US4197837A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Inflatable-deflatable pad and air control system therefor
Assignee: Allegiance Corp
•
Filing: 1979-01-15
•
Granted: 1980-04-15
•
Expires: 1999-01-15
Abstract
Abstract An inflatable pad combined with an air control system for producing periodic inflation and deflation of that pad. The pad is elongated and has at least two separate passages extending from one end portion of the pad to the other, such passages also having interlaced transverse portions extending in directions across the pad. Each passage has a pair of terminal openings, one at each end of the pad, for the flow of air under pressure, such flow being controlled by a valve which not only alternates in directing air to inflate one passage and then the other, but also alternates the direction of inflation so that each passage is inflated alternately from its opposite ends. In one embodiment, the valve operates to positively exhaust one passage while the other is undergoing inflation, the exhaust air being recirculated and utilized by the compressor which serves as the source of pressurized air. Conservation and protection against overinflation may also be achieved by modifying the valve assembly to recirculate excess air, that is, air at a pressure greater than can be effectively or safely utilized by the pad. In all forms, the pad is provided with perforations on one side thereof which form bleed ports for the leakage of pressurized air from the passages, such leakage not only contributing to controlled deflation of the passages but also resulting in cooling air being directed against the limb or body of a person in close proximity to the pad.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard C. Tringali
- 👤 William D. Christoffel
- 👤 Paul R. Zeman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 20:45
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61H; A61H9/00; A61H9/005; A61H9/0078; A61G; A61G7/00; A61G7/05; A61G7/057; A61G7/05769; A61G7/05776; A61H2201/00; A61H2201/02; A61H2201/0214; A61H2201/0221; A61H2201/025; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T137/00; Y10T137/8593; Y10T137/85978; Y10T137/86115
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 47
Claim 1
Independent Claim
226 words
An inflatable pad and air control system comprising a pad having top and bottom walls defining a first inflatable passage extending substantially the full width and length of said pad and having its ends disposed adjacent opposite ends of said pad, said pad also having a second inflatable passage extending substantially the full width and length of said pad and having its ends disposed adjacent opposite ends of said pad, said first and second passages being interlaced and said pad being provided with perforations in said top wall communicating with each of said passages for the upward escape of air therefrom when said passages are inflated, a source of air under pressure, control valve means connected to said source of air, said control valve means including a valve body having four openings therein and a valve member movable in relation to said body for successively directing air under pressure through each of said four openings, conduit means connecting the ends of said inflatable passages to the respective openings of said valve body, and power means for advancing said valve member to direct air under pressure through each of said openings and through said conduit means to said pad, whereby, as said valve member is advanced, each passage is inflated alternately from its opposite ends to produce inflation waves traveling in opposite directions relative to said pad.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
226 words
An inflatable pad and air control system comprising a pad having top and bottom walls defining a first inflatable passage extending substantially the full width and length of said pad and having its ends disposed adjacent opposite ends of said pad, said pad also having a second inflatable passage extending substantially the full width and length of said pad and having its ends disposed adjacent opposite ends of said pad, said first and second passages being interlaced and said pad being provided with perforations in said top wall communicating with each of said passages for the upward escape of air therefrom when said passages are inflated, a source of air under pressure, control valve means connected to said source of air, said control valve means including a valve body having four openings therein and a valve member movable in relation to said body for successively directing air under pressure through each of said four openings, conduit means connecting the ends of said inflatable passages to the respective openings of said valve body, and power means for advancing said valve member to direct air under pressure through each of said openings and through said conduit means to said pad, whereby, as said valve member is advanced, each passage is inflated alternately from its opposite ends to produce inflation waves traveling in opposite directions relative to said pad.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
43 words
The system of claim 1 in which said source of air under pressure comprises a motor-driven compressor having an air inlet and an air outlet, said air outlet being connected to said control valve means to supply air under pressure to said pad.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
31 words
The system of claim 2 in which said air inlet of said compressor is also connected to said valve means to draw excess pressurized air therefrom for recirculation of the same.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
39 words
The system of claim 2 in which said inlet of said compressor is also connected to said valve means for successively drawing air from each one of said inflatable passages while the other of said passages is being inflated.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system of claim 4 in which there are flow restricting means for regulating the amount of air drawn from said inflatable passages by said compressor.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 5 in which said flow restricting means comprises an adjustable flow restricting valve.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
133 words
The system of claim 2 in which said valve member and valve body have opposing faces in mutual engagement, said valve member being mounted for rotation with respect to said body to cause relative sliding movement of said faces about an axis of rotation, said openings of said body being uniformly spaced along a line circumscribing said axis of rotation, said body also having an annular inlet chamber open at the face of said body for receiving pressurized air from said compressor and an annular channel formed in the face of said body, passage means connecting said channel to the inlet of said compressor, said valve having a recess in the face thereof for successively interconnecting each of said openings with said inlet chamber as said valve member rotates relative to said body.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
34 words
The system of claim 7 in which said inlet chamber is disposed radially inwardly from said line of openings circumscribing said axis of rotation, and said channel is disposed radially outwardly from said line.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
63 words
The system of claim 8 in which said movable valve member is mounted for limited axial movement away from said body in response to air pressure between said opposing faces exceeding a selected pressure level, and spring means for returning said valve member into engagement with said body when said air pressure between said opposing faces is reduced below said selected pressure level.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 9 in which adjustment means is provided for adjusting the force exerted by said spring means against said valve member.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
190 words
The system of claim 2 in which said valve member and valve body have opposing faces in mutual engagement and said valve member is mounted for rotation with respect to said body to cause sliding movement of said faces about an axis of rotation, said openings of said body being uniformly spaced along a line circumscribing said axis of rotation, said body also having an annular inlet chamber open at the face of said body and communicating with said compressor for receiving pressurized air therefrom, an annular channel formed in the face of said body, passage means connecting said channel to the inlet of said compressor, said valve member having a first recess in the face thereof for successively interconnecting each of said openings with said inlet chamber as said valve member rotates relative to said body, said valve member also having a second recess in the face thereof for successively interconnecting each of said openings with said annular channel as said valve member rotates relative to said body, said first and second recesses being spaced apart to communicate with different openings in said body as said valve member rotates.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
34 words
The system of claim 11 in which said inlet chamber is disposed radially inwardly of said line of openings circumscribing said axis of rotation, and said channel is disposed radially outwardly of said line.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
65 words
The system of claim 12 in which said movable valve member is mounted for limited axial movement away from said body in response to air pressure between said opposing faces beyond a selected pressure level, and spring means engaging said valve member for urging the same into engagement with said body when said air pressure between said opposing faces is below said selected pressure level.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 13 in which adjustment means is provided for adjusting the force exerted by said spring means against said rotary valve member.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system of claim 11 in which there is flow restricting means for regulating the amount of air drawn from said inflatable passages by said compressor.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 15 in which said flow restricting means comprises an adjustable flow restricting valve.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
265 words
A control valve assembly for use in successively inflating the plural passages of a pad with air under pressure from a compressor and for recirculating to such compressor air in excess of the amount required for passage inflation, comprising a valve body and a movable valve member having opposing faces disposed in continguous relation for relative sliding movement of said faces about an axis of rotation, at least four openings provided in the face of said valve body, said openings being spaced along a line circumscribing said axis of rotation, said body having an annular inlet chamber open at the face of said body and adapted to communicate with the outlet of a compressor for receiving pressurized air therefrom, said body also having an annular outlet chamber formed in said face of said body and adapted to communicate with the inlet of a compressor for withdrawal of air from said chamber by said compressor, said valve member having a recess in the face thereof for successively interconnecting each of said openings with said inlet chamber as said member rotates relative to said body, said openings being adapted to communicate with the passages of an inflatable pad, and driving means for rotating said valve member relative to said valve body, said valve member and valve body being disposed relative to each other to permit excess air from said compressor to flow from said inlet chamber between said faces when a predetermined pressure level is attained in the inflated passages of a pad, said outlet channel collecting said excess air for returning the same to the compressor.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
265 words
A control valve assembly for use in successively inflating the plural passages of a pad with air under pressure from a compressor and for recirculating to such compressor air in excess of the amount required for passage inflation, comprising a valve body and a movable valve member having opposing faces disposed in continguous relation for relative sliding movement of said faces about an axis of rotation, at least four openings provided in the face of said valve body, said openings being spaced along a line circumscribing said axis of rotation, said body having an annular inlet chamber open at the face of said body and adapted to communicate with the outlet of a compressor for receiving pressurized air therefrom, said body also having an annular outlet chamber formed in said face of said body and adapted to communicate with the inlet of a compressor for withdrawal of air from said chamber by said compressor, said valve member having a recess in the face thereof for successively interconnecting each of said openings with said inlet chamber as said member rotates relative to said body, said openings being adapted to communicate with the passages of an inflatable pad, and driving means for rotating said valve member relative to said valve body, said valve member and valve body being disposed relative to each other to permit excess air from said compressor to flow from said inlet chamber between said faces when a predetermined pressure level is attained in the inflated passages of a pad, said outlet channel collecting said excess air for returning the same to the compressor.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
36 words
The control valve assembly of claim 17 in which said inlet chamber is disposed radially inwardly from said line of openings circumscribing said axis of rotation and said channel is disposed radially outwardly from said line.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
65 words
The control valve assembly of claim 18 in which said movable valve member is mounted for limited axial movement away from said body in response to air pressure between said opposing faces exceeding a selected pressure level, and spring means for returning said valve member into engagement with said body when said air pressure between said opposing faces is reduced below said selected pressure level.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 19 in which adjustment means is provided for adjusting the force exerted by said spring means against said valve member.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
66 words
The control valve assembly of claim 17 in which said valve member is also provided with a second recess in the face therefor for successively interconnecting each of said openings with said annular channel as said valve member rotates relative to said body, said second recess and the first-mentioned recess being spaced apart to communicate with different openings in said body as said valve member rotates.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
30 words
The control valve assembly of claim 21 in which said valve member is provided with adjustable flowrestricting means for regulating the flow of air from said openings to said channel.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
38 words
The control valve assembly of claim 22 in which said flow-restricting means comprises a needle valve threadedly mounted in said valve member and projecting into said second recess for restricting the flow of air through said second recess.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
205 words
An inflatable pad and inflation fluid control system comprising a pad having top and bottom walls defining a first inflatable passage extending substantially the full width and length of said pad and having open ends disposed adjacent opposite ends of said pad, said pad also having a second inflatable passage extending substantially the full width and length of said pad and also having open ends disposed adjacent opposite ends of said pad, whereby, said passages have four open ends disposed in pairs adjacent opposite ends of said pad, separate conduit means connected to each of said open ends of said passages, control valve means operatively connected to said conduit means and including a valve body and a valve member movable relative to said body for directing fluid under pressure through said conduit means successively to each of said open ends of said passages, a source of fluid under pressure connected to said control valve means, and power means for moving said valve member to direct fluid under pressure through each of said open ends of said passages, whereby, as said valve member is moved, each passage is inflated alternately from its opposite ends to produce inflation waves traveling in opposite directions relative to said pad.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
205 words
An inflatable pad and inflation fluid control system comprising a pad having top and bottom walls defining a first inflatable passage extending substantially the full width and length of said pad and having open ends disposed adjacent opposite ends of said pad, said pad also having a second inflatable passage extending substantially the full width and length of said pad and also having open ends disposed adjacent opposite ends of said pad, whereby, said passages have four open ends disposed in pairs adjacent opposite ends of said pad, separate conduit means connected to each of said open ends of said passages, control valve means operatively connected to said conduit means and including a valve body and a valve member movable relative to said body for directing fluid under pressure through said conduit means successively to each of said open ends of said passages, a source of fluid under pressure connected to said control valve means, and power means for moving said valve member to direct fluid under pressure through each of said open ends of said passages, whereby, as said valve member is moved, each passage is inflated alternately from its opposite ends to produce inflation waves traveling in opposite directions relative to said pad.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
42 words
The system of claim 24 in which said first and second passages are interlaced and said pad is provided with perforations in said top wall communicating with each of said passages for the escape of fluid therefrom when said passages are inflated.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
48 words
The system of claim 24 in which said fluid is air and said source of fluid under pressure comprises a motor-driven compressor having an air inlet and an air outlet, said air outlet being connected to said control valve means for supplying air under pressure to said pad.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
31 words
The system of claim 26 in which said air inlet of said compressor is also connected to said valve means to draw excess pressurized air therefrom for recirculation of the same.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
39 words
The system of claim 26 in which said inlet of said compressor is also connected to said valve means for successively drawing air from each one of said inflatable passages while the other of said passages is being inflated.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system of claim 28 in which there are flow restricting means for regulating the amount of air drawn from said inflatable passages by said compressor.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 29 in which said flow restricting means comprises an adjustable flow restricting valve.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
198 words
An inflatable pad and air control system comprising a pad having top and bottom walls defining a first inflatable passage extending substantially the full width and length of said pad and having its ends disposed adjacent opposite ends of said pad, said pad also having a second inflatable passage extending substantially the full width and length of said pad and having its ends disposed adjacent opposite ends of said pad, said first and second passages being interlaced and said pad being provided with perforations in said top wall communicating with each of said passages for the upward escape of air therefrom when said passages are inflated, a source of air under pressure, control valve means connected to said source of air and providing for air flow openings, conduit means connecting the ends of said inflatable passages to the respective openings of said valve means, and means for operating said valve means to direct air under pressure successively through each of said openings and through said conduit means to said pad, whereby, as said control valve means operates, each passage is inflated alternately from its opposite ends to produce inflation waves traveling in opposite directions relative to said pad.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
198 words
An inflatable pad and air control system comprising a pad having top and bottom walls defining a first inflatable passage extending substantially the full width and length of said pad and having its ends disposed adjacent opposite ends of said pad, said pad also having a second inflatable passage extending substantially the full width and length of said pad and having its ends disposed adjacent opposite ends of said pad, said first and second passages being interlaced and said pad being provided with perforations in said top wall communicating with each of said passages for the upward escape of air therefrom when said passages are inflated, a source of air under pressure, control valve means connected to said source of air and providing for air flow openings, conduit means connecting the ends of said inflatable passages to the respective openings of said valve means, and means for operating said valve means to direct air under pressure successively through each of said openings and through said conduit means to said pad, whereby, as said control valve means operates, each passage is inflated alternately from its opposite ends to produce inflation waves traveling in opposite directions relative to said pad.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
43 words
The system of claim 31 in which said source of air under pressure comprises a motor-driven compressor having an air inlet and an air outlet, said air outlet being connected to said control valve means to supply air under pressure to said pad.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
32 words
The system of claim 32 in which said air inlet of said compressor is also connected to said control valve means to draw excess pressurized air therefrom for recirculation of the same.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
39 words
The system of claim 32 in which said inlet of said compressor is also connected to said control valve means for successively drawing air from each of said inflatable passages while the other of said passages is being inflated.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system of claim 34 in which there are flow restricting means for regulating the amount of air drawn from said inflatable passages by said compressor.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 35 in which said flow restricting means comprises an adjustable flow restricting valve.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
192 words
An inflatable pad and inflation fluid control system comprising a pad having top and bottom walls defining a first inflatable passage extending substantially the full width and length of said pad and having open ends disposed adjacent opposite ends of said pad, said pad also having a second inflatable passage extending substantially the full width and length of said pad and also having open ends disposed adjacent opposite ends of said pad, whereby, said passages have four open ends disposed in pairs adjacent opposite ends of said pad, separate conduit means connected to each of said open ends of said passages, control valve means operatively connected to said conduit means for directing fluid under pressure through said conduit means successively to each of said open ends of said passages, a source of fluid under pressure connected to said control valve means and means for operating said control valve means to direct fluid under pressure through each of said open ends of said passages, whereby, as said control valve means is operated, each passage is inflated alternately from its opposite ends to produce inflation waves traveling in opposite directions relative to said pad.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
192 words
An inflatable pad and inflation fluid control system comprising a pad having top and bottom walls defining a first inflatable passage extending substantially the full width and length of said pad and having open ends disposed adjacent opposite ends of said pad, said pad also having a second inflatable passage extending substantially the full width and length of said pad and also having open ends disposed adjacent opposite ends of said pad, whereby, said passages have four open ends disposed in pairs adjacent opposite ends of said pad, separate conduit means connected to each of said open ends of said passages, control valve means operatively connected to said conduit means for directing fluid under pressure through said conduit means successively to each of said open ends of said passages, a source of fluid under pressure connected to said control valve means and means for operating said control valve means to direct fluid under pressure through each of said open ends of said passages, whereby, as said control valve means is operated, each passage is inflated alternately from its opposite ends to produce inflation waves traveling in opposite directions relative to said pad.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
42 words
The system of claim 37 in which said first and second passages are interlaced and said pad is provided with perforations in said top wall communicating with each of said passages for the escape of fluid therefrom when said passages are inflated.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
48 words
The system of claim 37 in which said fluid is air and said source of fluid under pressure comprises a motor-driven compressor having an air inlet and an air outlet, said air outlet being connected to said control valve means for supplying air under pressure to said pad.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
32 words
The system of claim 39 in which said air inlet of said compressor is also connected to said control valve means to draw excess pressurized air therefrom for recirculation of the same.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
40 words
The system of claim 39 in which said inlet of said compressor is also connected to said control valve means for successively drawing air from each one of said inflatable passages while the other of said passages is being inflated.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system of claim 41 in which there are flow restricting means for regulating the amount of air drawn from said inflatable passages by said compressor.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1983-04-15 | 1983-10-15 | 1984-04-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-04-15 | 1987-10-15 | 1988-04-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-04-15 | 1991-10-15 | 1992-04-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |