WO2025054604A1

WO2025054604A1 - Therapeutic cushions having foam inserts and methods of using the same

Info

Publication number: WO2025054604A1
Application number: PCT/US2024/045840
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jessica BUSSERT; William James Fienup
Original assignee: Bussert Medical Inc
Current assignee: Bussert Medical Inc
Priority date: 2023-09-08
Filing date: 2024-09-09
Publication date: 2025-03-13
Anticipated expiration: 2026-03-08

Abstract

A therapeutic cushion includes a cushion body including a lower surface, and an upper user-impingement surface formed in part by each of a plurality of inflatable risers. The plurality of inflatable risers are each elongate in a lateral direction extending between a first lateral cushion edge and a second lateral cushion edge, and form at least one row in a fore-aft direction extending between a front cushion edge and a rear cushion edge. The therapeutic cushion also includes at least one foam body disposed within each of the inflatable risers and configured to resist deformation in the vertical direction, and each of the at least one foam bodies is self- expanding. Methods for operating a cushion performing the described procedures are also disclosed herein.

Description

THERAPEUTIC CUSHIONS HAVING FOAM INSERTS AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a therapeutic cushion, and more particularly to a therapeutic cushion using both air pressure and foam bodies structured and configured to produce rearwardly advancing waves, for enhanced comfort and massaging action or to assist the body's natural blood pumping action.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Various therapeutic cushions are known and used in a number of different ways to provide comfort and support for individuals required to spend extended periods of time in a resting position. Commonly, cushions may be designed to alleviate pressure points or offer a range of benefits from pain relief to improved circulation. Amongst the various types of therapeutic cushions commercially available, some controllably inflate and deflate to provide the user a variety of options to tailor and/or customize use and performance.

[0003] United States Patent No. 6,782,573 to Odderson is directed to a Body Supporting, Serial Inflating Seat. In Odderson, inflatable bladders are inflated one after another in series to purportedly help circulate blood in the legs of a user. While Odderson might have certain applications, there is ample room for alternative strategies and improvements in this field.

SUMMARY

[0004] In one aspect, a therapeutic cushion includes a cushion body including a lower surface, and an upper user-impingement surface formed in part by each of a plurality of inflatable risers. The plurality of inflatable risers are each elongate in a lateral direction extending between a first lateral cushion edge and a second lateral cushion edge, and form at least one row in a fore-aft direction extending between a front cushion edge and a

rear cushion edge. The therapeutic cushion also includes at least one foam body disposed within each of the inflatable risers and configured to resist deformation in the vertical direction, and each of the at least one foam bodies is in an expanded state.

[0005] In another aspect, a cushion includes a cushion body including a plurality of inflatable risers arranged into a leading zone, at least one middle zone, and a trailing zone between a front cushion edge and a rear cushion edge. The cushion also includes a pumping mechanism fluidly connected to the plurality of inflatable risers. The cushion further includes at least one self-expanding foam body disposed within each of the inflatable risers and configured to resist deformation in the vertical direction, and each of the at least one self-expanding foam bodies is in an expanded state, wherein the pumping mechanism selectively suctions inflation fluid from the plurality of risers according to the zones or zoned pattern, thereby compressing the at least one self-expanding foam body, and then ceasing the suctioning to allow each of the plurality of cells to inflate via the expanding bias of the at least one self-expanding foam body according to the zones.

[0006] In yet another aspect, a method of operating a cushion includes applying a vacuum to each one of a plurality of cells in a cushion supporting a user so as to withdraw an inflation fluid from each one of the plurality of cells. The method further includes compressing a plurality of foam bodies positioned within each respective one of the plurality of cells in opposition to an expanding bias of each respective one of the plurality of foam bodies, based at least in part upon the application of the vacuum. The method further includes permitting inflation of each of the plurality of cells via the expanding bias of the plurality of foam bodies and performing the application of the vacuum selectively to less than all the plurality of cells at any time so as to produce a predetermined pattern of inflation and deflation in the cushion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0007] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a therapeutic cushion system according to one embodiment;

[0008] Fig. 2 is a top plan view of a therapeutic cushion system according to one embodiment;

[0009] Fig 3 is a side view of a partial cross section of a therapeutic cushion system according to one embodiment;

[0010] Fig. 4 is a side of a partial cross section of a therapeutic cushion system according to another embodiment;

[0011] Fig. 5 is an example of a tissue oxygenation study diagram showing regional oxygen saturation (rSO2) over time;

[0012] Fig. 6 is top is a schematic illustration of a cushion system, according to one embodiment;

[0013] Fig. V is a top plan view of a therapeutic cushion system according to another embodiment; and

[0014] Fig. 8 is top plan view of a therapeutic cushion system according to still another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the claimed technology and presenting its currently understood best mode of operation, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the claimed technology is thereby intended, with such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device and such further applications of the principles of the claimed technology as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the claimed technology relates.

[0016] Referring to Fig. 1 there is shown a therapeutic seat cushion/seat cushion system 10 (hereinafter “cushion 10”) according to one embodiment. Cushion 10 is shown as it might appear in a use configuration with a seating surface 12 to be sat upon by a user. Cushion 10 includes a cover 14, formed for example from a fabric, having a front or

forward seat cushion edge 16 and a back or rear seat cushion edge 18. A rear receptacle 20 adjacent to rear seat cushion edge 18 has a cavity formed therein that contains various electronics and other components, as further discussed herein. Creases or grooves 22 formed in cover 14 extend widthwise and are generally structured to fit about inflatable cells (not visible in Fig. 1) that are within cover 14, and are interspersed among the inflatable cells 24. Grooves 22 form fold lines along which cover 14 is folded when rolled-up for storage and/or packaged for retail. In a practical implementation strategy, inflatable cells in cushion 10 may be arranged in a right side or right-hand series and a left side or left hand series, with the inflatable cells 24 arranged in series between front edge 12 and rear edge 14. In other instances, a single series of inflatable cells 24 may be provided, approximately as shown. Also visible in Fig. 1 is a plug or port 26, such as a Universal Services Bus (USB) port, for connecting cushion 10 to a power supply and/or data communication link. It will be appreciated that cushion 10 may be used in a passenger vehicle or institutional setting, and the prevalence of USB ports for electric power in modern passenger vehicles makes USB connectivity an advantageous feature. A conventional AC connector plug could additionally or alternatively be used, or some other electrical power supply connector or interface. As will be further apparent from the following description, cushion 10 may be equipped with internal components and computer control hardware and software which enables cushion 10 to suction a fluid, such as air, from each cell while cushion 10 supports a user, and subsequently disengages the suctioning. This suctioning of fluid thereby compresses foam bodies 28 (not visible in Fig. 1) positioned within each one of the cells, and when the suctioning ceases, it permits inflation of each cell via an expanding bias of the foam bodies, in a manner that produces rearwardly advancing pumping waves to assist in pumping blood from a user’s legs back toward the heart and lungs.

[0017] In other embodiments the compression and expansion of the foam bodies may result in inflation and deflation of the inflatable cells in a manner that produces other patterns such as forward advancing waves, peristaltic waves, lateral waves, and/or circular waves. The manner of deflation and inflation as a result of the expanding bias of

the foam bodies can be customizable on the basis of user preference, or to carry out prescribed therapeutic treatments for instance.

[0018] As seen in Figure 2 there is a therapeutic cushion system 30 (hereinafter “cushion 30”) according to another embodiment. The cushion 30 may include a cover (not shown) made from a suitable fabric or other material. The cushion 30 has a cushion body 32 which includes a rear cushion edge 34 and a front cushion edge 36. A rear receptacle 38 adjacent to rear cushion edge 34 has a cavity formed therein that contains various electronics and other components such as discussed elsewhere with respect to other embodiments. A plurality of inflatable cells 40 or risers in cushion 30 may be arranged in a left/right configuration forming rows which extend from the front edge to the rear edge such as shown or in other configurations in other examples. Rear receptacle 38 further includes an access port 42 which may be a plug receptacle, USB port, or the like for connecting cushion 30 to a power supply and/or data link.

[0019] As shown in Figs. 2-3, inflatable cell 40 includes an upper or impingement surface 44 and a lower surface 46 joined by a side 48. Inflatable cell 40 further includes one or more foam bodies 50 disposed therein, configured to resist deformation in a vertical direction. Foam bodies 50 may be made from any suitable open-celled foam material and may be sized and shaped as desired. Foam body 50 may demonstrate selfexpanding properties or may be made from a self-expanding material. When cushion 10 is subjected to a vacuum pump configured to remove an inflation fluid, such as air, foam body 50 can overcome the resistance to deformation in the vertical direction, and inflatable cells 40 and foam bodies 50 may assume a compressed state. Upon cessation of the vacuum pump, foam body 50 may undergoes self-expansion. It should be understood within the context of the present discussion that the term “self-expanding”, refers to a material designed to progressively increase in volume from a compressed state, to its original dimensions or an expanded state, once external constraints are removed. This expansion is driven by the materials ability to absorb environmental factors, such as air, which activates its re-expansion. The material gradually returns to its original form or a similar pre-defined state as it absorbs these stimuli, resulting in its expanded size and

shape without additional mechanical or manual intervention. As shown in Fig. 3, foam body 50 may be sized so as to only partially fill the volume of an individual inflatable cell 40. In a practical implementation, the foam body shown in Fig. 3 may represent an example of foam body 50 in a compressed state. As seen in Fig. 4, a cushion 60 having inflatable cells 62 with foam bodies 64 which nearly or completely fill the volume of an individual cell 62. In a practical implementation, the foam body shown in Fig. 4 may represent an example of foam body 50 in an expanded state. Each depicted foam body 50 in Figs. 3 and 4, illustrate exemplary strategies for filling the volume of an individual cell 40. Alternative strategies for filling the volume of an individual cell are within the scope of the present discussion, provided when in a compressed state, foam body 50 only partially fills the volume of a cell, and while in an expanded state foam body 50 nearly or completely fills the volume of an individual cell. Further, the use of foam support bodies having different size/shapes/configurations is contemplated in other embodiments.

[0020] In one embodiment foam body 50 acts to retard or inhibit compression of the individual cell 40 as air is removed from the cell 40. When a cell 40 is deflated the foam body 50 provides some padding and support to a user sitting on a cushion 50. The foam body 50 may also act to assist in returning the cell 40 to an inflated size/shape as air is added to the cell 40.

[0021] In another embodiment, foam body 50 may support the user sitting or lying upon upper surface 44. Air may selectively be removed from cell 40 creating a partial vacuum within the cell thereby compressing the foam body 44 resulting in the cell 40 being in a compressed state (partial or fully). The degree of cell compression may be controlled by the extent of vacuum/negative pressure imparted to a particular cell 40. Air may then be reintroduced to the cell 40 which allows the foam body 50 to expand and return the cell 40 to a fully or partially uncompressed state. Additionally, or alternatively, selective application of a vacuum/negative pressure to individual cells 40 may be used to generate wavedike patterns through the compression and expansion of particular cells in sequence. Such wave-like patterns may be in any desired direction (front to back, back to front) or form (linear, circular).

[0022] Fig. 5 illustrates rSO2 (Regional Saturation of Oxygen) levels over a period, demonstrating an improvement in tissue oxygenation with the use of cushion 30 as discussed in the present description. Each participant involved in the study depicted in Fig. 5, slowly walked in place for a duration of 5 minutes prior to the test and during subsequent recovery periods. As mentioned above, cushion 30 utilizes a vacuum mechanism to selectively evacuate an inflation fluid from each cell 40 to provide an alternating deflation and inflation pattern. The data reveals that utilizing Surf™ Cushion, or cushion 30, provides a consistent upward trend in rSO2. This upward trend may indicate that cushion 30 can effectively alleviate pressure and enhance blood flow compared to other methods, such as sitting on bare wheelchairs. Improvement in oxygen saturation can suggest that cushion 30 reduces pressure points and may support overall tissue health. Utilizing cushion 30 over time may lead to sustained improvements in oxygen delivery to tissues and prevention of pressure-related issues.

[0023] The exact compression strength for foam body 50 may vary as desired from embodiment to embodiment. In some examples, foam bodies having different compression strengths may be used in different inflatable cells in a particular cushion. In other examples, foam bodies having different compression strengths may be disposed in the same inflatable cell. In still other examples, foam support bodies made from two different foams having different compression strengths is contemplated. It should be understood that the term “compression strength” denotes a capacity in which a foam body can resist deformation when subjected to a compressive load. In a practical implementation, a foam body may only partially resist deformation, allowing each foam body to compress under certain conditions.

[0024] Optionally, inflatable cell 40 may include one or more gussets 52, 66 to bias the cell 40, 62 into an open/upright position. Such gussets may be internal or extemal/formed into the side of the cell. Inflatable cell 40, 62 is structured such that adding fluid expands/inflates the cell in a vertical direction 54 toward an inflated state, 68 and removing fluid collapses/deflates the cell in the same direction toward a deflated state, thereby creating vertical motion with little to no lateral motion of the upper surface

44. As seen in Fig. 3, a plurality of inflatable cells 40 may be disposed between a cushion body base 56 and a cushion body cover 58 such as described elsewhere, the plurality of inflatable cells 40 forming an inflation layer in the cushion body. The cushion body may also include a plumbing layer disposed between the inflation layer and the body base. The plumbing layer optionally includes one or more fluid ports formed therein. The plumbing layer may also include one or more channels or passages for moving fluid between inflatable cells such as described herein.

[0025] Turning now to Fig. 6, there is shown a schematic view of cushion 10 illustrating internal components, ft can be seen that a battery 70 is connected with plug 26 for charging. Control circuitry 72, including an electronic control unit 74 such as a microprocessor or microcontroller, is coupled with battery 70 and also with a pumping mechanism 76. Pumping mechanism 76 can include an air pump in one embodiment, although the present disclosure is not thereby limited and other inflation fluids, as well as various pump designs or other sources of fluids for fluid flow could be used. For example, pumping mechanism 76 may be designed as a vacuum pump, utilizing negative pressure to suction air or other gases from an individual cell or a group or cells. Pumping mechanism 76 may be structured to selectively suction a fluid from the plurality of inflatable cells, overcoming the resistance to deformation in the vertical direction, such that the plurality of inflatable cells and foam bodies may be in a compressed state. A source of pressurized fluid for actuating cushion 10 could be external, for instance. In such an embodiment a fluid inlet 78 could be positioned externally of cushion 10. At least one fluid inlet 78 connects pumping mechanism 76 (hereinafter “pump 76”) with a manifold or manifold system. An electrically actuated valve assembly 80 is positioned fluidly between fluid inlet 78 and a plurality of inflatable cells 82, 84, and 86, each having foam bodies 88, 90, and 92 disposed therein, the arrangement of which is further described herein. The electrically actuated valve assembly 80 can include a plurality of valve mechanisms 94, 96, and 98, which can include slide-type hydraulic valves such as spool valves, or poppet valves, for example, each of which is equipped with an electrical actuator that varies energy state responsive to a control signal from electronic control unit

74. Valve assembly 80 may extend from pump 76 to the plurality of inflatable cells. The valve assembly can be adjustable among a plurality of different deflation valve configurations, including at least three valve configurations, to vary fluid connections between inflation inlet 78 and inflatable cells 80, 82, and 84, and also between at least one deflation outlet 100, 102, and 104 and inflatable cells 82, 84, and 86, the significance of which is further discussed below

[0026] For convenience of distinguishing between different cells, it will be noted inflatable cells 82 are designated with a first line pattern in the drawings, inflatable cells 84 are designated with a second line pattern in the drawings, and inflatable cells 86 are designated with a third line pattern in the drawings herein. Fluid conduits 106 extend between valve mechanism 98 and inflatable cells 86. Fluid conduits 108 extend between valve mechanism 96 and inflatable cells 84, whereas fluid conduits 110 extend between valve mechanism 94 and inflatable cells 82. In one implementation all of inflatable cells 82, 84, and 86 as well as conduits 106, 108, and 110 can be formed by radiofrequency (RF) welding together two sheets of plastic or other suitable polymeric material to selectively create joints or seams. It will be appreciated that other strategies for forming inflatable cells and suitable plumbing are possible.

[0027] As noted above the valve assembly can provide selective connections at any one time of some of the inflatable cells to inflation inlet 78 and some of the inflatable cells to deflation outlet(s) 100, 102, and 104. Deflation inlet 100, 102, and 104 is structured to facilitate the removal of a fluid from each cell 80, 82, and 84, while inflation inlet 78 reintroduces the fluid. Fig. 6 sets forth an example inflation/deflation sequence that includes three or more inflation configurations of inflatable cells 82, 84, 86. The number of deflation configurations may be based on the number of inflatable cell groups within cushion 10. For example, cushion 10 of the present embodiment includes three groups of inflatable cells that can be inflated or deflated to form three distinct inflation configurations: an initial configuration, a second configuration, and a third configuration. It will be appreciated, however, that there may not always be a 1 : 1 correlation between the number of inflatable cell groups and the number of deflation configurations.

Generally, as the number of inflatable cell groups increases, so does the number of possible deflation configurations. By selectively connecting, for instance, inflatable cells 82 to deflation outlet 104 while inflatable cells 84 and inflatable cells 86 are connected to inflation inlet 78 (i.e., initial configuration), then connecting inflatable cells 84 to deflation outlet 96 while inflatable cells 86 and inflatable cells 82 are connected to inflation inlet 78 (i.e., second configuration), and then connecting inflatable cells 86 to deflation outlet 100 while inflatable cells 82 and inflatable cells 84 are connected to inflation inlet 78 (i.e., third configuration), rearwardly advancing pumping waves can be produced. Another way to understand the principle is that some of the inflatable cells are connected to incoming inflation fluid (typically air) while others are connected to exhaust/deflation, and then the arrangement/connections are varied to enable the wave(s) to push or propagate towards the rear edge of cushion 10. In this general way a pumping action can be generated to help push blood through a user’s legs (or any body portion of interest in contact with cushion 10) towards the heart and lungs. It can be noted from Fig. 6 that selective inflation/deflation can produce rearwardly advancing low pressure zones (the deflated cells). It can also be noted that typically no two deflated cells are adjacent at any one time. It is further noted that in some configurations, additional inflation states are contemplated for cells beyond the binary inflated and deflated states, such as 1/3 inflated, ! inflated, 2/3 inflated, and the like, expanding options for configurations.

[0028] Figs. 7-8 show alternative embodiments of therapeutic seat cushions 120, 150 which may or may not include a cover (not shown) made from a suitable fabric or other material. In the example shown in Fig. 7, the cushion 120 has a cushion body 122 which includes a front cushion edge 124 and a rear cushion edge 126. A receptacle (not shown) adjacent to the rear cushion edge 126 has a cavity formed therein that contains various electronics and other components such as discussed elsewhere with respect to other embodiments. A plurality of inflatable cells 128 or risers in cushion 120 may be arranged in a left/right configuration forming rows 130, 132 which extend from the front edge 124 to the rear edge 126. As shown in FIG. 7 the rows of inflatable cells 130, 132 are separated by a channel 134 or break for at least a portion of the distance between the

front cushion edge 124 and the rear cushion edge 126. Individual cells 136, 138 proximal to the rear cushion edge 126 do not extend entirely to a side edge 140 of the cushion 120. These cells 136, 138 have a curved edge proximal to the cushion side edges thereby forming an arc 142 which extends from one side edge 140 to the other of the cushion 120.

[0029] FIG. 8 shows a therapeutic seat cushion 150 similar to that shown in FIG. 7. In this particular example, the seat cushion 150 includes a plurality of inflatable cells 152 or risers arranged in a left/right configuration forming rows 154, 156 which extend from a front edge 158 to the rear edge 160. The rows of inflatable cells 154, 156 in this example are separated by a channel 162 or break for the entire distance between the front cushion edge 158 and the rear cushion edge 160. Individual cells 164, 166 proximal to the rear cushion edge 160 do not extend entirely to the side edge 168 of the cushion 150. These cells 164, 166 have a curved edge proximal to the cushion side edges 168 thereby forming an arc 170 which extends from one side edge 168 to the other of the cushion 150. The operation of the alterative examples of therapeutic seat cushions shown in Figs. 7-8 are similar to that of the therapeutic seat cushions previously described.

[0030] In some embodiments, a cushion according to the present disclosure, might include an air pressure monitoring system structured to monitor an air pressure parameter indicative of air pressure within one or more of inflatable cells, in conduits connecting the cells to each other and/or to an air supply/venting system, or in another component of cushion. The air pressure monitoring system may include one or more sensors communicatively coupled with an electronic control unit and positioned within or next to sitting surface. Sensors can include any suitable pressure sensor, such as a capacitive, inductive, resistive, or other electronic sensor that changes its electrical or electromagnetic energy state in response to a change to, application of, or removal of, physical pressure upon a sensing element. Pressure sensors could include an electrical switch having only an ON state and an OFF state in some embodiments. Electronic control unit may be structured to receive data from the sensor(s) and determine, estimate, or infer the air pressure based on the received data. Electronic control unit may also be configured such that in all states of use no two cells mutually adjacent in a fore-aft

direction between the front cushion edge and the rear cushion edge are compressed. In other embodiments, electronic control unit might be structured to determine air pressure by, for instance, measuring or determining a parameter of pumping mechanism, such as resistance to displacement of a pumping mechanism. The air pressure monitoring system could also detect a change in an air pressure parameter indicative of changing air pressure in one or more of inflatable cells or analogous structures or components and produce a signal in response. For instance, electronic control unit may monitor a parameter indicative of air pressure to detect changes that might be indicative of a leak or a change in a patient’s position on cushion 10, or that might indicate a patient stood up from or fell off cushion.

[0031] Electronic control unit might also be structured to generate a signal responsive to a change in air pressure to cause pumping mechanism to vary or discontinue a flow of air to inflatable cells. In other embodiments, the air pressure monitoring system might include an alarm, with electronic control unit being structured to produce an alarm signal responsive to a change in air pressure or any other parameter. In still other embodiments, cushion may include a wired or wireless transmitter, such as an RF, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi transmitter coupled with circuitry. In such an embodiment, electronic control unit may generate an alarm signal for the transmitter for transmission to a receiving device such as a mobile phone, a beeper (pager), a computer, or like device for the purpose of producing an alarm. In still other instances, the pressure parameter of interest might not necessarily be indicative of, or directly indicative of, air pressure in cushion, but instead include a sitting pressure of a user. For instance, pressure could be sensed in a part of cushion whose pressure does not vary, or significantly vary, with inflation and deflation of the cells, but instead varies only based on the presence or absence of a person, or change in the applied weight of the person. Such an application could enable sensing the presence, absence, or body repositioning of a user in a manner analogous or complimentary to embodiments where air pressure is monitored. In still other instances, it is contemplated that sensed pressure feedback could be used for more sophisticated monitoring of patient positioning and behavior. In certain applications one or more pressure sensors can be

positioned within cushion 10 and used to detect frequency and/or intensity of a user shifting his or her weight left, right, back, and the like. Logging such patterns of behavior over time is expected to elucidate trends that can be exploited or prevented in controlling and varying inflation and deflation of cushion to optimize patient comfort and produce desired outcomes, such as prevention and/or treatment of pressure sores and the like. It is still further contemplated that pressure and body positioning/movement data gathered from a fleet of deployed cushions (garnered database) can enable optimized patterns of cushion inflation control to enable reduction in pressure sores and the like on a population level. Sensors may be paired with the electronic controller to vary treatment based on feedback. Sensors may be paired with a ID code or signal unique to a particular patient to verify treatment received. In an institutional setting, it is contemplated that many cushions might be deployed to many different users, with a local communication system such as a Wi-Fi network or wired LAN, gathering data from the individual cushions as to use, efficacy, fall incidence, or other factors such as compliance with treatment regimens on a population level. It is also contemplated that cushions could be connected to a distribution system in a facility for pressurized air, or tanked air, with the cushions constructed without a resident pump at all. It is still further contemplated that treatment/use routines could be stored on a facility server, or a cloud server, and used to centrally control a fleet of cushions and/or receive and store usage data. Usage data herein could include adoption of treatment, in other words whether and/or the extent to which cushions are used, what specific patterns of inflation are adopted, or even confirmation that intended users are actually the ones using the cushions intended or controlled for their use. In an embodiment, a proximity sensor resident on a cushion could detect patient presence and/or patient identity by reading an electronically stored numerical patient identifier on a patient wristband or the like. This general concept could enable monitoring and potentially controlling dozens or even hundreds of devices in an effort to transform the health of a patient population or implement standardized treatment protocols. Each patient could have a user profile stored in a centralized database.

[0032] It will be appreciated that the valve arrangement allows for numerous alternative inflation/deflation strategies which might be successfully implemented. Analogously, while a zoned arrangement of the inflatable cells to provide a leading zone, a trailing zone, and at least one middle zone provides a practical implementation strategy, in other implementations more than three zones might be provided. It will further be appreciated that the presently disclosed strategy differs from other designs for therapeutic cushions where pressure was distributed between only two zones which, at best, provides only a back and forth motion (generating zero net fluid transport toward the heart and lungs) instead of a true pumping wave action (i.e., a peristaltic pumping action). The present disclosure can be understood to enable producing a greater number of inflated cells that follow a lesser number of deflated cells, toward the rear seat cushion edge. Inflation/deflation patterns could be modified to show three inflated cells following two deflated cells, four inflated cells following three deflated cells, six inflated following one deflated, and so on with still other combinations. Alternatively, inflation/deflation patterns may be performed by application of a vacuum selectively to less than all of the cells at any time so as to produce a predetermined pattern, such as a wave pattern, a peristaltic pumping pattern, or still others. A plurality of pumping waves can be produced at any time, with the number of waves typically being based on the number of repetitions in the serial, repeating arrangement of the leading, trailing, and at least one middle zone. Further still, embodiments are contemplated where an arrangement of separately controllable valves can vary the size and location of the different zones. For instance, valves could be selectively used to adjust the size of zones (size = number of cells) that are inflated and deflated to effectively vary the wavelength of the wave that is generated. Still other variations, such as those variations arising from varying the timing of the valve assembly actuation, contemplated herein relate to differences in amplitude and frequency of inflation and/or varying speed, amplitude, frequency, wavelength, and/or waveform (shape of the wave as determined by degree of inflation of cells) properties to tailor treatment parameters, and/or variations between the above-listed properties in a left series

versus a right series of the inflatable cells such that a user’s legs are treated differently from one another.

[0033] While the claimed technology has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character. It is understood that the embodiments have been shown and described in the foregoing specification in satisfaction of the best mode and enablement requirements. It is understood that one of ordinary skill in the art could readily make a nigh-infinite number of insubstantial changes and modifications to the above-described embodiments and that it would be impractical to attempt to describe all such embodiment variations in the present specification. Accordingly, it is understood that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the claimed technology are desired to be protected.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0034] Referring to the drawings generally, it will be recalled that therapeutic cushion according to the present disclosure can be deflated and then allowed to self-inflate to optimize patient comfort and mitigate discomfort, such as ulcer development, and improve tissue oxygenation in targeted areas. As noted above, cushion includes a plurality of cells and at least one foam support body disposed within each of the cells. In practical implementation cushion may be operated by applying a vacuum to each one of a plurality of cells in a cushion supporting a user so as to withdraw an inflation fluid from each one of the plurality of cells. Then compressing a plurality of foam bodies positioned within each respective one of the plurality of cells in opposition to an expanding bias of each respective one of the plurality of foam bodies, based at least in part upon the application of the vacuum. Then permitting inflation of each of the plurality of cells via the expanding bias of the plurality of foam bodies and performing the application of the vacuum selectively to less than all the plurality of cells at any time so as to produce a predetermined pattern of inflation and deflation in the cushion. The predetermined pattern of inflation and deflation may include a wave pattern or peristaltic pumping pattern.

[0035] The present description is for illustrative purposes only, and should not be construed to narrow the breadth of the present disclosure in any way. Thus, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications might be made to the presently disclosed embodiments without departing from the full and fair scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Other aspects, features and advantages will be apparent upon an examination of the attached drawings and appended claims. As used herein, the articles “a” and “an” are intended to include one or more items, and may be used interchangeably with “one or more.” Where only one item is intended, the term “one” or similar language is used. Also, as used herein, the terms “has,” “have,” “having,” or the like are intended to be open-ended terms. Further, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “based, at least in part, on” unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Claims

Claims What is claimed is:

1. A therapeutic cushion comprising: a cushion body including a lower surface, and an upper user-impingement surface formed in part by each of a plurality of inflatable risers, the plurality of inflatable risers are each elongate in a lateral direction extending between a first lateral cushion edge and a second lateral cushion edge, and form at least one row in a fore- aft direction extending between a front cushion edge and a rear cushion edge; and at least one foam body disposed within each of the inflatable risers and configured to resist deformation in a vertical direction, and each of the at least one foam bodies is in an expanded state.

2. The cushion of claim 1, further including a valve assembly adjustable among deflation valve configurations, the valve assembly extending from a pumping mechanism to the plurality of inflatable risers.

3. The cushion of claim 2, wherein during operation of the cushion, the pumping mechanism is structured to selectively suction a fluid from the plurality of inflatable risers, and the at least one foam body can overcome a bias so that the plurality of inflatable risers deflate.

4. The cushion of claim 3, wherein the at least one foam body is made from a selfexpanding material, such that upon ceasing applying suction, the at least one foam body permits inflation of each of the plurality of cells via the expanding bias of the at least on foam body.

5. The cushion of claim 4, wherein the inflatable risers alternate between an expanded state to an deflated state, so as to produce a plurality of waves between the first lateral cushion edge and a second lateral cushion edge.

6. The cushion of claim 5 wherein the inflatable risers are arranged in a zoned pattern between the first lateral cushion edge and the second lateral cushion edge, and the inflatable risers are selectively deflated and allowed to self-expand via the at least one foam body, according to the zoned pattern.

7. The cushion of claim 6 further including a pressure sensor structured to monitor a pressure parameter of the cushion; and an electronic control unit coupled to the pressure sensor and structured to output a signal based on the monitored parameter and coupled to the valve assembly and configured to adjust the valve assembly based on the output signal.

8. The cushion of claim 7 wherein the electronic control unit is configured such that in all states of use no two inflatable risers mutually adjacent in a fore-aft direction between the first lateral cushion edge and the second lateral cushion edge are deflated.

9. A cushion comprising: a cushion body including a plurality of inflatable risers arranged between a front cushion edge and a rear cushion edge; a pumping mechanism fluidly connected to the plurality of inflatable risers; and

at least one self-expanding foam body disposed within each of the inflatable risers, and each of the at least one self-expanding foam bodies is in an expanded state; wherein the pumping mechanism selectively suctions an inflation fluid from the plurality of risers, thereby compressing the at least one self-expanding foam body, and then ceases the suctioning to allow each of the plurality of inflatable risers to inflate via an expanding bias of the at least one self-expanding foam body.

10. The cushion of claim 9, further including a valve assembly adjustable among deflation valve configurations, the valve assembly extending from the pumping mechanism to the plurality of inflatable risers.

11. The cushion of claim 9, wherein the at least one self-expanding foam bodies alternate between a compressed state to an expanded state, so as to produce a predetermined wave pattern of inflation and deflation in the cushion.

12. The cushion of claim 11, wherein the predetermined pattern of inflation and deflation includes a propagating wave pattern traveling between the front cushion edge and the rear cushion edge.

13. The cushion of claim 12, further including a pressure sensor structured to monitor a pressure parameter of the cushion; and an electronic control unit coupled to the pressure sensor and structured to output a signal based on the monitored parameter and coupled to a valve assembly and configured to adjust the valve assembly based on the output signal.

14. The cushion of claim 13, wherein the pressure parameter is indicative of an inflation fluid pressure of one or more of the plurality of inflatable risers.

15. The cushion of claim 14, wherein the electronic control unit is configured such that in all states of use no two inflatable risers mutually adjacent in a fore-aft direction between the front cushion edge and the rear cushion edge are deflated.

16. The cushion of claim 15, wherein the signal is produced in response to a change in body positioning of a user upon the cushion indicated by the monitored pressure parameter.

17. The cushion of claim 16, wherein the signal includes an alarm signal produced in response to a fall from the cushion indicated by the monitored pressure parameter.

18. A method of operating a cushion comprising: applying a vacuum to each one of a plurality of cells in a cushion supporting a user so as to withdraw an inflation fluid from each one of the plurality of cells; compressing a plurality of foam bodies positioned within each respective one of the plurality of cells in opposition to an expanding bias of each respective one of the plurality of foam bodies, based at least in part upon an application of the vacuum; permitting inflation of each of the plurality of cells via the expanding bias of the plurality of foam bodies; and performing the application of the vacuum selectively to less than all the plurality of cells at any time so as to produce a predetermined pattern of inflation and deflation in the cushion.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the predetermined pattern of inflation and deflation includes a wave pattern.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the predetermined pattern of inflation and deflation includes a peristaltic pumping pattern.