Cushion for supporting patients and for preventing pressure sores
US8590079B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 11, 2007 |
| Grant date | Nov 26, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 14, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61G7/05715
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The cushion according to the invention is made up of several layers of pneumatic elements (3) which each form a matrix (2). These pneumatic elements (3) each have a multiplicity of holes (5a) into which elastic spring elements, for example foam cylinders (1), are inserted. The pneumatic elements (3) are all substantially congruent, such that the holes (5a) of superposed pneumatic elements (3) are in each case located at the same places. An individual pneumatic element (3) is produced from two superposed sheets of an elastic plastic. The two sheets are welded sealingly to each other at the edges of the cushion and at the edges of the holes (5a). The holes (5a) are cut out after the welding. Each pneumatic element (3) has at least one connection for compressed gas. While supporting a patient, the pneumatic elements (3) are alternately supplied with compressed gas and then relaxed again. This has the effect of changing the load of the patient from more on the pneumatic elements to more on the spring elements, and vice versa.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.