Zoned cellular cushion with flexible flaps containing inflating manifold
US5163196A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 16, 1991 |
| Grant date | Nov 17, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 16, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S5/944
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An inflatable cushion is organized into zones or compartments which are normally isolated from each other. The base of the cushion contains channels which lead from the several zones to a flap-type valve. When the flag is extended, the channels are connected through a manifold in the valve. However, when the flap is folded over upon itself, the channels are blocked before the manifold and the zones are isolated. Having separate and isolated zones, the cushion provides improved stability and better serves to maintain the user in a desired posture. A modification has individual fill valves and stems for each zone and for the manifold.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.