US5652985A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Self-adjusting pressure relief support system and methodology
Assignee: Span America Medical Systems Inc
•
Filing: 1994-06-03
•
Granted: 1997-08-05
•
Expires: 2014-06-03
Abstract
Abstract A pressure relief support system utilizes a self-adjusting approach to maintaining generally constant pressure in fluid support bladders. A constant force, such as from a constant force linear spring or from a counterweight system, is applied directly to a fluid support bladder or to a reservoir in fluid communication with such bladder. Plural self-adjusting arrangements may be provided in a single device for fabricating a support body with sectionalized support. Such arrangements may be incorporated into mattress support systems or into seating arrangements or other alternative uses. By appropriately selecting system components, such as the amount of the constant force applied, the original volume of fluid to which the force is applied, and the reservoir size, pressure dispersion for a patient or supported object of any type may be controlled at a predetermined generally constant point. By utilizing the potential energy of a constant force linear spring or equivalent arrangement, a self-adjusting system and methodology is provided which does not require any form of electronic control system for receiving sensory feedback or for operating pressure pumps or valving systems responsive to any such feedback.
Inventors
- 👤 John W. Wilkinson
- 👤 Richard W. Raburn
- 👤 Thomas S. Hargest
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 13:26
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61G; A61G5/00; A61G5/10; A61G5/1043; A61G5/1045; A61G5/1054; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S297/00; Y10S297/03; Y10S297/04; Y10S5/00; Y10S5/909
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 170
Claim 1
Independent Claim
167 words
A self-adjusting pressure relief patient support apparatus, comprising: a main support body for receiving a patient thereon, and having at least one adjustable fluid support bladder with fluid therein; and constant force fluid reservoir means, in fluid communication with said fluid support bladder, resiliently actuated for automatically adjusting said bladder using potential energy so as to maintain a generally constant predetermined internal pressure in said bladder responsive to changing patient loading on said main support body; wherein said fluid reservoir means includes a fluid reservoir and fluid passageway means for interconnecting said reservoir in sealed fluid communication with said support bladder, and wherein said support bladder comprises a fluid sealable membrane adapted to be variably compressed by the interaction of elements therewith; and further wherein said fluid reservoir means further includes constant force actuation means including a resilient member for imparting a imparting a force directly to said reservoir tending to push fluid from said fluid reservoir into said fluid passageway means and towards said support bladder.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
167 words
A self-adjusting pressure relief patient support apparatus, comprising: a main support body for receiving a patient thereon, and having at least one adjustable fluid support bladder with fluid therein; and constant force fluid reservoir means, in fluid communication with said fluid support bladder, resiliently actuated for automatically adjusting said bladder using potential energy so as to maintain a generally constant predetermined internal pressure in said bladder responsive to changing patient loading on said main support body; wherein said fluid reservoir means includes a fluid reservoir and fluid passageway means for interconnecting said reservoir in sealed fluid communication with said support bladder, and wherein said support bladder comprises a fluid sealable membrane adapted to be variably compressed by the interaction of elements therewith; and further wherein said fluid reservoir means further includes constant force actuation means including a resilient member for imparting a imparting a force directly to said reservoir tending to push fluid from said fluid reservoir into said fluid passageway means and towards said support bladder.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
An apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said reservoir comprises a variable volume chamber for holding fluid.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
An apparatus as in claim 2, wherein said reservoir comprises a fluid sealable membrane adapted to be variably compressed by the action of elements pressing thereon.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
An apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said fluid passageway means comprises a fluid port formed with said fluid reservoir and an interconnecting conduit associated with said port.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
12 words
An apparatus as in claim 4, wherein said conduit comprises flexible tubing.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
48 words
An apparatus as in claim 1, said fluid reservoir means further including reservoir actuation means, responsive to an actuation force applied thereto for acting on said reservoir with a force tending to push fluid from said fluid reservoir into said fluid passageway means and towards said support bladder.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
34 words
An apparatus as in claim 6, wherein said reservoir actuation means comprises at least two members, relatively movable with respect to each other and mutually cooperative for transmitting said actuation force to said reservoir.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
37 words
An apparatus as in claim 6, wherein said fluid reservoir means further includes constant force actuation means for applying said actuation force to said reservoir actuation means, said actuation force being at least a generally constant force.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
19 words
An apparatus as in claim 7, wherein said at least two members comprise a pair of relatively planar elements.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
44 words
An apparatus as in claim 9, wherein said planar elements are received for relative planar movement parallel to each other with said reservoir received therebetween so as to receive a varying compressive force depending on the degree of parallel movement of said planar elements.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
31 words
An apparatus as in claim 10, wherein said reservoir actuation means further includes at least one guide channel with at least one of said planar elements received therein for movement therealong.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
43 words
An apparatus as in claim 9, wherein said planar elements are received for pivoting movement relative to each other with said reservoir receive therebetween so as to receive a varying compressive force depending on the degree of pivoting movement of said planar elements.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
48 words
An apparatus as in claim 7, wherein said at least two members are received for axial twisting movement relative to each other with said reservoir secured therebetween so as to receive a varying torsional force depending on the degree of twisting movement of said at least two members.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
26 words
An apparatus as in claim 7, wherein said at least two members are integrally associated with said reservoir so as to form part of said reservoir.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
82 words
An apparatus as in claim 14, wherein said two members comprise opposing end plates received against otherwise open ends of said reservoir for sealing same, said end plates being alternately movable in relative planar parallel movements to each other so as to variably compress said reservoir therebetween depending on the degree of parallel movement of said two members, and further wherein at least one of said end plates includes a port for fluid interconnection of said reservoir with said fluid passageway means.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
47 words
An apparatus as in claim 7, wherein said two members include one support member with said reservoir supported thereon and one movable member movable relative to said support member for engaging said reservoir between said two members so as to transmit said actuation force to said reservoir.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
95 words
An apparatus as in claim 16, wherein said support member comprises a generally planar member with opposing ends of said reservoir secured thereon and with a fluid port formed relatively adjacent one of such reservoir ends and in fluid communication with said fluid passageway means, and further wherein said movable member comprises a generally cylindrical member mounted intermediate said reservoir opposing ends for movement therebetween in engagement with said reservoir such that fluid in said reservoir may be forced towards said reservoir fluid port by movement of said movable member towards said reservoir fluid port.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
23 words
An apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said resilient member comprises at least one elastic band received about a portion of said reservoir.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
36 words
An apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said resilient member comprises a resilient clip with opposing legs placed in contact with at least a portion of said reservoir so as to impart a squeezing force thereto.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
32 words
An apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said main support body includes a plurality of fluid support bladders with fluid therein and commonly interconnected with said fluid reservoir by said fluid passageway.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
97 words
An apparatus as in claim 1, wherein: said main support body includes a plurality of fluid support bladders with fluid therein; and said fluid reservoir means includes a corresponding plurality of reservoirs respectively interconnected with said plurality of bladders by said fluid passageway means, and further includes a corresponding plurality of reservoir actuation means, responsive to an actuation force applied thereto for independently acting on a corresponding one of said reservoirs with a force tending to push fluid from such fluid reservoir into said fluid passageway means and towards a support bladder respectively interconnected with such reservoir.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
12 words
An apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said fluid comprises a gas.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
11 words
An apparatus as in claim 22, wherein said gas is air.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
12 words
An apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said fluid comprises a liquid.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
14 words
An apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said fluid comprises a relatively viscous fluid.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
33 words
An apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said main support body comprises one of a mattress, a matterss overlay, and a mattress replacement with a plurality of adjustable support bladders with fluid therein.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
31 words
An apparatus as in claim 26, wherein said fluid reservoir means includes a plurality of fluid reservoirs, each respectively and operatively associated with one of said plurality of fluid support bladders.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
33 words
An apparatus as in claim 26, wherein said fluid reservoir means includes a plurality of fluid reservoirs, each respectively and operatively associated with a predetermined plurality of said plurality of fluid support bladders.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
279 words
A self-adjusting pressure relief patient support apparatus, comprising: a main support body for receiving a patient thereon, and having at least one adjustable fluid support bladder with fluid therein; and constant force fluid reservoir means, in fluid communication with said fluid support bladder, for automatically adjusting said bladder using potential energy so as to maintain a generally constant predetermined internal pressure in said bladder responsive to changing patient loading on said main support body; wherein said main support body includes at least two respective adjustable fluid support bladders with fluid therein; said constant force fluid reservoir means includes at least two respective corresponding fluid reservoirs and corresponding respective fluid passageway means for respectively interconnecting said respective reservoirs in sealed fluid communication with corresponding respective support bladders; said fluid reservoirs comprise respective fluid sealable membranes adapted to be variably compressed by the action of elements pressing thereon, and having respective fluid ports therein for connection with said fluid passageway means; said fluid passageway means comprise respective interconnecting conduits respectively associated with said respective fluid ports and said corresponding respective support bladders; and wherein said fluid reservoir means further includes reservoir actuation means, responsive to an actuation force applied thereto for acting on said reservoir with a force tending to push fluid from said fluid reservoir into said fluid passageway means and towards said support bladder, and wherein said reservoir actuation means comprises at least three members, relatively movable with respect to each other and with associated ones of said respective support bladders received between two relative pairs of such three members, such that actuation force applied to a respective pair is transmitted to its respective associated support bladder received therebetween.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
279 words
A self-adjusting pressure relief patient support apparatus, comprising: a main support body for receiving a patient thereon, and having at least one adjustable fluid support bladder with fluid therein; and constant force fluid reservoir means, in fluid communication with said fluid support bladder, for automatically adjusting said bladder using potential energy so as to maintain a generally constant predetermined internal pressure in said bladder responsive to changing patient loading on said main support body; wherein said main support body includes at least two respective adjustable fluid support bladders with fluid therein; said constant force fluid reservoir means includes at least two respective corresponding fluid reservoirs and corresponding respective fluid passageway means for respectively interconnecting said respective reservoirs in sealed fluid communication with corresponding respective support bladders; said fluid reservoirs comprise respective fluid sealable membranes adapted to be variably compressed by the action of elements pressing thereon, and having respective fluid ports therein for connection with said fluid passageway means; said fluid passageway means comprise respective interconnecting conduits respectively associated with said respective fluid ports and said corresponding respective support bladders; and wherein said fluid reservoir means further includes reservoir actuation means, responsive to an actuation force applied thereto for acting on said reservoir with a force tending to push fluid from said fluid reservoir into said fluid passageway means and towards said support bladder, and wherein said reservoir actuation means comprises at least three members, relatively movable with respect to each other and with associated ones of said respective support bladders received between two relative pairs of such three members, such that actuation force applied to a respective pair is transmitted to its respective associated support bladder received therebetween.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
25 words
An apparatus as in claim 29, wherein said relative pairs of members are received in stacked array for relative planar movement parallel to each other.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
25 words
An apparatus as in claim 29, wherein said relative pairs of members are received in stacked array for respective pivoting movement relative to each other.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
200 words
A self-adjusting pressure relief patient support apparatus, comprising: a main support body for receiving a patient thereon, and having at least one adjustable fluid support bladder with fluid therein; and constant force fluid reservoir means, in fluid communication with said fluid support bladder, for automatically adjusting said bladder using potential energy so as to maintain a generally constant predetermined internal pressure in said bladder responsive to changing patient loading on said main support body; wherein said fluid reservoir means includes a fluid reservoir and fluid passageway means for interconnecting said reservoir in sealed fluid communication with said support bladder; said fluid reservoir means further including reservoir actuation means, responsive to an actuation force applied thereto for acting on said reservoir with a force tending to push fluid from said fluid reservoir into said fluid passageway means and towards said support bladder; wherein said fluid reservoir means further includes constant force actuation means for applying said actuation force to said reservoir actuation means, said actuation force being at least a generally constant force; and wherein said constant force actuation means includes at least one constant force spring associated with said reservoir actuation means so as to apply said actuation force thereto.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
200 words
A self-adjusting pressure relief patient support apparatus, comprising: a main support body for receiving a patient thereon, and having at least one adjustable fluid support bladder with fluid therein; and constant force fluid reservoir means, in fluid communication with said fluid support bladder, for automatically adjusting said bladder using potential energy so as to maintain a generally constant predetermined internal pressure in said bladder responsive to changing patient loading on said main support body; wherein said fluid reservoir means includes a fluid reservoir and fluid passageway means for interconnecting said reservoir in sealed fluid communication with said support bladder; said fluid reservoir means further including reservoir actuation means, responsive to an actuation force applied thereto for acting on said reservoir with a force tending to push fluid from said fluid reservoir into said fluid passageway means and towards said support bladder; wherein said fluid reservoir means further includes constant force actuation means for applying said actuation force to said reservoir actuation means, said actuation force being at least a generally constant force; and wherein said constant force actuation means includes at least one constant force spring associated with said reservoir actuation means so as to apply said actuation force thereto.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
30 words
An apparatus as in claim 32, wherein said constant force actuation means further includes a flexible webbing interconnecting between at least one constant force spring and said reservoir actuation means.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
40 words
An apparatus as in claim 32, wherein said constant force actuation means further includes a second constant force spring operative in tandem with said at least one constant force spring for applying said actuation force to said reservoir actuation means.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
197 words
A self-adjusting pressure relief patient support apparatus, comprising: a main support body for receiving a patient thereon, and having at least one adjustable fluid support bladder with fluid therein; and constant force fluid reservoir means, in fluid communication with said fluid support bladder, for automatically adjusting said bladder using potential energy so as to maintain a generally constant predetermined internal pressure in said bladder responsive to changing patient loading on said main support body; wherein said fluid reservoir means includes a fluid reservoir and fluid passageway means for interconnecting said reservoir in sealed fluid communication with said support bladder; said fluid reservoir means further including reservoir actuation means, responsive to an actuation force applied thereto for acting on said reservoir with a force tending to push fluid from said fluid reservoir into said fluid passageway means and towards said support bladder; wherein said fluid reservoir means further includes constant force actuation means for applying said actuation force to said reservoir actuation means, said actuation force being at least a generally constant force; and wherein said constant force actuation means includes a counterweight arrangement associated with said reservoir actuation means so as to apply said actuation force thereto.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
197 words
A self-adjusting pressure relief patient support apparatus, comprising: a main support body for receiving a patient thereon, and having at least one adjustable fluid support bladder with fluid therein; and constant force fluid reservoir means, in fluid communication with said fluid support bladder, for automatically adjusting said bladder using potential energy so as to maintain a generally constant predetermined internal pressure in said bladder responsive to changing patient loading on said main support body; wherein said fluid reservoir means includes a fluid reservoir and fluid passageway means for interconnecting said reservoir in sealed fluid communication with said support bladder; said fluid reservoir means further including reservoir actuation means, responsive to an actuation force applied thereto for acting on said reservoir with a force tending to push fluid from said fluid reservoir into said fluid passageway means and towards said support bladder; wherein said fluid reservoir means further includes constant force actuation means for applying said actuation force to said reservoir actuation means, said actuation force being at least a generally constant force; and wherein said constant force actuation means includes a counterweight arrangement associated with said reservoir actuation means so as to apply said actuation force thereto.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
98 words
A self-adjusting pressure relief patient support apparatus, comprising: a main support body for receiving a patient thereon, and having at least one adjustable fluid support bladder with fluid therein; and constant force fluid reservoir means, in fluid communication with said fluid support bladder, resiliently actuated for automatically adjusting said bladder using potential energy so am to maintain a generally constant predetermined internal pressure in said bladder responsive to changing patient loading on said main support body; wherein said main support body comprises a seating arrangement for a user with a plurality of adjustable support bladders with fluid therein.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
98 words
A self-adjusting pressure relief patient support apparatus, comprising: a main support body for receiving a patient thereon, and having at least one adjustable fluid support bladder with fluid therein; and constant force fluid reservoir means, in fluid communication with said fluid support bladder, resiliently actuated for automatically adjusting said bladder using potential energy so am to maintain a generally constant predetermined internal pressure in said bladder responsive to changing patient loading on said main support body; wherein said main support body comprises a seating arrangement for a user with a plurality of adjustable support bladders with fluid therein.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
188 words
A pressure relief support arrangement for a mattress for automatically optimizing pressure dispersion for a person received thereon, without requiring sensory feedback or pump control systems, said arrangement comprising: a plurality of elongated fluid chambers with fluid therein, disposed generally in parallel and having respective individual fluid ports providing a fluid passageway between the interior and exterior of each respective chamber; a main support body for receiving and generally maintaining said plurality of fluid chambers in a predetermined arrangement relative to each other; a plurality of fluid conduits respectively interconnected in fluid sealed relationship with each of said chamber fluid ports for permitting fluid to be controllably transmitted alternately into and out of each respective fluid chamber; and constant force fluid reservoir means, in fluid communication with said plurality of fluid conduits, resiliently actuated for automatically adjusting the amount of fluid within each of said fluid chambers, using potential energy without requiring use of any sensory feedback or pump control systems, so as to maintain generally constant predetermined fluid pressure within the interiors of said fluid chambers responsive to respective loading changes on said plurality of fluid chambers.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
188 words
A pressure relief support arrangement for a mattress for automatically optimizing pressure dispersion for a person received thereon, without requiring sensory feedback or pump control systems, said arrangement comprising: a plurality of elongated fluid chambers with fluid therein, disposed generally in parallel and having respective individual fluid ports providing a fluid passageway between the interior and exterior of each respective chamber; a main support body for receiving and generally maintaining said plurality of fluid chambers in a predetermined arrangement relative to each other; a plurality of fluid conduits respectively interconnected in fluid sealed relationship with each of said chamber fluid ports for permitting fluid to be controllably transmitted alternately into and out of each respective fluid chamber; and constant force fluid reservoir means, in fluid communication with said plurality of fluid conduits, resiliently actuated for automatically adjusting the amount of fluid within each of said fluid chambers, using potential energy without requiring use of any sensory feedback or pump control systems, so as to maintain generally constant predetermined fluid pressure within the interiors of said fluid chambers responsive to respective loading changes on said plurality of fluid chambers.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
49 words
An arrangement as in claim 37, wherein said fluid reservoir means includes at least one variable volume fluid reservoir and a fluid port therein connected with at least one of said fluid conduits for interconnecting said reservoir in sealed fluid communication with selected ones of said elongated fluid chambers.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
77 words
An arrangement as in claim 38, wherein said fluid reservoir means further includes reservoir actuation means, responsive to an actuation force applied thereto for acting on said reservoir with a force tending to push fluid from said fluid reservoir into a corresponding fluid conduit and towards a corresponding fluid chamber, said reservoir actuation means comprising at least two members, relatively movable with respect to each other and mutually cooperative for transmitting said actuation force to said reservoir.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
52 words
An arrangement as in claim 39, wherein said at least two members comprise a pair of relatively planar elements, received for relative planar movement parallel to each other with said reservoir received therebetween so as to receive a varying compressive force depending on the degree of parallel movement of said planar elements.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
35 words
An arrangement as in claim 40, wherein said reservoir actuation means further includes a pair of relatively low friction slide channels with at least one of said planar elements received wherein for guided movement therealong.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
51 words
An arrangement as in claim 39, wherein said two members are received for one of pivoting movement relative to each other and axial twisting movement relative to each other with said reservoir received therebetween so as to receive a varying force depending on the degree of movement of said two members.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
81 words
An arrangement as in claim 39, wherein said two members comprise opposing end plates received against otherwise open ends of said reservoir for sealing same, said end plates being alternately movable in relative planar parallel movements to each other so as to variably compress said reservoir therebetween depending on the degree of parallel movement of said two members, and further wherein at least one of said end plates includes a port for fluid interconnection of said reservoir with said fluid conduit.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
101 words
An arrangement as in claim 39, wherein one of said two members comprises a generally planar support member with opposing ends of said reservoir secured thereon and with a fluid port formed relatively adjacent one of such reservoir ends and in fluid communication with said fluid conduit, and further wherein the other of said two members comprises a generally cylindrical movable member mounted intermediate said reservoir opposing ends for movement therebetween in engagement with said reservoir such that fluid in said reservoir may be forced towards said reservoir fluid port by movement of said movable member towards said reservoir fluid port.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
37 words
An arrangement as in claim 39, wherein said fluid reservoir means further includes constant force actuation means for applying said actuation force to said reservoir actuation means, said actuation force being at least a generally constant force.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
33 words
An arrangement as in claim 45, wherein said constant force actuation means includes at least one constant force spring associated with said reservoir actuation means so as to apply said actuation force thereto.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
40 words
An arrangement as in claim 46, wherein said constant force actuation means further includes a second constant force spring operative in tandem with said at least one constant force spring for applying said actuation force to said reservoir actuation means.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
81 words
An arrangement as in claim 37, wherein: said main support body includes at least two respective adjustable elongated fluid chambers with fluid therein, and a resilient foam body at least partially enclosing and covering said chambers so as to form a user receiving surface thereover; and said constant force fluid reservoir means includes at least two respective corresponding fluid reservoirs associated with corresponding respective fluid conduits respectively interconnecting said respective reservoirs in sealed fluid communication with corresponding respective elongated fluid chambers.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
67 words
An arrangement as in claim 48, wherein: said main support body houses four of said elongated fluid chambers therein disposed in parallel and directed longitudinally along said main support body intended for generally longitudinal alignment with a user received thereon; and said constant force fluid reservoir means includes four corresponding fluid reservoirs associated respectively with said four fluid chambers through a corresponding number of said fluid conduits.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
33 words
An arrangement as in claim 49, wherein said four fluid reservoirs and corresponding automatic adjustment features thereof of said constant force fluid reservoir means are further housed generally within said main support body.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
107 words
A sectionalized support arrangement with multiple independently acting support sections, comprising: a main support body having a predetermined arrangement of independently adjustable fluid chambers therein with fluid in such chambers, and with the shape and size of each chamber defining a corresponding independently acting support section; and a plurality of constant force fluid reservoir means, each being respectively in fluid communication with a respective one of said fluid chambers, resilently acuated for automatically adjusting such respective one chamber using potential energy so as to independently maintain a generally constant predetermined internal pressure in such respective one chamber responsive to changing patient loading on said main support body.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
107 words
A sectionalized support arrangement with multiple independently acting support sections, comprising: a main support body having a predetermined arrangement of independently adjustable fluid chambers therein with fluid in such chambers, and with the shape and size of each chamber defining a corresponding independently acting support section; and a plurality of constant force fluid reservoir means, each being respectively in fluid communication with a respective one of said fluid chambers, resilently acuated for automatically adjusting such respective one chamber using potential energy so as to independently maintain a generally constant predetermined internal pressure in such respective one chamber responsive to changing patient loading on said main support body.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
36 words
A sectionalized support arrangement as in claim 51, wherein said fluid reservoir means includes a plurality of fluid reservoirs and corresponding fluid passageway means for interconnecting said reservoirs in sealed fluid communication with said fluid chambers.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
31 words
A sectionalized support arrangement as in claim 52, wherein the number of fluid chambers matches the number of fluid reservoirs, such that a respective chamber is matched with a respective reservoir.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
39 words
A sectionalized support arrangement as in claim 52, wherein the number of fluid chambers is greater than the number of fluid reservoirs, such that plural fluid chambers are respectively matched with at least certain of the respective fluid reservoirs.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
39 words
A sectionalized support arrangement as in claim 52, wherein the number of fluid chambers is less than the number of fluid reservoirs, such that plural fluid reservoirs are respectively matched with at least certain of the respective fluid chambers.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
63 words
A sectionalized support arrangement as in claim 52, wherein said reservoir comprises one of a variable volume chamber for holding fluid, and a fluid sealable membrane adapted to be variably compressed by the action of elements pressing thereon, and wherein said fluid passageway means comprises a fluid port formed with each said fluid reservoir and an interconnecting conduit associated with each said port.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
93 words
A sectionalized support arrangement as in claim 52, wherein: said fluid reservoir means further includes a corresponding plurality of reservoir actuation means, responsive to a respective actuation force applied thereto for acting on its corresponding reservoir with a force tending to push fluid from such fluid reservoir into one of said fluid passageway means and towards its correspondingly associated fluid chamber; and wherein each of said reservoir actuation means comprises at least two members, relatively movable with respect to each other and mutually cooperative for transmitting said actuation force to its corresponding reservoir.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
61 words
A sectionalized support arrangement as in claim 57, wherein said at least two members comprise a pair of relatively planar elements, received for one of relative planar movement parallel to each other and pivoting movement relative to each other with said reservoir received therebetween so as to receive a varying force depending on the degree of movement of said planar elements.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
108 words
A sectionalized support arrangement as in claim 57, wherein said at least two members are integrally associated with their respective reservoir so as to form part of such reservoir, and wherein said two members comprise opposing end plates received against otherwise open end of each such reservoir for sealing same, said end plates being alternately movable in relative planar parallel movements to each other so as to variably compress such reservoir therebetween depending on the degree of parallel movement of said two members, and further wherein at least one of said end plates includes a port for fluid interconnection of such reservoir with its corresponding fluid passageway means.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
62 words
A sectionalized support arrangement as in claim 57, wherein said reservoir actuation means comprises at least three members, relatively movable with respect to each other and with associated ones of said respective fluid chambers received between two relative pairs of such three members, such that actuation force applied to a respective pair is transmitted to its respective associated fluid chamber received therebetween.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
37 words
A sectionalized support arrangement as in claim 60, wherein said relative pairs of members are received in stacked array for one of relative planar movement parallel to each other and respective pivoting movement relative to each other.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
39 words
A sectionalized support arrangement as in claim 57, wherein said fluid reservoir means further includes constant force actuation means for applying said actuation force to said reservoir actuation means, said actuation force being at least a generally constant force.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
40 words
A sectionalized support arrangement as in claim 62, wherein said constant force actuation means includes one of at least one constant force spring and another arrangement associated with said reservoir actuation means so as to apply said actuation force thereto.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
60 words
A sectionalized support arrangement as in claim 52, wherein said fluid reservoir means further includes a corresponding plurality of constant force actuation means including a respective resilient member for imparting a force directly to each of said reservoirs tending to push fluid from said fluid reservoir into said fluid passageway means and towards at least one correspondingly associated fluid chamber.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
23 words
A sectionalized support arrangement as in claim 52, wherein said fluid comprises one of a gas, a liquid, and a relatively viscous liquid.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
28 words
A sectionalized support arrangement as in claim 51, wherein said predetermined arrangement includes longitudinal spacing of said chambers relative to the intended orientation of said main support body.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
28 words
A sectionalized support arrangement as in claim 51, wherein said predetermined arrangement includes lateral spacing of said chambers relative to the intended orientation of said main support body.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
34 words
A sectionalized support arrangement as in claim 51, wherein said predetermined arrangement includes a preselected mixture of longitudinal and lateral spacing of said chambers relative to the intended orientation of said main support body.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
26 words
A sectionalized support arrangement as in claim 51, wherein said respective chamber internal pressures are predetermined so as to generally be the same in each chamber.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
34 words
A sectionalized support arrangement as in claim 51, wherein said respective chamber internal pressures are predetermined so as to be different in at least some of said chambers than in other of said chambers.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
36 words
A sectionalized support arrangement as in claim 51, wherein said predetermined chamber internal pressures relative to local absolute pressure are selected to be within a range generally of from about 0.2 PSI to about 0.5 PSI.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
30 words
A sectionalized support arrangement as in claim 71, wherein said chamber internal pressure ranges are predetermined to be within a range of from about 0.2 PSI to about 0.3 PSI.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
30 words
A sectionalized support arrangement as in claim 71, wherein said chamber internal pressure ranges are predetermined to be within a range of from about 0.35 PSI to about 0.45 PSI.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
25 words
A sectionalized support arrangement as in claim 51, wherein said main support body comprises one of a mattress, a mattress overlay, and a mattress replacement.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
44 words
A sectionalized support arrangement as in claim 51, wherein said main support body comprises a seating arrangement including one of such as for a wheelchair, a geriatric care chair, a specialized patient care chair, an ergonomic chair, and a seat in a transportation vehicle.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
305 words
A mattress overlay for providing optimized interface pressure dispersion for a patient received thereon without use of an external power source and without requiring any electronic control system for receiving sensory feedback and operating pressure pumps or valving systems responsive thereto, said mattress overlay comprising: a main support body for receiving a patient thereon, said body having at least four elongated air chambers arranged generally in parallel therein with each chamber having a respective air port, said body further having a resilient support layer received over said air chambers and on which a patient is received; a plurality of air hoses respectively connected in air sealed relationship with each of said respective air ports; a plurality of air reservoirs respectively connected in air sealed relationship with each of said respective air ports, so that at least four independently acting pressure relief devices are formed by the resulting respective grouping of an air chamber, air hose and air reservoir in air sealed relationship with each such grouping having an initially predetermined amount of air therein movable within the air sealed grouping so as to permit the establishment of air pressure equilibrium within such grouping; at least one constant force spring respectively associated with each air reservoir; at least four reservoir actuation means, one each associated with each respective independently acting pressure relief device, and each respectively operative for applying the potential energy of a corresponding constant force spring to its respective air reservoir so that changes in patient loading applied to each respective air chamber are automatically compensated within a predetermined range by use of the potential energy of its corresponding constant force spring, such that air pressure within such grouping is automatically maintained within a range predetermined for optimizing dispersion of patient interface pressures with said mattress overlay, without requiring sensory feedback on control systems.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
305 words
A mattress overlay for providing optimized interface pressure dispersion for a patient received thereon without use of an external power source and without requiring any electronic control system for receiving sensory feedback and operating pressure pumps or valving systems responsive thereto, said mattress overlay comprising: a main support body for receiving a patient thereon, said body having at least four elongated air chambers arranged generally in parallel therein with each chamber having a respective air port, said body further having a resilient support layer received over said air chambers and on which a patient is received; a plurality of air hoses respectively connected in air sealed relationship with each of said respective air ports; a plurality of air reservoirs respectively connected in air sealed relationship with each of said respective air ports, so that at least four independently acting pressure relief devices are formed by the resulting respective grouping of an air chamber, air hose and air reservoir in air sealed relationship with each such grouping having an initially predetermined amount of air therein movable within the air sealed grouping so as to permit the establishment of air pressure equilibrium within such grouping; at least one constant force spring respectively associated with each air reservoir; at least four reservoir actuation means, one each associated with each respective independently acting pressure relief device, and each respectively operative for applying the potential energy of a corresponding constant force spring to its respective air reservoir so that changes in patient loading applied to each respective air chamber are automatically compensated within a predetermined range by use of the potential energy of its corresponding constant force spring, such that air pressure within such grouping is automatically maintained within a range predetermined for optimizing dispersion of patient interface pressures with said mattress overlay, without requiring sensory feedback on control systems.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
32 words
A mattress overlay as in claim 76, wherein each of said reservoir actuation means includes a second constant force spring acting in tandem with said at least one constant force spring thereof.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
61 words
A mattress overlay as in claim 77, wherein each tandem pair of constant force springs have a total constant force predetermined to come within a range generally of from about 2 pounds to about 6 pounds, and each air reservoir has a predetermined maximum volume capacity in a range generally of from about 50 cubic inches to about 200 cubic inches.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
25 words
A mattress overlay as in claim 76, wherein said air reservoirs and their corresponding reservoir actuation means are all housed within said main support body.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
31 words
A mattress overlay as in claim 76, wherein said four air reservoirs and their corresponding reservoir actuation means are generally received in the respective four corners of said main support body.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
37 words
A mattress overlay as in claim 76, wherein said elongated air chambers are received within a protective envelope, and wherein said resilient support layer includes a foam body having differentiated surface support segments for further pressure dispersion.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
204 words
A self-adjusting component for use with a fluid chamber in a pressure relief patient support system, comprising: a fluid reservoir with fluid therein and having a fluid port; fluid passageway means for interconnecting said reservoir fluid port in sealed fluid communication with the variably compressible fluid chamber of a pressure relief patient support system; reservoir actuation means, responsive to an actuation force applied thereto for acting on said reservoir with a force tending to push fluid from said fluid reservoir into said fluid passageway means and towards a fluid chamber associated therewith; and constant force actuation means for applying a generally constant actuation force to said reservoir actuation means, so that a varying flow of fluid tending to push towards said fluid reservoir into said fluid passageway means and from a fluid chamber associated therewith due to corresponding varying patient loading applied to such patient support fluid chamber is automatically met with an opposing fluid force from said reservoir until an equilibrium fluid pressure is obtained providing a patient interface pressure coming within a predetermined range; wherein said reservoir actuation means comprises at least two members, relatively movable with respect to each other and mutually cooperative for transmitting said actuation force to said reservoir.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
204 words
A self-adjusting component for use with a fluid chamber in a pressure relief patient support system, comprising: a fluid reservoir with fluid therein and having a fluid port; fluid passageway means for interconnecting said reservoir fluid port in sealed fluid communication with the variably compressible fluid chamber of a pressure relief patient support system; reservoir actuation means, responsive to an actuation force applied thereto for acting on said reservoir with a force tending to push fluid from said fluid reservoir into said fluid passageway means and towards a fluid chamber associated therewith; and constant force actuation means for applying a generally constant actuation force to said reservoir actuation means, so that a varying flow of fluid tending to push towards said fluid reservoir into said fluid passageway means and from a fluid chamber associated therewith due to corresponding varying patient loading applied to such patient support fluid chamber is automatically met with an opposing fluid force from said reservoir until an equilibrium fluid pressure is obtained providing a patient interface pressure coming within a predetermined range; wherein said reservoir actuation means comprises at least two members, relatively movable with respect to each other and mutually cooperative for transmitting said actuation force to said reservoir.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
18 words
A self-adjusting component as in claim 82, wherein said reservoir comprises a variable volume chamber for holding fluid.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
27 words
A self-adjusting component as in claim 83, wherein said reservoir comprises a fluid sealable membrane adapted to be variably compressed by the action of elements pressing thereon.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
15 words
A self-adjusting component as in claim 82, wherein said fluid passageway means comprises flexible tubing.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
20 words
A self-adjusting component as in claim 82, wherein said at least two members comprise a pair of relatively planar elements.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
45 words
A self-adjusting component as in claim 86, wherein said planar elements are received for relative planar movement parallel to each other with said reservoir received therebetween so as to receive a varying compressive force depending on the degree of parallel movement of said planar elements.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
32 words
A self-adjusting component as in claim 87, wherein said reservoir actuation means further includes at least one guide channel with at least one of said planar elements received therein for movement therealong.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
44 words
A self-adjusting component as in claim 86, wherein said planar elements are received for pivoting movement relative to each other with said reservoir received therebetween so as to receive a varying compressive force depending on the degree of pivoting movement of said planar elements.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
49 words
A self-adjusting component as in claim 82, wherein said at least two members are received for axial twisting movement relative to each other with said reservoir secured therebetween so as to receive a varying torsional force depending on the degree of twisting movement of said at least two members.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
104 words
A self-adjusting component as in claim 82, wherein said at least two members are integrally associated with said reservoir so as to form part of said reservoir, and wherein said two members comprise opposing end plates received against otherwise open ends of said reservoir for sealing same, said end plates being alternately movable in relative planar parallel movements to each other so as to variably compress said reservoir therebetween depending on the degree of parallel movement of said two members, and further wherein at least one of said end plates includes a port for fluid interconnection of said reservoir with said fluid passageway means.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
48 words
A self-adjusting component as in claim 82, wherein said two members include one support member with said reservoir supported thereon and one movable member movable relative to said support member for engaging said reservoir between said two members so as to transmit said actuation force to said reservoir.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
95 words
A self-adjusting component as in claim 92, wherein said support member comprises a generally planar member with opposing ends of said reservoir secured thereon and with said fluid port formed relatively adjacent one of such reservoir ends and in fluid communication with said fluid passageway means, and further wherein said movable member comprises a generally cylindrical member mounted intermediate said reservoir opposing ends for movement therebetween in engagement with said reservoir such that fluid in said reservoir may be forced towards said reservoir fluid port by movement of said movable member towards said fluid port.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
18 words
A self-adjusting component as in claim 82, further including a tandem arrangement of two of said self-adjusting components.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
48 words
A self-adjusting component as in claim 94, wherein said tandem arrangement includes relative pairs of said at least two members of said reservoir actuation means received in stacked array for one of relative planar movement parallel to each other and for respective pivoting movement relative to each other.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
22 words
A self-adjusting component as in claim 82, wherein said fluid includes one of a gas, a liquid, and a relatively viscous fluid.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
12 words
A self-adjusting component as in claim 96, wherein said gas is air.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
27 words
A self-adjusting component as in claim 82, further including a plurality of said self-adjusting components incorporated into a system having a plurality of fluid chambers associated therewith.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
203 words
A self-adjusting component for use with a fluid chamber in a pressure relief patient support system, comprising: a fluid reservoir with fluid therein and having a fluid port; fluid passageway means for interconnecting said reservoir fluid port in sealed fluid communication with the variably compressible fluid chamber of a pressure relief patient support system; reservoir actuation means, responsive to an actuation force applied thereto for acting on said reservoir with a force tending to push fluid from said fluid reservoir into said fluid passageway means and towards a fluid chamber associated therewith; and constant force actuation means for applying a generally constant actuation force to said reservoir actuation means, so that a varying flow of fluid tending to push towards said fluid reservoir into said fluid passageway means and from a fluid chamber associated therewith due to corresponding varying patient loading applied to such patient support fluid chamber is automatically met with an opposing fluid force from said reservoir until an equilibrium fluid pressure is obtained providing a patient interface pressure coming within a predetermined range; wherein said constant force actuation means includes at least one constant force spring associated with said reservoir actuation means so as to apply said actuation force thereto.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
203 words
A self-adjusting component for use with a fluid chamber in a pressure relief patient support system, comprising: a fluid reservoir with fluid therein and having a fluid port; fluid passageway means for interconnecting said reservoir fluid port in sealed fluid communication with the variably compressible fluid chamber of a pressure relief patient support system; reservoir actuation means, responsive to an actuation force applied thereto for acting on said reservoir with a force tending to push fluid from said fluid reservoir into said fluid passageway means and towards a fluid chamber associated therewith; and constant force actuation means for applying a generally constant actuation force to said reservoir actuation means, so that a varying flow of fluid tending to push towards said fluid reservoir into said fluid passageway means and from a fluid chamber associated therewith due to corresponding varying patient loading applied to such patient support fluid chamber is automatically met with an opposing fluid force from said reservoir until an equilibrium fluid pressure is obtained providing a patient interface pressure coming within a predetermined range; wherein said constant force actuation means includes at least one constant force spring associated with said reservoir actuation means so as to apply said actuation force thereto.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
32 words
A self-adjusting component as in claim 99, wherein said constant force actuation means further includes a flexible webbing interconnecting between said at least one constant force spring and said reservoir actuation means.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
41 words
A self-adjusting component as in claim 99, wherein said constant force actuation means further includes a second constant force spring operative in tandem with said at least one constant force spring for applying said actuation force to said reservoir actuation means.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
198 words
A self-adjusting component for use with a fluid chamber in a pressure relief patient support system, comprising: a fluid reservoir with fluid therein and having a fluid port; fluid passageway means for interconnecting said reservoir fluid port in sealed fluid communication with the fluid chamber of a pressure relief patient support system; reservoir actuation means, responsive to an actuation force applied thereto for acting on said reservoir with a force tending to push fluid from said fluid reservoir into said fluid passageway means and towards a fluid chamber associated therewith; and constant force actuation means for applying a generally constant actuation force to said reservoir actuation means, so that a varying flow of fluid tending to push towards said fluid reservoir into said fluid passageway means and from a fluid chamber associated therewith due to corresponding varying patient loading applied to such patient support fluid chamber is automatically met with an opposing fluid force from said reservoir until an equilibrium fluid pressure is obtained providing a patient interface pressure coming within a predetermined range; wherein said constant force actuation means includes a counterweight arrangement associated with said reservoir actuation means so as to apply said actuation force thereto.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
198 words
A self-adjusting component for use with a fluid chamber in a pressure relief patient support system, comprising: a fluid reservoir with fluid therein and having a fluid port; fluid passageway means for interconnecting said reservoir fluid port in sealed fluid communication with the fluid chamber of a pressure relief patient support system; reservoir actuation means, responsive to an actuation force applied thereto for acting on said reservoir with a force tending to push fluid from said fluid reservoir into said fluid passageway means and towards a fluid chamber associated therewith; and constant force actuation means for applying a generally constant actuation force to said reservoir actuation means, so that a varying flow of fluid tending to push towards said fluid reservoir into said fluid passageway means and from a fluid chamber associated therewith due to corresponding varying patient loading applied to such patient support fluid chamber is automatically met with an opposing fluid force from said reservoir until an equilibrium fluid pressure is obtained providing a patient interface pressure coming within a predetermined range; wherein said constant force actuation means includes a counterweight arrangement associated with said reservoir actuation means so as to apply said actuation force thereto.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
135 words
A self-adjusting pressure relief patient support methodology, comprising the steps of: providing a main support body for receiving a patient thereon, and having at least one adjustable fluid support bladder with fluid therein; and providing a fluid reservoir in fluid communication with said fluid support bladder and with constant force applied thereto using potential energy, resiliently actuated for automatically adjusting said bladder so as to maintain a generally constant predetermined internal pressure in said bladder responsive to changing patient loading on said main support body; wherein said main body includes a plurality of adjustable support bladders with fluid therein, and comprises one of a mattress, a mattress overlay, a mattress substitute and a seating arrangement, with said bladders arranged in a predetermined support arrangement corresponding with the form and intended use of said main body.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
135 words
A self-adjusting pressure relief patient support methodology, comprising the steps of: providing a main support body for receiving a patient thereon, and having at least one adjustable fluid support bladder with fluid therein; and providing a fluid reservoir in fluid communication with said fluid support bladder and with constant force applied thereto using potential energy, resiliently actuated for automatically adjusting said bladder so as to maintain a generally constant predetermined internal pressure in said bladder responsive to changing patient loading on said main support body; wherein said main body includes a plurality of adjustable support bladders with fluid therein, and comprises one of a mattress, a mattress overlay, a mattress substitute and a seating arrangement, with said bladders arranged in a predetermined support arrangement corresponding with the form and intended use of said main body.
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
67 words
A methodology as in claim 103, wherein said fluid reservoir comprises a variable volume chamber for holding fluid and having a fluid port, and wherein said methodology further includes providing fluid passageway means for interconnecting said reservoir port in sealed fluid communication with said support bladder, and wherein said support bladder comprises a fluid sealable membrane adapted to be variably compressed by the interaction of elements therewith.
Claim 117
Dependent Claim
56 words
A methodology as in claim 104, wherein: said fluid passageway means comprises flexible tubing; and said methodology further includes providing reservoir actuation means, responsive to an actuation force applied thereto for acting on said reservoir with a force tending to push fluid from said fluid reservoir into said fluid passageway means and towards said support bladder.
Claim 118
Dependent Claim
36 words
A methodology as in claim 105, wherein said reservoir actuation means comprises at least two relatively planar elements, relatively movable with respect to each other and mutually cooperative for transmitting said actuation force to said reservoir.
Claim 119
Dependent Claim
59 words
A methodology as in claim 106, wherein said planar elements are received for one of relative planar movement parallel to each other, pivoting movement relative to each other, and axial twisting movement relative to each other, with said reservoir received therebetween so as to receive a varying force thereto depending on the degree of movement of said planar elements.
Claim 120
Dependent Claim
102 words
A methodology as in claim 106, wherein: said at least two elements are integrally associated with said reservoir so as to form part of said reservoir; and said two elements comprise opposing end plates received against otherwise open ends of said reservoir for sealing same, said end plates being alternately movable in relative planar parallel movements to each other so as to variably compress said reservoir therebetween depending on the degree of parallel movement of said two elements; and further wherein at least one of said end plates includes a port for fluid interconnection of said reservoir with said fluid passageway means.
Claim 121
Dependent Claim
135 words
A methodology as in claim 106, wherein: said two elements include one support member with said reservoir supported thereon and one movable member movable relative to said support member for engaging said reservoir between said two elements so as to transmit said actuation force to said reservoir; said support member comprises a generally planar member with opposing ends of said reservoir secured thereon and with a fluid port formed relatively adjacent one of such reservoir ends and in fluid communication with said fluid passageway means; and further wherein said movable member comprises a generally cylindrical member mounted intermediate said reservoir opposing ends for movement therebetween in engagement with said reservoir such that fluid in said reservoir may be forced towards said reservoir fluid port by movement of said movable member towards said reservoir fluid port.
Claim 122
Dependent Claim
85 words
A methodology as in claim 104, further including the step of using a resilient member for imparting a force directly to said reservoir tending to push fluid from said fluid reservoir into said fluid passageway means and towards said support bladder, said resilient member comprising one of at least one elastic band received about a portion of said reservoir and a resilient clip with opposing legs placed in contact with at least a portion of said reservoir so as to impart a squeezing force thereto.
Claim 123
Dependent Claim
33 words
A methodology as in claim 104, wherein said main support body includes a plurality of fluid support bladders with fluid therein and commonly interconnected with said fluid reservoir by said fluid passageway means.
Claim 124
Dependent Claim
100 words
A methodology as in claim 104, wherein: said main support body includes a plurality of fluid support bladders with fluid therein; and said methodology further includes the step of providing a corresponding plurality of reservoirs respectively interconnected with said plurality of bladders by said fluid passageway means, and further includes a corresponding plurality of reservoir actuation means, responsive to an actuation force applied thereto for independently acting on a corresponding one of said reservoirs with a force tending to push fluid from such fluid reservoir into said fluid passageway mean and towards a support bladder respectively interconnected with such reservoir.
Claim 125
Dependent Claim
58 words
A methodology as in claim 103, further including the steps of: providing said main support body with at least two respective adjustable fluid support bladders with fluid therein; and providing at least two respective corresponding fluid reservoirs and corresponding respective fluid passageway means for respectively interconnecting said respective reservoirs in sealed fluid communication with corresponding respective support bladders.
Claim 126
Dependent Claim
162 words
A methodology as in claim 113, wherein: said fluid reservoirs comprise respective fluid sealable membranes adapted to be variably compressed by the action of elements pressing thereon, and having respective fluid ports therein for connection with said fluid passageway means; said fluid passageway means comprise respective interconnecting conduits respectively associated with said respective fluid ports and said corresponding respective support bladders; and wherein said methodology further includes the step of providing reservoir actuation means, responsive to an actuation force applied thereto for acting on said reservoir with a force tending to push fluid from said fluid reservoir into said fluid passageway means and towards said support bladder, and wherein said reservoir actuation means comprises at least three members, relatively movable with respect to each other and with associated ones of said respective support bladders received between two relative pairs of such three members, such that actuation force applied to a respective pair is transmitted to its respective associated support bladder received therebetween.
Claim 127
Dependent Claim
35 words
A methodology as in claim 114, wherein said relative pairs of members are received in stacked array for one of relative planar movement parallel to each other and respective pivoting movement relative to each other.
Claim 128
Dependent Claim
21 words
A methodology as in claim 103, wherein said fluid comprises one of a gas, a liquid, and a relatively viscous liquid.
Claim 129
Dependent Claim
32 words
A methodology as in claim 103, further including the step of providing one or more fluid reservoirs, and selectively operatively associating each such reservoir with a selected number of said support bladders.
Claim 130
Dependent Claim
16 words
A methodology as in claim 117, wherein said selected number is from one to four, inclusive.
Claim 131
Dependent Claim
99 words
A methodology as in claim 117, further including the step of selecting the amount of fluid originally introduced into a fluid reservoir and its corresponding operatively associated selected number of support bladders, and selecting the fluid capacity of each reservoir, together with a predetermined selected value for said constant force, such that the resulting bladder adjustability will accommodate patient loading changes on said main body of up to generally 300 pounds while maintaining the internal bladder pressure relative to local absolute pressure to a generally constant pressure within a range of from about 0.2 PSI to about 0.5 PSI.
Claim 132
Dependent Claim
42 words
A methodology as in claim 119, wherein four support bladders are provided with a corresponding respectively associated number of four reservoirs, each reservoir having a maximum adjustment capacity within a range of from about 50 cubic inches to about 200 cubic inches.
Claim 133
Dependent Claim
205 words
A self-adjusting pressure relief patient support methodology, comprising the steps of: providing a main support body for receiving a patient thereon, and having at least one adjustable fluid support bladder with fluid therein; and providing a fluid reservoir in fluid communication with said fluid support bladder and with constant force applied thereto using potential energy, for automatically adjusting said bladder so as to maintain a generally constant predetermined internal pressure in said bladder responsive to changing patient loading on said main support body; wherein said fluid reservoir comprises a variable volume chamber for holding fluid and having a fluid port, and wherein said methodology further includes providing fluid passageway means for interconnecting said reservoir port in sealed fluid communication with said support bladder; said fluid passageway means comprises flexible tubing; and said methodology further includes providing reservoir actuation means, responsive to an actuation force applied thereto for acting on said reservoir with a force tending to push fluid from said fluid reservoir into said fluid passageway means and towards said support bladder; and further including the step of using one of at least one constant force spring and a counterweight arrangement associated with said reservoir actuation means so as to apply said actuation force thereto.
Claim 134
Dependent Claim
205 words
A self-adjusting pressure relief patient support methodology, comprising the steps of: providing a main support body for receiving a patient thereon, and having at least one adjustable fluid support bladder with fluid therein; and providing a fluid reservoir in fluid communication with said fluid support bladder and with constant force applied thereto using potential energy, for automatically adjusting said bladder so as to maintain a generally constant predetermined internal pressure in said bladder responsive to changing patient loading on said main support body; wherein said fluid reservoir comprises a variable volume chamber for holding fluid and having a fluid port, and wherein said methodology further includes providing fluid passageway means for interconnecting said reservoir port in sealed fluid communication with said support bladder; said fluid passageway means comprises flexible tubing; and said methodology further includes providing reservoir actuation means, responsive to an actuation force applied thereto for acting on said reservoir with a force tending to push fluid from said fluid reservoir into said fluid passageway means and towards said support bladder; and further including the step of using one of at least one constant force spring and a counterweight arrangement associated with said reservoir actuation means so as to apply said actuation force thereto.
Claim 135
Dependent Claim
198 words
A pressure relief support methology for a mattress for automatically optimizing pressure dispersion for a person received thereon, without requiring sensory feedback or pump control systems, said methodology comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of elongated fluid chambers with fluid therein, disposed generally in parallel and having respective individual fluid ports defining a fluid passageway between the interior and exterior of each respective chamber; providing a main support body for receiving and generally maintaining said plurality of fluid chambers in a predetermined arrangement relative to each other; respectively interconnecting a plurality of fluid conduits in fluid sealed relationship with each of said chamber fluid ports for permitting fluid to be controllably transmitted alternately into and out of each respective fluid chamber; and providing a fluid reservoir in fluid communication with said plurality of fluid conduits and with constant force applied thereto using potential energy, resiliently actuated for automatically adjusting the amount of fluid within each of said fluid chambers without requiring use of any sensory feedback or pump control systems, so as to maintain generally constant predetermined fluid pressure within the interiors of said fluid chambers responsive to respective loading changes on said plurality of fluid chambers.
Claim 136
Dependent Claim
198 words
A pressure relief support methology for a mattress for automatically optimizing pressure dispersion for a person received thereon, without requiring sensory feedback or pump control systems, said methodology comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of elongated fluid chambers with fluid therein, disposed generally in parallel and having respective individual fluid ports defining a fluid passageway between the interior and exterior of each respective chamber; providing a main support body for receiving and generally maintaining said plurality of fluid chambers in a predetermined arrangement relative to each other; respectively interconnecting a plurality of fluid conduits in fluid sealed relationship with each of said chamber fluid ports for permitting fluid to be controllably transmitted alternately into and out of each respective fluid chamber; and providing a fluid reservoir in fluid communication with said plurality of fluid conduits and with constant force applied thereto using potential energy, resiliently actuated for automatically adjusting the amount of fluid within each of said fluid chambers without requiring use of any sensory feedback or pump control systems, so as to maintain generally constant predetermined fluid pressure within the interiors of said fluid chambers responsive to respective loading changes on said plurality of fluid chambers.
Claim 137
Dependent Claim
54 words
A pressure relief support methodology for a mattress as in claim 122, wherein said fluid reservoir includes at least one variable volume fluid reservoir and a fluid port therein connected with at least one of said fluid conduits for interconnecting said reservoir in sealed fluid communication with selected ones of said elongated fluid chambers.
Claim 138
Dependent Claim
82 words
A pressure relief support methodology for a mattress as in claim 123, further including the step of providing reservoir actuation means, responsive to an actuation force applied thereto for acting on said reservoir with a force tending to push fluid from said fluid reservoir into a corresponding fluid conduit and towards a corresponding fluid chamber, said reservoir actuation means comprising at least two members, relatively movable with respect to each other and mutually cooperative for transmitting said actuation force to said reservoir.
Claim 139
Dependent Claim
58 words
A pressure relief support methodology for a mattress as in claim 124, wherein said at least two members comprise a pair of relatively planar elements, received for relative planar movement parallel to each other with said reservoir received therebetween so as to receive a varying compressive force depending on the degree of parallel movement of said planar elements.
Claim 140
Dependent Claim
41 words
A pressure relief support methodology for a mattress as in claim 125, wherein said reservoir actuation means further includes a pair of relatively low friction slide channels with at least one of said planar elements received therein for guided movement therealong.
Claim 141
Dependent Claim
57 words
A pressure relief support methodology for a mattress as in claim 124, wherein said two members are received for one of pivoting movement relative to each other and axial twisting movement relative to each other with said reservoir received therebetween so as to receive a varying force depending on the degree of movement of said two members.
Claim 142
Dependent Claim
87 words
A pressure relief support methodology for a mattress as in claim 124, wherein said two members comprise opposing end plates received against otherwise open ends of said reservoir for sealing same, said end plates being alternately movable in relative planar parallel movements to each other so as to variably compress said reservoir therebetween depending on the degree of parallel movement of said two members, and further wherein at least one of said end plates includes a port for fluid interconnection of said reservoir with said fluid conduit.
Claim 143
Dependent Claim
107 words
A pressure relief support methodology for a mattress as in claim 124, wherein one of said two members comprises a generally planar support member with opposing ends of said reservoir received thereon and with a fluid port formed relatively adjacent one of such reservoir ends and in fluid communication with said fluid conduit, and further wherein the other of said two members comprises a generally cylindrical movable member mounted intermediate said reservoir opposing ends for movement therebetween in engagement with said reservoir such that fluid in said reservoir may be forced towards said reservoir fluid port by movement of said movable member towards said reservoir fluid port.
Claim 144
Dependent Claim
46 words
A pressure relief support methodology for a mattress as in claim 124, further including the step of providing said fluid reservoir with constant force actuation means for applying said actuation force to said reservoir actuation means, said actuation force being at least a generally constant force.
Claim 145
Dependent Claim
44 words
A pressure relief support methodology for a mattress as in claim 130, including the further step of providing said constant force actuation means with at least one constant force spring associated with said reservoir actuation means so as to apply said actuation force thereto.
Claim 146
Dependent Claim
50 words
A pressure relief support methodology for a mattress as in claim 131, including the further step of providing said constant force actuation means with a second constant force spring operative in tandem with said at least one constant force spring for applying said actuation force to said reservoir actuation means.
Claim 147
Dependent Claim
95 words
A pressure relief support methodology for a mattress as in claim 122, further including the steps of: providing said main support body with at least two respective adjustable elongated fluid chambers with fluid therein, and with a resilient foam body at least partially enclosing and covering said chambers so as to form a user receiving surface thereover; and providing said constant force fluid reservoir means with at least two respective corresponding fluid reservoirs associated with corresponding respective fluid conduits for respectively interconnecting said respective reservoirs in sealed fluid communication with corresponding respective elongated fluid chambers.
Claim 148
Dependent Claim
79 words
A pressure relief support methodology for a mattress as in claim 132, further including the steps of: housing in said main support body four of said elongated fluid chambers disposed therein in parallel and directed longitudinally along said main support body intended for generally longitudinal alignment with a user received thereon; and providing said constant force fluid reservoir means with four corresponding fluid reservoirs associated respectively with said four fluid chambers through a corresponding number of said fluid conduits.
Claim 149
Dependent Claim
39 words
A pressure relief support methodology for a mattress as in claim 131, wherein said four fluid reservoirs and corresponding automatic adjustment features thereof of said constant force fluid reservoir means are further housed generally within said main support body.
Claim 150
Dependent Claim
111 words
A pressure relief support methodology for a mattress as in claim 135, further including the steps of providing said reservoirs with a predetermined maximum fluid volume generally in a range of from about 100 cubic inches to about 150 cubic inches, and applying a predetermined constant force to each such reservoir generally in a range of from about 2 pounds to about 6 pounds, and determining the initial amount of fluid in each respective elongated fluid chamber such that the resulting constant predetermined fluid pressure within said interiors of said fluid chambers relative to local absolute pressure is generally within a range of from about 0.2 PSI to about 0.5 PSI.
Claim 151
Dependent Claim
123 words
A sectionalized support methodology for use with multiple independently acting support sections, comprising the steps of; and providing a main support body having a predetermined arrangement of independently adjustable fluid chambers therein with fluid in said chambers, and with the shape and size of each chamber selected so as to define a corresponding desired independently acting support section; and providing a plurality of fluid reservoirs, each being respectively in fluid communication with a respective one of said fluid chambers and having constant force applied thereto using potential energy, resilently actuated for automatically adjusting such respective one chamber so as to independently maintain a generally constant predetermined internal pressure in such respective one chamber responsive to changing patient loading on said main support body.
Claim 152
Dependent Claim
123 words
A sectionalized support methodology for use with multiple independently acting support sections, comprising the steps of; and providing a main support body having a predetermined arrangement of independently adjustable fluid chambers therein with fluid in said chambers, and with the shape and size of each chamber selected so as to define a corresponding desired independently acting support section; and providing a plurality of fluid reservoirs, each being respectively in fluid communication with a respective one of said fluid chambers and having constant force applied thereto using potential energy, resilently actuated for automatically adjusting such respective one chamber so as to independently maintain a generally constant predetermined internal pressure in such respective one chamber responsive to changing patient loading on said main support body.
Claim 153
Dependent Claim
36 words
A sectionalized support methodology as in claim 137, further including the step of providing a plurality of fluid reservoirs and corresponding fluid passageway means for interconnecting said reservoirs in sealed fluid communication with said fluid chambers.
Claim 154
Dependent Claim
31 words
A sectionalized support methodology as in claim 138, wherein the number of fluid chambers matches the number of fluid reservoirs, such that a respective chamber is matched with a respective reservoir.
Claim 155
Dependent Claim
39 words
A sectionalized support methodology as in claim 138, wherein the number of fluid chambers is greater than the number of fluid reservoirs, such that plural fluid chambers are respectively matched with at least certain of the respective fluid reservoirs.
Claim 156
Dependent Claim
39 words
A sectionalized support methodology as in claim 138, wherein the number of fluid chambers is less than the number of fluid reservoirs, such that plural fluid reservoirs are respectively matched with at least certain of the respective fluid chambers.
Claim 157
Dependent Claim
95 words
A sectionalized support methodology as in claim 138, wherein: said methodology further includes the step of providing a corresponding plurality of reservoir actuation means, responsive to a respective actuation force applied thereto for acting on its corresponding reservoir with a force tending to push fluid from such fluid reservoir into one of said fluid passageway means and towards its correspondingly associated fluid chamber; and wherein each of said reservoir actuation means comprises at least two members, relatively movable with respect to each other and mutually cooperative for transmitting said actuation force to its corresponding reservoir.
Claim 158
Dependent Claim
61 words
A sectionalized support methodology as in claim 142, wherein said at least two members comprise a pair of relatively planar elements, received for one of relative planar movement parallel to each other and pivoting movement relative to each other with said reservoir received therebetween so as to receive a varying force depending on the degree of movement of said planar elements.
Claim 159
Dependent Claim
70 words
A sectionalized support methodology as in claim 142, further including the step of providing constant force actuation means for applying said actuation force to said reservoir actuation means, said actuation force being at least a generally constant force, wherein said constant force actuation means includes one of at least one constant force spring and another arrangement associated with said reservoir actuation means so as to apply said actuation force thereto.
Claim 160
Dependent Claim
60 words
A sectionalized support methodology as in claim 138, wherein said fluid reservoir means further includes a corresponding plurality of constant force actuation means including a respective resilient member for imparting a force directly to each of said reservoirs tending to push fluid from said fluid reservoir into said fluid passageway means and towards at least one correspondingly associated fluid chamber.
Claim 161
Dependent Claim
23 words
A sectionalized support methodology as in claim 138, wherein said fluid comprises one of a gas, a liquid, and a relatively viscous liquid.
Claim 162
Dependent Claim
102 words
A sectionalized support methodology as in claim 138, further including the step of selecting the amount of fluid originally introduced into a fluid reservoir and its corresponding operatively associated selected number of fluid chambers and selecting the fluid capacity of each reservoir, together with a predetermined selected value for said constant force, such that the resulting fluid chamber adjustability will accommodate patient loading changes on said main body of up to generally 300 pounds while maintaining the internal chamber pressure relative to local absolute pressure to a generally constant pressure within a range of from about 0.2 PSI to about 0.5 PSI.
Claim 163
Dependent Claim
34 words
A sectionalized support methodology as in claim 137, wherein said predetermined arrangement includes one of longitudinal, lateral, angled, and mixed spacing of said chambers relative to the intended orientation of said main support body.
Claim 164
Dependent Claim
26 words
A sectionalized support methodology as in claim 137, wherein said respective chamber internal pressures are predetermined so as to generally be the same in each chamber.
Claim 165
Dependent Claim
34 words
A sectionalized support methodo wherein in claim 137, wherein said respective chamber internal pressures are predetermined so as to be different in at least some of said chambers than in other of said chambers.
Claim 166
Dependent Claim
36 words
A sectionalized support methodology as in claim 137, wherein said predetermined chamber internal pressures relative to local absolute pressure are selected to be within a range generally of from about 0.2 PSI to about 0.5 PSI.
Claim 167
Dependent Claim
30 words
A sectionalized support methodology as in claim 151, wherein said chamber internal pressure ranges are predetermined to be within a range of from about 0.2 PSI to about 0.3 PSI.
Claim 168
Dependent Claim
30 words
A sectionalized support methodology as in claim 151, wherein said chamber internal pressure ranges are predetermined to be within a range of from about 0.35 PSI to about 0.45 PSI.
Claim 169
Dependent Claim
25 words
A sectionalized support methodology as in claim 137, wherein said main support body comprises one of a mattress, a mattress overlay, and a mattress replacement.
Claim 170
Dependent Claim
42 words
A sectionalized support methodology as in claim 137, wherein said main support body comprises a seating arrangement including one of such as for a wheelchair, a geriatric care chair, a specialized patient care chair, an ergonomic chair, and a transportation vehicle seat.
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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) | 2000-08-04 | 2001-02-03 | 2001-08-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-08-04 | 2005-02-03 | 2005-08-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-08-04 | 2009-02-03 | 2009-08-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |