all zones are in communication and, therefore, all exist at the same internal pressure. FIG. 4 shows valve 20 in an open position. To achieve the open position, the user moves or shifts slide 34 until plug 62 abuts the casing so that its openings 38 , 40 , 42 and 44 are aligned, and in registry with, openings 26 , 28 , 30 and 32 , respectively, of the casing. In the open position, the respective inflation zones are in fluid communication with each other via conduits 6 , 8 , 10 and 12 through bore 36 of the slide. FIG. 5 illustrates valve 20 in a closed position. The user moves slide 34 in the opposite direction until plug 64 abuts casing 22 . The openings of the slide are out of alignment with the openings of the casing thereby sealing off the ends of conduits 6 , 8 , 10 and 12 .

[0051] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate another exemplary embodiment of the valve 20 , indicated generally as valve 20 ′. Valve 20 ′ comprises the functional parts of valve 20 . However, the interior of casing 22 includes a small lateral orifice 66 which opens into bore 24 . A spring-biased rounded detent 68 is seated in orifice 66 . Slide 34 includes a first circumferential groove 70 and a second circumferential groove 72 . When the slide 34 is in a first or open position ( FIG. 6 ) the detent 68 is biased into groove 70 . When the slide is moved to a second or closed position ( FIG. 7 ), the detent is biased into groove 72 . This arrangement serves to important functions: first, combination of the detent and grooves secures the slide in the desired position and, secondly, the audible and/or palpable “click” of the detent into the groove allows the user to be reasonably certain that the slide 34 is in its desired position.

[0052] FIGS. 8 through 10 illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a valve of the present invention, indicated generally by reference numeral 80 . Valve 80 includes a casing 82 having cylindrically shaped longitudinal inner bore 84 . As illustrated, casing 82 is cylindrical in cross section, but that is not mandatory. It is required, however, in this particularly embodiment, that the bore 84 be substantially cylindrical. The casing is notched, as at 85 . There are a series of tubular connectors 86 , 88 , 90 , 92 spaced along the length of casing 82 . There are ring seals 93 at the juncture of the connectors and bore 84 . It will be appreciated that the respective tubular connectors are open ended. The conduits 6 , 8 , 10 and 12 are secured in the first or free open end of the connectors, as shown in FIG. 8 . The second open end of each tubular connector opens into, and is in fluid cooperation with, bore 84 of the casing.

[0053] A slide 94 is rotatably seated in bore 84 . As will be appreciated, slide 94 has a substantially cylindrical cross section and is seated snugly within bore 84 . The slide does not move axially in this bore. Slide 94 includes a closed ended, longitudinal inner bore 96 . There are a series of openings 98 , 100 , 102 and 104 spaced along the length of slide 94 . As will be appreciated, openings 98 , 100 , 102 and 104 are positioned adjacent to connectors 86 , 88 , 90 and 92 , respectively. There is a detent knob 105 on the outer surface of slide 94 and is position in the notch 85 . Slide 94 includes a handle 106 at one end. As illustrated, handle 106 is attached to a pivot 108 within gap 110 formed in one end of the slide. The handle also can be of any useful structure and is not limited to the pivotable handle 106 . For example, a knob, a wheel, a lever or any other apparatus for rotating the slide may be used.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 9 , the user can grasp handle and rotate the slide 94 about its longitudinal axis within bore 84 so that the openings 98 , 100 , 102 and 104 are in registry with the connectors 86 , 88 , 90 and 92 , respectively, thereby opening valve 80 . The detent knob 105 will abut the notch 85 edge so that it is not rotated too far to take the openings and connectors out of alignment. As shown in FIG. 10 , the slide 94 can be rotated within bore 84 so that the openings 98 , 100 , 102 and 104 are rotated out of registry with the connectors, thereby allowing the slide to seal off the connectors to close the valve. In the closed position the detent knob 105 will abut the other side of notch 85 . The user can be assured that rotating to this stop position closes the valve.

[0055] FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate yet another illustrative embodiment of valve 20 (FIGS. 3 - 5 ), indicated generally by reference numeral 20 ″. It will be appreciated that valve 20 ″ operates in the same manner as does valve 20 and also may include the detent/groove apparatus of valve 20 ′. The casing 22 ″ of valve 20 , however, has flatter profile. It will be noted that casing 22 ″ includes short open-ended connectors or nipples 106 , 108 , 110 and 112 for the connection of conduits 6 , 8 , 10 and 12 , respectively. The slide 34 ″ seats within the casing bore in a much tighter fit, that is, there is very little clearance between slide 34 ″ and the walls of the casing inner bore. This relatively tight friction may eliminate the need for O-ring seals on each side of the slide openings. However, in the illustrated embodiment, seals, such as seal 113 , are included. Also, as can be seen, the connectors 106 , 108 , 110 and 112 have rounded external ends 114 , 116 , 118 and 120 , respectively, which allows them to be introduced into the open ends of the conduits 6 , 8 , 10 and 12 , as shown in FIG. 12 .

[0056] FIG. 13 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of valve 20 , indicated generally by reference numeral 200 . Valve 200 functions in the same manner valve 20 and also may include the internal detent/groove apparatus of valve 20 ′. Valve 200 includes a low profile casing 202 . Casing 202 has an inner bore (not shown), as illustrated with regard to the other embodiments. A slide 204 is slidingly engaged within the casing bore and is constructed and function in the same manner as previously described with regard to valves 20 , 20 ′ and 20 ″. Casing 202 has a flat base extension 204 . A series of conduit connectors 206 , 208 , 210 and 212 are positioned along the base extension 204 . The conduit connectors function in the same manner as conduit connectors previously described.

[0057] It will be appreciated that components of the various embodiments of the novel valve can be molded from, or formed or constructed from, any appropriate material such as polyethylene, lightweight durable metal or the like. Moreover, it also would be possible to construct the valve so that the slide is solenoid or servo activated to avoid hand manipulation. One such illustrative embodiment is shown in FIG. 14 . A servo actuator 400 is connected to the slide. One type of actuator is a double acting coil. When one coil is energized, the spool is shuttled in one direction, for example to open the valve. When the other coil is energized, the spool is shuttled in the opposite direction. The servo can be energized by any appropriate means known to the art including battery power.

[0058] The illustrated valves are constructed to communicate with four conduits in a cushion having four inflation zones. It also will be appreciated, however, that the novel cushion valve can include any number of channels in order to function with cushions that have a greater or lesser number of individual inflation zones. For example, if the cushion had only two zones, the valve would be configured to accommodate two conduits. This can be accomplished by forming the valve with only two channels or by plugging two unused channels of a four channel valve. Furthermore, for example, if the valve is used with a cushion having six individual inflation zones, the valve would include six channels for connection to the conduits.

[0059] Operation

[0060] In order to prepare the cushion A for the user, the valve 20 , 22 ′ 22 ″ or 80 is opened as shown in FIG. 4, 6 , 9 , or 12 . Opening the valve opens the conduits 6 , 8 , 10 and 12 and thereby allows the conduits to be in fluid communication with the bore of the valve slide which places the four zones r, s, t and u in communication through the valve slide bore. The air filling valve 14 is opened and air is pumped into it with a pump which connects to the valve 14 . The air initially flows into the cells of zone r, but since the cells of the remaining zones s, t and u are in communication with the cells of zone r through the open valve, all of the cells 4 are inflated and the cells 4 reach a state of equilibrium. Enough air is pumped into the cushion A to exceed the requirements for supporting the user. The valve 14 then is closed and the pump removed.

[0061] Next the over-inflated cushion A is place on the supporting surface upon which it is to rest when supporting a user. The user then sits upon the cushion A in the location he or she expects to assume and slowly releases air from the air filling valve 14 to immerse the user. As air is released, the user's buttocks sink deeper and deeper into the array of cells 4 , and they tend to envelop and assume the contour of the buttocks. Enough air is released to bring the region of the ischia to within about ½ inch of the base 2 . Of course, as air flows out of the cushion A all of the cells 4 remain at essentially the same internal pressure because they are interconnected through the open valve. When the user achieves the desired immersion, the air filling valve 14 is closed.

[0062] While immersed in the cells of the cushion A, the user moves, or is moved by others, to the posture desired to be maintained for an extended period and this causes a redistribution of air amongst the cells 4 of the several zones r, s, t and u. In time, the cells 4 of the several zones r, s, t and u reach equilibrium, that is to say, the flow between the zone r, s, t and u ceases. At this time the valve slide is manipulated to a closed configuration. ( FIGS. 5, 7 , 10 ), thereby preventing air flow through the slide bore and thus isolating the zones r, s, t, and u.

[0063] The isolated zones r, s, t and u impart stability to the cushion A, and this serves to maintain the user in the selected posture. Thus, as the user attempts to assume a different posture, he or she will encounter greater resistance from cells 4 of one or more of the zones r, s, t and u, and they will urge the user back to the initial posture. The capacity to maintain a selected posture is particularly useful with users who suffer from spinal deformities and for those whose muscles have atrophied.

[0064] FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the novel valve of the present invention, indicated generally by reference numeral 300 designed to allow inflation of zones r,s,t and u through the valve slide. As shown, the valve 300 is constructed similarly to the valve illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 and has a casing 302 with an inner bore 304 . The casing includes the open-ended channels 306 , 308 , 310 and 312 which open into bore 304 . A slide 314 with inner bore 316 is movably positioned within bore 304 . Slide 314 has a series of short channels 318 , 320 , 321 and 322 which communicate with bore 316 . The slide functions to equalize pressure within the four zones r,s,t and u as previously described. However, slide 314 has a plug 324 at one end and an inflation apparatus 326 at the other end. In the illustrated embodiment, the inflation apparatus 326 comprises tubing 328 having an inner bore 330 , a fitting 332 at one end to connect the hose to the slide and a conventional filling valve 334 at the opposite end. Tubing bore 330 is in fluid communication with bore 316 . As can be appreciated, valve 334 is attached to an air source, (not shown) such as a pump or air tank to provide airflow through the tubing, the slide channel and the respective conduits to inflate the cushion to a desired initial pressure. The inflation apparatus 326 provides easier access for inflation when the cushion is used as a conventional wheelchair cushion.

[0065] Another illustrative use of the inflation apparatus with the valve is in an inflatable seat cushion employed in a vehicle, such as a truck. The apparatus can be connected to an air source in the truck. Valve 300 is opened by manipulating slide 314 so that the air from the air source flows into the four zones r,s, t and u substantially simultaneously to inflate the cushion. When the cushion is appropriately inflated and the user positioned, valve 300 is closed. Apparatus 326 can be removed from the air source and filling valve 334 closed, if desired.

[0066] It will be appreciated that a filling valve 334 can be attached directly to the slide if the tubing is not desired. Also, an inflation apparatus can be employed with any of the previously described valve embodiments. It is described in use with valve 300 for purposes of clarity and brevity. Likewise, inflation apparatus 326 is one exemplary embodiment of an inflation apparatus and the term inflation apparatus as used herein and in the appended claims, is intended to encompass any apparatus that can be associated with the slide bore to allow inflation of the zones r,s,t and u through the valve.

[0067] Another exemplary embodiment of a valve of the present invention is indicated generally by reference numeral 500 in FIG. 17 and functions with the inflatable apparatus in the same manner described above with reference to the other exemplary embodiments. Valve 500 has a round, somewhat flat configuration and comprises a casing 502 , a slide 504 within the housing ( FIG. 19 ) and an actuator 506 operatively connected to the slide. Housing 502 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 18 . Casing 502 has a substantially round or disk-like configuration and includes a circumferential wall 508 , a top wall 510 and a bottom wall 512 . The recited walls define a circular inner chamber 514 . There is an opening or hole 516 through the top wall. There also is shallow an arcuate detent groove 517 in the top wall.

[0068] The bottom wall 512 includes four evenly spaced apart openings or holes 518 , 520 , 522 and 524 that are in fluid communication with chamber 514 . In the illustrated embodiment, the openings 518 , 520 , 522 and 524 include short tubular extensions 526 , 528 , 530 and 532 respectively. The tubular extensions are connected to the cushion conduits in a manner similar to that described above. The housing could be fabricated without the extensions and the conduits connected directly to the openings in the bottom wall.

[0069] Slide 504 , seen best in FIG. 19 , is rotatably seated in chamber 514 . Slide 504 has a circular or disc-like configuration and is sized to seat within chamber 514 . Slide 504 has a concentric hub 534 with a protruding actuator shaft 536 . Shaft 536 fits through hole 516 in the top wall of the housing and can be appropriately sealed if required. Slide 504 has a peripheral margin 538 with an annular depression or groove 540 formed between the margin and the hub. There are four equally spaced apart holes 542 , 544 , 546 and 548 formed through the slide in groove 540 .

[0070] Actuator 506 , best seen in FIG. 20 , includes an arm 550 having a hole 552 through a first end and a handle 554 extending up from the top surface of the second end. Hole 552 is dimensioned to mount on stem 536 . There is a detent 556 on the bottom surface of arm 550 adjacent handle 554 . The detent is positioned to engage groove 517 . Actuator 506 is one exemplary embodiment of an apparatus used to effect movement of the slide within the casing. The term actuator as used herein is intended to include any apparatus or element which can effect movement of the slide within the casing.

[0071] FIG. 21 illustrates valve 500 in an open position in which there is fluid communication among all four zones of the cushion. In this first position holes 542 , 544 , 546 and 548 are in alignment or registry with holes 518 , 520 , 522 and 524 in the housing. The zones of the cushion are in communication through annular groove 540 . When the actuator and, consequently slide 504 , is moved to the opposite direction, as shown in FIG. 22 , the recited holes are moved out of alignment and communication among the zones is blocked. Detent 556 abuts one end of the detent groove 517 when the valve is opened and abuts the opposite end of the detent groove when the valve is fully closed, allowing the user to determine when the valve is open or closed.

[0072] It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that an inflation apparatus also could be attached to valve 500 to allow inflation of all four zones of the cushion as described in detail above. Also, valve 500 can have an appropriate detent structure associated with the actuator, the slide or the casing to secure the slide in place.

[0073] While cushion A and the novel valve are designed for seat cushions, they may be expanded in use and, as previously discussed, configured differently in the arrangement of the zones or the number of zones. Further, the same inventive principles can be applied to inflatable mattress, auto, truck, bicycle or motorcycle seat cushions or any other type of air cushioned seating or resting surface. Consequently, the term “cushion” as used in the appended claims is intended to include any such seating apparatus, regardless of configuration or application. Moreover, the novel valve may be employed in any air inflated device, other than cushions, which is divided in to air chambers or zones.

[0074] The foregoing description and the accompanying drawings are intended to be illustrative of the best mode of working the invention presently known to the inventors and should not be construed in a limiting sense.