U.S. patent application number 13/826814 was filed with the patent office on 2014-01-30 for pressure adjustable platform system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Richard N. Codos. Invention is credited to Richard N. Codos.
Application Number | 20140026326 13/826814 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49993440 |
Filed Date | 2014-01-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140026326 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Codos; Richard N. |
January 30, 2014 |
PRESSURE ADJUSTABLE PLATFORM SYSTEM
Abstract
The present invention provides a pressure adjustable platform
system including a plurality of bladders, a base plate, and a
connection plate, such as, for instance, a gasket plate. A
plurality of fluid channels are incorporated into the base plate,
and the fluid channels interconnect the bladders to a sensor such
as a pressure or force sensor that may be present in the pressure
adjustable platform system or present in an external fluid sensing
and distributing apparatus. The pressure adjustable platform system
may be operably connected to a fluid sensing and distributing
apparatus. The base plate may contain one or more channels, tubes
or conduits transmitting a fluid into or removing a fluid from a
bladder. The connection plate such as a gasket plate may operably
connect the fluid sensing and distributing apparatus to the
pressure adjustable platform system.
Inventors: |
Codos; Richard N.; (Warren,
NJ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Codos; Richard N. |
Warren |
NJ |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49993440 |
Appl. No.: |
13/826814 |
Filed: |
March 14, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61675496 |
Jul 25, 2012 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
5/713 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 27/083 20130101;
A61B 5/6892 20130101; A61G 7/05776 20130101; A61B 5/4815
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/713 |
International
Class: |
A47C 27/08 20060101
A47C027/08 |
Claims
1. A pressure adjustable platform system comprising a plurality of
bladders, a base plate, a plurality of fluid channels wherein the
fluid channels connect the bladders to an external sensor, and a
connection plate.
2. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 1 is
operably connected to a fluid sensing and distributing
apparatus.
3. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 1 is
operably connected to a fluid sensing and distributing apparatus
via the connection plate.
4. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 3
wherein the connection plate is a gasket plate.
5. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 1 which
forms a part of a mattress, a chair or a seated support system.
6. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 1
further comprising a cover.
7. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 1
further comprising one or more layers of padding.
8. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 1
further comprising a bladder top plate.
9. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 1
wherein the bladders are encased in a mesh in a bottom portion.
10. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 1
wherein the bladders are bellowed in a bottom portion.
11. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 1
wherein the base plate has recessed slots corresponding to
individual bladder positions.
12. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 1
wherein the base plate contains a fill port for one or more
bladders.
13. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 1
wherein the fluid channels, tubes or conduits function to conduct a
fluid between the fluid sensing and distributing apparatus and the
bladders.
14. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 1
wherein one or more bladders are attached to one another by an
integral bladder base membrane.
15. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 1
wherein a sidewall of a plurality of bladders adjoins or touches a
sidewall of another bladder.
16. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 1
wherein the sensor is a pressure or force sensor.
17. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 1
wherein a plurality of bladders are connected to one fluid sensing
and distributing apparatus.
18. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 1
wherein the plurality of bladders are operably linked to a central
processing unit for controlling filling thereof.
19. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 18
wherein the central processing unit is capable of detecting or
monitoring movement of an individual on the pressure adjustable
platform system.
20. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 18
capable of adjusting pressure within the plurality of bladders in
real time response to movement of the individual on the pressure
adjustable platform system.
21. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 1
wherein the plurality of fluid channels are present in the base
plate.
22. A pressure adjustable platform system comprising a plurality of
bladders, a base plate, a plurality of fluid channels wherein the
fluid channels connect the bladders to a fluid sensing and
distributing apparatus having an external sensor, and a connection
plate.
23. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 22
wherein the connection plate is a gasket plate.
24. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 22
which forms a part of a mattress, a chair or a seated support
system.
25. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 22
further comprising a cover.
26. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 22
further comprising one or more layers of padding.
27. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 22
further comprising a bladder top plate.
28. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 22
wherein the bladders are encased in a mesh in a bottom portion.
29. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 22
wherein the bladders are bellowed in a bottom portion.
30. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 22
wherein the base plate has recessed slots corresponding to
individual bladder positions.
31. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 22
wherein the base plate contains a fill port for one or more
bladders.
32. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 22
wherein the fluid channels, tubes or conduits function to conduct a
fluid between the fluid sensing and distributing apparatus and the
bladders.
33. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 22
wherein one or more bladders are attached to one another by an
integral bladder base membrane.
34. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 22
wherein a sidewall of a plurality of bladders adjoins or touches a
sidewall of another bladder.
35. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 21
wherein the sensor is a pressure or force sensor.
36. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 22
wherein a plurality of bladders are connected to one fluid sensing
and distributing apparatus.
37. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 22
wherein the plurality of bladders are operably linked to a central
processing unit for controlling filling thereof.
38. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 37
wherein the central processing unit is capable of detecting or
monitoring movement of an individual on the pressure adjustable
platform system.
39. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 37
capable of adjusting pressure within the plurality of bladders in
real time response to movement of the individual on the pressure
adjustable platform system.
40. A pressure adjustable platform system according to claim 22
wherein the plurality of fluid channels are present in the base
plate.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application is based upon and hereby claims
priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/675,496, filed Jul.
25, 2012, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference
in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Many different patient support systems and sleep platforms
have been designed that utilize individual or group bladder control
to support the sleeper. The health benefits and sleep benefits of
reducing pressure points on the sleeper are well documented. To
this end, the sleep platforms attempt to measure the force on a
bladder, or a group of bladders, and reduce the pressure in the
corresponding bladder(s) to effect pressure reductions in areas
where high sleeper interface forces are detected.
[0003] Skinner et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,883,478 describe a patient
support having real time pressure control. Each bladder in this
support is subtended by a force sensor that is able to sense a
force that is transmitted through the inflatable bladder. The
apparatus uses the force sensors to determine position and movement
of a person lying on the bladders so that the bladder air pressure
can be adjusted to match the person's position and movement. The
apparatus controls individual bladder sections with individual
pneumatic valves
[0004] Bobey et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,698,765 describe a patient
support having a plurality of vertical, inflatable bladders. The
support system has an interior region that is defined by a top
portion and bottom portion of a cover that define an interior
region. Within the interior region can shaped bladders and force
sensors are provided. The force sensors configured to measure
pressure applied to one or more of the bladders. A separate sensor
sheet is required to be external to the base and internal to the
interior region that subtends the bladder region. Pressure
transducers may be coupled to an individual bladder to measure the
internal pressure of fluid within the bladder.
[0005] Gusakov, U.S. Pat. No. 5,237,501 describes an active
mechanical patient support system that includes a plurality of
actuator members that are controlled via a central processor.
Associated with each actuator is a separate displacement transducer
for determining the extension of the actuator. In addition, each
actuator has a separate force sensor for determining the force on
that actuator. A control means is provided to control the
displacement of each actuator connected or integral to each
actuator. In addition to individual force sensors associated with
each individual actuator, a separate displacement transducer is
utilized to determine the exact extension of each actuator member.
This displacement transducer is required since the actuator is of a
style that approximates a cylinder actuator. When loaded with a
constant mass a cylinder actuator will maintain a constant
subtended force measurement regardless of variations in the
cylinder extension. Therefore, in order to determine the cylinder
height, a displacement transducer is required.
[0006] Kramer et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,409,735 describe a cellular
person support surface. The support surface is composed of a
plurality of inflatable cells, each of which has an associated
pressure sensor corresponding to one of the plurality of inflatable
cells. At the same time, each inflatable cell has one associated
driver corresponding to one of the plurality of inflatable cells
that is capable of inflating and deflating the associated cell. The
patent requires an individual pressure sensor, as well as an
individual inflation and deflation driver for each cell, or group
of cells, that is being controlled. In the case of this patent, the
sensors and drivers are located within the internal walls of the
associated cell.
[0007] All of the existing patient support systems and sleep
platforms suffer from the high cost and complexity associated with
requiring individual control means, displacement transducers, and
force sensors for each actuator. To mitigate this cost and
complexity, some of these existing patient support systems and
sleep platforms propose distributing both the control means and
sensing means over multiple bladders or actuators. This requires
that the multiple bladders or actuators be fluid coupled to one
another and have one fluid stream interconnected between the
multiple bladders. This results in a decreased ability to control
and sense small areas of the sleep surface. The effect is an
increased granularity in both sense and control of the sleep
surface. Furthermore, the control means for controlling each
actuators displacement is both expensive and complex. The primary
function of the subtended force sensors is to determine sleeper
location and position, as well as absolute sleeper weight.
[0008] In all of the existing patient support systems and sleep
platforms, a pressure sensor that subtends an actuator or bladder,
or group of actuators or bladders, continues to read a constant
force as long as the sleeper maintains his or her position. Some
existing patient support systems and sleep platforms attempt to
reduce the actuator pressure when a determination has been made,
via the subtended force sensors, that the associated actuator or
bladder is being subjected to forces above some established
threshold force. By reducing fluid volume in the corresponding
bladder, the height of that same bladder is also reduced. Once the
fluid volume is reduced so that the corresponding height of the
bladder is reduced to a level equal or below the surrounding
bladders, the load on the bladder is partially or fully transferred
to the surrounding bladders. This results in a pressure reduction
on the sleeper from the above threshold bladder.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention provides a pressure adjustable
platform system and methods for adjusting the interface pressure
between the support surface and an individual on the surface.
[0010] The present invention provides a pressure adjustable
platform system. The platform system includes a plurality of
bladders, a base plate, and a connection plate, such as, for
instance, a gasket plate. A plurality of fluid channels are
incorporated into the base plate, and the fluid channels
interconnect the bladders to a sensor such as a pressure or force
sensor that may be present in the pressure adjustable platform
system or present in an external fluid sensing and distributing
apparatus. The pressure adjustable platform system may be operably
connected to a fluid sensing and distributing apparatus. The base
plate may contain one or more channels, tubes or conduits
transmitting a fluid into or removing a fluid from a bladder. The
connection plate such as a gasket plate may operably connect the
fluid sensing and distributing apparatus to the pressure adjustable
platform system. In some instances, the connection plate and the
distribution plate of an external fluid sensing and distributing
apparatus may be the same plate so that the distribution plate
serves also as a connection plate. In such instances, there may be
no separate connection plate such as a gasket plate in the pressure
adjustable platform system. The pressure adjustable platform system
may be a mattress, a chair or a seated support system. The pressure
adjustable platform system may further have a cover, one or more
layers of padding such as foam padding, or a bladder top plate. The
bladders may be encased in a mesh on the bottom portion or bellowed
on the bottom portion. The base plate may have recessed slots that
correspond to the individual bladder positions, and the base plate
may contain a fill port for one or more bladders. Fluid channels,
tubes or conduits may convey fluids between the fluid sensing and
distributing apparatus and the bladders.
[0011] In some instances, the fluid channels, tubes or conduits
function to conduct a fluid between the fluid sensing and
distributing apparatus and the bladders. Also, one or more bladders
may be attached to one another by an integral bladder base
membrane. The sidewall of the bladders may adjoin or touch the
sidewall of adjacent bladders. In many instances, a plurality of
bladders are connected to one fluid sensing and distributing
apparatus. The plurality of bladders may be operably linked to a
central processing unit for controlling filling thereof, and the
central processing unit may be capable of detecting or monitoring
movement of an individual on the pressure adjustable platform
system. In many instances, the pressure adjustable platform system
according is capable of adjusting pressure within the plurality of
bladders in real time response to movement of the individual on the
pressure adjustable platform system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view with a cutaway showing the
bladder assembly of a sense, react, and adapt sleep apparatus
according to the invention.
[0013] FIG. 2A is an exploded front view of the sense, react, and
adapt sleep apparatus of FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 2B is an exploded top perspective view of the sense,
react, and adapt sleep apparatus of FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 2C is an exploded bottom perspective view of the sense,
react, and adapt sleep apparatus of FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 3A is a front view of one embodiment of a hybrid
bladder utilizing a mesh on the bottom section.
[0017] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the bladder in FIG. 3A.
[0018] FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional perspective view on line A-A of
FIG. 3A.
[0019] FIG. 3D is a front view of the bladder in FIG. 3 shown in an
inflated form due to fluid inflation.
[0020] FIG. 4A is a front view of one embodiment of a hybrid
bladder composed of a bellows bottom section.
[0021] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the bladder in FIG. 4A.
[0022] FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional perspective view on line A-A of
FIG. 4B.
[0023] FIG. 4D is a front view of the bladder in FIG. 4A shown in
an inflated form due to fluid inflation.
[0024] FIG. 5 is a close-up of the cutaway section of FIG. 1
showing the bladders in a non-inflated state.
[0025] FIG. 6 is a close-up of the cutaway section of FIG. 1
showing the bladders in an inflated state.
[0026] FIG. 7 is a top view showing the bladder base plate showing
the bladder rim recess channels.
[0027] FIG. 8A is a perspective bottom view of the bladder base
plate showing the sense and supply channels.
[0028] FIG. 8B is an enlarged view from FIG. 8A showing the sense
and supply channels for individual bladders.
[0029] FIG. 8C is an enlarged view from FIG. 8 showing the sense
and supply channels that terminate at the interface plate for the
FASB sensing and distribution ports.
[0030] FIG. 9 is a control block diagram.
[0031] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of a process that determines when
someone has interfaced with the sleep system.
[0032] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of a process that reads the
bladder pressures of the sleep system.
[0033] FIG. 12 is a flow diagram of a process that activates the
fill and exhaust valves of the associated sleep system.
[0034] FIG. 13 is a flow diagram of a process that tracks and
records movement on the sleep surface.
[0035] FIG. 14 is a flow diagram of a process that implements an
adaptive sleep algorithm for the associated sleep apparatus.
[0036] FIG. 15 is a fluid schematic diagram showing the fluid paths
of the pressure adjustable platform system in conjunction with a
fluid sensing and distributing apparatus.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0037] In the present pressure adjustable platform system, each
bladder is individually sensed, regulated, and controlled via a
central processing unit. Besides the known benefits of reducing
pressure points on a sleeper that can result in improved sleep and
health benefits, the platform system can be configured to sense and
store sleep data that can be used for future pressure sleep
profiles that improve the sleeper's quality of sleep.
[0038] It is an object of the invention to incorporate the plumbing
for each bladder into the body of the sleep system to minimize the
need to plumb the system with individual tubes running to each
individual bladder, and therefore reduce the complexity and
associated cost of the plumbing while simultaneously increasing the
reliability of the associated plumbing system.
[0039] An additional object of the invention is to reduce the
complexity of the fluid distribution and sensing network between
the sleep support and a single apparatus that incorporates both the
multi-port fluid sensing, as well as the multi-port fluid
distributing functions, an example of which is Codos, "Fluid
Sensing and Distributing Apparatus" (FSDA), U.S. patent application
Ser. No. ______, filed ______, herein incorporated by reference. In
some instances, the FSDA valve body is fastened directly into the
sleep support base plate to eliminate any tubing interconnections
between the sleep support and associated apparatus. This objective
is achieved by matching the FSDA apparatus flat distribution plate
on which the inlet and output ports are located to a matching port
plate on the sleep support. Fluid connections are achieved by
mating these two parts and using any one of known means for
ensuring a leak-proof connection. In some instances, the
distribution plate of the FSDA can be directly built into the sleep
support base plate thereby serving effectively as a connection
plate and thereby reducing the cost and complexity of the combined
sleep support and associated apparatus. A further object of the
invention is to affect or control a larger number of bladders that
are proportional to larger sleep areas, without significantly
increasing the fluid distribution and fluid sensing complexity and
associated costs. By incorporating the fluid channels into the
sleep support base plate, additional bladders are accompanied by
additional corresponding fluid channels into the base plate without
adding any additional fluid distribution components.
[0040] It is another object of the invention to reduce the number
of components associated with sensing the pressure and displacement
for each individual bladder. The requirement that pressure sensors
subtend individual bladders or groups of bladders, or the need to
provide a measuring sensor for each individual bladder increases
the complexity and cost of a sleep system. The added complexity
associated with the need for multiple pressure sensors and/or
displacement transducers has the added effect of reducing the
reliability of the sleep system. By providing a sensor that can be
multiplexed to all of the sleep system bladders through an
apparatus such as an FSDA apparatus, it is not necessary to provide
a large number of sensors that subtend the bladders of the sleep
support. An individual sensor may be multiplexed to read, for
instance, about 25, 50, 100, 150 or so individual bladders. As a
result, in some instances, three sensors may be used for sensing
about 150 individual bladders on a sleep support. Bladders
communicate with the multiplexed sensor through integrated fluid
pathways.
[0041] It is another object of the invention to reduce the number
of components required for inflating and deflating associated
bladders. Providing an individual driver or actuator for each
bladder or gang of bladders increases the complexity, cost, noise,
size, and response time of a sleep system. The added complexity
associated with the need for multiple actuators or drivers has the
added effect of reducing the reliability of a sleep system. By
utilizing an actuator that can be multiplexed to all of the sleep
system bladders through an apparatus such as an FSDA apparatus, the
need for a large number of actuators that communicate with each
bladder for this invention is eliminated. An individual solenoid
control valve may be multiplexed to fill and deflate approximately
25, 50, 100, or 150 or so individual bladders. As a result, three
solenoid control valves that are used in conjunction with an FSDA
apparatus are used for controlling for instance, about 150
individual bladders on the sleep support.
[0042] It is an additional object of the current invention to
eliminate wiring between the bladders and the force sensors. At the
same time, the wiring for the actuators needed to increase and
decrease pressure to the individual bladders is also eliminated.
Instead of wiring, bladders communicate with the multiplexed
actuators and sensors through the integrated fluid pathways. A
single fluid channel connects each bladder to the external fluid
sensing and distributing apparatus and is the only conduit needed
for sensing pressure in the bladder, providing fluid and exhausting
fluid to the bladder.
[0043] It is another object of the invention to create a bladder
that combines the characteristics of an extendable cylinder with
the characteristics of an expandable bladder. An extendable and
retractable cylinder maintains a constant internal pressure value
regardless of its amount of extension for a given loaded mass. When
subjected to a constant external load, an extendable and
retractable cylinder transmits a force through a fluid channel
connected to the cylinder that is proportional to the applied load.
Reducing air in the cylinder only reduces the height of the
cylinder without reducing the internal pressure. By contrast, when
an expandable bladder is subjected to a constant external load, the
bladder deforms in shape while transmitting only a small portion of
the applied force through a fluid channel connected to the bladder.
It is desirable to utilize a fluid coupled remote sensor to measure
the force on a bladder in response to an applied load. A
retractable cylinder style bladder achieves this result. It is also
desirable to create a bladder that deforms so that it contacts
adjoining bladders. This inter-bladder contact helps transfer loads
to adjoining bladders while increasing lateral stability and
decreasing lateral movement of the sleeper. An expandable bladder
accomplishes this goal. It is therefore an object of this invention
to combine these two bladder types into a single hybrid
bladder.
[0044] Still another object of the present invention is to create a
sleep support composed of bladders in which each bladder is
individually sensed, regulated, and controlled via a central
processing unit. Besides the known benefits of reducing pressure
points on a sleeper that can result in improved sleep and health
benefits, the sleep system can be configured to sense and store
sleep data that can be used for future pressure sleep profiles that
improve the sleeper's quality of sleep.
[0045] FIG. 1 depicts a pressure adjustable platform system 10 that
includes a top cover 12. The cover 12 may be made of a knitted
material, cotton, polyester fibers, or a woven or needle punched
fabric, and the cover 12 may be quilted or not quilted. Below the
cover 12 is a layer of foam padding 14. The foam padding 14 may be
a polyurethane foam of medium density. Below the foam padding 14 is
a sisal layer 16. A variety of other padding materials, other
combinations of padding and insulating materials, and various cover
materials and constructions may be used.
[0046] Below the padding 14 and cover 12 materials are provided
hybrid pneumatic bladders with sidewalls 30 that are encased in a
mesh 31 on the bottom portion of the bladder. The mesh 31 restricts
a portion of the bladder from expanding outward by some limit when
subjected to increasing internal air pressures. At the same time,
the mesh 31 allows the same portion of the bladder to collapse upon
itself As a result, this portion of the bladder transmits forces
through a fluid conduit back to a pressure sensor when subjected to
external loads. This may be similar to the manner in which a rigid
wall pneumatic cylinder transmits forces through a fluid conduit
when subjected to an external load.
[0047] The bladders are located on a base plate 24 that has
recessed slots that correspond to the individual bladder positions.
The individual bladders may be replaced by a group of bladders that
are attached to one another by an integral bladder base membrane.
This multiple bladder sheet may be molded as a single piece with
the added benefit of reducing manufacturing costs associated with
individual bladder construction. The base plate 24 may have
recessed slots corresponding to the multiple bladder
configurations. The bladder may have any suitable diameter allowing
for an increased or decreased number of bladders for a given
mattress size. The end result of a greater number of bladders is a
mattress having a larger number of sense and control points
therefore decreasing the granularity of the sense and react
function and increasing the control over the sleep area.
[0048] The bladders may be secured to the base plate 24 by a
bladder top plate 18, which clamps the bladder to the base plate 24
by clamping the bladders' flange to the base plate 24. The entire
bladder assembly rests on a box top plate 22. The box top plate 22
serves to seal the fluid conduits that are part of the lower side
of the base plate 24, as well as provide structural support for the
entire bladder assembly. The box top plate 22 forms the top surface
of the box assembly 20, which provides structural support for the
entire sense, react, and adapt sleep apparatus, along with the
associated sleepers.
[0049] FIG. 2A provides a front expanded view of the pressure
adjustable platform system 10 of FIG. 1. In addition to those
components visible in FIG. 1 is also a fluid sensing and
distributing apparatus 28 described in Codos, "A Fluid Sensing and
Distributing Apparatus," U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______,
filed ______, hereby incorporated by reference. The fluid sensing
and distributing apparatus 28 is fastened directly to the base
plate 24 through a matching gasket plate 29. This direct connection
of the fluid sensing and distributing apparatus 28 to the base
plate 24 through the gasket plate 29 eliminates any tubing
interconnections. The distribution plate of the fluid sensing and
distributing apparatus 28 can be directly built into the base plate
24 thereby eliminating the need for a gasket plate 29. FIG. 2B
provides an expanded top perspective view of FIG. 1. The bladder
top plate 18 clamps the bladders to the base plate 24 by clamping
the flange 33 on the bladder into the bladder locating slot 48 that
is recessed into the base plate 24. FIG. 2C provides an expanded
bottom perspective view of FIG. 1. Visible in this view is the
bottom side of base plate 24 revealing the fluid channels 50 that
convey fluid between the bladders and the fluid sensing and
distributing apparatus 28.
[0050] FIG. 3A is a front view of the bladder 26 and mesh 31
described herein. The bladder may be made from a silicon rubber
compound with a shore A hardness of for instance, about 10 A, 20 A,
30 A, 40 A, 50 A, etc. The bladder wall thickness may be about
0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.5 or so inches, with about a 2.0, 3.0,
4.0, 4.5, 4.75, 5.0 or 6.0 inch diameter and about a 2.0, 3.0, 3.5,
4.0 or 5.0 inch height. The mesh may be made from a polyethylene
plastic material approximately 1/16 inch in thickness. The mesh
height may extend about 1.0, 1.25, or 1.50 or so inches from the
top of the flange 33. The bladder's sidewall 30 is in its
non-inflated state. This non-inflated state is defined as having an
internal pressure in the bladder equal to, or less than, the
external atmospheric pressure that is exerted upon the bladder.
Bladder flange 33, which may be about 0.25, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6,
0.7, 0.8 or so inches wide and about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 or so
inches thick, is an integral part of the bladder as is used to
clamp the bladder to base plate 24 (FIG. 2A) thru the clamping
action of bladder top plate 18 (FIG. 2A) as the top plate is
mechanically connected, using any one of known means, to base plate
24 (FIG. 2A). These mechanical connection means may be, for
instance, screw fasteners, clamp fasteners, or plastic welding of
the two plates. Once the bladder flange 33 is clamped to the base
plate 24 (FIG. 2A), it forms a fluid tight seal between the
internal cavity 35 (FIG. 3C) of bladder 26 and base plate 24 (FIG.
2A).
[0051] FIG. 3B is a front perspective view of the bladder 26
showing line A-A. FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional perspective view on
line A-A of FIG. 3B. A plastic insert 34 is provided to insure that
the top surface 32 of the bladder is maintained in a flat
orientation that is parallel to the bladder flange 33 when the
bladder 26 is in its non-inflated state, or when the bladder is
subjected to an internal fluid pressure that exceeds the external
atmospheric pressure (inflated state). Maintaining the top surface
32 of the bladder parallel to the bladder flange 33 insures that
forces exerted on an individual are distributed across the entire
area of top surface 32. This insures that pressure points that
could otherwise arise from a bulging upper bladder surface are not
transmitted through to the individual. The plastic insert 34 may be
made from, for instance, an Acetal Resin plastic that may be about
3/32'' thick. It may also be made from, for example, acrylonitrile
butadiene styrene plastic, nylon, polyvinyl chloride, or any
plastic that is compatible with the silicon rubber of bladder 26
and stiff enough so as to not significantly deflect when subjected
to the loaded internal pressures of the bladder. Internal cavity 35
is visible in this view.
[0052] FIG. 3D is a front view of the bladder in FIG. 3A shown in
an inflated state due to increased internal fluid pressure. The
internal fluid pressure is greater than the external atmospheric
pressure causing the bladder's sidewall 30 to bulge outward. An
increased internal fluid pressure can be the result of an external
load applied to top surface 32, or can be the result of the cpu,
via the fluid sensing and distributing apparatus 28, directing a
higher fluid pressure into the respective bladder 26. The mesh 31
provides the area that it encircles, with resistance to tangential
forces that result from the internal cavity 35 (FIG. 3C) having an
internal fluid pressure greater than the external atmospheric
pressure. When the bladder is in an inflated state due to increased
internal fluid pressure, mesh 31 underlining the portion of
sidewall 30 maintains a perpendicular orientation to flange 33.
When top surface 32 is subjected to external forces, side wall 30
above the mesh bulges outward in direct response to rising internal
fluid pressures in the internal cavity 35 (FIG. 3C). At the same
time, top surface 32 moves closer to flange 33 while remaining
substantially parallel to flange 33. At some loaded pressure, the
portion of side wall 30 that lies under the mesh 31 begins to
buckle upon itself allowing upper surface 32 to further collapse
towards flange 33 without additional bulging of sidewall 30 that
lies above the mesh 31. This buckling action transmits pressure
forces, above atmospheric pressure and commensurate with the
external force pressure, through a fluid conduit back to a pressure
sensor.
[0053] FIG. 4A is a front view of an alternative bladder 306 having
a bellows bottom section 300. The bladder functions similar to the
bladder 26 of FIG. 3A but does not have the mesh 31 of the bladder
26 of FIG. 3A. Instead of a mesh to constrain the bladder sidewall,
a bellows bottom section 300 collapses upon itself when the bladder
306 is subjected to an external force threshold level through a top
plate 304. The bladder may be made, for instance, from a silicon
rubber compound with a shore A hardness of, for instance, 10 A, 20
A, 30 A, 40 A, 50 A, etc. The bladder wall thickness may be about
0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.5 or so inches, with about a 2.0, 3.0,
4.0, 4.5, 4.75, 5.0 or 6.0 inch diameter and about a 2.0, 3.0, 3.5,
4.0 or 5.0 inch height. The bellows 300 is configured such that
adjacent corrugated folds are at approximately 90 degrees to one
another and plus or minus 45 degrees from vertical, the vertical
plane being coincident with sidewall 302 and perpendicular to
flange 303. The bellows height extends about, for instance, 1.25
inches from the top of the flange 303. The bladder's sidewall 302
is in its previously defined non-inflated state. Bladder flange
303, which may be about 0.25, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8 or so
inches wide and about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 or so inches thick, is an
integral part of the bladder that is used to clamp the bladder to
the base plate 24 (FIG. 2A) through the clamping action of bladder
top plate 18 (FIG. 2A) as the top plate is mechanically connected,
using any one of known means, to the base plate 24 (FIG. 2A). In
another configuration the angular relationship of the corrugated
folds to one another can be other than 90 degrees.
[0054] FIG. 4B is a front perspective view of the bladder in FIG.
4A. A cut line A-A is shown.
[0055] FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional perspective view on line A-A of
FIG. 4B. Plastic insert 308 is provided to insure that the top
surface 304 of the bladder is maintained in a flat orientation that
is parallel to the bladder flange 303 when the bladder 306 is in
its non-inflated state, or when the bladder is subjected to an
internal fluid pressure that exceeds the external atmospheric
pressure (inflated state). Maintaining the top surface 304 of the
bladder parallel to the bladder flange 303 insures that forces
exerted on the sleeper are distributed across the entire area of
top surface 304. This insures that pressure points that could
otherwise arise from a bulging upper bladder surface are not
transmitted through to a sleeper. Plastic insert 308 may be made
from an Acetal Resin plastic and about, for instance, 3/32'' thick.
The plastic insert 308 may also be formed of acrylonitrile
butadiene styrene plastic, nylon, polyvinyl chloride, or any
plastic that is compatible with the bladder 306 and stiff enough to
not significantly deflect when subjected to the loaded internal
pressures of the bladder. Internal cavity 305 is visible.
[0056] FIG. 4D is a front view of the bladder in FIG. 4A shown in
an inflated state due to increased internal fluid pressure. The
internal fluid pressure is greater than the external atmospheric
pressure causing the bladder's sidewall 302 to bulge outward. An
increased internal fluid pressure can be the result of an external
load applied to top surface 304, or can be the result of cpu via a
fluid sensing and distributing apparatus 28, directing a higher
fluid pressure into the respective bladder. The bellows 300
provides that the distance, for instance, 1.00, or 1.25 or 1.50 or
so inches, as measured from the top of the flange 303, with
resistance to tangential forces that results from the internal
cavity 305 (FIG. 4C) having an internal fluid pressure greater than
the external atmospheric pressure. When the bladder is in an
inflated state due to increased internal fluid pressure, bellows
300 maintains a perpendicular orientation to flange 303. When top
surface 304 is subjected to external forces, side wall 302 bulges
outward in response to rising internal fluid pressures in the
internal cavity 305 (FIG. 4C). At the same time, top surface 304
moves closer to flange 303 while remaining substantially parallel
to flange 303. At some loaded pressure, bellows 300 starts to
collapse allowing upper surface 304 to further collapse towards
flange 303 without additional bulging of sidewall 302. This
buckling action transmits pressure forces, above atmospheric
pressure and commensurate with the external force pressure, through
a fluid conduit back to a pressure sensor such as a pressure sensor
present in a fluid sensing and distributing apparatus 28.
[0057] FIG. 5 is a close-up of the cutaway section of FIG. 1
showing the bladders in a non-inflated state. This non-inflated
state is defined as having an internal pressure in the bladder
equal to, or less than, the external atmospheric pressure that is
exerted upon the bladder. The bladder 26 represented in FIG. 1, and
this view, is the bladder 26 with mesh represented in FIG. 3A. The
bladder's sidewall 30 is substantially perpendicular to the bladder
top plate 18. When the bladders 26 are in a non-inflated state an
air gap exists between adjacent bladders 26. The air gap may be,
for instance, about 3/4 inch, 1 inch, or 11/4 inch or so as
measured between adjacent bladder's sidewalls 30. Each bladder's
sidewall 30 is in a parallel orientation to the adjacent bladder's
sidewall 30.
[0058] FIG. 6 is a close-up of the cutaway section of FIG. 1
showing the bladders in an inflated state. This inflated state is
defined as having an internal pressure in the bladder greater than
the external atmospheric pressure that is exerted upon the bladder.
When the bladders 26 are in an inflated state, the bladder's
sidewall 30 bulges outward in a direction parallel to the plane of
bladder top plate 18, and tangential to the original sidewall 30
orientation shown in FIG. 5. As the internal pressure in the
bladder increases, the extent of the bulge also increases resulting
in a decreased air gap between adjacent bladder sidewalls 30. The
air gap continues to decrease as the internal pressure increases up
to the point where sidewall 30 comes into contact with an adjacent
bladder's sidewall 30. At this point the bladder sidewall 30 may
continue to expand in an asymmetric manner as it continues to
expand in areas not constrained by adjacent bladder sidewalls. One
of the effects of having the bladder's sidewall 30 in contact with
an adjacent bladder's sidewall 30 is to provide lateral support to
the bladder. An additional effect is that some external forces
acting upon a bladder are partially transferred to adjacent
bladders.
[0059] FIG. 7 is a top view of the bladder base plate 24 with the
bladder rim recess channels 48 visible. Bladder fill port 52 is
visible in the center portion of each bladder location. Bladder rim
channel 48 is used to locate the individual bladders as well as
provide a recessed channel into which bladder flange 33 (FIG. 3A)
fits. The channels may be, for instance 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 or so
inches deep with a width of, for instance, about 0.25, 0.3, 0.4,
0.5, 0.51, 0.6, 0.7 or so inches.
[0060] FIG. 8A is a perspective bottom view of the bladder base
plate 24. FIG. 8C indicates where the fluid sensing and
distributing apparatus 28 (FIG. 2A) is connected directly into the
base plate 24 through gasket plate 29 (FIG. 2) eliminating any
tubing interconnections with the fluid sensing and distributing
apparatus 28 (FIG. 2A). The fluid channels 50 convey fluids between
the fluid sensing and distributing apparatus 28 (FIG. 2A) and the
bladders 26 (FIG. 3A).
[0061] FIG. 8B is an enlarged view showing the sense and supply
channels 50 for individual bladders 26. The bladder fill ports 52
convey fluid from the supply channel to the bladder that is located
on the opposite side of the bladder base plate 24. The bladder
supply channels may be, for instance, about 0.1, 0.125, 0.15, or
0.20 inches deep by about, for instance, 0.1, 0.125, 0.15, or 0.20
inches wide while the bladder fill port 52 may be about 0.1, 0.125,
0.15, or 0.20 inches in diameter.
[0062] FIG. 8C is an enlarged view showing the sense and supply
channels from the fluid sensing and distributing apparatus 28 (FIG.
2A) that terminate at the gasket plate 29 (FIG. 2)A. The interface
port 54 hole pattern and hole size matches the hole pattern and
hole size in the fluid sensing and distributing apparatus 28 (FIG.
2A) distribution plate through a matching hole pattern in the
gasket plate 29 (FIG. 2A).
[0063] FIG. 9 is a control block diagram demonstrating operation of
the pressure adjustable platform system. A main central processing
unit (CPU) 402 communicates with the user via a touch display 404.
Programs and data are stored in the main memory 400. The associated
fluid sensing and distributing apparatus 28 (FIG. 2A) is regulated
by an encoder 406 as well as a motor 412 that is controlled through
drive electronics 408. A separate central processing unit CPU 414
is used to directly control the filling, exhaust, and sensing
functions of the bladders 26. This CPU has its own memory 410 for
storing programs and various bladder control tables. Both the main
CPU 402 as well as the valve and pressure sensor CPU 414 can
directly communicate with one another. Pressure sensing of the
bladders is accomplished via sensors 416, 418, and 420, the choice
of sensor is dependent on the location of the bladder. Distribution
valves 422, 424, and 426 are used for filling, or adding pressure,
into the respective bladders 26. Exhaust valves 427, 428, and 429
are used to exhaust, or remove air, from their respective bladders
26. The choice of the exact distribution or exhaust valve depends
upon the location of the bladder.
[0064] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of a process that determines when
an individual has interfaced with the sense, react and adapt sleep
apparatus. The apparatus is started in step 200. The bladder
pressures are read in step 202 and compared to non-loaded base
values in step 204. When an individual is lying on the sleep
apparatus, the sensed pressures are above their base values. Once
the pressures are determined to be above their base values, an
analysis is made in step 206 to determine whether the present
pressure profile matches an existing sleeper pressure profile in
the sleeper database. If it is determined that the present pressure
profile matches an existing sleeper pressure profile in the sleeper
database, the existing pressure profile curve is retrieved in step
214. If the present pressure profile does not match an existing
sleeper pressure profile in the sleeper database, then the sleeper
is queried in step 208 and the resultant input data is stored in
this new sleeper's profile in step 210. Since no existing pressure
profile curve exists for this sleeper, a determination is made in
step 212 to choose the best fit pressure profile curve for the new
sleeper. The process now branches into reading the bladder
pressures "A" FIG. 11, adjusting the bladder pressures "B" FIG. 12
(branch from "A" FIG. 11), while recording sleeper data "C" FIG.
13. While the aforementioned process is ongoing, the process
continues to monitor and analyze bladder pressures in steps 218 and
220 to determine if the sleeper has left the sleep surface. The
process branches to a sleep adaptation process designed to improve
sleep "D" FIG. 14 once the sleeper has left the sleep surface at
the end of defined sleep threshold time period.
[0065] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of a process that reads the
bladder pressures of the pressure adjustable platform system. A
non-loaded basis pressure value is inserted into the valve fill
table in step 132. The motor that drives the fluid sensing and
distributing apparatus 28 (FIG. 2A) is turned on in step 134. The
fluid sensing and distributing apparatus 28 (FIG. 2A) valve
position is initialized in step 136. At this point the process to
read bladders 26 enters into a continuous reading loop. At the same
time, the process branches to another process "B" that is the
process that activates the fill and exhaust valves and is depicted
in FIG. 12. The encoder is read in step 138 to determine if the
fluid sensing and distributing apparatus' 28 (FIG. 2A) valve
position corresponds to a port sensor location in step 140. Once
the location is reached, the corresponding bladder 26 pressure is
read in step 142. The pressure reading is stored in step 144 and a
new pressure value set point for the corresponding bladder is
calculated based upon the profile curve for the sleeper in step
146. The new calculated pressure set point is compared to the old
pressure set point in step 152 and a value corresponding to fill
(value=1), exhaust (value=-1), or no action (value=0) is entered
into the port fill status table in steps 150, 154, or 156.
Additionally, the new pressure set point is entered into valve fill
table in step 158, the port sensor table index is incremented to
the next bladder in step 148, and the encoder value is reread in a
loop in step 138.
[0066] FIG. 12 is a flow diagram of a process that activates the
fill and exhaust valves of the associated pressure adjustable
platform system. The encoder is read in step 162 to determine if
the fluid sensing and distributing apparatus 28 (FIG. 2A) valve
position corresponds to a port fill location in step 166. Once the
location is reached, the fill flag for this port location is
checked to determine if the bladder associated with this port
requires an increase in pressure or fill (value=1, fill valve
turned on in step 170), a decrease in pressure or exhaust
(value=-1, exhaust valve turned on in step 171), or no action
(value=0, increment port fill table index in step 164). If either
the fill valve or exhaust valve is turned on, then the encoder is
read in step 172 until its location matches the location where the
valve needs to be turned off, analysis that occurs in step 174.
Steps 176 and 177 follow and respectively turn off the fill and
exhaust valves. Once the valves are turned off, the port fill table
index is incremented in step 164 followed by a rereading of the
encoder value in step 162 and the process repeats at the beginning
of its loop.
[0067] FIG. 13 is a flow diagram of a process that tracks and
records movement on the pressure adjustable platform system
surface. A temporary sleep pressure table that contains the
individual pressure reading of each bladder is constructed in step
181. A timer is read in step 182 and allowed to advance for a
period of time, such as, for instance 5 seconds, in step 184. At
this point, in step 186, the current sleep pressure table is
compared to the old, for instance 5 second old temp sleep pressure
table. Step 188 compares the individually corresponding values in
the two tables. If less than, for instance, 5 individual data
points deviate by greater than, for instance, 10% then no action is
taken and the process loops back to the start in step 181. If
between, for instance, 5-10 individual data points deviate by
greater than about 10% than a "toss" is considered to have occurred
and the event is entered into the position table in step 190 and
the entire process loops back to the start in step 181. If greater
than about 10 individual data points deviate by greater than about
10%, then a major "turn" is considered to have occurred. At this
point in step 192 an image recognition algorithm is used to compare
the current position to a sleep position image database to
determine a current sleep position match within the database. Once
the match or closest fit is determined the position and event are
entered into the position table in step 194 and the entire process
loops back to the start in step 181.
[0068] FIG. 14 is a flow diagram of a process that implements an
adaptive sleep process algorithm for the associated pressure
adjustable platform system. This process is initiated once a
sleeper has left the sleep surface FIG. 10 "D." Step 261 determines
if a sleep threshold time period was exceeded in order to determine
if sleep was temporarily interrupted and the sleeper is due to
return to the sleep surface. If the sleep interruption is
temporary, the process is returned to a process return point FIG.
10 "E." If the sleeper has concluded his or her sleep period, then
the sleep stop time is saved in step 262. All sleep positions as
well as all recorded tosses and turns are stored in the sleeper
profile in step 264. Once the sleeper has concluded his or her
sleep period, the sleeper is queried regarding his or her
subjective assessment of the quality of sleep in step 266 with the
query results stored in the sleeper profile in step 268. If the
sleeper does not respond to the query than the subjective sleep
assessment is bypassed. In step 270 the adaptive sleep algorithm is
run taking into account tosses, turns, sleep assessment, past sleep
patterns, and other factors. The result is a new adapted sleeper
profile curve. Step 272 stores the resultant curve and data in the
sleeper's profile. Finally, the sleep apparatus and associated
process threads are stopped and turned off in step 274.
[0069] Referring to FIG. 15, a fluid schematic diagram showing the
fluid paths of the platform in conjunction with a fluid sensing and
distributing apparatus is provided. An outside apparatus, object or
device (such as the fluid sensing and distribution device described
in Codos, "A Fluid Sensing and Distributing Apparatus," copending
U.S. application Ser. No. ______, filed ______) 28 is connected to
the pressure adjustable platform system via a single fluid channel
50. A compressor 440 supplies air to the fluid sensing and
distributing apparatus 28 through three solenoid valves 422, 424,
and 426, depending on which bladder 26 is calling for pressure. Air
is exhausted from the bladder 26 to atmosphere from the fluid
sensing and distributing apparatus 28 through three solenoid valves
427, 428, and 429, depending on which bladder 26 requires release
of air pressure.
[0070] The detailed description is representative of one or more
embodiments of the invention, and additional modifications and
additions to these embodiments are readily apparent to those
skilled in the art. Such modifications and additions are intended
to be included within the scope of the claims. One skilled in the
art may make many variations, combinations and modifications
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *