U.S. patent application number 10/799117 was filed with the patent office on 2005-09-15 for self-contained air lifted seat apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to AKRON GENERAL DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION. Invention is credited to Evans, Douglas M., Guyton, Daniel P..
Application Number | 20050200180 10/799117 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34920442 |
Filed Date | 2005-09-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050200180 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Guyton, Daniel P. ; et
al. |
September 15, 2005 |
Self-contained air lifted seat apparatus
Abstract
A lightweight and portable pneumatic lifting device includes an
inflatable, trapezoidal side shaped and self-contained bladder
housed in a removable, washable material. The inferior surface of
the bladder contains a rigid base for stability. Located on one
side of the bladder is a compartment to house the self-contained
air compressor. A valve or valves is provided for inflation and
deflation of the bladder.
Inventors: |
Guyton, Daniel P.; (Akron,
OH) ; Evans, Douglas M.; (Akron, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Roger D. Emerson
Brouse McDowell, LPA
Ste. 500
106 S. Main Street
Akron
OH
44308-1471
US
|
Assignee: |
AKRON GENERAL DEVELOPMENT
FOUNDATION
|
Family ID: |
34920442 |
Appl. No.: |
10/799117 |
Filed: |
March 12, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/313 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61G 5/14 20130101; A61G
7/1021 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/313 |
International
Class: |
A47C 004/54 |
Claims
Having thus described the invention, it is now claimed:
1. A portable air lifted seat apparatus comprising: a rigid base; a
one-piece inflatable bladder positioned on the base comprising: (i)
a front portion; (ii) a rear portion; (iii) first and second
trapezoidal shaped side panels operatively connecting the front and
rear portion; (iv) wherein when the bladder is inflated the rear
portion is at least three times the height of the front portion; a
valve for inflation and deflation of the bladder, the valve
operatively connected to one of the first and second side panels of
the bladder; a compartment located at one of the first and second
side panels of the bladder and operatively connected to the base; a
rechargeable, self-contained air compressor for use in inflating
the bladder, the air compressor positioned in the compartment; a
hose having first and second ends, wherein the hose is operatively
connected to an output of the compressor at the first end and to
the valve at the second end; and, a cover positioned over the
bladder and operatively connected to the base.
2. The portable air lifted seat apparatus of claim 1, wherein the
front portion initially rises in unison with the rear portion.
3. The portable air lifted seat apparatus of claim 2, wherein the
rear portion is approximately 7 inches higher than the front
portion at full inflation.
4. The portable air lifted seat apparatus of claim 1, wherein the
cover comprises: a selectively removable connecting means so that
the cover may be removed from the base and the bladder.
5. The portable air lifted seat apparatus of claim 4, wherein the
top of the cover further contains material to minimize
slippage.
6. A portable air lifted seat apparatus comprising: a rigid base; a
one-piece inflatable bladder positioned on the base comprising: (i)
a front portion; (ii) a rear portion; (iii) first and second
trapezoidal shaped side panels operatively connecting the front and
rear portion; (iv) wherein when the bladder is inflated the rear
portion is at least three times the height of the front portion; a
first valve for inflation of the bladder operatively connected to
one of the first and second side panels of the bladder; a second
valve for deflation of the bladder operatively connected to one of
the first and second side panels of the bladder; a compartment
located at one of the first and second side panels of the bladder
and operatively connected to the base; a rechargeable,
self-contained air compressor for use in inflating the bladder, the
air compressor positioned in the compartment; a hose having first
and second ends, wherein the hose is operatively connected to an
output of the compressor at the first end and to the first valve at
the second end; and, a cover positioned over the bladder and
operatively connected to the base.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] A. Field of Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to the field of medical
devices and, more specifically, to an inflatable device used to
assist an invalid or physically disadvantaged person in moving from
a seated position to a standing position.
[0003] B. Description of the Related Art
[0004] The impact of the aging population of the United States is
well recognized and has profound socioeconomic implications, not
the least of which is the conversion of nursing home care into a
major industry. Also, not the least of the inevitable effects of
aging is the loss of lean body (muscle) mass with the result of
muscle weakness. There are several contributing factors involve in
this loss. Loss of appetite, poor dentition, lack of exercise,
dwindling blood supply (particularly to the lower extremities) and
down regulation of metabolism are all conspirators in this process.
While these factors can be offset by improved nutrition and
regulated exercise, the results are related to a maintained status
quo rather than a return to physical vigor. Further loss may be
forestalled but regeneration of lost muscle is dependent on
synthesis of muscle protein and restoration of cellular activity.
Both of these requisites are the victims of the aging process of
muscle. The bottom line of this aspect of the aging process is that
muscle weakness is the expected companion of the senior
population.
[0005] Significant physical strength is not a prerequisite to a
self-sufficient life style, but physical mobility is, and a level
of muscle strength is a requirement for mobility. A consistent
feature of early impairment of mobility is difficulty in getting up
from a chair. Weakness of the extensors of the knee (the quadriceps
femoris) results in difficulty rising from a chair, stair climbing
and even walking. Limitations in those functions contribute to
further activity restrictions which in turn result in progressive
muscle weakness. Progressive limitations of physical activity
complete a cycle of physical deterioration and diminishing
lifestyle.
[0006] The preservation of mobility is thus the key to the
maintenance of a useful, independent and psychologically fulfilling
lifestyle. To that end the use of a device that permits the
capability of rising from a chair and allowing walking is offered
as a practical solution to the problem of physical imprisonment by
the inability to move independently.
[0007] Various types of devices have been proposed to address this
problem such as U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,479,087 to Burke, 5,375,910 to
Murphy and 5,505,518 to Pike. These patents all disclose a
pneumatic powered seat erector that consists of an upper and lower
plate hinged together at one end. The devices also include an
inflatable bladder positioned between the plates. As the bladder
inflates, the plates begin to separate at the edge opposite the
hinge causing the upper plate to pivot forward--thereby raising the
individual from a seated position to a standing position. All three
patents do not mimic the initial movement of the seated individual
as he or she begins stand. At inflation, the upper plate pivots
forward so that the individual is lifted only from the back and not
from the front. This pivot only action causes the individual to
slide off the seat.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 4,629,162 to Porch discloses a portable
pneumatic lift that includes an inflatable single chamber air bag,
a pressurized air source and a remote control for operation of the
air source. The air bag is wedged shape in that when inflated the
height at the back of the air bag is about 13 inches and the height
at the front of the air bag is about 10 inches. Although inflation
of the air bag in Porch better mimics the initial movement of a
seated individual as he or she begins to stand, the angle of pitch
is not sufficient to fully assist the individual to stand from a
seated position.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 4,905,329 to Heilner discloses an inflatable
seat cushion consisting of an inflatable ring whereby the front
portion of the ring is restricted during inflation thereby allowing
the back portion of the ring to inflate at a height 3-7 times that
of the front portion. Although Heilner allows for some elevation in
the front portion, the inflatable ring must be sized appropriately
to prevent an individual from falling through the center of the
ring.
[0010] U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,361,433 and 5,742,957, both to Vanzant,
disclose an inflatable bag having multiple cavities that inflate
sequentially. The devises of these patents, however, do not provide
a means for a washable fabric cover or the ability to place the
compressor within a pocket or compartment on either side of the
bladder.
[0011] What is needed is a device that elevates and pitches forward
the seated individual, which mimics the change to a standing
position. This will facilitate the effective contraction of
quadriceps muscles by reducing the extent of muscle shortening
necessary to allow straightening of the legs at the knee. As the
present invention discloses, a forward pitch level of approximately
thirty degrees is sufficient to produce the desired effect. This
degree of inclination can be achieved by an approximate seven inch
elevation of the dorsal plane of the seated position over the
ventral plane. This effect can be accentuated by a two inch
elevation of the seat cushion itself. The positional change
produced by this device thus mimics the initial movements of the
unassisted rise from a seated position in a normal circumstance.
Therefore, performance of the initial movement by the device allows
the completion of the standing process by the user. In this way the
disadvantages known in the art cam be overcome in a way that is
better, more efficient and that provides better overall
results.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The present invention overcomes the aforementioned
disadvantages by providing an inflatable device that produces a
forward pitch level of approximately 30 degrees that is sufficient
to produce the desired effect. In addition, the degree of
inclination can be achieved by an approximate 7 inch elevation of
the dorsal plane of the seated position over the ventral plane.
This effect can be accentuated by a 2 inch elevation of the seat
cushion itself. The positional change produced by this device thus
mimics the initial movements of the unassisted rise from a seated
position in a normal circumstance. Therefore, performance of the
initial movement by the device allows the completion of the
standing process by the user.
[0013] It is therefore one object of the present invention to
provide an inflatable lift device that mimics the initial movement
of a seated person to a standing position.
[0014] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
inflatable lift device where the front portion rises to assist the
seated person to a standing position.
[0015] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
an inflatable lift device that is portable and lightweight.
[0016] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
an inflatable lift device with one embodiment that contains a
single valve for inflation and rapid deflation.
[0017] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
an inflatable lift device that provides a removable washable
cover.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] The invention may take physical form in certain parts and
arrangement of parts, a preferred embodiment of which will be
described in detail in this specification and illustrated in the
accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and wherein:
[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention
showing the bladder with the cover removed.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the bladder with the cover
attached.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a top view of the support plate.
[0022] FIG. 4 is a side view of the base showing the location of
the compressor compartment.
[0023] FIG. 5 is a side view of the inflatable bladder.
[0024] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the inflated bladder showing
one embodiment with separate intake and exhaust valves.
[0025] FIG. 7 illustrates the exhaust valve in the closed
position.
[0026] FIG. 8 illustrates the exhaust valve in the opened
position.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0027] Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for
purposes of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention
only and not for purposes of limiting the same, FIGS. 1 and 2 show
an air lift seat apparatus 10 that includes a base 12, a bladder
14, an intake/exhaust valve 16, a pocket or compartment 18, a
self-contained air compressor 20 and a removable cover 22 (FIG. 2).
The base 12 is preferably made of a rigid polystyrene material to
provide stability to the apparatus when placed on a chair. The base
12 has a front 24, a back 26 and two sides 28, 29 and is preferably
about 18 inches wide, 18 inches deep and 1 inch in height. However,
the base 12 can be any suitable size to fit a standard sized chair,
seat cushion of a sofa or similar type of sitting apparatus as
along as chosen with sound engineering judgment.
[0028] Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, in the preferred embodiment
a connecting means 27 is provided to selectively attach the cover
22 to the base 12. The connecting means 27 may be of any type
chosen with sound engineering judgment such as snaps 30, hook and
loop fasteners such as Velcro.RTM. (not shown) or a zipper (not
shown). The cover 22 can be made of any material chosen with sound
engineering judgment but preferably is formed of a washable fabric.
In the preferred embodiment, a slip prevention material 38 is
provided on at least a portion of the top 23 of the cover 22. This
slip prevention material 38 makes it difficult for a person to slip
off of the lift seat apparatus 10 while the bladder 14 is
inflating. The cover 22 is preferably sized slightly larger than
the bladder 14 when the bladder 14 is fully inflated to facilitate
easy application and removal of the cover 22.
[0029] With reference now to FIGS. 3 and 4, the compartment 18 that
holds or houses the air compressor 20 can be located on either side
of the bladder 14 to facilitate use by either hand of the seated
person. The compartment 18 is preferably attached to either side
28, 29 of the base 12 and is located near the front 24 of the base
as shown in FIG. 3. The compartment 18 can either be an integral
part of the base 12 or can be a separate piece that attaches to the
base 12 by any means chosen with sound engineering judgment. The
preferred height of the compartment 18 is approximately 2 inches.
The length and the width of the compartment 18 are determined by
the type of air compressor used to inflate the bladder 14. The
preferred air compressor 20 is a portable, commercially available,
rechargeable type compressor commonly known in the art and thus
will not be described further. An air hose 32 is provided to
transport air from the air compressor 20 to the bladder 14. As
shown in FIG. 1, the first end 34 of the hose 32 is connected to
the air-compressor 20 and the second end 36 of the hose 32 is
connected to the intake/exhaust valve 16 by means commonly known in
the art.
[0030] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, the bladder 14 is preferably
made from a single piece of material. The material can be any type
of flexible material chosen with sound engineering judgment that
allows the bladder 14 to expand upon inflation and contract upon
deflation. The bladder 14 further contains a front portion 40, a
rear portion 42, two trapezoidal shaped side panels 44, 45, a top
46 and a bottom 48. The length and width of the bottom 50 are
similarly sized to fit the base 12 as described above. The bladder
14 is designed to mimic the initial movements of a seated person
when that person begins to stand. Therefore, when the bladder 14
begins to inflate the front portion 40 and the rear portion 42 will
inflate simultaneously. When fully inflated, the rear portion 42 is
at least three times higher than the front portion 40. In one
embodiment the rear portion 42 is nine inches high and the front 40
portion is 2 inches high.
[0031] With reference now to FIG. 1, an intake/exhaust valve 16 is
located on the side 44 of the bladder. The valve can be located on
either side 44, 45 to facilitate use by either hand of the seated
person as with the compartment 18 as described above. The valve 16
can be any type of mechanical valve commonly known in the art. In
one embodiment the valve 16 is a ball type valve 50 as shown in
FIGS. 7 and 8. The ball valve 50 further consists of a handle 52, a
core 54 and an aperture 56 and a housing 58. FIG. 7 shows the ball
valve 50 in the open position. When the ball valve 50 is in the
open position the aperture 56 is parallel to the housing 58 and air
can enter or escape from the bladder 14. FIG. 8 shows the ball
valve 50 in the closed position. When the ball valve 50 is in the
closed position the aperture 56 is perpendicular to the housing 58
and air cannot enter into or escape from the bladder 14. Another
embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 6. In this
embodiment the apparatus contains two valves. The first valve 60 is
the intake valve and the second valve 62 is the exhaust valve. In
this embodiment, the hose 32 connects the air compressor 20 to the
intake valve 60. The exhaust valve 62, when opened, permits air to
exit the bladder to the atmosphere. As a result, the bladder can be
deflated without removal of the air compressor hose 32.
[0032] Operation of the present invention will now be described.
The air lift seat apparatus 10 can be used to assist a person in
moving from a standing position to a seated position and from a
seated position to a standing position. To move from a seated
position to a standing position, the person simply turns the handle
52 on the ball valve 50 and rotates it 90 degrees until the
aperture 56 is parallel to the housing 58. The person then
activates the air compressor 20 thus allowing air to enter the
bladder 14. As the bladder 14 begins to inflate the front portion
40 and the rear portion 42 begin to rise simultaneously thereby
slowly lifting the seated person. As the front portion 40 reaches
its maximum height as described above, the rear portion 42 will
continue to inflate thereby creating a pitch angle. As the rear
portion 42 continues to inflate, the seated person is further
lifted until the rear portion 42 reaches its maximum height as
described above thereby gently assisting the seated person to a
standing position. Conversely, in assisting a person to move from a
standing position to a seated position, the person simply inflates
the bladder 14 as previously described. Once the bladder 14 is
fully inflated the person deactivates the air compressor 20. The
person then rotates the ball valve 50 by 90 degrees until the
aperture 56 is perpendicular to the housing 58. This will prevent
air from escaping from the bladder 14 until the person is ready to
be seated. The person then backs into the apparatus 10 and places
his/her weight onto the cover 22 that is positioned over the
bladder 14. Once the person is leaning against the apparatus 10,
the person then rotates the ball valve 50 by 90 degrees until the
aperture 56 is parallel to the housing 58 thereby permitting the
air to escape from the bladder 14 thus gently assisting the person
to move from a standing position to a seated position.
[0033] The preferred embodiments have been described, hereinabove.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above
methods may incorporate changes and modifications without departing
from the general scope of this invention. It is intended to include
all such modifications and alterations in so far as they come
within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents
thereof.
* * * * *