Other

Graebe; Robert H.

Roho, Inc.

Crown Therapeutics, Inc.

Offspring, LLC

Robert H Graebe

Stephen E Faist

Dennis L Clapper

Winfield Russell Matsler

A cushioncomprising a molded foam basewith an array of individual suspension elementsat the ischial area of the cushion. In one aspect the array of suspension elements is in a recessin the top of the base and in another aspect the array of suspension elements is in an inner cavitydefined by the base. The suspension elements are arranged in a pattern wherein the longitudinal axis of each suspension element in the array is positioned at a right angle or parallel to the longitudinal axes of the adjacent suspension elements. Each suspension element has a displaceable load-bearing surface, a first end wall, a second end wall, and an optional bottom wall, with load-bearing surface and recited walls defining an inner chamber. The material thickness of the load-bearing surface generally is greater than the material thickness of the end walls whereby the end walls deflect outwardly toward the load-bearing surfaces of adjacent support elements under load. The load-bearing surface can have a substantially arch-shaped, elliptical or rectangular cross-section.

Molded seat cushion with internal shape matching ischial structures

A cushion comprising an array of individual suspension elements arranged in a pattern wherein one embodiment the longitudinal axis of each suspension element in the array is positioned at a right angle or parallel to the longitudinal axes of the adjacent suspension elements. Each suspension element has a displaceable load-bearing surface, a first end wall, a second end wall, and an optional bottom wall, with load-bearing surface and recited walls defining an inner chamber. The material thickness of the load-bearing surface generally is greater than the material thickness of the end walls whereby the end walls deflect outwardly toward the load-bearing surfaces of adjacent support elements under load. The load-bearing surface can have a substantially arch-shaped, elliptical or rectangular cross-section and may be constructed from different materials to make a composite suspension element. The bottom wall of the suspension element may have a small vent opening of a predetermined size to allow a controlled release of air from the inner chamber under load to enhance the viscous feel of the cushion. The cushion also includes a cover enclosing the array of suspension elements.

Shape matching cushion

An all mechanical support surface that tracks the flotation properties of a true fluid and utilizes a series of constant restoring force springs connecting reciprocating pistons which have supporting surfaces with multiple degrees of freedom to define a user supporting surface that assumes the shape of the user and minimizes the force differential on different areas of the user's skin.

Constant restoring force support surface

A cushion comprising an orthotic base which has a flexible body of sufficient strength to support a user while conforming to the buttocks and legs of the user and pillars on the bottom of the base to support the same and being of desired height and positioning to position the user in a desired position. The disclosure shows a preferred composite cushion comprising the orthotic base; a foam top on the base with a T-shaped cutout at the rear to accommodate an air cell pad; a balance foam underpad of smaller front to rear measurement than the base and movable from the front to the rear of the base to incline the user in a desired front to rear positioning and from left to right to position the user in a left to right direction; and a cover enclosing the base, the foam top, the air cell pad and the underpad. Removable support members are attached to the pillars beneath the orthotic base at predetermined locations to shape the top surface when a load is applied. Removable shapes also can be located on the top surface of the base to position the user in desired positions. Openings are provided through the base to facilitate moisture removal from and air circulation to the user. A method of measuring the conformity of the cushion to the shape of the user using a memory foam pad is shown.

Wraparound orthotic base, composite adjustable cushion using same and

Wraparound orthotic base composite adjustable cushion using same and

Seat cushion

Cellular seat cushion

A support system (A) including a cushion (B) for uniformly distributing the weight of an individual uniformly and further circulating air along the individual's body. The cushion (B) has porosity and air cells (4) which project upwardly from the base (2) and are in communication through the base (2) so that all exist at the same air pressure. The base (2) has apertures (14) between the cells (4). The system includes a distributor (20) beneath the cushion base (2) and a duct (30) which connects to one side of the distributor (20). The distributor (20) has a plurality of blunted pillars (24) which support the cushion (B) above the distributor base (22) and create a distribution and access chamber (F) beneath the cushion base (2). The duct (30) can have a vertical section (34,40) connected to a container (42) for collecting liquids. A blower (D) discharges conditioned air into the distribution chamber (20) through the duct (30). The air escapes through the cushion base apertures (14) between the cells (4) so as to ventilate the surface area of that portion of the individual's body which is against the cushion. A vacuum blower (D) can also be used to reverse the air flow to assist fluid removal from the distribution chamber (20) and to vent odors. Liquid discharged onto the cushion (B) passes through the apertures (14) to the container (42).

Ventilated access interface and cushion support system

A modular cushion comprising a shaped base which has a flat rear portion having a substantially flat center area and a raised front portion with angularly directed valleys on each side, a removable pommel releasably secured to the flat center portion, a resilient pad positioned on the flat portion of the base to relieve pressure on the ischial and trochanters and a cover having a non-skid undersurface and two-way stretchable material covering a portion of the top. The resilient pad preferably has an array of upstanding interconnected inflatable cells. The base is of porous cellular material and has a water impervious separate integral skin adhered over the top surface for strength and protection.

Modular cushion construction with detachable pommel

A vacuum or heat formed cushion having upstanding cells of thin (15-40 mil) wall thickness and having rectangular body sections with upwardly inclined (10.degree.-40.degree.) triangular top panels. The cushions can be attached together to form a mattress or used individually as a wheelchair or other chair or back cushion. The cells of the cushion can all be interconnected or the cushion can be divided in two or more independently inflated compartments. A special wheelchair cushion has cells of different shapes, sizes and heights to promote positioning of a user on a wheelchair. The cushion has openings through the base to allow it to be placed on a manifold so that body fluids can drain away from the patient and conditioned air can be supplied to the patient. The top surfaces of the cells are textured to prevent sealing off the pores of the user's skin.

Growing community of inventors

Belleville, IL, United States of America

Robert H Graebe